e was out of hearing. "Shouldn't have
listened."

"No," said Barkins. "It isn't quite manly to play the spy. Talk about
snubbing, why is it officers should think it so precious fine to be
always dropping on to their juniors? Now, then, look out! there's
orders coming. The old _Teaser's_ going to waggle her tail between her
legs, and we're going back again. More waste of Her Majesty's coals."

"If we don't lie-to till the tide turns," I said. "Oh, I say, you two
look sharp and get quite well again; I didn't know that having wounds
would make fellows so sour."

"Who's sour. Here, let's get aft; quick, or we shall be out of the
fun."

For the whistles were going, and the men springing to the boats, three
of which were manned, and the one lying alongside being filled with a
strong, well-armed crew.

We all three did press forward, in the full hope of being sent as well,
and made ourselves so prominent that I saw Mr Reardon frown. But no
orders came; and at last, in a great state of excitement, Barkins seized
the opportunity to speak.

"May I go in the longboat, sir?"

"You--lame still from your wound, sir? Absurd! No, nor you neither,
Mr Smith."

He caught my eye just then, but turned away, and I could not help
feeling disappointed, though I knew well enough that the risk would have
been great.

"Oh, I do call it a shame," grumbled Barkins, as the order was given,
the men cheered, and, under the command of Mr Brooke, the four boats
pushed off, the oars dropped, the oily water splashed in the bright
sunshine, and each boat with its colours trailing astern glided rapidly
up-stream.

"Yes, it's too bad," grumbled Smith in turn, who unconsciously began
nursing his arm as if it pained him.

"Why, it's worse for me," I cried. "I'm quite strong and well. I ought
to have gone."

Barkins exploded with silent laughter, laid his hand on Smith's
shoulder, and said huskily, as if he were choking with mirth--

"I say, hark at him! What for? There'll be plenty of mosquitoes up
there to sting the poor fellows; they don't want a gnat to tickle them
and make them fight."

"No," said Smith. "Never mind, little boy, be good, and we'll take you
on an expedition some day."

"All right," I replied; "I don't mind your chaff, only you needn't be so
nasty because you are disappointed."

"Mr Herrick! Where's Mr Herrick?" cried the first lieutenant.

"Here, sir," I shouted; and I could not help giving my compan