rces will be the losers."

"I cannot say, sir," was the answer. "Till I see my friends and
ascertain their wishes I am unable to decide. Indeed, I am not my own
master. May I press on at once, for I am anxious to get to them and
hand over the gold. Besides, when they hear of this trouble, they will
be wondering what has happened to their mine."

"And I think also to the young manager who was put in charge.
Certainly, Mr Stapleton, you are at liberty to push on any time. I
have had your launch replenished with coal, and provisions shall be
placed aboard her. You will hardly need a crew, I should say, seeing
that you have brought her all this way with one man only and have now no
enemies to fear. But let me warn you. You must on no account put into
Elmina. The neighbourhood is in the hands of the enemy. The Elminas
there have proved false, and have thrown in their lot with the enemy.
An attack in force was made on the town and beaten off, five hundred of
the enemy being killed. You would be fired on, not that that would
matter much now, for you must be used to the experience, but it might be
awkward. Push straight on for Cape Coast Castle."

He said the words with a friendly smile and a twinkle of amusement,
while he gripped Dick by the hand. There was no doubt, in fact, that he
was as impressed with the modestly described tale of Dick's adventures
as were the crew with the lurid accounts which Johnnie had given them.
And his comrades in ward and gun rooms endorsed his opinion. It was
long since they had met with such pluck and determination, or with one
who carried his honours so easily and unconsciously.

"It's what I like to see," said the Commodore, as his guest left the
cabin. "No side, like some of these civilians of youthful age. No
pomposity when speaking of the natives or of men in a lower station.
Good sense all through. Politeness and good temper, which show the
gentleman; and plenty of grit. My word, Hilden, a fellow in our service
would deserve promotion for such conduct."

Half an hour afterwards there was a commotion aboard the _Rattlesnake_
as Dick prepared to leave. A right hearty farewell was given him, and
numerous invitations to come again, such is the geniality and
hospitality of the Navy. The sailors and marines had again congregated
on the deck, for they love to see an officer who has done well, and
never spare their praise where it is merited. And down below, standing
in t