st I had simply been Smellie's guest. I
was very much gratified, therefore, when he invited me to go with him in
the boat on a search expedition to ascertain, if possible, the
whereabouts of the redoubtable _Black Venus_.

We started in the gig that same afternoon as soon as the ship was
moored, Smellie being of opinion that we should find the object of our
quest snugly moored within the creek below Don Manuel's house, where we
had seen her on the eventful evening when we captured the _Josefa_; and
this creek being situate at some distance up the river, it was necessary
that we should make an early start in order to be back on board before
the rising of the evening mists.

We reached the creek in due course without adventure, and began
cautiously to ascend it. Mile after mile we made our way, landing at
the extremity of every reach and carefully reconnoitring the succeeding
one before entering it with the boat; but our search was in vain--we
arrived at the head of the creek without finding a single trace of the
brig, or indeed of any other vessel.

Being there, it was only natural that Smellie and I should feel a strong
desire to see once more the kind host and gentle hostess who had so
generously nursed and entertained us in the time of our sore need.
Leaving the boat at the head of the creek, therefore, in charge of the
coxswain, with instructions to the latter to fire a couple of muskets in
rapid succession should our presence be required, or, in the event of
that being inadvisable, to make the best of his way along the footpath
and up to the house, we set out--the bright flush on Smellie's bronzed
cheek, the joyous sparkle in his eyes, and the eager spring in his
elastic footstep betraying plainly enough the pleasurable anticipations
which occupied his mind.

Traversing the path with rapid footsteps we soon reached the palisading
which inclosed the garden, passed through the gate, and found ourselves
in sight of the house. There it stood just as we had last seen it, door
and windows wide open, the muslin curtains at the windows waving idly in
the fitful breeze, and the bamboo lounging-chairs--one of them
overturned--under the verandah.

We stepped briskly out, warm work though we had found it breasting the
hill, and passed up the main avenue leading to the front door--Smellie
keeping his eyes intently fixed upon the said front door, doubtless in
the hope of seeing Dona Antonia emerge, and of enjoying her fir