, father--" he began, in a faltering voice.

"Here, it's all right, Syd, my boy," said his uncle; "don't bother your
father for money. Now then, how much do you want?"

"I don't want money, uncle."

"Eh? Don't want money, sir? Wait a bit then till you get among your
messmates, and you'll want plenty."

"I want to beg Panama off from being punished."

"Ah, to be sure. I'd forgotten him," cried Captain Belton; and he went
to the fireplace and rang the bell.

The butler answered, looking very serious and apologetic now as he
glanced at Sir Thomas. But the old gentleman only shook his fist at him
good-humouredly as his brother spoke.

"Send John down to the cottage, to tell Strake to come up directly with
his son."

"Look here," said Sir Thomas, chuckling, "don't you two look like that.
Pull serious faces, and let's scare the young dog. Do him good."

By the time the breakfast was ended steps were heard in the hall, and
the butler came in to announce that the gardener was waiting with his
boy.

"Send them in," said Captain Belton, austerely.

The butler retired; Sir Thomas gave his brother and nephew several nods
and winks, and then sat up looking most profoundly angry as the door was
again opened and a low growling arose from the hall. Then a few
whimpering protests, more growling, with a few words audible:
"Swab"--"lubber"--"hold up!"--and then there was a scuffle, another
growl, and Panama, looking white and scared, seemed to be suddenly
propelled into the room as if from a mortar, the mortar making its
appearance directly after in the shape of Barney, who pulled his
forelock and kicked out a leg behind to each of the old officers before
pointing to Pan and growling out--

"Young desarter--wouldn't come o' deck, your honours, and--"

Barney's remarks had been addressed to his master, but he now turned
round toward Sir Thomas, and seemed for the first time to realise the
old admiral's condition, when his jaw dropped, he stared, and then began
to scratch his head vigorously.

"My!" he ejaculated; "your honour did get it last night."

"Get it, you rascal--yes," cried Sir Thomas; "you nearly killed me
amongst you."

"And, your honour," said Barney, hoarsely, as he turned to his master,
"I hadn't no idee it was you. I thought it was--"

"Yes, yes, never mind now," said the captain. "I sent for you about
this lad."

"Oh, Master Syd, sir, say a word for me," cried the boy, piteously.
"Father wou