r something," thought Syd, as a low talking arose on
deck; and he heard a voice reply which he knew was his father's, and the
blood flushed to his cheeks.

"Give way, my lads!" came at last, and Syd exultantly exclaimed to
himself, as the tension was taken off--

"He didn't see me," and he heard the oars splash, and felt that the boat
was gliding through the water.

But Sydney was not quite right, for as soon as the boat had put off, the
first lieutenant went aft to where the captain was standing, examining
the rock.

"Well, Mr Bracy," he said, as he closed the glass with a snap.

"I thought I'd tell you, sir, that Mr Belton came and asked leave to go
in the last boat."

"Did you give him permission?"

"No, sir."

"That's right."

"But--"

"Eh?" said Captain Belton, raising his eyebrows; "he has taken French
leave and gone?"

"Yes; he was stowed away there amidships."

"And you forbade his going?" said the captain, frowning.

"Oh, no, I did not forbid him, sir."

"Well, well, Mr Bracy; we were boys once," said the captain, smiling.

"Yes, sir, I'm afraid I did the same."

"And I more than twice, Bracy. One must be a little blind sometimes
with a boy of spirit. Bit of change for him. How is he getting on?"

"Capitally. Full of promise."

"Then I hope he will perform. By the way, there was one thing I did not
mention to you--a spar for a flagstaff. I should like them to be able
to hoist the colours when anything comes in sight."

"I thought of it, sir. They have everything I could think of, and at a
pinch ought to be able to hold out for three months."

"I don't think the pinch will come, Bracy.--Ah, they are getting close
in."

"Yes," said the lieutenant, shading his eyes. "First boat is landing
her additional stores. One comfort at this time of year, there is no
fear of rain, so that they need not trouble much about getting covered
in to-night."

"No," said the captain, thoughtfully, "but I hope Mr Dallas will get
everything covered in all the same."

They were following the second boat, as it rose and fell on the
mirror-like surface of the water, till she was cleverly run alongside
the rocks, when the captain opened his glass once more, and stood
watching--the first lieutenant seeing a smile come over his stern
features, and rightly interpreting that he was gazing at his son more
than the actions of the men, who were quickly landing the additional
stores that they had taken to t