eper or shepherd. When I commanded a regiment, if
any officer showed the white feather in that respect, I took good care
that he should not long be one of ours."

Morton could scarcely doubt that the colonel's remarks were aimed at
him; but he thought of his gentle daughter, and refrained from making
any reply. A still higher motive might also have restrained him.

A pilot vessel accompanied the Indiaman till she was clear of the river.
Morton was therefore able to accept Captain Winslow's invitation to
remain on board till the ship was left to pursue her voyage alone.

Had Colonel Armytage exhibited towards him, at first, the same temper
that he did subsequently, he would have felt himself compelled, however
much against his will, to return on shore. Fortunately the colonel was
engaged for the greater part of the day in writing in his cabin, so that
Ronald was able to enjoy several hours of uninterrupted intercourse with
Miss Armytage; nor did he, when her father appeared, alter in the
slightest degree his tone of conversation or manner towards her.

At length the huge Indiaman was fairly out at sea. The pilot announced
that he must take his departure. Morton bade farewell to his friends.
Mrs Armytage held out her hand frankly, and her daughter followed her
example, though there was a softness and perceptible tremor in her voice
which made him wish more than ever that he could take Captain Winslow's
place, or even that of one of his officers. Colonel Armytage parted
with him with a cold shake of the hand and a formal "Good-bye, sir;" and
he was in the boat and soon on board the pilot vessel. The Indiaman's
yards were swung round, and under all sail she stood to the southward.

No sooner had Morton reached the deck of the pilot vessel than, as he
stood astern watching the Indiaman, his eye fell far beyond her, in the
horizon, on a sail. He saw that it was a large ship. He pointed her
out to the pilot.

"Yes, sir, there's no doubt of it. She is a large ship," was the
answer. "Maybe she's an Indiaman bound lip the Hooghly. Maybe she's
the `Rajah,' which sailed two days ago, and has been becalmed; or a
China ship looking in for orders; or one of the men-of-war on the
station."

"I care not what she is, provided she is not an enemy's cruiser," said
Morton. "She seems to have very square yards."

"Difficult to make that out, I should think," muttered the pilot as he
walked the deck, and then went forward