young French lieutenant's devoted
attention, it is impossible to say; but though he was present, the
absent Morton ever stepped in to prevent him from making the slightest
impression on her affections. The more she thought of Morton, the more
vividly did she realise his noble qualities, his manly appearance; and
thinking of him, she naturally taught herself to believe that, in some
way or the other, she and her friends would be rescued from their
present trying and anxious position. All the time they could not but
feel that they were in the hands of enemies, who, though they behaved
well at present, might at any moment change their conduct.

Both the French ship and the Indiaman had suffered considerably in the
action; and since their arrival they had been undergoing repairs. These
were now completed. The privateer's men were also refreshed, and eager
to go in search of fresh spoil.

With heavy hearts the late officers and passengers of the "Osterley" saw
her under all sail, standing out of the bay. It appeared as if their
home--the only means of escaping from their bondage--was leaving them.
Many gave way to tears at the sight, and few looked on unmoved. Two
days afterwards the corvette herself put to sea, both her captain and
first lieutenant going in her. A small garrison was left in each of the
forts, and the seamen remained in prison on board the dismasted prize,
under a strong guard. As there were only a few small canoes on the
beach, used for fishing, and none of the prisoners had arms of any
description, there was very little chance of their attacking the
garrison, or attempting to make their escape. An old French military
officer, who acted as governor, was a very strict disciplinarian, and
was continually going from fort to fort and inspecting his troops, so
that neither he nor they were likely to be caught asleep. Indeed, it
appeared that nothing was likely to occur to disturb the perfect
tranquillity of the island.

CHAPTER TWENTY FOUR.

THE "THISBE" APPROACHES THE ISLAND--OLD DOULL'S REVELATIONS AS TO THE
"OSTERLEY'S" PASSENGERS--THE FRIGATE PUT UNDER FRENCH COLOURS--
EXPEDITION IN THE BOATS--ATTACK ON THE FORTS--"OSTERLEY'S" PASSENGERS
CARRIED OFF.

To return again to the "Thisbe" and rescued "Osterley." The frigate and
Indiaman were once more hove-to, at a short distance from each other.
In the far distance appeared a group of islands like blue hillocks
rising out of the shining ocean