him what he had scarcely dared to hope. He
found old Doull severely hurt, while Colonel Armytage had been unable to
follow, in consequence of his former wounds. He did not recognise
Morton, but he expressed himself full of gratitude to the gallant
officer who had been the means of rescuing his daughter. Mrs Armytage
was soon afterwards conducted back to the huts; she, with the other
ladies and children who had been earned off, having been rescued by
another party of seamen. The remainder who had escaped, and hid
themselves, now made their appearance; husbands and wives looking for
each other, and mothers and nurses hunting for their children.

Glover and the boatswain now sent two midshipmen from the forts, to
announce their capture, and to state that they had secured the
garrisons. It was thought advisable, however, to get the ladies on
board without delay.

Captain Winslow and the officers and the crew of the "Osterley," who had
been hutted at a distance from the rest, on hearing the firing, had
broken through the sentries, and hurried to the spot. Arms were put
into their hands, and they were directed to hold the centre fort, while
the passengers were once more conveyed on board.

Ronald would not entrust Edda to the care of any one, but had supported
her on his arm till the boats were ready to embark the passengers; he
now carefully placed her in one of them, with her mother, and other
ladies, under charge of Colonel Armytage.

"I would that I could accompany you on board, but my duty keeps me on
shore. I know not what number of the enemy may be on the island; they
may rally and attack the forts: it is of the utmost consequence that
they should be held by us till the ship is clear of the harbour: you and
your companions will be safer on board than even within one of the
forts. I trust by dawn to be on board, and to carry you off in safety
from the scene of your captivity."

These words, which might have been spoken to any ordinary person, were
heard by all, but the tone of voice and the gentle pressure of the hand
were understood by her to whom they were addressed, and she whispered,
that she was sure whatever he did was for the best.

As soon as the boats shoved off, Ronald went round to visit the forts.
He found Glover and his party standing guard over the prisoners they had
captured--a ragamuffin crew composed of natives of nearly every country
in the world, and from their appearance Ronald had stro