arthagena, stating that
disturbances had broken out in the country, and requesting to have a
man-of-war sent immediately, for the protection of British subjects
residing there, and elsewhere along the coast.

Captain Hemming had been directed to send fifty hands from the frigate,
and with the assistance of Rogers and Adair, by working all night, the
sails were bent, and early next morning the brig glided out into the
harbour.

The land-wind still blew strong, smelling of the hot earth, albeit mixed
with spicy odours. Murray was eager to be away. His duty required him
to use all speed. He had also a feeling that he might be of service to
those in whom he was so deeply interested. He spoke of it to his
friends.

"Second-sight, eh, Alick!" said Rogers. "I have no great faith in that,
but I am very sure that whatever has to be done you will do it
thoroughly."

"I wish that I could accompany you," exclaimed Adair. "If Hemming would
spare me I'd have my traps on board in a jiffy."

"I should be glad of your company; the admiral, however, in a private
note, says that he shall probably despatch the frigate in a few days,
but he remarks that the brig will be of greater service, by being able
to enter the rivers and harbours, which she cannot," answered Murray.

Rogers and Adair watched the _Supplejack_ as she glided out of the
harbour under all sail to the southward before the wind, till she met
the sea breeze, when, hauling her tacks aboard, she heeled over to it,
and stood away to the south-west, her canvas gradually disappearing
below the horizon.

Jack and Terence spent their time pleasantly enough on shore, Johnny
Ferong's store being one of their favourite places of resort, as it was
of officers of all ranks. Captain Hemming had made a rule that his
midshipmen, when they returned on board after leave, should send in a
written statement of the places and people they had visited. He was
much amused at the frequency of such entries as the following:--

"Called on J Ferong's, Esquire;" "spent the evening at J Ferong's,
Esquire," music and a hop sometimes added; "lunched at J Ferong's,
Esquire." In those days Jamaica flourished, but alas! her time came,
and so did that of the well-known highly-esteemed Johnny Ferong. As the
island went down he ceased to flourish, and at length Kingston knew him
no more, except as one of her departed worthies.

CHAPTER TEN.

CRUISE OF THE SUPPLEJACK--CALMS AND HEAT--A