with the
youngsters in the drogher. As they are safe, it is to be hoped the rest
escaped, too. I've often heard that midshipmen have as many lives as
cats."

"I trust, indeed, that all have been saved," said Murray, in a grave
tone. He felt too anxious to joke with Jos just then.

The gig was soon alongside, and Gerald Desmond, looking pale and
exhausted, was lifted on deck; Needham, with some help, managing to
follow him.

"I am truly thankful to see you, Desmond," said Murray, as he took the
hand of the young midshipman, who was being carried aft in the arms of
two of the sailors. "Have Tom and Archy also been saved?"

Gerald tried to reply, but no sound came from his parched throat. He
had barely strength to point with a finger to his lips. Needham was in
but little better plight, though he managed to murmur, "water--water."
Several cans-full were instantly brought by eager hands.

"Stop, lads, you'll suffocate the poor fellows if you pour all that
water down their throats!" exclaimed McTavish, the Assistant Surgeon of
the corvette, who had been lent to the _Supplejack_. "Just a
wine-glassful at a time, with a few drops of brandy in it, will be the
best thing for them."

While the surgeon was attending to his patients, Higson made his report
to the commander. He had found them both still trying to pull, but so
exhausted that they could scarcely move their oars. No sooner did he
get alongside than Desmond sank down in the bottom of the boat, unable
to speak. Needham, however, had had strength sufficient to tell him
that both the other midshipmen were alive, but prisoners on shore;
though how they got into prison he had not said.

"From what I could make out, sir, I am afraid they are not the only
English in the hands of the Spaniards, or Carthagenans, or whatever the
rascals call themselves," continued Higson. "I caught the words, `the
colonel and a young lady--and no time to be lost!' but what he wished to
say more I couldn't make out, only I cannot help thinking that he must
have alluded to the colonel and his daughter, who sailed the other day
in the brig from Antigua."

"I fear that there is no doubt about it!" exclaimed Murray, greatly
agitated. "When Needham has sufficiently recovered to speak we shall
learn more about the matter, and be able to decide what to do. Stay.
That no time may be lost, let the boats be got ready with water-casks
and provisions, and see that the crews have their c