ptured slaver, leaving the fort astern, dashed proudly out to
sea. They had, however, to keep their pumps going, in consequence of
the large amount of water which had rushed into them before the
shot-holes they had received could be thoroughly plugged. Murray then
gave Higson directions to carry the slaver to Saint Helena, and, after
delivering her up, to return to Rio by the first opportunity.

The midshipmen were sorry to lose him, for he never forgot that he had
been their messmate, and, notwithstanding his few eccentricities, he was
always kind and considerate.

While he steered to the eastward, the corvette and brig shaped a course
for Rio. The result of the expedition had been the destruction of three
noted slavers, and the capture of a fourth, while their owners had
learnt an important lesson, that the risks of the trade in which they
were engaged were considerably increased, and that it might possibly be
wiser to abandon it.

Next night, during Adair's watch, a pampeiro, a squall off the Pampas so
called, suddenly struck the ship; the boatswain's shrill whistle
summoned all hands to shorten sail; happily, the tacks and sheets were
let fly before its full force was felt.

Ned Somers, a foretop-man, on the lee yardarm, with the earring in hand,
was struck by the wild, flapping sail, and overboard he fell. Murray,
who had now come on deck, saw the accident, and the instant the ship
could be brought to the wind, ordering a boat to be lowered, he cried
out for volunteers to man her. Adair sprang into her, and Snatchblock
took the bow oar. Other hands followed. The man's cries directed them,
as they believed, towards where he was floating. Away the boat dashed
through the foaming waters, but when they reached the spot the man was
nowhere to be seen. They pulled round and round it, shouting to him,
but no answer came. Unwillingly, at length Adair put the boat's head
towards the ship. The men had not pulled many strokes when Snatchblock
felt a blow on the bow of the boat, and by a sudden impulse (there was
no time for thought) stretching himself over the gunwale, he plunged
down his arm and got hold of the missing man, whom eager hands assisted
him to haul on board. Somers was immediately passed aft, and, as fast
as the crew could pull, the boat returned to the ship.

The man, who still breathed, was hoisted on deck, and placed under the
surgeon's hands.

Strange to say, he seemed next morning to outwa