e to present myself to King James and
see what notice he is inclined to take of the King of Spain's
recommendation."

"To King James!" exclaimed Stephen. "Why, I was not aware that King
Charles the Second was dead."

"Dead he is though, and, as the Spaniards say, died a true Catholic.
Cannot say it is much to his credit, as he always pretended to his
subjects to be a Protestant, and now that King James, who is more honest
in that respect, acknowledges himself to be a Catholic, the French and
the Spaniards are rejoicing at the thought that England will be turned
back to the old faith, and that the object of the Spanish Armada will be
gained."

"Heaven forbid that such should be the case!" exclaimed Stephen.

"I have no wish for it, and do not believe the people of England will
consent to such a change," remarked the Captain; "but as I am a
tarpaulin, as they call us, I do not trouble myself with affairs on
shore, and it is my business to obey the laws, and do my duty to
whatever king is on the throne."

"I cannot altogether agree with you there," said Stephen. "Our fathers
fought to gain our civil and religious liberty, and it behoves us, their
children, to defend those liberties with our lives."

The Captain shrugged his shoulders, remarking that he had not given his
thoughts to such matters.

The news he had heard made Stephen meditate a great deal, and become
more than ever anxious to return home. At length the Lizard was made,
and the eyes of the adventurers were gladdened with the sight once more
of their native land. The wind being fair, the _Benbow_ frigate soon
afterwards passed the Start, when she came up with a small vessel
running in for the land. The Captain hailed her.

"Where are you bound for?" he asked.

"Lyme," was the answer.

"Heave-to, then, for I have a passenger for you."

"Now, Battiscombe, here is an opportunity if you wish to take advantage
of it."

"Thank you, sir; I will do so," said Stephen.

In another minute his small bag of clothing was got on deck. He thanked
Captain Benbow for all his kindness; he and Roger grasped each other's
hands; they felt the parting more than their words could express.

"Tell them all about me," said Roger; "how much I should have liked to
come home, but that I am bound to the ship and cannot leave Captain
Benbow." He sent many more messages, which need not be repeated.

A boat was lowered, and Stephen was speedily carried on board the
tr