s desire. I propose to follow my son's example. I wish the
commander to be guided by the views of all rather than mine."

All the passengers, gentlemen included, applauded her unselfish stand.
The lady tore off a blank leaf from a letter she took from her pocket,
and made it into twelve pieces, which she proceeded to distribute among
the passengers.

"I think the gentlemen are just as much interested in the question as
the ladies; and I invite them to vote, Mr. Scott included. The question
is, Shall we go to a hotel in Manila, or live on board of the ship,"
said the lady. "You will vote yes or no; yes for the hotel, and no for
the ship."

"Perhaps I ought to inform you before you vote that there are at least
three hotels in Manila,--the Catalana, the Universo, and the Madrid. Of
the merits of each I cannot speak; but we can obtain correct information
before we go to any one of them, and probably there are more than I have
mentioned," interposed the commander, very much amused at the
proceedings.

"Please to separate now; and I put you on your honor to be secret, and
not consult any person in regard to your vote," Mrs. Belgrave added. "I
appoint Mr. Gaskette to collect, sort, and count the ballots. After
voting, please return to the promenade."

The passengers went individually to various corners, and wrote their
votes. The second officer collected them in his cap, and then went into
the pilot-house to make out his return. It required but three minutes to
do this, as there was no scattering votes; and he returned to the
promenade.

"Whole number of votes, 12; necessary to a choice, 7; Yes, 2, No, 10,
and the No's have carried it," read Mr. Gaskette, handing the paper to
Mrs. Belgrave, and retiring with a graceful bow.

"Yes means hotel, and no means ship," said the lady. "Mr. Commander, the
party have voted to live on board of the ship. I am willing to
acknowledge that I cast one of the two yes ballots. But I am infinitely
better satisfied than I should have been if I had influenced you the
other way. I hope you all consider that the thing has been fairly done."

"Boat coming alongside, sir," reported Mr. Scott to the captain.
"Another boat near, flying the English flag, headed for the Blanche."

Captain Ringgold hastened to the gangway to receive the occupant of the
boat, whoever he might prove to be. One of the men on the platform
brought him a card, on which he found the name of the American consul,
who mou