cals, and repaying them in their
own coin."

"By Jove, Saint Leger, you are `grit all through,' as the Yankees say.
It is a bold scheme, and I believe you will succeed," exclaimed Sir
Edgar, admiringly. "I would that I could accompany you," he added
wistfully, "for in such an undertaking every additional man on your side
is of incalculable value. But, unfortunately, my swimming powers are
not equal to anything like such a stretch of water as that between the
shore and the ship, and I should only be an embarrassment instead of a
help to you, unless, indeed, I could contrive to do the distance with
the aid of a log to float me."

"No," said I; "I am infinitely grateful to you, Sir Edgar, for your
readiness to assist in this undertaking; but it is not to be thought of.
Your place is manifestly here, by the side of your family, so that,
should events turn out awkwardly, they may not be left on the island
without a defender. We will not, however, contemplate any such
unfortunate ending as that to the adventure; on the contrary, let us
rather look forward hopefully to the prospect of your all breakfasting
on board as usual, to-morrow morning. You understand, of course, that
should I succeed, my first act, after securing the mutineers, will be to
come ashore in a boat for you."

"Do you suppose we do not know that?" exclaimed Miss Merrivale,
impetuously. "But it is a desperately dangerous enterprise; and if--oh,
_why_ is it that women are such shamefully useless creatures in crises
like these? If our strength were only equal to our courage--"

"You could not, even then, be more absolutely irresistible than you now
are," I interrupted, with a low bow, and a poor attempt at gallantry.
"Your turn will come, however, be assured of that," I continued; "for,
whichever way this project of mine turns, you will have ample
opportunity for the display of both courage and helpfulness. Should we
ever succeed in recapturing the ship it is more than probable that I
shall sometimes be compelled to call upon you all to afford help in such
matters as the steering of her, and so on. But it is full early yet to
talk like this."

"So far as I am concerned, your call shall not be in vain!" exclaimed
the spirited girl, with a flash of her eyes that thrilled through me
like an electric shock. "If I have not the physical strength of a man,
I have at least as resolute a will, which is no mean substitute for it.
And now, good-bye; for I s