a shark gliding by turned him
from his intention. The ladies followed; and as they took their seats
they put their handkerchiefs to their eyes, but whether to weep at
parting from the naval officers or on account of their harsh treatment,
it was impossible to say. Alick, who steered the boat, declared that he
did not think they were crying at all. The major sat silent and moody
for some time. Once he got up, "with fury in his countenance," as Alick
afterwards described; but his wife and daughters pulled him down, and at
length he and they were landed safe on the beach, their various articles
of baggage being carried up after them to a spot where a sergeant and a
party of men were standing ready to escort them to the camp which had
already been pitched in an advantageous position inland. They might at
any time be attacked by the Caffres; but the force was sufficient to
keep at bay any number of the enemy likely to be in that part of the
country.

"Have you any message to send to Lieutenant Blewitt, Miss Angelica?"
asked Alick, touching his cap with perfect gravity to that lady, who was
walking last; he having already wished the major and the rest
"Good-bye."

"Yes; tell him he is a base deceiver," answered Angelica, "and that I
hope he may catch a tartar the next time he attempts to make love to an
innocent maiden by presenting her with any of his abominable verses."

"Yes, miss," answered Alick; "I'll faithfully deliver your message."
And as he had been ordered to return without delay, he hurried back to
the boat.

"Well, Alick, what did they say?" asked Tom, as he returned on board.

Alick described what had happened, and did not fail to repeat Miss
Angelica's message to Lieutenant Blewitt.

"I would rather not deliver it myself. Perhaps you will, sir, as it may
appear somewhat disrespectful coming from me," added the midshipman.

"All right," said Tom, chuckling. "I'll take care he gets it."

Tom took the opportunity, when most of the officers were collected at
the mess table, to deliver Miss Angelica's message.

Billy laughed as heartily as any one. "I don't care what she called me,
now that I am rid of her. I'm very much obliged to you, Rogers, for
your verses, although I confess that at the time I certainly did feel
considerably annoyed."

Jack, having got rid of his guests, and being anxious to repair the
damage caused by the fire, without delay steamed out of the harbour and
proceeded on his