and so she hadn't no ch'ice but just to haul down her
colours as soon as you opened fire. Well, you've made a pretty prize,
Harry, and I congratulate ye with all my heart. A trimmer model, or
_one_ better ballasted with the right sort of feelin's and idees, no man
need wish to sail the v'y'ge of life in company with, and as to her
being fond of ye, why, she couldn't help showing of it, try all she
would. She couldn't talk of nothing else from morning to night but you.
It don't matter what the conversation started with, whether 'twas
ships, or flyin'-fish, or hurricanes, waterspouts--_anything_ in heaven
or airth, she'd bring it all round in a sort of great-circle-sailing
fashion to you. And now that you've got her, lad, I hope as you'll be
able to sail her properly. Women is very ticklish craft to handle, you
must bear in mind; as tender in a squall as a racin' cutter with all her
flyin'-kites aloft; and you'll have to keep a sharp look-out to win'ard,
and have the halliards and sheets all ready for lettin' run at a
moment's notice, or you'll maybe get something ser'ous carried away, or
have a reg'lar downright wrack altogether afore you knows where you
are."

I could not help smiling at this characteristic speech of congratulation
and caution of Bob's, to which I of course made a suitable reply; and
then, shaking hands, we went below and tumbled into our respective
hammocks.

CHAPTER FIFTEEN.

THE "LILY" AMONG BREAKERS.

The next morning we were up betimes, and, that Ella might be removed
from the scene of dirt and confusion which the cutter would present
during the day, our first act was to convey on shore the necessary gear
and materials for the preparation and consumption of our meals there, it
being anticipated that one day would suffice for all we intended to do
just then.

By the time that we had done so and had returned to the cutter, Ella
made her appearance on deck, greeting me affectionately, and then
turning to thank Bob for the congratulations the honest and warm-hearted
fellow saw fit to offer on the occasion. These over, I pulled the dear
girl ashore, and she forthwith set about seeking for a favourable spot
in which to spread the table-cloth upon the sward, and to arrange her
equipage, a fire having already been lighted and the kettle suspended
over it, gipsy-fashion, from three crossed sticks.

Whilst she was thus engaged I returned on board, and routed out our
small stock of paints, a