re on an unarmed ship?"

"Certainly not. But they would call upon us to discontinue our journey,
and then they would take the Caledonia to the nearest French port."

"Is that the rule of naval warfare? Is the general law of nations so
defective that a passenger steamer can be captured? The Caledonia is not
a combatant. She is taking home wounded men and harmless passengers."

"Our captain doesn't seem to have much confidence in the laws of naval
warfare or nations in this case," said Heideck. "In fact, nothing is
more uncertain than these definitions. Strictly speaking, there is no
such thing as international law; the stronger does what he likes with
the weaker, and the only check on the arbitrariness of the victor is the
fear of public opinion. But this fear does not weigh much with him who
has might on his side, especially as he knows that public opinion can be
bribed."

"Then," said Edith, with a pitiful smile, "international law is very
like the law which is generally practised amongst human beings on land."

"Besides, the French would not make a bad catch if they brought in the
Caledonia," continued Heideck. "Of the eight hundred passengers about
three hundred belong to the army, and I have heard that there are large
sums of money on board."

The promenade-deck was full of first-class passengers, who anxiously
followed the movements of the ships. The second-class and steerage
passengers were equally anxious. In the most favourable circumstances,
if the Caledonia escaped her pursuers, her passage would, of course, be
considerably delayed. But it was hardly to be expected that she would
reach Alexandria; for though the Chanzy (travelling about twenty-two
knots) was obviously outpaced, the destroyer kept creeping up and the
Forbin was dangerously near.

Then a fresh surprise was reported. Two steamships were coming towards
the Caledonia. All glasses were directed to where the tiny pillars of
smoke appeared above the surface of the water, and it was soon seen
beyond doubt that they carried the British flag.

The second officer informed the passengers that they were the
first-class cruiser Royal Arthur and the gunboat O'Hara. He expressed
his hope that the Caledonia would reach their protection before the
French overtook her.

The water was fairly calm. Sky and sea had ceased to shine and sparkle
since the Caledonia had left the Suez Canal and emerged into the
Mediterranean. The grey colouring, peculiar to Eur