Part 16 (1/2)

And the pure and manly voice in which Talbot sang a verse of Dibdin's celebrated song, proved that, though this true sailor was over fifty, he was as hale and strong and hearty as many young fellows of twenty. Ay, and ten times more so, for at the present time thousands of lads ruin their health at schools--_and not from study either_.

”His form was of the manliest beauty; His heart was kind and soft; Faithful below he did his duty, And now he's gone aloft.”

Talbot was going, and Duncan was seeing him across the gangway.

”Oh, by the by,” he said, still retaining his old friend's hand, ”I'm a perfect fool.”

”No, no, Duncan; there are other folks' opinions to be taken on that subject.”

”But I was actually going to let you away without even asking the name of your s.h.i.+p.”

”Say our s.h.i.+p, my lad.”

”Well, our s.h.i.+p.”

”And you'd never guess her name, but your dear wee tot of a sister christened her, and the barque's name is the _Flora M'Vayne_.”

”Well, I am pleased.”

”To-night, then; six o'clock to a tick.”

And away went the jolly skipper.

CHAPTER III.--BOUND FOR SOUTHERN SEAS OF ICE.

Frank and Duncan spent a very happy evening indeed with their friend Talbot.

Without the aid of wine either, which no one with youth on his side should require to make him gay. But I do not mind telling you that the old skipper himself had a drop of the ”rosy” as he called it. And the ”rosy” meant rum, aromatic, and of great age.

Well, there was quite a deal to talk about; they told each other their adventures, and they spoke also of their future prospects, and the cruise of the _Flora M'Vayne_.

”She will be furnished and fitted complete,” the captain said. ”We shall make sure enough of the sea elephants, but I'm going to tap a whale or two also, if I don't find elephants enough. And, bother me, Conal,” he added, ”I don't see any reason why you shouldn't write a book about our cruise.”

It was long past ten before the merry little meeting broke up. This isn't late for land-lubbers, but with sailors it is different. ”Early to bed when on sh.o.r.e” is their motto.

It was early in August--only the first week, in fact--when the boys and their captain found themselves back once more at Glenvoie. The colonel had expressed a wish to run down with them, but he had to defer it, owing to the surly way in which his liver a.s.serted itself.

They found everything very much in the same state as when they left it, only Florie was now fourteen, and far more demure.

It is Burns who says:

”In Heaven itself I'll ask nae mair, Than just a Highland welcome”.

And a true Highland welcome they had. There were no tears shed except some of joy, which trickled over the somewhat pale cheeks of Mrs.

M'Vayne herself when she noted how manly her boys had grown.