Part 61 (2/2)

”Yes, it is a favour; I will acknowledge it as a favour if you grant it

Will you convey Mrs Bubsby and land? You n my command, and I do not find my stay here as pleasant as I should wish”

Billy Blueblazes, as standing behind the captain, observed Miss Angelica casting loving glances towards hirant the major's request,” he said to himself

He need have had no fear on that score Jack as politely as possible declined, and did not even invite the major and the Misses Bubsby below

”You must understand, Major Bubsby, that I have the officers and part of the shi+p's company of the _Empress_ to carry home, so that we have not an inch to spare I cannot turn them out of the only berths I have to offer, and you and your daughters would not like to sling up your hammocks on the lower deck”

”I did not expect this of you, Captain Rogers,” said theon his brow

”Hard-hearted elica

But Jack was deaf to all they could say, and felt very much inclined to order the master-at-arms to escort his visitors, _nolens volens_, down the side They at last made a virtue of necessity, and returned to their boat

Billy heaved a sigh of relief as he watched the towards the shore It was the last he or his captain ever saw or heard of Major Bubsby and his daughters, thesoon afterwards from the army list Lord Saint Maur, of course, went home in the _Bellona_ He was accoht enter his service as valet Old England was reached at last, when Captain Rogersdiscovery that he had becoraence of the arrival of the shi+p with Captain Adair and Lord Saint Maur on board, Julia and Lucy, the forhters, arrived at Southsea, which had so often before witnessed their grievous partings and happy s This, as may be supposed, was one of the happiest Captain Adair was honourably acquitted for the loss of the _Eain obtain a shi+p, he accompanied the expedition to Coomassie, and took an active part in an exploit which redounded so greatly to the honour of the troops, blue-jackets, and ed in it, as well as to that of its noble leader, proving what stern discipline and courage can effect, even in the ainst hosts of brave foes

Lord Saint Maur, shortly after his return hoers, and Archie Gordon becahters To his early susceptibilities to fe over to pay a visit to his old shi+pmate at Kilcullin Castle, he there est of whom he married Billy Blueblazes, who came to act the part of his best man, fell head over ears in love with the eldest--not the first Englishman under similar circuhters, and she, discovering attractions which satisfied her, and the counsellor ascertaining that he was heir to a good estate, no objections were raised, and Billy beca the service as a retired commander

Tim Nolan and Pat Casey made their appearance at the castle one day, ”just,” as they said, ”to see how his lordshi+p was getting on”

”What are you going to do with yourselves, ood fellows?” asked Lord Saint Maur

They twirled their hats and scraped their feet and acknowledged that they had not quite settled, except that they had ain

On this Lord Saint Maur offered thees rent free, and ee of his boats on the river which ran through his estate

Jerry Bird obtained a pension and settled near Aders, while Peter became butler to Billy Blueblazes Indeed, a satisfactory account can be given of all the friends who have played a part in this history

Soon after his return fro, and the ”Three Adh the whole of their career, the firh they thelorious service in which they spent their lives, and in the welfare of their younger relatives and former followers