I had, in fact, a second reason for abbreviating this letter and sealing it in a hurry. The movements of the brig, though slight, were perceptible, and in the close air of the main cabin my head already began to swim. I hastened on deck in time to shake hands with my companions and confide the letter to Byfield with instructions for posting it. "And if your share in our adventures should come into public question," said I, "you must apply to a Major Chevenix, now quartered in Edinburgh Castle, who has a fair inkling of the facts, and as a man of honour will not decline to assist you. You have Dalmahoy, too, to back your assertion that you knew me only as Mr. Ducie." Upon Dalmahoy I pressed a note for his and Mr. Sheepshanks's travelling expenses. "My dear fellow," he protested, "I couldn't dream—if you are sure it won't inconvenience . . . merely as a loan . . . and deuced handsome of you, I will say." He kept the cutter waiting while he drew up an I. O. U. in which I figured as Bursar and Almoner (honoris causá) to the Senatus Academicus of Cramond-on-Almond. Mr. Sheepshanks meanwhile shook hand with me impressively. "It has been a memorable experience, sir. I shall have much to tell my wife on my return."
It occurred to me as probable that the lady would have even more to say to him. He stepped into the cutter and, as they pushed off, was hilariously bonneted by Mr. Dalmahoy, by way of parting salute. "Starboard after braces!" Captain Colenso called to his crew. The yards were trimmed and the Lady Nepean slowly gathered way, while I stood by the bulwarks gazing after my friends and attempting to persuade myself that the fresh air was doing me good.
Captain Colenso perceived my uneasiness and advised me to seek my berth and lie down; and on my replying
