“But when can they be moved, Mr. Daly?” inquired the latter; “I cannot wait; we must sail to-morrow, or the next day at the farthest.”

The surgeon, as in duty bound, put the question to the others, who replied that there would be great risk in removing before the fever, which might be expected the next day, and which might last ten days; but that Captain Wilson had better not think of removing them, as they should have every care and attention where they were, and could rejoin the ship at Malta. Mr. Daly, the surgeon, agreed that this would be the most prudent step, and Captain Wilson then gave his consent.

That being settled, he walked up to the bed of Gascoigne, and spoke to him; but Gascoigne knew that he was to have a concussion of the brain, and he made no reply, nor gave any signs of knowing that Captain Wilson was near him. He then went to our hero, who, at the sound of Captain Wilson’s voice, slowly opened his eyes without moving his head, and appeared to recognize him.

“Are you in much pain, Easy?” said the captain kindly.

“Easy closed his eyes again, and murmured, “Mesty, Mesty!”

“He wants his servant, the ship’s corporal, sir,” said the surgeon.

“Well,” replied Captain Wilson, “he had better have him: he is a faithful fellow, and will nurse him well.

When you go on board, Mr. Daly, desire the first-lieutenant to send Mesty on shore with Mr. Gascoigne’s and Mr. Easy’s chests, and his own bag and hammock. Good heavens! I would not for a thousand pounds that this accident had occurred. Poor foolish boys— they run in couples, and if one’s in a scrape the other is sure to share it. Gentlemen, I return you many thanks for your kindness, and I must accept of your promised care for my unfortunate officers. I sail to-morrow at daylight. You will oblige me by informing their friends, the Rebieras, of their mischance, as I am sure they will contribute all they can to their comfort.” So saying, Captain Wilson bowed and quitted the room, followed by the surgeon.

As soon as the door was closed the two midshipmen turned their heads round and looked at each other, but they were afraid to speak at first, in case of the return of the surgeon. As soon as it was announced to them that Captain Wilson and Mr. Daly were outside the barrack gates, our hero commenced, “Do you know, Ned, that my conscience smites me, and if it had not been that I should have betrayed those who wish to oblige us, when poor Captain Wilson appeared so much hurt and annoyed at our accident, I was very near getting up and telling him of the imposition, to relieve his mind.”

“I agree with you, Jack, and I felt much the same— but what’s done cannot be undone. We must now keep up the imposition for the sake of those who, to help us, have deceived him.”

“I don’t think that you would find an English surgeon who would have consented to such an imposition.”

“No, that is certain; but after all, it is an imposition that has hurt nobody.”

“Oh, I do not wish to moralize— but I repent of my share in the deceit; and had it to be done over again I would not consent to it.”

“Not even for—— ? but I won’t mention her name in barracks.”

“I don’t know,” replied Jack; “but let’s say no more about it, and thank these gentlemen for their kindness.”

“Yes, but we must keep it up until we see the Aurora under all sail.”

“And longer too,” replied Jack; “we must not let the affair get wind even on shore. We must not recover quickly, but still appear to recover. Don Rebiera and his wife must be deceived. I have a plot in my head, but I cannot work it out clear until I see Mesty.”