Each party declared the other in a state of blockade, and expended much powder. Emhammud liked the English; Ali preferred the French. I visited both pretenders. The English Consul, Colonel Warrington, had two houses, one in the country. The town-house had had a shell burst inside it, and the roof was afterwards made bomb-proof. [Sidenote: Dec. 10.] Having been informed by my friend Mundy that his gig, with flag flying, which had preceded me, was sufficient protection from both sides, I landed in my gig at a rickety pier to visit the Consul, when a round shot from the outside party cut the body of an honest trader in two. He was landing some innocent bit of cargo within five yards of where I stood. The victim was one of Ali’s party, and his death caused much howling and lamentation from the top of the minarets. [Sidenote: Dec. 12.] Saluted Colonel Warrington on his visiting the ship. Of my friend Mundy, as a whip, I did not think much; but when clear of the town the desert sands were level, and the date-fruit ripe. I took one of my smallest mids, Comber, with us to fill, or rather occupy, the back seat. On returning to the town, Mundy not allowing room enough, the off wheel caught the corner of a wall, bringing the whole affair to grief. My middy, being light, cleared the opposite walk, and was landed in a seraglio garden while the ladies were taking their evening exercise. [Sidenote: Dec. 13.] Warrington had a wife and daughter, and was much respected; Comber was released without coming to further grief. [Sidenote: Dec. 14.] Having received verbal orders to return immediately, I had a boat anchored on the only outer rock that could interfere with _Childers_, although aware of the kind hospitality of our Consul, who had a small brass band to add to the hilarity of the evening. Safe of a land breeze, I sloped off in the middle watch without being seen. The senior officer, next morning, found no vessel to “follow motions.” [Sidenote: Dec. 17.] Light winds. It took us two days to reach Malta. [Sidenote: Dec. 20.] Slipped and made sail from buoy to rejoin fleet. Deck loaded with stores for the different messes. [Sidenote: Dec. 25.] Weighed at daylight from Cape Colonna and made sail with topgallant masts on deck. Hugged the land. Passed between English Island and the main, and got through the Douro passage without a tack. The islands and Negro Point covered with snow to the water’s edge. [Sidenote: Dec. 27.] Came to in Vourla Bay. CHAPTER XIV THE _CHILDERS_ [Sidenote: 1835. Jan. 5.] On January 5 we were ordered to precede the fleet with despatches for Malta. Weather looking dirty, took two reefs in the topsails; topgallant sails over. Before getting clear of Vourla Bay, we had to weather Cape Karabonu. Breeze freshening and sea getting up; wet fore and aft. However, we were battened down as tight as a bottle.