"I consent," he said, "on condition that you are back here by nightfall, and that you take a couple of the men well-armed with you." This was agreed to, and the party of four was rowed ashore, Dutch and Mr Parkley both declining to accompany them, on the score of fatigue; while, though John Studwick longed to be of the party, he felt that he was too weak, and watched them from the side, as the boat rowed through the sparkling water, landing the party on the golden sands. As the boat was returning to the side, the longing to go on shore proved too strong for John Studwick, and he beckoned his sister to his side. "Bessy," he said, "I must go and have an hour's walk under those shady trees, where the sand seems to be so smooth and soft." Bessy started, partly at his saddened way of speaking, and partly that he, who seemed to hate the very idea of her being anywhere near Mr Meldon, should propose to go ashore after him. "You mean alone?" she said, quickly. "Alone? No," he cried, petulantly. "I mean with you. Mrs Pugh would like to go too, perhaps." "I will speak to father," she said, eager to please him in every way; and she went forward to where Captain Studwick was chatting with Mr Parkley and Dutch about the morrow's arrangements. "John wishes to go ashore, father," she said, "to sit under the trees." The captain stood thinking for a moment or two, and then, after a little hesitation-- "Well," he said, "I see no harm. The men shall row you ashore, and stop there. Don't go out of sight, nor far from the boat. I don't think there can be any danger, and, poor fellow, he will soon want to be back." By the time Bessy returned to her brother, the keen desire was growing blunted, and he felt almost ready to resent what he looked upon as his sister's eagerness to get ashore, where the young doctor had gone. "The boat is waiting, John dear," she said, holding out her hand. "You will go, too, Hester?" Hester glanced towards Dutch, but he made no sign, and, yielding to Bessy's implied wish, she followed them to the boat, Oakum helping them down, and receiving his instructions from the captain as to keeping a sharp watch. As the boat pushed off, the men just dipping their oars, and Oakum standing up and steering, for the distance was only about fifty yards, the captain turned quietly to the mate. "Lower down the other boat quietly," he said, "and have the rest of the men ready to jump in and row ashore at a moment's notice. Parkley, Mr Pugh, I think it is better to be too particular than not particular enough, so we will get our revolvers and a rifle or two ready. Where's Mr Pugh?" "He went to the cabin directly," said Mr Parkley; and on their following him they found him loading his rifle, and saw the butt of his revolver sticking out of his breast. "Actuated by the same thought," said the captain. "Well, yes," said Dutch, "there may be no danger either from beast or Indian, but it is as well to be on the safe side."