“We have had a pennon flying from a staff at the highest point of land on the island ever since we have been here. We have renewed it from time to time during the last two years. There it is.” “Where?” inquired the young man. “There!” said Justin, going to the window and pointing to the top of the mountain. But there it certainly was not. “I suspect that the wind made free with your flag of distress, friend; for certainly not a vestige of it remains,” said the young lieutenant, leaving the window and retiring to his seat. Judith reappeared and laid the cloth, and spread the table with coffee, rolls, butter, fried fish and broiled chicken. “It is our luncheon hour,” said Justin; “draw up and partake.” The young lieutenant frankly accepted the invitation. They gathered round the table, and while they ate they talked of the war for the Union. The young officer gave his host a detailed account of all those disastrous engagements that had followed the first fatal field of Bull Run. But always he spoke hopefully of the future. When luncheon was over the young man arose and thanked his host and prepared to return to his ship. “The captain will come on shore to see you, I am sure. How long we may have to remain here for repairs I do not know; a few days, I suppose; but when we sail, of course, you and your party will go with us?” he said. “Of course we shall, with your captain’s kind permission,” replied Justin, with a smile. “We are not homeward bound, as I have already told you. We are cruising in search of rebel privateers. We may be some months longer in these latitudes, and we may have a sea fight or so. Still I think, upon the whole, your prospects will be better in going with us than in staying here.” “Immeasurably better! Besides, we can stock your storeroom with a large quantity of fresh provisions which may be acceptable to your crew. And, if there should be a ‘sea fight or so,’ as you say, why, I shall be happy to take part in it.” “Troth so shall I,” put in Judith, “if ye will put me behind a safe place entirely, with a little hole convanient for me to shoot through.” “Thank you, Miss Riordan. You are another Moll Pitcher,” replied the young man, laughing. Then, turning to Justin, he said: “Why cannot you accompany me back to the ship? Our captain, I know, will be very happy to see you. And he would probably like to return on shore with you.” “I thank you, I should like very much to go on board in person and invite your captain to visit us here. But are you sure it will be convenient for you to carry me?” “Convenient for me to carry you? Why, certainly. And not only convenient, but delightful. And not only you, but you all. Will Miss Conyers honor us by making one of the party?” said the young sailor, turning toward Britomarte. “Will you, Miss Conyers?” inquired Justin. “Thanks! no, I think not this morning. Some other time,” answered the young lady.