“What will he do with them? He has no authority over them; and I fancy, if they once get ashore, Capt. O’Hara will not be as powerful as he seems to have been on board. What will they do?” “I have no doubt Mr. Frisbone will send them to these islands in the next steamer, and come himself, if he is not wholly disgusted with his experience at sea.” “The steamer which arrived to-day is an extra one,” said Mr. Pelham. “The next steamer will not leave Southampton till the 24th of the month, and will arrive on the 30th.” “And this is only the 21st,” added the judge. “Shall we remain here nine or ten days longer?” “We will consider that matter,” replied Mr. Lowington, rising from his deck-chair. The conference was ended, and all returned to their own vessels. The principal went forward to the chart-room, on the table of which was spread out the chart of the North Atlantic. He looked it over, applied the parallel ruler and the dividers. In less than half an hour orders were sent to the Josephine and the Tritonia to sail at four o’clock in the afternoon for Santa Cruz, Teneriffe, one of the Canary Islands. Notice of this intention was sent to Judge Rodwood, who immediately hastened on board of the Prince to ascertain more definitely the intentions of the principal. “You seem to have come to a sudden conclusion,” said the judge, when he met the principal on the deck of the Prince. “My absent students cannot get to Funchal under ten days; and I cannot afford to lose so much time,” replied Mr. Lowington. “It is only a day’s run for the steamer to the Canaries; and we can spend a week at Santa Cruz, or in cruising about the islands, and return in season to take them on board.” “Excellent!” exclaimed the judge. “I shall go with you; and this excursion will afford me an opportunity to reciprocate the hospitality of our friend Don Roderigue; for I shall invite him and his family to take passage in the Marian.” “I was just thinking of offering them state-rooms on board of the American Prince; but I have no doubt you can accommodate them more elegantly than I can; and I will yield the privilege to you, judge.” “Thank you, Mr. Principal.” Judge Rodwood hastened on shore to extend the invitation to Don Roderigue; and great was the delight of the young officers when they saw Dona Maria go on board of the Marian just before the hour appointed for the sailing of the squadron. They lustily cheered the party. Don Roderigue raised his hat, and bowed his thanks, while his daughter vigorously waved her handkerchief.