Plenty of shore-boats were within hailing distance of the gangway; and Gregory, as had been arranged, “went into retirement.” The mackintosh, cap, and other articles belonging to Sir Philip had been placed where they would be available as soon as the mutineer needed his disguise. Capt. Fairfield was conducting his recitations in the after-part of the cabin; and the exercises were not interrupted by the arrival of the vessel in port, as the watch on deck was sufficient to anchor the steamer. As soon as the health examination was finished, the recitations were resumed. The mutineers had not been asked to attend to their studies, for the reason that it would bring them into too close relations with the members of the starboard watch. “But the academy vessels are not here!” exclaimed Sir Philip, seeking Gregory in his retirement. “So much the better!” ejaculated the malecontent. “But what will the captain of the steamer do? he was confident of finding all the squadron here,” added the Briton. “I don’t know what he will do; and he is not likely to take me into his confidence,” said Gregory. “The captain has gone on shore; and I dare say he will do as Prince Frisbone advises him to do.” “I suppose he will.” “Then we will wait till the captain returns before we do any thing,” continued Sir Philip. “Don’t do that!” exclaimed Gregory, appalled at the suggestion. “What do you want to wait for?” “As the squadron isn’t here, very likely this steamer will go on to some other place.” “Let it go! I don’t care whither it goes if I can only get out of it!” exclaimed Gregory. “But I rather like this sort of life. I have had a jolly good time since I came on board of the Ville d’Angers; and I am in no hurry to leave her if she is going farther, and the captain, or rather Prince Frisbone, will allow me to do so.” “I don’t want to go any farther in her!” protested Gregory, disgusted with the proposition of his cousin. “I am a prisoner on board of this vessel; and, if you intend to remain any longer in her, I shall get out of her before she leaves Funchal if I can. That’s the kind of a codfish I am.” “But if the Josephine isn’t here, they can’t send you back to her, you know,” added the sprig. “That’s very true; but if she had been here, the captain wouldn’t have gone on shore, and they would have bundled me on board of her before this time,” growled Gregory, utterly dissatisfied with the present situation of his affairs. “Don’t you see that I can get off twice as well now that the captain and his boat’s crew have left the ship?” “Upon my word, I believe you are more than half right, Dave!” exclaimed the Briton.