We had just finished when Mr Talboys returned, with his daughter, in one buggy, into which he invited me to mount, while he told Tom, Sinnet, and Chaffey to get into the other, which was driven by a black boy. As soon as we had taken our seats, the carriages dashed off, and away we went in a fine style out of Kingston. I'm no hand at describing scenery, nor can I remember the names of the tropical trees which grew in rich profusion on both sides of the road, the climbing plants, the gaily-coloured flowers, and other vegetable wonders. Miss Lucy and I chatted away right merrily. I couldn't help thinking how jealous Tom would be, and I would very gladly for his sake have changed places with him. "And what do you think of Jamaica?" asked her papa after we had gone some distance. "It's a wonderfully fine country, sir," I answered. "And if it were not that I love Ballinahone more than any other place on earth, I shouldn't be sorry to take up my abode here when I become a post-captain or an admiral, and wish to settle down for life, should peace be established, and my country not be requiring my services." "We have our little drawbacks, however," observed Mr Talboys. "You have not been here in the hot season yet. We now and then have an outbreak of the blacks, for the rascals--strange to say--are not contented with their lot. Occasionally too, we are attacked by foreign foes, but we Jamaica men are right loyal, and are prepared to defend our shores against all comers." "I thought that the blacks were merry peaceable fellows, who never think of rebellion," I observed. "Nor would they, if they were not put up to it by designing knaves. But in different parts of the island we have had half a dozen outbreaks within my recollection, and not a few before it. Some have been instigated by the enemies of our country; others by newly imported slaves, who have been chiefs, or kings, as they call themselves, in Africa; and on some occasions the Maroons have taken it into their foolish heads to rebel. They are, as you're doubtless aware, free blacks, who live an independent vagabond life on the mountains, and are too ignorant and savage to know that they have no chance of success." "But I hope, sir, that they're quiet now, or it can't be very pleasant for you to live so far away from the city." Mr Talboys laughed. "My negroes are quiet and obedient, and I should get information in good time were anything likely to happen," he answered. "No one would think of attacking our house," put in Miss Lucy. "We are well prepared, and they would gain nothing by the attempt."