"You have!" cried his mother; "then at last you have done something, and I shall respect you. Come, come, child, cheer up, and tell me all about it. There is a slight twinge the first time--but the second is nothing. Did you get gold? Heh, my son, plenty of gold?" "Gold! no, no--I got nothing--indeed, I lost by it--lost a pot full of black paint--but never mind that. He's gone," replied Vanslyperken, recovering himself fast. "Who is gone?" "The lad, Smallbones." "Pish!" replied the old woman, rocking her chair. "Ay, well, never mind--it was for revenge, then--that's sweet--very sweet. Now, Cornelius, tell me all about it." Vanslyperken, encouraged by the sympathy, if we may use the term, shown by his mother, narrated what he had done. "Well, well, child, 'tis a beginning," replied the old woman, "and I'll not call you craven again." "I must go back," said Vanslyperken, starting up from his chair. "Go, child, it is late--and dream over it. Vengeance is sweet, even in sleep. I have had mine--and for years have I dwelt on it--and shall for years to come. I shall not die yet--no, no." Vanslyperken quitted the house; the weather had cleared up, the breeze was fresh and piercing, and the stars twinkled every now and then, as the wild scud which flew across the heavens admitted them to view. Vanslyperken walked fast--he started at the least sound--he hurried by every one whom he met, as if fearful to be recognised--he felt relieved when he had gained the streets of Portsmouth, and he at last arrived at the Point; but there was no cutter's boat, for he had given no orders. He was therefore obliged to hire one to go on board. The old man whom he engaged shoved into the stream; the tide was running in rapidly. "A cold night, sir," observed the man. "Yes," replied Vanslyperken, mechanically. "And a strong tide, with the wind to back it. He'd have but a poor chance who fell overboard such a night as this. The strongest swimmer, without help, would be soon in eternity." Vanslyperken shuddered. Where was Smallbones at this moment? and then, the mention of eternity! "Silence, man, silence!" said Vanslyperken. "Hope no offence, Mr Lieutenant," replied the man, who knew who his fare was. The boat pulled alongside of the Yungfrau, and Vanslyperken paid his unusual fare, and stepped on the deck. He went down below, and had the precaution to summon Smallbones to bring lights aft. The word was passed along the lower deck, and Vanslyperken sat down in the dark, awaiting the report that Smallbones could not be found.