He caught at the diversion readily. "The hospitals? Yes, I should be very glad, infinitely obliged to you, if you would pay them a visit. I've not a doubt that your suggestions would make the poor fellows more comfortable, and there are a number of new ones there this morning. I'm sorry to say our health record is discouraging. Not that I'm discouraged, but I want to put this business through as quickly as possible." Then he turned to Mr. Royal. "I must tell you both," he said, "that I came to you this morning bent upon purposes of destruction, (though, happily, not to yourselves,) and not purposes of health, except of saving lives by making the work as short as possible. I should like this schooner. I have an immediate use for it, and in two days, or, at the outside, three, I'm going to send to Boston. Will you permit me to take this as a fire-ship, and will you remain under my especial care until this other vessel sails?" He turned to Elizabeth as he spoke. "If you consent," he said to her, "I am quite sure your father will. It will be a great favor to me, and I hope to the cause, if you do. But I won't insist upon it. If you say so you shall go this morning." Elizabeth glanced at her father, "But I don't say so," she answered. "I am compelled to stay if my father consents. It's not you that make me but a stronger power. You won't be offended if I call patriotism a stronger power?" And she smiled at him. "Thank you, my dear," he said with a gravity which showed that she had touched him. "You shall not regret your sacrifice." In the course of conversation he told Mr. Royal that Archdale had been sent off at dawn upon an exploring expedition. "I want to find out how near to us the Indians are," he said, "they are hanging about somewhere. You will not see him to-day."