This was the second lieutenant, who had been ill for a week with fever. The moment I knew Lanyard was going in the Midge, I determined to accompany him if possible, so I asked the commodore's leave--hinting, that my knowledge of the rivers might be of use. He laughed. "Pilot, indeed--mind you don't evaporate in one of your pilotings, and then what shall I say to your friends, Master Benjamin?" I pressed my suit. "Why, my good boy, you had better not--take my word for it, if you carry on in this way, you will either get your head broken, or be caught by one of these infernal marsh fevers, which will be worse." "No fear, Sir Oliver, I am a seasoned cask--do give me leave--I shall be back in a week." "Well, well, as you please, my young master." And it was at once so fixed. Lanyard heard the order given, and instantly set about getting his kit arranged for his departure, although he seemed to think it would have been more pleasing in his excellent captain had he appeared to have consulted him a little on the subject; but to hear was to obey, and Dick was quite ready to move by the time he was sent for to receive his orders, when I adjourned to the cabin also, to say good by. Sir Oliver was sitting at his wine; and so soon as the steward had left us to ourselves, the knight rang the bell, the cord of which, ending in a handsome brass handle, hung within a foot of his head. "Potter, send the first lieutenant here." Sprawl was in immediate attendance. "Glad to see you, Mr Sprawl; sit down, and take wine." After a pause-- "Do you think, if the breeze holds, that we shall make the land again before morning, Mr Sprawl?" "No, sir, for we have run thirty miles off since morning, and there is no appearance of any wind at present; but we should be able, notwithstanding, to beat up to it by noon to-morrow." "Very well. Pray, Mr Lanyard, how many men, counting the strangers, are there on board?" "Thirty-three, sir, all told." "And the gun she carries?" "A long twelve, sir, with a six-inch howitzer affair fitted forward, for throwing grape." "Do you think you could stow ten men more, comfortably?" Dick had been on board of his new command before he came down, and had made such passing observations as the time permitted. "Why, I daresay, for a few days we might, sir." "Then send your purser, or whoever may be acting for him, aboard this evening." The lieutenant made his bow, whipped off his glass, and went on deck to be off. It was getting dark fast--the wind had risen suddenly--the frigate had been carrying top-gallant sails up to the time I had gone below, but they were now handed, and the watch were in the act of taking a reef in the top-sails. "Whereabouts is the felucca?" said I to the officer of the watch, the old gunner, who, in the absence of Mr Garboard, the second lieutenant, who, as already stated, was sick and in his cot, had charge of the deck.