It was a severe trial for Stella, but she was resolute in doing what she believed to be her duty. She thanked Mrs Houghton warmly for her kindness. She was, however, under orders. As a soldier's daughter she had learnt obedience. Unless her father commanded her to remain at Antigua, she must embark in the brig. What effect the arguments of Alick Murray might have produced, it is impossible to say. He, unfortunately, was detained by duty on board the corvette, and did not reach the cottage till late in the evening, not aware of Colonel O'Regan's altered plans. He was thunderstruck when he heard of them, and very much inclined to quarrel with the colonel, who did not seem to be aware that he was inducing his daughter to make any unusual sacrifice. Thanks to Mrs Houghton's management, Alick and Stella were alone for a short time. She did not disguise from him how much the parting cost her, but entreated him to keep up his spirits in the hope that they might soon again meet in Jamaica. Alick, with Rogers and Adair, accompanied Stella and the colonel on board the brig the next morning. The two latter knew that they were not intruding on their friend. They warmly entered into his feelings, though they might have doubted that Stella's affection for him was as deep as he supposed, especially when they observed her tearless eye and calm manner when she parted from him. Their boat remained alongside till the brig was well out of the harbour. As long as any one could be discerned on board, a figure was seen standing at the stern watching them as they pulled back. Alick did not speak. All seemed a dream to him; but yesterday, he thought himself the happiest of mortals. Now Stella was gone, and to what fearful dangers might she not be exposed! Rogers and Adair wished to divert his thoughts, and began to talk of the missing midshipmen. "The captain gives them three days more, and if the drogher does not appear at the end of that time, he intends to send the _Tudor_ to look for them," said Jack. "I regret allowing Tom to go, for when a number of youngsters are together they are sure to get into mischief." "We found it so occasionally in our younger days to be sure," observed Adair. "I, too, am sorry I let Gerald go; however, Higson is a steady fellow, and I hope has taken good care of them." "When Houghton heard that we were becoming anxious about the youngsters, he offered to send his schooner, the _Swordfish_, to look for them," observed Murray, rousing himself up. "If I can get leave from Babbicome, and I am sure he will give it to escape having to take the _Tudor_ to sea, I will go in the schooner. She is far better fitted for cruising among the islands than the corvette, and will be more likely to find the drogher." "A good idea of yours, Alick, and I will go with you, as I am sure to get leave," said Jack.