"Truth is truth, Paddy, though," answered Tom; "I didn't mean to offend you, and I dare say we shall get a rise out of old Scrofton without descending to falsehood." Paddy's anger was as usual quickly appeased, and he joined in the hearty laughter which "Master Spider" produced, as at that moment he came hopping aft rigged in a white shirt with blue turn-down collar, white trousers, a straw hat secured to the top of his head, and a wooden cutlass made fast to one of his paws, and which, in his efforts to free himself from it, he appeared to be flourishing about as if engaged in mortal combat. "There!" exclaimed Paddy, "if he didn't board the Dons he shows that he would have done so if we had run them alongside, and he would precious soon have driven them overboard." Even Stella could not help indulging in a smile such as had not for a long time lighted up her countenance, while Polly clapped her hands, and shrieked with laughter. Gradually the fortifications and buildings of Port Royal and the long line of the Palisades appeared in sight, and the brig passing close round the works of Fort Charles steered in and anchored a short distance from the frigate. Blue Peter was flying from the mastheads of both ships, a signal that they were about to put to sea, so there was no time to be lost. Higson ordered a boat to be lowered, and leaving the brig in charge of Needham, accompanied by the three midshipmen, pulled alongside the frigate. Stella naturally preferred remaining on board the brig until she could be conveyed to Kingston. Captain Hemming was on shore, but Mr Cherry and Jack Rogers were on board, while Adair was seen walking the deck of the corvette. "A boat coming alongside, sir," sang out Norris, addressing Jack, who was officer of the watch, "and if I can believe my eyes, there's Higson, with your brother, and Gordon, and Paddy Desmond in her." The announcement produced no small excitement on board, all who heard it hurrying to have a look at the three long-lost midshipmen. Jack, his warm heart beating with joy, rushed to the gangway. He was soon shaking hands with Tom and his companions, who were warmly welcomed by their other shipmates. Spider, who had accompanied them, made his own way up the side, and seated on the hammock nettings, holding on by a backstay, was received with shouts of laughter by his old friends, he chattering away, seemingly as glad to see them as they were to greet him. Singling old Ben Snatchblock, with whom he had been a favourite, he sprang on his shoulders and was quickly carried in triumph forward, where he was lost to sight among the crew, who gathered round him as school girls are wont to do round a small child introduced amongst them.