"I vote we take a cruise this afternoon," exclaimed Tom. "Mr Houghton, you were saying that you wished to go down to Falmouth Harbour, and Mr Cherry will, I daresay, lend us the pinnace. It is only about two miles to leeward, and we can beat back again in time to land you for your dinner-hour." Mr Houghton accepted the invitation. Tom forthwith went to the first lieutenant, with whom he was a favourite, to ask for the boat. "You may have her, youngster," was the answer; "but keep a look-out for squalls; they are apt to come off the shore without warning, and you may be capsized in a moment if you are not on your guard." "Thank you, sir, we will take great care," answered Tom, returning to the berth to report the success of his mission. Mr Jennings, the lieutenant of marines, hearing that they were going, begged to accompany them. Desmond, Archy, and Norris, McTavish, the assistant-surgeon, and the captain's clerk, made up the party, with two men to look after the boat while they were on shore. The wind was light, the sea smooth, and with all sail set before the breeze they ran down the coast. In a short time they arrived at their destination, and, as the weather was hot and they had not much time to spare, they amused themselves on the beach while Mr Houghton went up to pay his visit. He was not long absent, and on his return they at once shoved off and stood to the southward, hoping to find more wind at a distance from the shore. They were a merry party, and as usual stories were told and songs sung. They had made several tacks, but as yet had got not more than half way back to the ship. "We will go about again," said Norris, who was at the helm. "At all events inshore we shall feel less of the current which drifts us to leeward almost as fast as we beat to windward." The boat was put about, and once more headed in towards the land, which was about two miles distant. "Now McTavish, give us one of your Scotch songs," exclaimed Lieutenant Jennings; "the `Laird of Cockpen,' or something of that sort." McTavish, who though he had not much of a voice, contrived to make his songs popular by the humour he threw into his tone, had sung about a stave or so, and Norris and the rest of the party, with laughing countenances, while listening to his song, forgot Mr Cherry's caution. The boat had been gliding smoothly on, when suddenly over she heeled. Norris, putting down the helm, shouted out-- "Let go the halyards!" but before a hand could reach the cleats her gunwale was under water.