“Well, well, whatever you do, now don’t pay her any compliments, for your efforts in that line are of such a very doubtful order, that I shall dread to hear you.” “You be off, and mind your own business; I haven’t been at sea forty years without picking up some out-and-out delicate compliments to say to a young lady.” “But do you really imagine, now, that the deck of a man-of-war is a nice place to pick up courtly compliments in?” “Of course I do. There you hear the best of language, d——e! You don’t know what you are talking about, you fellows that have stuck on shore all your lives; it’s we seamen who learn life.” “Well, well—hark!” “What’s that?” “A cry—did you not hear a cry?” “A signal of distress, by G—d!” In their efforts to leave the room, the uncle and nephew for about a minute actually blocked up the door-way, but the superior bulk of the admiral prevailed, and after nearly squeezing poor Charles flat, he got out first. But this did not avail him, for he knew not where to go. Now, the second scream which Flora had uttered when the vampyre had clasped her waist came upon their ears, and, as they were outside the room, it acted well as a guide in which direction to come. Charles fancied correctly enough at once that it proceeded from the room which was called “Flora’s own room,” and thitherward accordingly he dashed at tremendous speed. Henry, however, happened to be nearer at hand, and, moreover, he did not hesitate a moment, because he knew that Flora was in her own room; so he reached it first, and Charles saw him rush in a few moments before he could reach the room. The difference of time, however, was very slight, and Henry had only just raised Flora from the floor as Charles appeared. “God of Heaven!” cried the latter, “what has happened?” “I know not,” said Henry; “as God is my judge, I know not. Flora, Flora, speak to us! Flora! Flora!” “She has fainted!” cried Charles. “Some water may restore her. Oh, Henry, Henry, is not this horrible?” “Courage! courage!” said Henry, although his voice betrayed what a terrible state of anxiety he was himself in; “you will find water in that decanter, Charles. Here is my mother, too! Another visit! God help us!” Mrs. Bannerworth sat down on the edge of the sofa which was in the room, and could only wring her hands and weep. “Avast!” cried the admiral, making his appearance. “Where’s the enemy, lads?” “Uncle,” said Charles, “uncle, uncle, the vampyre has been here again—the dreadful vampyre!” “D—n me, and he’s gone, too, and carried half the window with him. Look there!” It was literally true; the window, which was a long latticed one, was smashed through. “Help! oh, help!” said Flora, as the water that was dashed in her face began to recover her. “You are safe!” cried Henry, “you are safe!” “Flora,” said Charles; “you know my voice, dear Flora? Look up, and you will see there are none here but those who love you.” Flora opened her eyes timidly as the said,—