We will now return to Mr Vanslyperken, whom we left boiling with indignation.  He is not in a better humour at this moment.  He requires a victim to expend his wrath upon, and that victim he is resolved shall be Smallbones, upon whom his hate is concentrated.

He has sent for the corporal, and next ordered him to bring him a pistol and cartridge, which the corporal has complied with.  Vanslyperken has not made the corporal a further confidant, but he has his suspicions, and he is on the watch.  Vanslyperken is alone, his hand trembling as he loads the pistol which he has taken down from the bulkhead where it hung, but he is nevertheless determined upon the act.  He has laid it down on the table, and goes on deck, waiting till it is dusk for the completion of his project.  He has now arranged his plan and descends; the pistol is still on the table, and he puts it under the blanket on his bed, and rings for Smallbones.

“Did you want me, sir?” said Smallbones.

“Yes, I am going on shore to sleep a little way in the country, and I want you to carry my clothes; let everything be put up in the blue bag, and hold yourself ready to come with me.”

“Yes, sir,” replied Smallbones; “am I to come on board again to-night?”

“To be sure you are.”

Smallbones put up as desired by his master, whose eyes followed the lad’s motions as he moved from one part of the cabin to the other, his thoughts wandering from the recollection of Smallbones having attempted to drown his dog, to the more pleasing one of revenge.

At dusk, Mr Vanslyperken ordered his boat to be manned, and so soon as Smallbones had gone into it with the bag, he took the pistol from where he had hid it, and concealing it under his great-coat, followed the lad into the boat.

They landed, and Vanslyperken walked fast; it was now dark, and he was followed by Smallbones, who found difficulty in keeping pace with his master, so rapid were his strides.

They passed the half-way houses, and went clear of the fortifications, until they had gained five or six miles on the road to London.

Smallbones was tired out with the rapidity of the walk, and now lagged behind.  The master desired him to come on.  “I does come on as fast as I can, sir, but this here walking don’t suit at all, with carrying a bag full of clothes,” replied Smallbones.

“Make haste, and keep up with me,” cried Vanslyperken, setting off again at a more rapid pace.

They were now past all the buildings, and but occasionally fell in with some solitary farmhouse, or cottage, on the road side; the night was cloudy, and the scud flew fast; Vanslyperken walked on faster, for in his state of mind he could feel no bodily fatigue, and the lad dropped astern.

At last the lieutenant found a spot which afforded him an opportunity of executing his fell purpose.  A square wall, round a homestead for cattle, was built on the side of the footpath.  Vanslyperken turned round, and looked for Smallbones, who was too far behind to be seen in the obscurity.  Satisfied by this that the lad could not see his motions, Vanslyperken secreted himself behind the angle of the wall so as to allow Smallbones to pass.  He cocked his pistol, and crouched down, waiting for the arrival of his victim.