’’Tis you, then!  I cannot be mistaken in poor Davie’s son, though you were a mere bit bairn when I saw you last!’

‘Archie Hope!’ exclaimed Arthur, joyfully.  ’Can you tell me anything of my mother?’

’She was well when last I heard of her, only sore vexed that you should be cut off from her by your own fule deed, my lad!  Ye’ve thought better of it now?’

Major Hope was here interrupted by the lieutenant, who brought an invitation from Captain Beresford to the whole French party to bestow themselves on board the Calypso.  After ascertaining that the Marabout had taken up their cause, and that the journey up Mount Couco and back again could not occupy less than twelve or fourteen days, he had sailed for Minorca, where he had obtained sanction to convey any of the captives who might be rescued to Algiers.  He had also seen Major Hope, who, on hearing of the adventures of his young kinsman, asked leave of absence to come in search of him, and became the guest of the officers of the Calypso.

Arthur found himself virtually the head of the party, and, after consultation with Ibrahim Aga and Maitre Hebert, it was agreed that there would be far more safety, as well as better accommodation, in the British ship than in the French tartane, and Arthur went down to communicate the proposal to Estelle, whom the close, little, evil-smelling cabin was already making much paler than all her privations had done.

‘An English ship,’ she said.  ‘Would my papa approve?’ and her little prim diplomatic air sat comically on her.

‘Oh yes,’ said Arthur.  ’He himself asked the captain to seek for you, Mademoiselle.  There is peace between our countries, you know.’

‘That is good,’ she said, jumping up.  ’For oh! this cabin is worse than it is inside Yakoub’s hut!  Oh take me on deck before I am ill!’

She was able to be her own little charming French and Irish self when Arthur led her on deck; and her gracious thanks and pretty courtesy made them agree that it would have been ten thousand pities if such a creature could not have been redeemed from the savage Arabs.

The whole six were speedily on board the Calypso, where Captain Beresford received the little heroine with politeness worthy of her own manners.  He had given up his own cabin for her and Victorine, purchased at Port Mahon all he thought she could need, and had even recollected to procure clerical garments for the Abbe—­a sight which rejoiced Lanty’s faithful heart, though the poor Abbe was too ill all the time of the voyage to leave his berth.  Arthur’s arrival was greeted by the Abyssinian with an inarticulate howl of delight, as the poor fellow crawled to his feet, and began kissing them before he could prevent it.  Fareek had been the pet of the sailors, and well taken care of by the boatswain.  He was handy, quick, and useful, and Captain Bullock thought he might pick up a living as an attendant in the galley;