Our hero remained a fortnight at Malta, and then Signora Easy was re-embarked, and once more the Rebiera made sail.
“Fare you well, my lad; what I have seen of your brothers-in-law pleases me much; and as for your wife, it will be your own fault if she is not all that you would wish. If ever I come to England again, I will pay my first visit to Forest Hill. God bless you!”
But Sir Thomas never did go back to England, and this was their final adieu. Once more the Rebiera pursued her course, stopped a day or two at Gibraltar, shared the proceeds of the captured gun-boat, and then made sail for England, where she arrived without adventure or accident in three weeks.
Thus ended the last cruise of Mr Midshipman Easy. As soon as their quarantine at the Mother-bank was over, they disembarked, and found Dr Middleton and Mr Hanson waiting for them at the George Hotel. Our hero had scarcely time to introduce his wife, when the waiter said that a lady wished to speak to him. She did not wait to know if Jack was visible, but forced her way past him. Jack looked at her large proportions, and decided at once that it must be Mrs Oxbelly, in which conjecture he was right.
“Pray, sir, what do you mean by carrying off my husband in that way?” exclaimed the lady, red with anger.
“God forbid that I should have to carry your husband, Mrs Oxbelly; he is rather too heavy.”
“Yes, sir, but it’s little better than kidnapping, and there’s a law for kidnapping children at all events. I shall send my lawyer to you, that you may depend upon.”
“You hardly can consider your husband as a child, Mrs Oxbelly,” replied Jack, laughing.
“Very well, sir, we shall see. Pray, where is he now?”
“He is on board, Mrs Oxbelly, and will be delighted to see you.”