“But I didn’t cal’late to go any further than Me-day-ry. I am over here now to build up the health of Louise; and here we are trapsing all over the ocean with you boys,” added Mr. Frisbone, laughing.
“Upon my sowl, the young lady is growing prettier and prettier every day she lives!” exclaimed the gallant captain. “I think you are doing the right thing now for her health.”
“Well, I don’t know but we are; for sartainly she is gaining every day; and her appetite is as good as one of the hands before the mast.”
“I should be sorry to have you leave us, Prince Frisbone; for you have kept my back as stiff as the mainmast of the ship,” said O’Hara, who was really very much attached to the eccentric passenger, as well as to the ladies of his party.
“I should be sorry to leave before you find the squadron; but you may chase it clean across the ocean to America.”
“Then stay with us, darling; for I may be sent in the steamer to bring you back to whatever port you want to go,” replied O’Hara, laughing. “Though I am doing my best to find the fleet, I like the position I hold now very well indeed; and it will be a sorry day when I have to give it up.”
“But you ought to see sunthin or other of these islands we go to; and I know my women-folks would like to stretch themselves on shore,” added the Prince.
“I shouldn’t dare to stop a day anywhere till I find the squadron,” said the captain, shaking his head, and looking very serious.
“But perhaps you are running away from it all the time,” suggested the Prince.
Capt. Fairfield and Mr. Shakings were called; and they took the same view as the Prince. The fleet had gone to the southward; and very likely it would return in a few days. This consideration induced O’Hara to decide upon a stay of a couple of days; and all hands, except Clinch, were allowed to go on shore. On the 30th of the month, as the fleet did not appear, the Ville d’Angers sailed for Palmas. She arrived the same day; and the captain learned that the squadron had gone to Orotava. After having a look at this city, Mr. Frisbone decided to take his wife’s sister there in the fall, and remain all winter.