After allowing us to enjoy the spectacle a little longer, Bob considered that we had done enough and gave the orders for the prisoners to be released. Lawrence immediately went to a little pool of water not far off and, damping his handkerchief, proceeded to clean himself, exhibiting no trace of annoyance as he did so. But Davenport's pride had suffered a severe blow and he looked very black browed and sullen as he went to follow Lawrence's example.

“I don't think we shall hear any more of Davenport trying to 'come it' over the other chaps,” said Jimmy.

“He's had a proper setback. My eyes, what a figure he did cut – all green and red and blue; and what a sight his ugly, skinny cock was after the way you painted it, Bob. He's had such a take down he'll never get over it.”

We all laughed at the recollection and Bob said, “Yes, it was rather a joke, wasn't it? And it has done some good too, I think, for it has taught him his proper place.”

We dismissed the subject from our minds and turned to pleasanter themes.

We turned and made our way back inland, enjoying the beautiful scenery made more dramatic by the setting sun.

CHAPTER II. PUNISHMENTS OF THE PRINCE

“Are we to have another yarn tonight, Blackie?” asked Bob when we had got to bed later that night.

Gaston de Beaupre would often take to regaling us with any one of his numerous affairs and adventures, most of which were of an extremely sensuous nature. Though he feigned annoyance, I sensed it gave him no small amount of pleasure recounting these tales as we gazed upon him with rapt attention.