A GIRL TO THE FRONT The days were getting very long at Spanish Town, although there were no more hours of sunlight than was usual at the season; and even the optimism of Dame Charter was scarcely able to brighten her own soul, much less that of Kate Bonnet, who had almost forgotten what it was to be optimistic.

Poor Mr.Delaplaine, whose life had begun to cheer up wonderfully since the arrival of his niece and her triumphant entry into the society of the town, became more gloomy than he had been since the months which followed the death of his wife.

Over and over did he wish that his brother-in-law Bonnet had long since been shut up in some place where his eccentricities could do no harm to his fellow-creatures, especially to his most lovely daughter.
Mistress Kate Bonnet was not a girl to sit quietly under the tremendous strain which bore upon her after the departure of the Badger.

How could she be contented or even quiet at any moment, when at that moment that heartless Captain Vince might have his sword raised above the head of her unfortunate father?
"Uncle," she said, "I cannot bear it any longer, I must do something." "But, my dear," he asked, looking down upon her with infinite affection, "what can you do?
We are here upon an immovable island, and your father and Captain Vince are sailing upon the sea, nobody knows where." "I thought about it all last night," said Kate, "and this is what I will do.

I will go to the Governor; I will tell him all about my father.