be hoped that he means well, for if he takes it into his head to
do any harm, he'll do it."

"Perhaps, after all, he may have no evil intentions. He certainly is
one of our best men," observed Mr Fisher, the first mate.

"Your honour asked me to say what I thought of the men, and I've said
it," answered Dan.

"We shall see how he behaves in harbour, and if there is no fault to
find with him we can keep him on board," remarked Owen.

"Your honour knows what's best," observed Dan, speaking with the freedom
of an old follower, "but I'll stake my davy that he's after no good."

"Well, Dan, Mr Fisher and I will keep an eye on him, and you can report
anything further you see suspicious in his conduct," said Owen, as he
and his mate returned on deck.

An hour afterwards the _Ouzel Galley_ was at anchor in Montego Bay.
Owen was just going on shore, when Mr Twigg, who had been waiting for
the ship, came off and gave him directions about receiving his cargo.
Owen reported that he had fully carried out his instructions, showed the
guns he had procured, and mustered his crew.

"A likely set of fellows," observed Mr Twigg. "You'll do your duty, my
lads, and, if you have to defend the ship, you'll fight bravely. Should
you come back in her you may be sure of good wages; Ferris, Twigg, and
Cash pay well when they are well served."

The crew cheered, and Routh, who stood foremost among then, was
especially vociferous, though he might have been seen winking to some of
his mates when the eyes of the worthy planter and the officers were
turned away.

"You'll have the droghers alongside to-morrow morning, and you'll not be
long in hoisting the casks on board, Captain Massey," continued Mr
Twigg, as he walked the poop. "Meantime, I shall be happy to see you on
shore, and should have been glad to take you to Bellevue, as Miss Ferris
is anxious to send some messages to our fair friend Miss Tracy, who won
all our hearts out here, as I understand she has that of another friend
of ours." Mr Twigg chuckled, and Owen looked conscious. "However, as
the distance is too great, Miss Ferris has intrusted me with letters for
her friend, which I can safely confide to you."

Thus Mr Twigg talked on. "You will pass in sight of Bellevue as you
run along the coast--we'll signal you, so that you can give the last
report of your friends when you reach Dublin."

The invitation Owen had received was equivalent to a command, and,
though he wo