and I suppose by Saturday, if the wind holds fair, we shall be off
Cape Clear," replied the captain-elect, as he took the lower part of his
left ear between the thumb and forefinger of the left hand.

Shuffles did not suppose that the second lieutenant was a member of the
league, and pledged to assist in the capture of the ship; but as he had
made the sign, probably accidentally, he replied to it.

"There is a prospect of fair weather for some days to come," continued
Paul, as he scratched his chin with his left hand, which was the second
step towards a recognition in the "Chain."

Shuffles was duly and properly astonished at this exhibition of
intelligence on the part of the officer; and it was now quite certain
that Paul had joined the league, or that he had obtained its tremendous
secrets.

"I hope it will be good weather now during the rest of the passage,"
added the captain-elect, as he took his handkerchief from his breast
pocket and blew his nose, for he was determined to satisfy himself
whether or not the second lieutenant was a member of the League.

"_Is_ that so?" demanded Shuffles.

"_That_ is so," answered Paul.

Shuffles was almost overwhelmed with astonishment to find that one who
was a model of fidelity and propriety had actually joined the Chain.

"Shuffles, I voted for you the other day," added Paul.

"I know you did."

"I wish to change my vote."

"Change it!" exclaimed Shuffles.

"Yes? I voted in the dark. I wish now to vote for the other candidate."

"For whom?"

"For Pelham, of course."

"You are too late."

"I think, under the circumstances, that my vote ought to be counted on
the other side, even if it reverses the result," said Paul, earnestly.

"Why do you wish to vote for Pelham?" demanded Shuffles, rather because
he had nothing else to say than because he was interested in the
anticipated reply.

"I don't think it was quite fair for you to obtain my vote as you did."

"No matter for that. Do you think Pelham would make a better captain
than I should?"

"A better what?"

"Do you think he will command the ship any better than I shall."

"Command the ship!" repeated Paul, bewildered by this extraordinary
question. "I wasn't aware that either of you were to command the ship."

Shuffles, in his turn, was confounded when he found that the second
lieutenant was a member of the "Chain" without any knowledge of its
objects. Though he had used all the precautions required