u say is to smooth down that the
craft will not quite suit you."

"You are entirely wrong," said Sir John; "I think she would suit me
admirably, and save me a great deal of labour in preparation."

"Oh!" cried the captain; "then I was on the wrong tack."

"Decidedly. Now, Captain Bradleigh, about yourself. I judge you to be
a perfectly straightforward, honourable man."

"Thank you, sir," said the captain, smiling. "I hope for my own sake
that you are a good judge."

"I hope so too. Now, Captain Bradleigh, between man and man, will you
give me your word of honour that this yacht is thoroughly sound, and one
that you would advise a man you esteemed to buy?"

"That I will, sir, straight," cried the captain, holding out his hand,
and giving Sir John's a tremendous grip. "She's as perfect as the best
builders and fitters can make her, out of the best stuff. But you, if
you think of buying her, get down a couple of the best men you can to
overhaul her, and if they give a straightforward report, buy her you
will."

"I don't see any need for so doing," said Sir John quietly. "I would
rather have your opinion than any man's."

"But you don't know me, sir."

"I think that any observant man would know you, Captain Bradleigh, in
half-an-hour."

The captain reddened.

"Well, sir," he said, "I didn't know I had my character written on my
face."

"Perhaps not," said Sir John quietly; "but now about yourself. I don't
wish to spend more money than I can help, and I am not an American
millionaire, only a quiet country gentleman rather devoted to natural
history and a love of collecting."

"That's better than being a millionaire, sir. Money isn't everything,
though it's very useful."

"Exactly. Well, if I buy the yacht, will you go with me wherever I wish
to sail?"

"That I will, sir, with all my heart, and do my duty by you as a man."

"Thank you," said Sir John; "and now about the crew. It is rather a
large one."

"Twice too big in fair weather, sir, but not a man too many in foul."

"You think them all necessary?"

"I do, sir, unless you like to depend on steam; then you might knock off
half-a-dozen, but you'd save nothing; coals at the depots abroad are
very dear. Better trust to your sails and keep the men."

"Yes; I think you are right," said Sir John. "What do you say, Instow?"

"Quite," said the doctor.

"Very well then. Now about the crew; would they be willing: to engage
to sail with m