in a
case of emergency.

"I got your message, gentlemen," he said, as he took a chair, "and I
came on at once."

"Thank you," said Sir John.

"The agent wrote me a long letter, saying you might come down; but I did
not think much of it, for I have had so many from him that have come to
nothing."

"People don't like the yacht then?" said Sir John, rather anxiously.

"Oh yes, sir, they like the yacht," said the captain, with a little
laugh. "No one could help liking her. They don't like the price."

"Ah, the price," said Sir John quietly; and the captain gave him a
searching look.

"Yes, sir, the price; and it is a pretty good round sum; but I give you
my word it is just one-third of what it cost Mr Ensler."

"Oh! you know what it cost?" said Sir John.

"Well, I ought to, sir," said the captain, smiling, a peculiarly frank,
pleasant smile. "When he came over from New York five years ago, I was
recommended to him, and he trusted me fully. She was built under my
eyes, up in the Clyde, and I watched everything, as she was fitted up of
the very best material, regardless of expense. The cheques all passed
through my hands, so I think I ought to know."

"Yes, of course. The agent told me the yacht was built expressly for an
American gentleman."

"That's right, sir. He's one of these millionaires who don't know how
rich they are, for the money comes on rolling in. Restless, nervous
sort of men who must be doing something, and then they want to do
something else, and get tired of the idea before they've begun. He had
an idea that it would be a fine thing to imitate Brassey, but do it
better, and sail round the world. So the _Silver Star_ was built,
rigged and finished in style. I selected as good a crew of fifteen
picked, sea-going fellows as were procurable, and just a year ago we
started."

Jack began to grow interested.

"But you see, gentlemen, he was disappointed in her from the first."

"Hah!" said the doctor sharply; "now frankly, captain, what was her
failing?"

"Failing, sir?" said the captain, turning in his chair, and fixing the
doctor with his clear eyes. "I tell you as a man, I can't find a
failing in her, except perhaps there's a little too much French polish
about the saloon cabin, more in the stuffed cushion line than I quite
care for. You see, for an ocean-going boat I think you want to study
strength and sound workmanship more than show; but that's a matter of
fancy."

"Of co