Finally, after quite three hours'
inspection, Captain Bradleigh led the way back to the saloon, where
quite an elegant lunch had been spread, and the steward and his mate
were in attendance.

"Oh, there was no need for this," said Sir John hastily.

"I am only obeying instructions, sir," said the captain, smiling. "Mr
Ensler said that if any gentlemen took the trouble to come all the way
to Dartmouth to see the yacht, the least we could do was to give them
some refreshments. I think I've shown you everything, gentlemen, as far
as I could, but of course if you thought anything of the yacht you would
have her thoroughly gone over by a trustworthy marine surveyor."

Sir John and the doctor exchanged glances again.

"Oh, there's one thing I did not show you, gentlemen," cried the
captain. "It may interest our young friend here. We have no
figure-head."

"Is the man mad?" said Jack to himself, giving him a look full of
contempt. "What interest could I possibly have in a ship's
figure-head?"

"It was a whim, a fad of Mr Ensler's. He went to a lot of expense over
it. I don't suppose you noticed it, but just out over the cut-water
close to the bowsprit, there's a great cut-glass silver star, fitted
inside with a set of the most wonderful silver reflectors, parabolic
they call them, and when the big lamp inside is lit it sends rays out in
all directions, so that when you are a way off, it looks just like the
evening star shining out over the water. Going back to-night,
gentlemen?"

"No," said Sir John quietly; "I shall not return to-night."

Jack winced and looked troubled.

"Then as soon as it's dusk, young gentleman, I'll have the star lit up.
It's of no particular use except as a bow-light, but it looks mighty
pretty, as good as the fireworks you've let off on fifth o' Novembers
many a time, I'll be bound."

"Ha! ha! ha!" roared the doctor, turning to Jack merrily.

"I!" cried the lad, impatiently, and giving the captain a scornful look;
"I never let off a firework in my life."

"I have," said the captain dryly, "many a one, and made them too. But
boys--some of 'em--are a bit different to what they were when I was
young."

"Oh, they're the same as ever, captain," said Sir John, smiling
thoughtfully, as if in recollection of the past. "As a rule, a boy is a
boy, but no rule is without an exception, you know."

"That's right, sir."

"And my son has been delicate, and has always led a studious, in