reached. The owner was convinced that if ever the gentlemen involved
in this little transaction got the opportunity they would take the
master's life, so in the goodness of his heart he determined that the
vessel should not call there for coal until the spirit of vengeance
had had ample time to cool down.

More than twelve months had elapsed since these affairs occurred, when
the owner was offered a charter from the Black Sea, but one of the
unalterable conditions was that the vessel should call at Gibraltar
for orders. The captain strongly urged his owner not to lose so good a
charter because of his anxiety for him, but he was obdurate until the
captain said--

"Then I shall have to resign my command. I cannot go on like this any
longer."

"If you make this the alternative, then I must give way; but the
responsibility is yours alone," was the reply.

The charter was signed, and on a fine summer day two months after, the
_C----_ let go her anchor in Gibraltar Harbour to await her orders. A
tall, fine-looking man came aboard to solicit business of a legitimate
character. He spoke English with fluency and an almost correct accent.
The captain knew he had some business connection with the syndicate,
but did not give him any reason to suppose he had this knowledge. He
was cognisant of the characteristics of these people, and determined
that his safety was in assuming an injured attitude, and making a
slashing attack on the blackguards who had done him so much harm.
Excepting for a slight humorous twist in the corner of his mouth, Mr.
---- received the onslaught with perfect equanimity. The captain asked
if he knew the rascal P----.

"Yes," said he, "I know him. He is a bad lot, and I advise you never
to trust him again. But if you wish me to, I will convey to him what
you say; and I think you would be perfectly justified in carrying out
your intention." (The intention was to horsewhip him publicly.)

The following morning the captain landed with his wife and family, and
boldly walked past the resorts of the men who he had reason to
believe were on his track. He kept his hand on the revolver which was
in his trouser-pocket, and the sound of every foot behind him seemed
to be a message of warning. This ordeal went on for four days, and
never a sign of the dreaded assassins was seen. On the afternoon of
the fifth day he was walking down towards the boat-landing to go on
board, when his eye came in contact with the inter