r Frobisher," smiled the admiral.
"Everything you may say to me here shall be considered as absolutely
private."

"Under Captain Drake, of the _Quernmore_, then," Frobisher continued;
"and although I did my best to carry out his orders, I failed, and he
will consequently be a very heavy loser. My failure cannot, I think, be
considered my fault; and, as I only signed on for the voyage out here, I
suppose I may now consider myself a free agent, especially as I have not
yet drawn any pay for my services. But I feel that it is perhaps my
duty to go back to Sam-riek, to see Captain Drake and explain matters;
for he may be waiting there for me, expecting my return."

"Of course I do not know Captain Drake, or how he would be likely to act
under the circumstances," rejoined Wong-lih; "but I feel sure that by
this time he will have learnt of the capture of the consignment--news
travels fast out here, you know; and knowing that you had fallen into
the clutches of the Korean troops, he will, to put it bluntly, expect
never to see you alive again. Nor would he ever have done so, but for
the fortunate circumstance of the arrival of my squadron here on this
particular day. This being so, it occurs to me that Captain Drake would
not be at all likely to risk a long stay at Sam-riek in the very forlorn
hope of your returning, but would get away from the place as quickly as
possible. I should not be at all surprised if his vessel were to be
found in Chemulpo harbour within the next few days. In any case, if you
really wish to communicate with him you can write him a letter, and I
will engage to get it delivered to him, if his ship is still in these
waters. How would that suit you, Mr Frobisher?"

"The arrangement will suit me admirably, sir," replied Frobisher,
"though I cannot quite see why I should not endeavour to rejoin Captain
Drake. You mentioned, however, I remember, something as to my being
open to accept other employment. Possibly that may have some bearing
upon the matter."

"It has everything to do with it," said the admiral, "as I will
endeavour to show you presently. But, first of all, I must ask you to
listen to me for a few minutes while I try to give you an insight into
the trend of recent events out here; for unless I do so, you will be
unable to understand what I am `driving at', as I believe you English
call it."

"Pray proceed, sir," was Frobisher's reply.

"Very well then. You are of course aware t