often had to encounter.

The _Hope_ lay safely moored, with her ensign at the peak, and flying
the distinguished flag of the firm. Whilst the crew went on shore, a
constant stream of visitors came on board, both from Sandsgaard and
from the town.

The captain's white gig having been manned, he seated himself in the
stern sheets, a large flag trailing in the water behind him. Lauritz
Seehus, creeping in behind him, took the yoke lines, so that
everything should be done man-of-war fashion. The six men pulled with
a long stroke, their oars dipping along the surface of the sea as
they feathered them.

It was in this style that Captain Worse had always looked forward to
making his appearance on his return, and as he neared the quay he
became highly elated.

It would never have suited him to be landed at Sandsgaard and to go
on foot thence to the town, although it was the shortest and quickest
way. It was one of his fancies to look upon Sandsgaard as an island,
and, however bad the weather, he always went by boat to and from the
town.

He could see that a flag was displayed at his own warehouse by the
market quay--for he owned a straggling old building which occupied
one side of the market, and ended in a large five-storied structure
projecting into the sea. Jacob Worse was, in fact, a rich man, partly
from his own savings during many years as a captain, and partly from
successful speculations of his own.

But when he was at home for the winter season, he busied himself with
the fishery from the moment it began, buying selling, and curing on
his own account. The firm "C. F. Garman" did not trouble itself with
the herring fishery; it traded directly and by commission in salt and
grain, in addition to its banking and discounting business.

Captain Worse had in the course of years become a comparatively
wealthy man, and when, as on this occasion, he had been away for a
long time, he was anxious to learn how the persons in his employ had
conducted themselves in his absence.

But his chief desire was to meet Captain Randulf; and every time he
thought of it he slapped his leg and laughed aloud.

As it was summer, there were but few vessels in the harbour; most of
these, however, hoisted their colours when they saw Jacob Worse's
boat approaching. His acquaintances hailed him from wharf and
warehouse on each side of the bay, and he saluted in return, beaming
with pride and pleasure.

"Where are you going to lodge, Lauri