fe with
a smile, as she emphasised the word "captain," "but when will you be
sailing?"

The Italian considered a moment.

"I have some cargo for Manono, and some for the German trader at
Paulaelae. I shall leave here at daylight to-morrow; be at Manono before
noon; run across the straits to Paulaelae the same day, land a few cases
of goods for the German, and be back here, if the breeze holds good, the
day after to-morrow."

"It is very kind of you, Mr. Villari," said Raymond.

"Not at all, Mr. Raymond. It will be far easier for me to come back this
way than to beat up to Apia against the trade wind and strong current on
the north side."

"True. I did not think of that. So there you are, Marie--'fixed up,' as
Frewen would say. The schooner, I believe, is pretty smart, isn't she,
Mr. Villari?"

"Very fair, Mr. Raymond--especially on a wind. We should get to Apia in
less than twenty-four hours if there is any kind of a breeze at all. And
for such a small vessel her accommodation is really very good, so the
ladies and children will be very comfortable, I hope."

"Yes," said Meredith, "the _Lupetea_ is the best schooner in the group.
I've made two or three trips in her to Fiji. She was built by Brander,
of Tahiti, for a yacht, and he used to carry his family with him on
quite long voyages. Took them to Sydney once."

"Well, Captain Villari," said Mrs. Raymond, "we shall be ready for you
the day after to-morrow. Be prepared for an infliction," and holding
up her left hand, she began counting on her fingers: "Item, two babies;
item, mothers of babies aforesaid; item, Serena, nurse girl; item,
Olivee, nurse girl; item, one native boy named Lilo, who is a relative
of Malie's, is Mrs. Marston's especial protege and wants to see the
great City of Apia; item, baskets and baskets _and_ baskets of roasted
fowls, mangoes, pineapples and other things which are for the use of the
captain, officers, crew and passengers of the _Lupetea_."

Villari laughed. "There will be plenty of room, Mrs. Raymond."

An hour or so later he bade them all good-night, and went on board.

The old mate was pacing to and fro on the main deck smoking his pipe,
and Villari asked him to come below.

He turned up the lamp and told Hutton to sit down.

"Will you have a drink, Hutton?"

"_Will_ I? You ought to know me by now."

Villari went to his cabin and brought out a bottle of brandy. His
dark eyes were flashing with excitement, as he placed