at his end was near.

"I fear that nothing will ever be heard of my ship again," he said, in
a whisper. "They will scuttle or burn her. My poor wife!" and he
pressed her hand. "But thank God, Amy, you will not be quite penniless.
Mercado" (his agent in Valparaiso) "will have about two or three
thousand pounds to pay you for some cargo he bought from me. You must
go there. He is an honourable man, and will not seek to evade his
liabilities. I know him well."

Raymond, whose heart was overflowing with pity for the dying man, could
no longer restrain himself. At first he had decided not to say a word
to Marston about the intended recapture of the ship, for fear it would
excite him; but now, when he saw how calmly and collectedly he spoke of
her future to his wife, he changed his mind, and, bending down, said:--

"Captain Marston, I must say a few words to you and Mrs. Marston. I did
not intend to do so just now, but I know that they will bring you peace
of mind, and help you to recovery. I have good news for you."

Marston looked at him eagerly, and his wife, with her hands clasped,
moved a little nearer to the planter, who was speaking in very low tones
so as not to disturb or excite a man whom he knew was dying bodily, but
whose brain was alive.

"Is it about my ship?"

"Yes. She is within six miles of this house, lying becalmed, and, before
midnight, will be recaptured by some good friends of mine, and at anchor
in this bay by daylight."

Marston's lips quivered, and the agonising look of inquiry and doubt in
his eyes was so piteous to behold that Raymond went on more rapidly.

"You may absolutely rely upon what I say. The _Esmeralda_ has been in
sight since early in the forenoon. I boarded her this morning with the
express purpose of seeing if it were possible to recapture her, and
have only just returned. And I assure you on my word of honour that she
_shall_ be recaptured before midnight, without bloodshed, I trust; for
the mutineers are completely off their guard, believing I am returning
with fifty natives in several boats to tow the ship out of danger,
purely out of kindness to their leader."

"You are indeed a good friend," murmured Marston slowly and haltingly.
"My wife has told me your name... I know my time is short. If you
recapture my ship... she is worth six thousand pounds, and the specie on
board amounts to nine thousand. I commend my wife to your care------"

Raymond pressed his hand, and urge