with us what we can carry and leave the rest. If they are of no
other use, they will at least give whoever finds them something to
think about."

"I wish him joy of his guesses," rejoined MacAndrew, as he led the old
man out of the hut.

Browne remained behind to put out the lamp. As he did so a smile
passed over his face. How foolish it seemed to be taking precautions,
when he would, in all human probability, never see the place again!
The fire upon the hearth was burning merrily. Little by little it
would grow smaller, the flames would die down, a mass of glowing embers
would follow, then it would gradually grow black, and connection with
the place would be done with for ever and a day. Outside it was
brilliant starlight, and for this reason they were able easily to pick
their way down the path towards the place where Captain Mason had
promised to have the boat.

So weak was the old man, however, that it took something like half an
hour to overcome even the short distance they had to go. He could
scarcely have done as much had not MacAndrew and Browne lent him their
support. At last they reached the water's edge, where, to their joy,
they found the boat awaiting them.

"Is that you, Phillips?" inquired Browne.

"Yes, sir, it's me," the third mate replied. "Captain Mason sent us
away directly your signal was sighted."

"That's right," said Browne. "Now, just keep your boat steady while we
help this gentleman aboard."

The boat's crew did their best to keep her in position while MacAndrew
and Browne lifted Monsieur Petrovitch in. It was a difficult business,
but at last they succeeded; then, pushing her off, they started for the
yacht. For some time not a word was spoken. MacAndrew had evidently
his own thoughts to occupy him; Katherine's father sat in a huddled-up
condition; while Browne was filled with a nervousness that he could
neither explain nor dispel.

At last they reached the yacht and drew up at the foot of the
accommodation-ladder. Looking up the side, Browne could see Captain
Mason, Jimmy Foote, and Maas leaning over watching them. It had been
previously arranged that the meeting between the father and daughter
should take place in the deckhouse, not on the deck itself.

"Is he strong enough to walk up?" the captain inquired of Browne. "If
not, shall I send a couple of hands down to carry him?"

"I think we can manage it between us," said Browne; and accordingly he
and MacAndrew,