th your honours 'll take the word of a
British man-o'-war's man."

"That's enough--perfectly satisfactory! Now to give you the necessary
directions about joining this ship. She's lying at anchor somewhere
about in the bay. I didn't think of getting her name, but you'll find
her easily enough. An' you needn't go in search of her till you've seen
the gentleman whose name is upon this card. You see: `Don Tomas
Silvestre,' a ship-agent. His office is down in one of the streets by
the strand. Report yourself to him first thing in the morning. In all
likelihood he'll engage you on sight, make out your papers, and give you
full directions for getting aboard the ship. It appears she's short of
hands; indeed, even without a single sailor. _And_, by the way, Harry,
if you apply soon enough, it's good as certain you'll be made mate--
first at that; all the more from your being able to speak Spanish. It's
too late for you to do anything about it to-night; but don't oversleep
yourself. Be at the ship-agent's to-morrow betimes."

"Ye can trust me for that, sir. I'll show my figurehead there first
thing in the mornin'. No fears o' any one getting theer afore me, if
they've not gone a'ready."

"I think no one will be before you--I hope not. Send us word how you
have succeeded, as the _Crusader_ will likely be in port long enough for
us to hear from you. Still, as she may sail on short notice, we may not
see you again. Remember, then, what we've said about the senoritas. We
shall rely upon your fidelity."

"An' well may ye, masters. You can both trust your lives to Harry Blew,
an' those of them as is dear to you."

"All right, old boy!" exclaims Crozier, satisfied. "We must now part;
but let's hope we'll meet again. When you get back to England you know
where to find me. So, good-bye! Give us a grip of your honest fist,
and God bless you!"

Saying this, he grasps the horny hand of the sailor, and warmly presses
it. The pressure is returned by a squeeze that gives assurance of more
than ordinary friendship. It is the grip of true gratitude; and the
look which accompanies it tells of a devoted friendship, bordering on
adoration.

Cadwallader also exchanges a like parting salutation; after which, the
young officers start off, to continue their cruise through the streets
of "Frisko."

CHAPTER TWENTY SEVEN.

AN INHOSPITABLE HOSTELRY.

Harry Blew stands in the doorway of the "Sailor's Home," watching