was on deck, drinking
his coffee, when the native seaman who was on the lookout cried--

"Sail ho, sir! Away there on the weather beam."

Diaz stepped below to Brabant, who was lying in his bunk reading a book.

"Here she is, sir."

"Ah! three days sooner than I expected her, Pedro. You know what to do,
don't you? Here is the letter for Lester. Get away as quickly as you
can. The night will be fine and clear, and there will be no need to
hoist a light for you."

He handed the officer a letter addressed to "Captain James Lester,
schooner _Maritana_," and then rose and began to dress himself.

In a few minutes the cutter's boat, with Pedro Diaz and four hands, was
pulling towards the _Maritana_ which was coming along under a six-knot
breeze. The moment the boat left the side Brabant set the gaff topsail
and square-sail, and headed the Loelia towards the north end of the
island. Just as she disappeared from the view of those on board the
approaching vessel, Pedro Diaz came within hailing distance. He stood
up.

"_Maritana_ ahoy!"

Lester's voice replied to his hail, the schooner was brought to the
wind, the boat ranged alongside, and Diaz ascended.

"How are you, Lester?" he said, shaking hands with his friend. "I have
no time to talk. Read this letter at once, and let me get away with all
speed."

Lester was impressed with the emphatic manner in which he spoke, and
without a single question opened Brabant's letter. Then an exclamation
of astonishment burst from him.

"What does it all mean, Pedro? I----"

The Chileno waved his hand impatiently, and shrugged his shoulders. "We
must obey orders, Lester."

"Of course. I shall let Mrs. Brabant know at once." Then he read the
letter a second time.

"Dear Lester,--Please ask Mrs. Brabant to get together some
of her luggage as quickly as possible, and come on board the
_Loelia_, which is the better vessel of the two as far as
comfort goes. Minea can remain on board the _Maritana_. You
will find further orders awaiting you at Levuka."

That was all. Lester stepped below, and found his passenger seated at
the cabin table.

"That vessel is the _Loelia_ madam, and Diaz has just come aboard with
this letter;" and he handed it to her.

"What an extraordinary thing! Why did not my husband come for me
himself if he is so anxious for me to join him on the _Loelia_. Is she
close-to?"

"Yes, but not in sight. I think Captain Brabant was afr