re lifted up, unstrapped and strapped again. Women took
their hats from the big paper bags which hung like balloons between the
windows. There was a general shaking and fixing and sorting of
possessions. Only the porter remained serene. He knew exactly how long
it would take him to brush his car and did not believe in beginning too
soon. Benis kept his eye on the porter. He stirred at last.

"Bresh yo' coat, Suh?"

The professor allowed himself to be brushed and even proffered the
usual tip, so powerful is the push of habit. In the narrow corridor by
the door he waited politely while the lady who wouldn't trust her
suitcase to the porter got stuck sideways and had to be pried out. But
when once his foot descended upon the station platform, he was a man
again. The killing inaction was over.

With the quiet speed of one who knows that hurry defeats haste, he set
about materializing the plans which he had made upon the train. And
circumstance, repentant of former caprice, seemed willing to serve. The
very first taxi-man he questioned was an intelligent fellow who knew
more about Vancouver than its various hotels. A launch? Yes, he knew
where a launch might be hired, also a man who could run it. Provided,
of course--

Spence produced an inspiring roll of bills. The taxi-man grinned.

"Sure, if you've got the oof it's easy enough," he assured him. "Wake
up the whole town and charter a steamer if you don't care what they
soak you." He considered a moment. "'Tisn't a dope job, is it?"

Spence looked blank.

"What I mean to say is, what kind of man do you want?"

"Any man who will take me where I want to go."

The taxi-man nodded. "All right. That's easy."

In less time than even to the professor seemed possible the required
boat-man was produced and bargained with. That is to say he was
requested to mention his terms and produce his launch, both of which he
did without hesitancy. And again circumstance was kind.

"If it's Farr's Landing you want," said the boat-man, leading a
precarious way down a dark wharf, "I guess you've come to the right
party. 'Taint a place many folks know. But I ran in there once to
borrow some gas. Queer gink that there Chinaman! Anyone know you're
coming? Anyone likely to show a light or anything?"

The professor said that his visit was unexpected. They would have to
manage without a light.

The boat-man feared that, in that case, the terms might "run to" a bit
more. But, upon receivi