eing
the captain suspiciously in the dim twilight. "But come in--come in," he
added, hastily. "We are just sitting down to supper. Come and take
something with us, if you're not too proud to sit at our humble table."

"I've got over being proud long ago," said the captain, following the
other along a very narrow hall.

The interior of the room into which he was ushered bespoke the fact that
it was inhabited by men--presumably sailors, from the nautical
implements thrown promiscuously about. It was unoccupied, and Captain
Frazier took his seat at the head of the table.

"Some of the boys left very hurriedly when they heard the loud,
resounding knock on the front door," his companion said, laughingly, as
he heaped the tempting viands on Frazier's plate.

The captain, whose appetite had been sadly neglected, paid great
attention to the savory dishes before him.

"We have been accustomed to talking and eating at the same time," he
began.

"Of course," returned the other.

"When do you make your next trip out?"

"In a week's time, probably, if all is favorable."

"I think I shall ship with you," said the captain. "This part of the
country is getting too unsafe for me. I see by to-day's paper that they
are searching for me."

"Well, you must have expected that."

"Yes, I have determined to leave the country," Captain Frazier repeated;
"but I do not propose to go alone."

His companion looked at him curiously, wondering what was coming; then,
leaning nearer him, the captain whispered a plot in his ear that made
his friend open his heavy eyes wide in amazement.

"I haven't a cent of money," admitted the captain; "but if you will work
with me, you shall have half the ransom."

"A woman is a nuisance on board of a boat like ours," said the other;
"but if you are sure so large an amount will be paid for her return, it
will be well worth working for."

An hour longer they conferred, and when Frazier left the red-brick house
on the side street, the most daring plan the brain of man had ever
conceived was well-nigh settled.

When the hour of eleven struck clear and sharp, Captain Frazier was
standing silently before the Varrick mansion. In making a tour of the
grounds, much to Frazier's amazement, he found the rear door ajar.

"The devil helps his own," he muttered, sarcastically. "I imagined that
I should have a serious time in gaining admittance, when lo! the portals
are thrown open for the wishing."

He mad