ed across to the packet under the swinging lamp and
drew the letter out of it and read:

"DEAR PARTNER:

"Here is something that Captain Bijonah will hand to you when he
catches the _Lass_. There are supposed to be one hundred and fifty
dollars in this packet (I never was much of a counter, as you
know). Now, dear friend, this isn't all for you unless you need
it. It is simply a small reserve fund for the men of the fleet if
they should need anything--a new gaff, for instance, or a jib, or
grub.

"It isn't much, but you never can tell when it might come in
handy. It was your good scheme that sent the men off fishing, and
you left the way open for me to do my little part here at the
Head. Now I want to do just this much more for the sailors of the
fleet, and I am asking you to be my treasurer. When you hear of a
needy case just give him what you think he needs and say it is a
loan from me if he won't take a gift.

"If this is a trouble to you I am sorry, but we are all working
for the good name and good times of Grande Mignon, and I hope you
won't mind. Good fishing to the _Charming Lass_, high line and
topping full! May you wet your salt early and come home again to
those who are longing to see you.

"This is all done on the spur of the moment, so I have no time to
ask your mother to enclose a line. But I know she sends her love.
It has been a little hard for her here since you left, bless her
heart; but she has been as brave as a soldier and helped me very
much. We see a great deal of each other and you can rest assured I
shall look after her.

"Always your old friend,
"ELSA."

As Code read the last paragraph his eyes softened. It was _white_ of
Elsa to look after his mother, particularly now when there would be
much for her to face regarding himself. And it _was_ white of her to
send the money for the sailors of the fleet. Even she did not know, as
Code did, how nearly destitute some of the dorymen were. He would be
glad to do what little work there might be in disbursing the sum.

"Sorry Nellie didn't seem interested when I began to talk about Elsa,"
he said to himself. "I suppose I should have told her, anyway, so
there wouldn't be any misunderstanding. Well, I'll do it next time."
He turned the lamp low and rolled into his bunk.

CHAPTER XVIII

TREACH