k success to our voyage."

"Thank you," said Barry, and Rawlings clinked his own glass against his
in a friendly fashion. Then as he set his glass down the captain,
still smiling in a pleasant manner, said, "That is your cabin there,
Mr. Barry; the steward will put your things in. And now you'll be
surprised to hear that I've decided to get under weigh at once, instead
of waiting for daylight. Steward, tell Mr. Barradas to get ready to
heave up."

Barry's face expressed his astonishment and
disappointment--astonishment that the captain should choose a dark and
boisterous night to take his departure, and disappointment at his thus
being prevented from writing to Rose Maynard and sending his letter
ashore. Rawlings was quick to note the change in his face, and his own
features, too, underwent a sudden transformation.

"I expect my orders not to be questioned, Mr. Barry," he said, in a
sharp, imperious tone.

"Certainly not," assented Barry, "I am merely disappointed at being
unable to write a very important letter. That is all, sir."

The captain's smile was back in an instant.

"Can you do it in a quarter of an hour?" he asked.

"Less than that--ten, five minutes will do. I can scribble a few lines
at once if you will allow me. But how can I get it ashore?"

"Oh, the Custom House fellow--the tide-waiter will take it for you.
I'll put him ashore in the dinghy as soon as we begin to heave up. Be
as quick as you can, please. Steward, bring writing gear for Mr.
Barry, quick."

Whilst Barry hurriedly scribbled a few lines to Rose telling her that
the brig was putting to sea at that moment, and that he would write her
fully at the first available opportunity, Captain Rawlings paced to and
fro in the main cabin, waiting.

"Ah, finished already. The tide-waiter is asleep in his cabin, and I
said I would not disturb him till the last moment. But I'll wake him
now."

"Thank you," said Barry, handing him the letter. "Shall I go for'ard
now, sir?"

"If you please," answered Rawlings politely.

The moment Barry left the cabin the captain opened the letter, read it,
smiled contemptuously, and closed it again. Then he too went on deck,
and walked aft.

"Are you ready, bos'un?" he said to a man who with two others was
standing by the dinghy davits on the port side.

"Yes, sir."

"Then lower away. And, here, put this letter in his pocket. Take him
well up into the middle of the wharf, and lie him down