hich change had been at work at the docks, even to
their improvement, but through it all not one of my old friends had
returned home. They had approached no nearer than Falmouth, the
Hartlepools, or Antwerp, with a slender chance that they would come to
the Thames, and next we heard of them when they were bound outwards once
more, and for a period known not even to their wives. The new _Negro
Boy_ had not the appearance of a place where I could expect to find a
friend, and I was leaving it again, instantly, when a tall figure rose in
a corner waving a reassuring hand. I did not recognize the man, but
thought I knew his smile, which made me look at him in dawning hope. The
grin, evidently knowing its power, was maintained till I saw it
indubitably as Hanson's. He made a remembered gesture with his
spectacles. "I was just about sick of this place," he said. "I've
waited here for an hour hoping somebody would turn up. Where's Macandrew
now?"

"In Rotterdam. I don't think he will be home this voyage."

"And what's happened to this house? Where's the old man?"

"You know all I know about it. I haven't been here for nearly a year.
We must expect progress to make things better than they were. Where have
you come from?"

"I'm running between Liverpool and Baltimore now, in the Planets.
They're comfortable ships, but I don't admire the Western ocean. It's
too savage and cold. How is Macandrew? I came up from Liverpool because
I felt I must see him again. I heard he was here."

From the way he talked, I thought he preferred those subjects requiring
the least effort for a casual occasion. "Now and then," I had to tell
him, "some of us have wondered what happened to the _Cygnet_."

Hanson's smile became effulgent. My remark might have reminded him of a
most enjoyable joke, but he made no sign, while enjoying it privately,
that he intended to share it with me at any time.

"There was a _Cygnet_, wasn't there?" he asked, when my patience had
nearly gone. "I should like somebody to confirm it. The reason I came
to this house tonight, to be candid, was just to see this room again, to
settle a doubt I had. Didn't Macandrew stand over there, and show
concern because a fair, plump woman wasn't quick enough with his beer?"

I admitted this, as an encouragement. "But when I got here tonight,"
continued Hanson, "the change made me feel my mind had lost hold. I must
say it's a relief to see you."

"Has this an