a person pass whom I felt
sure by his figure was Captain Roderick. The second time, when he
stopped before Mr Crank's house, the light of the moon falling on his
face revealed his features to me, and convinced me that I was not
mistaken. He was dressed as I first saw him at the counting-house, and
he had a hanger by his side, and a brace of pistols in his belt, with a
pair of riding-boots on, as if prepared for a journey.

Fearing that Harry might come out, and that his rival might attack him,
I went up as if I was going to knock at the door; instead of which I
stood in the porch, where, concealed, I could watch Captain Roderick.
Perhaps he suspected that I had recognised him; for after waiting a
minute, and looking up at the windows, he moved away, and I lost sight
of him. I waited until Harry came out, and then taking his arm, I
hurried him along in an opposite direction to that which he would
naturally have followed as the shortest way home.

"Why are you going by this road?" he asked.

"I will tell you presently," I answered, continuing at a quick pace.
"Don't ask questions just now, for I really cannot answer you."

Harry did as I wished, and we therefore exchanged few word until we
reached home.

"Now," I said, "I will tell you. I am confident that Captain Roderick
was waylaying you, and would either have sought a quarrel, or perhaps
have cut you down with his hanger, or shot you."

Harry was at length inclined to believe that I was right, but still he
added, "Perhaps, after all, he maybe going away, and only came to take a
last look at the house where Lucy lives; for, from what she tells me he
said to her, I cannot help thinking that he must be desperately
enamoured."

"If he does go, well and good; but if he remains, I tell you, Harry,
that I do not consider your life safe," I remarked. "I must beg your
mother and sister to lock you up, and not let you go out at night until
the fellow has gone. He is a villain!" I repeated, in my eagerness
almost revealing what I was bound to keep secret.

After this I saw no more of Captain Roderick. Whether or not he had
left Liverpool I was uncertain, but I hoped he had gone. A few days
afterwards, Mr Magor, the mate of the "Arrow," came to the office,
where he was received in a very friendly way by Mr Swab. He looked
completely changed. The sickly hue had left his cheek, and he was stout
and hearty, with the independent bearing of a seaman.

"I am glad