lly, fully
believing that such would be the case. "I will take good care of
myself, depend upon that. I won't trust the black fellows, and will
never sleep on shore."

On my return I found the vessel nearly ready to take in cargo. Harry
and I were employed from morning until night in the warehouse, examining
and noting the goods. We then both went on board, one remaining on deck
to book them as they were hoisted in, the other going below to see them
stowed away, so that we might know where each bale and package was to be
found. Captain Magor was also on board assisting us, as were his two
mates, Tom Sherwin and Ned Capstick, both rough, honest hands, as far as
I could judge, who had been chosen by the master simply because they
were good seamen and bold fellows in whom he could trust. While we
stood by, notebooks in hand, it was their business to stow away the
various packages; and as we were together many hours every day, we
became pretty well acquainted before we sailed. We had a few hours left
after the cargo was on board and the hatches fastened down.

I should have said I had made all the inquiries I could for Captain
Roderick, but could hear nothing of him, nor did he ever come near Mr
Crank's house after he knew I saw him waiting at the door. I had
another reason for supposing that he had gone. Mr Trunnion had
regained his usual spirits, and looked as cheerful as he did before his
brother's appearance.

"You have acted discreetly, Westerton," said Mr Trunnion to me one day
when I was alone with him in his private room. "Whether Captain Magor
was right or not in the fearful accusation he brought against that
unhappy man. I know not. The `Vulture' has, I trust, long since
sailed. I wish you to understand that, although she was once our
vessel, she does not now belong to us, and I need not say how I fear she
is employed."

I was pleased to receive this commendation from my principal. I merely
replied that I hoped to be always able to give him satisfaction in
whatever way he might be pleased to employ me. He shook hands with me
warmly on parting. "You will receive full written directions from the
firm for your guidance while on the coast, and I hope that we shall see
you and Bracewell back again well and hearty in a few months with a full
cargo. I have great confidence in Captain Magor, into whose character,
since he went to sea, we have made minute inquiries, and you will find
him a bold and sa