o has lost his life during the last two
years. I'm thankful he got clear of the pirates. Those rascals have
long been the greatest pests on that coast. It is time the British
Government should take effectual steps to put a stop to their
depredations by sending a squadron into those seas. Have you brought
the manifest and the other papers with you?"

"Yes, sir," answered Harry, producing them. "Mr Magor will be on shore
himself in an hour or two, when he has seen the vessel made snug, for he
has no one to leave in charge; he himself is still suffering from the
fever, and two of her white crew are in their bunks."

Mr Crank, taking the documents, retired with them into his room, to run
his eye over the list of articles brought by the "Arrow," and to
calculate their present market value. The result I know was
satisfactory. I had afterwards to note down the prices which they
fetched. Merchants who could make so large a percentage on all their
cargoes were certain to grow rich. It was at the cost, however, of the
lives of a great number of human beings; but that was not my employers'
look out, nor did they allow the matter to trouble their consciences.
They could always obtain fresh masters to take charge of their vessels,
and fresh crews to man them.

In a short time Mr Trunnion, who had heard on 'Change of the arrival of
the "Arrow," came in to learn what news she had brought, expecting to
find her master, who was wont, immediately he came on shore, to put in
an appearance at the office. Mr Trunnion expressed himself much
shocked at Captain Rig's death.

"Poor fellow! he used to boast that he was acclimatised, but it is a
proof of the old adage, `that the pitcher which goes often to the well
gets broken at last.' We might have lost a worse man;" and with this
remark Mr Trunnion passed into his room, in which he sat to receive
visitors on private business.

Mr Trunnion, although the second partner, was the youngest in the firm.
He was a good-looking, urbane, well-mannered man, who, if not always
loved by those under him, was much liked and respected in the social
circle in which he moved, he being also one of the magnates of
Liverpool. For my own part, I had reason to like and be grateful to Mr
Swab, the junior member of the firm. He had formerly been a clerk in
the house, but by diligent attention to and a thorough knowledge of
business and strict honesty, he had some years before been made a
partner. T