p to keep up your courage." Max mixed a
strong glass of whisky and water, and pushed it across the table to
Archy.

Archy's scruples soon vanished. He now only thought of the adventures
he hoped to meet with among the icebergs.

Max had gained his object. From a quarrel which had occurred years
before, he had long harboured an ill-feeling towards the Hughson's; and,
for the purpose of thwarting and annoying Mrs Hughson, he was ready to
encourage Archy in his disobedience to her. When once a person yields
to the suggestions of Satan, he knows not into what crimes he may be
hurried. Those who associate with unprincipled people run a fearful
risk of being led astray by them. Archy, notwithstanding his mother's
warnings, had persisted in visiting Max Inkster, for the sake of hearing
his long yarns of nautical adventure, and he would at first have been
excessively indignant had he been told that he was likely, in
consequence, to be led into any further act of disobedience.

"Did any one see you come in here?" asked Max. "No; Nanny Clousta was
out, and no one was passing at the time," answered Archy.

"Well, then, stay quiet here till dark, and I'll take you on board, and
stow you away in the hold," said Max. "You must remain there till I
give you a signal to come out; but, remember, that you are not to tell
the captain or any one else that I had a hand in helping you. Just say
that you slipped on board in a shore boat, and hid yourself of your own
accord. You will promise me that?"

Archy had not been in the habit of telling falsehoods; but he had
already made one step in the downward course, and though he hesitated,
he at last said, "I promise. I needn't tell that I knew who took me on
board, and I can find my own way below, so there's no necessity to
mention your name."

"That's it," said Max. "You will want some food, though. Here, just
fill your pockets with this bread and cheese." He took some from a
cupboard. "And here is a flask of whisky and water. You may have to
lie hid for a couple of days, or more, may be; so you must manage your
provisions accordingly."

Max went out, and Archy fell asleep, with his head on the table. It was
late at night before his evil councillor returned.

"Rouse up, boy," he whispered. "It's time we were aboard. I have got a
man to take us off, and he will think you belong to the ship. Here,
shoulder my bag, and come along."

Max placed his heavy sea-bag on his