now the constables are off
towards Stoke--it seems a child answering all particulars was seen in
that direction this morning."

"That don't look like being made away with."

"In a case like this," answered Mr. Tucker sagely, "as often as not
there's wheels within wheels. Well, I won't detain ye. Good-night,
friends!"

"Good-night!"

I heard the creak of thole-pins as the rowers gave way, and the wash
of oars as the boat shot off into the dark. Mr. Pengelly sent me a
low whistle and I crept forth.

"Hear what they said?" he asked.

"They--they didn't give much trouble."

"Depends what you call trouble." He seemed slightly hurt in his
feelings, and added, with asperity and obvious truth, "Carry it off
how you will, a honeymoon's a honeymoon, and a man doesn't expect to
be interrupted with questions about a sweep's apprentice."

"Stand by!" cautioned the voice aft, low and firm as before.
"By the sound of it they've stopped rowing."

"If they come on us again, we're done for. That Tucker's a fool, but
I noticed one or two of the men muttering together."

"Sounds as if they were putting about. Can the boy swim?" asked Mrs.
Pengelly anxiously.

"I'll bet he can't."

"But I can," said I. "If you'll put the helm down, ma'am, and hold
in, I think she'll almost fetch Penlee Point. I don't want to get
you into trouble."

We all listened. And sure enough the sound of oars was approaching
again out of the darkness.

"Mr. Pengelly can lower me overside," I urged, "as soon as we're near
shore. It's safest in every way."

"So best," she answered shortly, and again put the _Glad Tidings_
about. I began to pluck off my clothes.

The boat was evidently watching us: for, dark as the evening had
grown, almost as soon as our helm went down the sound of oars ceased
astern--to begin again a few seconds later, but more gently, as if
someone had given the order for silence. O.P. peered under the slack
of the mainsail.

"There she is!" he muttered. "Tucker will be trying to force her
alongside under our lee." He picked up and uncoiled a spare rope.
"You'd best take hold o' this and let me slip ye over the starboard
side, forra'd there, as she goes about. Bain't afeard, hey?"

"I'm not afraid of anything but being caught, sir."

"Sarah will take her in close: there's plenty water."

"O.P.," said the voice aft.

"My angel."

"Tell 'en he's a good boy, and I wouldn' mind having one like him."

"You'r