me up by der harbor we vatch our chances an'
trop oferpoard, yes."

"And swim ashore?"

"Maype ve schwim by some udder poat, yes. Of ve got money we go to
leetle poat--gif Jap mans money to take us avay, you see now?"

"You mean to watch for some small Japanese boat--a bumboat, eh? And
bribe the boatman to take us to some place of safety?"

"You got him now, yes."

"That's good enough if we can find the bumboat and get the money with
which to do the bribing."

"Captain Ponsberry got money--an' Russell he got money pelt, like I told
you."

"Oh, I haven't forgotten about that money belt," returned Shamhaven.
"And I wouldn't mind taking it if I could get my hands on it. But
Russell must wear it most of the time."

"I t'ink he not put him on by der night dime, no."

"What do you know about Captain Ponsberry's money?"

"He got money in a leetle pag--I see him vonce."

"How much do you think?"

At this Peterson shrugged his shoulders.

"No can tell dat--maype a thousand dollars."

There was a pause, and Shamhaven drew a long breath.

"One thing is certain," he resumed. "I don't intend to go to a Japanese
prison, or an American prison either, if I can help it, and if we cut
loose here in a strange country we are bound to need more or less money
with which to get along. Without money a fellow can't do a thing in a
strange country."

"We git money--chust you vait," said Peterson.

At last the _Columbia_ came into sight of the shipping of Nagasaki. But
it was now dark, and a heavy fog was hanging over the harbor, so it was
impossible to make the proper landing before the next day. They came to
anchor and the necessary lights were hung out.

"This is our chance," said Shamhaven. "It is now or never!"

He had heard that Peterson and himself were to be made close prisoners
directly after supper. He watched his chance and when nobody was looking
motioned his confederate to leave the forecastle and steal silently
toward the stern of the ship. Each carried a block of wood, to which was
attached a bit of iron, to make it sink from sight.

"Now then!" whispered Shamhaven, and threw the block he carried
overboard. It struck the water with a loud splash, and the block carried
by Peterson immediately followed.

"Hullo, what's that?" came in the voice of Tom Grandon. "Who threw
something overboard?"

"Sounded like somebody jumping into the water," replied Captain
Ponsberry, who was on deck with the first mate.