st for a couple of years if necessary."

"Then you have plenty of ammunition, I suppose?"

"Plenty," said Sir Humphrey. "In fact, we brought everything we could
think necessary. When will you have it on board?"

"Some time this afternoon, gentlemen. I shall warp in alongside the
wharf so as to get it under hatches easily. The sooner it's aboard the
better. I'll give orders to the mate, and he'll see to that while I
arrange about what fresh stores are necessary. That won't take long."

"Then you propose sailing soon?" said Sir Humphrey.

"Yes, sir, as soon as you like. We can settle our little business
affairs in five minutes, or I can take your word. That's enough for
me."

"Thank you, Captain Banes," said Sir Humphrey gravely; "but I should
prefer you to draw up a business letter that would be binding upon us
both."

"Very well, sir: it shall be done."

"But what about your mate and the crew?" said Brace.

"Oh, I had a talk to them last night, sir."

"You mean that they are willing to come?"

"They all look upon it as a holiday, sir, and are as pleased as can be."

"But they've not seen us yet," said Sir Humphrey.

"What, sir?" cried the captain, laughing. "They all came ashore as soon
as I'd told 'em about you, and crept up to the open window of the room
where you two gentlemen sat talking by the lighted lamp."

"Indeed?" cried Brace. "I did not hear them."

"Only came one at a time, sir, and they'd no shoes on."

"Well, what did they say?" cried Brace.

"Like to hear, gentlemen?"

"Of course," cried Brace.

"They're good trusty lads, gentlemen, but, like all British sailors, a
bit plain-spoken. P'raps Sir Humphrey here mightn't like it, though I
answer for 'em that they meant no harm."

Brace looked merrily at his brother as if asking a question.

"Oh, yes, speak out, captain," he said.

"Well, gentlemen, they all agreed that they thought Mr Brace here would
turn out a regular trump as it would be a treat to follow."

"Come, that's a good character," cried Brace; "eh, Free?"

"The poor fellows don't know you yet, Brace, my boy," said Sir Humphrey
drily.

"Oh, my chaps aren't far wrong, sir," cried the captain, smiling.

"Well, what did they say about me?" asked Sir Humphrey.

The captain's eyes twinkled, and he cocked one of his eyes at Brace; but
he did not speak.

"Was their report so very bad?" said the young man.

"Yes, sir; pretty tough," replied the captain.

"Ne