ee su'thing right behind them bags o' sugar," said the youth,
clutching hold of the cook on one side and the watchman on the other.
"Spread out a bit, chaps."

Joe dashed boldly round with the lantern. There was a faint scream and
an exclamation of triumph from the seaman. "I've got it!" he shouted.

The others followed hastily, and saw the fearless Joe firmly gripping
the apparition. At the sight the cook furtively combed his hair with his
fingers, while Tim modestly buttoned up his jacket.

"Take this lantern, so's I can hold her better," said Joe, extending it.

The cook took it from him, and holding it up, revealed the face of a
tall, good-looking woman of some seven or eight and twenty.

"What are you doin' here?" demanded the watchman, with official
austerity.

"I'm waiting for a friend of mine," said the visitor, struggling with
Joe. "Make this man leave go of me, please."

"Joe," said the watchman, with severity. "I'm ashamed of you. Who is
your friend, miss?"

"His name is Robinson," said the lady. "He came on here about an hour
ago. I'm waiting for him."

"There's nobody here," said the watchman, shaking his head.

"I'm not sure he didn't go on that little ship," said the lady; "but if
he has, I suppose I can wait here till he comes off. I'm not doing any
harm."

"The ship'll sail in about an hour's time, miss," said Tim, regretfully,
"but there ain't nobody o' the name of Robinson aboard her. All the
crew's 'ere, and there's only the skipper and mate on her besides."

"You can't deceive me, young man, so don't try it," said the lady,
sharply. "I followed him on here, and he hasn't gone off, because the
gate has been locked since."

"I can't think who the lady means," said Joe.

"I ain't seen nobody come aboard. If he did, he's down the cabin."

"Well, I'll go down there," said the lady, promptly.

"Well, miss, it's nothing to do with us," said Joe, "but it's my opinion
you'll find the skipper and mate has turned in."

"Well, I'm going down," said the lady, gripping her parasol firmly by
the middle; "they can't eat me."

She walked towards the _Foam_, followed by the perplexed crew, and
with the able assistance of five pairs of hands reached the deck. The
companion was open, and at Joe's whispered instructions she turned and
descended the steps backwards.

It was at first quite dark in the cabin, but as the visitor's eyes
became accustomed to it, she could just discern the outlines of a