f."

"That's right. But look here, Pickle; were you with them all the time?"

"Yes, uncle. You told me to be, before you went up to London."

"That's right, Rodd. But--er--did you--did you hear the men make any
remark about them?"

"No, uncle; but I saw them smell the bung-holes and look at one another
and laugh."

"Humph!" said the doctor, smiling. "By the way, I think I'll go on
board now and have a look round. There are several things I want to see
to, those casks and kegs among the rest."

"They were all put just as you gave orders, uncle."

"Yes; but I want to test the spirits all the same. Here, we may as well
go on board at once."

"Very well," cried the boy eagerly. "Is there any little thing we can
take with us?"

"No, my boy. As far as I am concerned, I think I can say everything is
ready."

It was not long before the doctor and his nephew were down at the
landing-place and being rowed across the harbour to where a beautifully
trim full-sized schooner lay moored to one of the great buoys; and on
coming alongside they were hailed by Captain Chubb, whose face seemed to
shine with animation as he helped his chief on board.

"Morning, sir!" he cried. "I was just wishing that you would come on
board."

"Bah!" exclaimed Uncle Paul. "What wants doing now?"

"Nothing. Not as I know of."

"Oh, are you sure?" said Uncle Paul sarcastically, "Sartin, unless you
have got some more bottles or cranky tackle to be stowed away, sir."

"Oh, indeed," said Uncle Paul shortly. "You don't mean to say you have
done at last?"

"Me, sir? Why, I was ready six months ago, only you had always got some
new scheme you wanted fitted in."

"Ah, well, never mind about that now," cried Uncle Paul. "Then we may
set sail any day?"

"'Cept Friday, sir. The men wouldn't like that. To-night if you like."

"Ah, well, we won't go to-night," said the doctor.

"Only give your orders, sir," said the captain shortly. "Like to take a
look round now? Fresh provisions are all on board."

"Oh no," said Uncle Paul, "I know it all by heart."

"Looks a beauty now, don't she, sir?"

"Oh yes, she looks very well. Here, Rodd, come down with me into the
work-room."

The doctor strode off aft at once, the captain following slowly with the
boy; and as their chief descended the cabin stairs Captain Chubb cocked
his eye at his young companion.

"Bit rusty this morning," he whispered.

"Yes; uncle's getting out of pa