otels. Then perhaps I can rake up a few loafers, landsmen, or
anybody who can shovel coal or push on a capstan bar, and by offering
them double wages get them to ship with us. Once in Jamaica, we shall be
all right!"

"But don't you think it will be dangerous," said Mrs. Cliff, "to go
around offering extra pay in this way?"

"That may be," he answered, "but what else is there to do?"

At this moment Mr. Litchfield approached. "Madam," said he, "we have
been discussing the unfortunate circumstances in which you find yourself
placed, and we now ask if you have made any plans in regard to your
future action?"

"The circumstances are truly unfortunate," replied Mrs. Cliff; "for we
are anxious to get to Jamaica as soon as possible on account of very
important business, and I don't see how we are to do it. We have made no
plans, except that we feel it will be well for you gentlemen to leave us
and go to your hotel, where you can stay until the steamer will sail for
Savannah day after to-morrow. As for ourselves, we don't know what we
are going to do. Unless, indeed, some sort of a vessel may be starting
for Jamaica, and in that case we could leave the _Summer Shelter_ here
and go on her."

"No," said Burke, "I thought of that and inquired. Nothing will sail
under a week, and in that time everybody we want to see may have left
Jamaica!"

"Will you excuse me for a few minutes?" said Mr. Litchfield, and with
that he returned to his companions.

"Captain," said Willy, "won't you come down and have your breakfast? I
don't believe you have eaten a thing, and you look as if you needed it!"

Captain Burke really did look as if he needed a good many things,--among
others, a comb and a brush. His gold-trimmed cap was pushed on the back
of his head; his white coat was unbuttoned, and the collar turned in;
and his countenance was troubled by the belief that his want of prudence
had brought Mrs. Cliff and her property into a very serious predicament.

"Thank you," said he, "but I can't eat. Breakfast is the last thing I
can think of just now!"

Now approached Mr. Litchfield, followed by all his clerical brethren.
"Madam," said he, "we have had a final consultation and have come to
make a proposition to you and the Captain. We do not feel that we would
be the kind of men we would like to think we are, if, after all your
kindness and great consideration, we should step on shore and continue
the very delightful programme you have