he
absorbed in the narrative before him. Mrs. Passford and Christy, though
even more excited by the singular conduct of the owner, and the change
in the course of the steamer, did not venture to interrupt him.

The owner took the other two papers from his pocket, and had soon
possessed himself of all the details of the astounding news; and it
was plain enough to those who so eagerly observed his expression as he
read, that he was impressed as he had never been before in his life.

Before the owner had finished the reading of the papers, the Bellevite
had reached the anchorage chosen by the pilot, and the vessel was soon
fast to the bottom in a quiet sea.

"The tide is just right for going up to the city," said the pilot, who
had left his place in the pilot-house, and addressed himself to the
owner in the waist.

"But we shall not go up to the city," replied Captain Passford, in a
very decided tone. "But that shall make no difference in your pilot's
fees.--Captain Breaker."

The captain of the steamer, who had also come out of the pilot-house,
had stationed himself within call of the owner to receive the next
order, which might throw some light on the reason for anchoring the
steamer so near her destination on a full sea. He presented himself
before the magnate of the yacht, and indicated that he was ready to
take his further orders.

"You will see that the pilot is paid his full fee for taking the vessel
to a wharf," continued Captain Passford.

The captain bowed, and started towards the companionway; but the owner
called him back.

"I see what looks like a tug to the westward of us. You will set the
signal to bring her alongside," the magnate proceeded.

This order was even more strange than that under which the vessel had
come to anchor so near home after her long cruise; but the captain asked
no questions, and made no sign. Calling Beeks, he went aft with the
pilot, and paid him his fees.

When the American flag was displayed in the fore-rigging for the tug,
Captain Passford, with his gaze fixed on the planks of the deck, walked
slowly to the place where his wife was seated, and halted in front of
her without speaking a word. But there was a quivering of the lip which
assured the lady and her son that he was still struggling to suppress
his agitation.

"What is the matter, Horatio?" asked the wife, in the tenderest of
tones, while her expression assured those who saw her face that the
anxiety of the h