a slight change in commanders. You are now under my
orders."

At this Martin flushed angrily and took a step toward the man who had
addressed him with so much confidence.

Then his face changed, his eyes dilated, his hands fell nervelessly by
his side. Fear took the place of anger.

"You are--it can't be," he gasped, staring into the face of the man
before him.

"You remember me, I see," replied the other, coolly. "They call me
Shaky; but you are right."

"Does Captain Dilke know who you are?" asked Martin, whose bearing was
now one of abject humility.

"Not yet; but he will know soon enough. Just at present he is in a
somewhat uncomfortable predicament. The last I saw of him, your wife and
Sandy were dragging him down into the cabin of the Swan."

At this Martin's face turned fairly livid.

"Is Judith on board?" he gasped. "I'll do anything you say, only be
merciful. It was so many years ago, and I have been sorry for it a
thousand times."

"I see you are quite repentant now," smiled the man, whom we will still
call Shaky. "Here comes your wife now. We had a long tramp through from
your home to Whiting, though she stood the journey as well as any of
us."

Martin looked up and saw Judith coming toward him, and he stood like a
guilty boy expecting the punishment which he knows he richly merits.

Judith came and stood beside the two men. Martin's eyes were cast down,
and she made a number of swift movements with her hands, which Shaky
answered in like manner. Then he turned to Martin.

"She wishes to know if you are willing to do as you are told. What
answer shall I make?"

"Tell her that I will obey orders," replied Martin, without looking up.
"I will not struggle against fate."

Shaky spelled this off rapidly with his fingers, and Judith smiled.

It was like a ray of sunlight breaking through a cloud, and illumined
the dark face wonderfully.

In a few moments the fastenings were cast off and the sloop and schooner
drifted apart, Sandy remaining on board the Swan, with the imprisoned
captain in the cabin and the two boys in the hold.

The Petrel at once bore away, with Martin at the wheel and Shaky in
command, Judith descending into the little caboose to prepare food.

The feelings of Captain Dilke, when he found himself alone in the cabin,
cannot be described. He struggled frantically with his bonds for a long
time, and at last succeeded in releasing one of his hands. It was now
only a question o