t presently and fetch
the creek on the other tack, just after dark, and with the tide half
made."

Long and intently the captain studied the boy's fearless face. Then he
began to recall an almost forgotten memory.

"Boy," said he suddenly, "you remind me of some one I have known."

The pilot's gaze remained as steady as his own, but there was a slight
expression of cynicism playing about his mouth.

"Ay!" continued the captain, seeming to speak his thoughts aloud. "The
eyes are the same, just as they looked that night when I---- Bah!"
recovering himself. "What a fool I am! This new venture unmans me."

The pilot did not seem to hear, but his eyes seemed to glow with a
green sheen, as the gathering gloom obscured his face. A violent emotion
was possessing him.

"Boy!" again cried the captain, "you interest me. How comes it that one
so young holds so responsible a position in the cause?"

"By past services have I been judged."

"Come, tell me the story."

"As you will."

"You will find me a ready listener."

"Be it so; but not yet. Now set the course north-west. A single light
here at the binnacle, and no other to show from anywhere on board. As
soon as we are in the creek, see that the sails are smartly trimmed to
my order. There'll be little time to spare."

The captain passed the word, and began to moodily pace the deck. He had
never thought to question the genuineness of the two papers. There stood
the pilot, his life forfeited by any failure tending to bring disaster
upon the lugger; and it was a good guarantee.

Anon the captain glanced at the pale, set face of the pilot, on which
the diffused light from the binnacle lantern feebly shone. For the
second time that evening the captain shivered, and without being able to
define the cause. He felt strangely ill at ease. Accustomed to daring
ventures, the present seemed sheer recklessness. Who was this determined
boy? Why did his presence bring back a fateful memory of the past?

The darkness deepened, and was further intensified by the cold, grey
fog. The wind was light, but a steady up-Channel draught. The lugger was
creeping in under mainsail and jib, her other sails being furled.

The pilot took over the helm, and ordered the man he relieved to go
forward. At the same time the captain came and stood by the binnacle.

"What is our position?" shortly asked he.

"We are within the creek," replied the pilot. "Hark! Don't you hear the
grinding of the