rse. Well, I'm sorry for your
disappointment. But shouldn't you be on board your ship, Captain? I
believe there is something about to move on that schooner."

It was perfectly plain that Mrs. Goring did not intend to be
communicative regarding her own errand or business with the schooner.
Barry felt that, and bit back the impatient speech that welled to his
lips. Whatever this woman turned out to be in the end, it was certain
that at present Barry was not in her complete confidence any more than
he was in Vandersee's; and after all, his own affairs were solely
concerned in his ship. But he knew, apparently, a detail that she did
not.

"Let 'em start something, Mrs. Goring," he replied sourly. "They can do
no more now than during the past week. My ship still lies across the
channel, even though she is raised. She stays there, at least until
ready to move in any direction."

"Oh, I wish I had known that an hour ago!" the woman cried. "Are you
sure?"

"I am her skipper and should be sure," he retorted and continued: "Well,
if you've left something undone, there's lots of time to repair the
omission. From what I can see you have undisputed entry to the
schooner. It's easy to go aboard again, isn't it?"

"Captain, you are very patient, but you have not yet learned to believe
in your friends," she replied very softly and with a world of
tenderness. "You are angry now, and really I can't blame you. But if it
will ease your mind and prevent you worrying continually, I can tell you
that Miss Sheldon is found--is not far away--and is safe. What I said
about knowing of your situation an hour ago simply concerned Natalie's
comfort, which might have been provided for more fully."

"Oh, I don't pretend any more to understand anything," Barry replied,
"so must accept what you say without question. I might ask how it
happens that you are so free of the _Padang_, but I won't. Live and
learn--wait and see! Good night, Mrs. Goring."

"Good night, Captain," she cried back at him, and so utterly relieved
was her tone that the skipper dropped down upon Little, swearing like a
half-smothered coal heaver with hot irritation.

"What's biting you now?" grinned Little.

"Shove off and shut up!" retorted Barry and dug his paddle furiously
into the river, careless of noise.

They reached the brigantine without having raised a sound from the
schooner; but they saw no more lights aboard her, and the chill dawn
broke and found all hands b