me to my cabin we may
procure it."

They accordingly made their way to the cabin. Once there, Browne
opened his safe, and dragged out a plain wooden box, which he placed
upon the floor. MacAndrew observed that there was another of similar
size behind it. Browne noticed the expression upon his face, and
smiled.

"You're wondering what made me bring so much," he remarked. How well
he remembered going to his bank to procure it! He seemed to see the
dignified, portly manager seated on his leather chair, and could recall
that worthy gentleman's surprise at the curious request Browne made to
him.

"But how do you propose to get it ashore?" said the latter to
MacAndrew. "It's a heavy box; and what about the Customs authorities?"

"Oh, they won't trouble me," answered MacAndrew coolly. "I shall find
a way of getting it in without putting them to the inconvenience of
opening it."

"Do you want to count it? There may not be five thousand pounds there."

"I shall have to risk that," MacAndrew replied. "I haven't the time to
waste in counting it. I expect it's all right." So saying, he took up
the box, and followed Browne to the deck above.

"You quite understand what you've got to do, I suppose?" he asked when
they once more stood at the gangway.

"Perfectly," said Browne. "You need not be afraid lest I shall forget.
When do you think you will leave?"

"This morning, if possible," MacAndrew replied. "There is no time to
be lost. I've got a boat in my eye, and as soon as they can have her
ready I shall embark. By the way, if I were in your place I should be
extremely careful as to what I said or did in Japan. Excite only one
little bit of suspicion, and you will never be able to rectify the
error."

"You need have no fear on that score," rejoined Browne. "I will take
every possible precaution to prevent any one suspecting."

"I'm glad to hear it," MacAndrew returned. "Now, good-bye until we
meet on the 13th."

"Good-bye," said Browne; "and good luck go with you!"

They shook hands, and then MacAndrew, picking up his precious box, went
down the ladder, and, when he had taken his place in the well, the
_sampan_ pushed off for the shore.

"A nice sort of position I shall be in if he should prove to be a
swindler," reflected the young man, as he watched the retreating boat.
"But it's too late to think of that now. I have gone into the
business, and must carry it through, whatever happens."

When