at the _first_ act in this nice little melodrama was the
knocking down of Sling, so that he could not know what happened after,
and the police would not be so soft as to tell him _why_ they wanted
such information until after they had got it."

Poor Glynn looked aghast, and Rokens was overwhelmed.

"It seems to me, I'd better go and see about this," said Millons, rising
and buttoning his coat with the air of a man who had business to
transact and meant to transact it.

"Right, Millons," answered the captain. "I'm sorry to break up our
evening so soon, but we must get this man aboard by hook or crook as
speedily as possible. You had better go too, doctor. Rokens and I will
take care of this young scamp, who must be made a nigger of in order to
be got on board, for his face, once seen by these sharp limbs of
justice, is not likely soon to be forgotten."

Glynn Proctor was indeed a youth whose personal appearance was
calculated to make a lasting impression on most people. He was about
eighteen years of age, but a strong, well-developed muscular frame, a
firm mouth, a large chin, and an eagle eye, gave him the appearance of
being much older. He was above the middle height, but not tall, and the
great breadth of his shoulders and depth of his chest made him appear
shorter than he really was. His hair was of that beautiful hue called
nut-brown, and curled close round his well-shaped head. He was a model
of strength and activity.

Glynn Proctor had many faults. He was hasty and reckless. He was
unsteady, too, and preferred a roving idle life to a busy one; but he
had redeeming qualities. He was bold and generous. Above all, he was
unselfish, and therefore speedily became a favourite with all who knew
him. Glynn's history is briefly told. He was an Englishman. His
father and mother had died when he was a child, and left him in charge
of an uncle, who emigrated to America shortly after his brother's death.
The uncle was a good man, after a fashion, but he was austere and
unlovable. Glynn didn't like him; so when he attained the age of
thirteen, he quietly told him that he meant to bid him good-bye, and go
seek his fortune in the world. The uncle as quietly told Glynn that he
was quite right, and the sooner he went the better. So Glynn went, and
never saw his uncle again, for the old man died while he was abroad.

Glynn travelled far and encountered many vicissitudes of fortune in his
early wanderings; but