ed with well-bound volumes; and several squares of
looking-glass inlaid between the doors that lead to the four little
staterooms--two on each side. There are two settees, with hair-cloth
cushions, and lockers underneath the same, in which Don Gregorio's
gold-dust is stowed.

Centrally stands a table, eight by six, mahogany, with massive carved
legs, and feet firmly fixed to the floor. It is set lengthwise, fore
and aft, a stout hair-cloth chair at top, another at bottom, and one at
each side--all, like the table, stanchioned to the timbers of the
half-deck.

Above a rack, with its array of decanters and glasses; and in the
centre, overhead, a swing-lamp, lacquered brass--so constructed as to
throw a brilliant glare on the surface of the table, while giving light
more subdued to all other parts of the little cabin.

To-night its rays are reflected with more than ordinary sparkle. For
the table beneath is spread with the best plate and glassware Captain
Lantanas can set forth. And in the dishes now on it are the most
savoury viands the _Condor's_ cook can produce. While in bottles and
decanters are wines of best _bouquet_ and choicest vintage.

Around are seated the four guests; the Captain, as host, at the head;
Don Gregorio, his _vis-a-vis_, at the foot; the ladies at opposite
sides--right and left.

As the barque is going before a gentle breeze, without the slightest
roll, or pitch, there is no need for guards upon the table. It shows
only the spread of snow-white damask, the shining silver plate, the
steel of Sheffield, the ware of Sevres or Worcester, with the usual
array of cut-glasses and decanters. In the centre an epergne,
containing fruits, and some flowers, which, despite exposure to the
saline breeze, Captain Lantanas has nursed into blooming. But the
fruits seem flowers of themselves, having come from California, famed
for the products of Pomona. There are peaches, the native growth of San
Franciscan gardens, with plums and nectarines; melons and grapes from
Los Angelos, further south; with the oranges, plantains, and pine-apples
of San Diego. And, alongside these productions of the tropical and
sub-tropical clime, are Newtown pippins, that have been imported into
California from the far Eastern States, mellowed by a sea voyage of
several thousand miles, around the stormy headland of Cape Horn.

The savoury meats tasted, eaten, and removed, the dessert, with its
adjuncts, has been brought up