d never said so much before on this delicate subject to any person.
"It will have to be Adam this time that does all the tempting. But I
wish you would explain to me how you happen to be fixed up here like
Aladdin in one of his fairy palaces. I suppose, of course, you are
sailing in your own steamer?"

"Not at all; for though we have money enough now, we are not disposed to
throw it away upon a ship with so much style about her as the Blanche
carries over the ocean. But I have not asked you about your party on
board of the Guardian-Mother. I like that title, and if I had had the
naming of the Blanche, I should have called her the Protecting
Grandmother, or something of that sort."

"The company on board of my ship are all in excellent health and
spirits. By the way, we have a dinner party at six, and you and your
wife must assist; and it will be a most unexpected pleasure."

"I will go; but it is four now, and we haven't half time enough to do
our talking. But come to my cabin; and then, if you will excuse me for a
moment, I will notify Mrs. Sharp, so that she may be ready for the
dinner."

Captain Sharp sent the sailor at the gangway to show the visitor to his
cabin, while he went aft on his errand. Captain Ringgold found the cabin
consisted of two apartments, one of which was evidently his wife's
boudoir; and nothing could have been more elegant or convenient. In
fact, it was Oriental magnificence, though the portion appropriated to
the commander was fitted up with the usual nautical appliances. The
occupant of the cabin soon appeared; and he acted as though he wanted to
hug his visitor, though he satisfied himself by taking his hand again.
He evidently credited the captain of the Guardian-Mother with both his
wife and his fortune.

"Now take this arm-chair, Captain Ringgold, and we will have it out,"
said the commander of the Blanche. "My wife will be ready in an hour,
and she will be delighted to see Mrs. Belgrave and the rest of the
party; for she is particularly fond of that lady, though they have both
been in the same relation to Scoble."

"I think the name of Scoble has not been mentioned for nearly a year on
board of the Guardian-Mother. But you told me, Captain Sharp, that you
and your wife were not the owners of this fine craft," suggested the
visitor, leading to the solution of the mystery which perplexed him.

"We are not; and I am sailing in the employ of General Newry," answered
the other; and Cap