yne, and gave his
subordinate a nod, which meant, "Make no fuss, but out with it." Cadman,
a short square fellow with crafty eyes, began to do so.

"Captain, I have hit it off at last. Hackerbody put me wrong last time,
through the wench he hath a hankering after. This time I got it, and no
mistake, as right as if the villain lay asleep 'twixt you and me, and
told us all about it with his tongue out; and a good thing for men of
large families like me."

"All that I have heard such a number of times," his commander answered,
crustily, "that I whistle, as we used to do in a dead calm, Cadman. An
old salt like you knows how little comes of that."

"There I don't quite agree with your honor. I have known a hurricane
come from whistling. But this time there is no woman about it, and the
penny have come down straightforrard. New moon Tuesday next, and Monday
we slips first into that snug little cave. He hath a' had his last good
run."

"How much is coming this time, Cadman? I am sick and tired of those
three caves. It is all old woman's talk of caves, while they are running
south, upon the open beach."

"Captain, it is a big venture--the biggest of all the summer, I do
believe. Two thousand pounds, if there is a penny, in it. The schooner,
and the lugger, and the ketch, all to once, of purpose to send us
scattering. But your honor knows what we be after most. No woman in it
this time, Sir. The murder has been of the women, all along. When there
is no woman, I can see my way. We have got the right pig by the ear this
time."

"John Cadman, your manner of speech is rude. You forget that your
commanding officer has a wife and family, three-quarters of which are
female. You will give me your information without any rude observations
as to sex, of which you, as a married man, should be ashamed. A man and
his wife are one flesh, Cadman, and therefore you are a woman yourself,
and must labor not to disgrace yourself. Now don't look amazed, but
consider these things. If you had not been in a flurry, like a woman,
you would not have spoiled my dinner so. I will meet you at the outlook
at six o'clock. I have business on hand of importance."

With these words Carroway hastened home, leaving Cadman to mutter his
wrath, and then to growl it, when his officer was out of ear-shot.

"Never a day, nor an hour a'most, without he insulteth of me. A woman,
indeed! Well, his wife may be a man, but what call hath he to speak of
mine so? J