hey
had heard the news, for it was flying all over the city. He looked very
much troubled, as well he might.

"It seems very strange to me," said Peverell, after he had discussed
the robbery for a while. "Nobody came into the saloon while I was there
but Buckner. I saw him come in, but I took no further notice of him;
and I hadn't the least idea that anything was wrong till I saw Nick
leap over the counter. I can't see how anybody else could have taken
the package; and it is just as hard to tell what became of it."

"I haven't the least doubt but what he threw it into the river," added
Nick Boomsby.

"I don't see how he could have done it without anybody seeing him,"
replied the messenger. "There were plenty of men standing about the
pier."

"There seems to be something the matter here," interposed Peeks, coming
up to me at this moment with the telegraphic despatch in his hand. "I
am sorry to disturb you, Captain Alick."

"It is none of my affairs," I added, hoping the despatch contained no
bad news from home.

"I have a message from Detroit informing me that my father is very
sick," added Peeks, opening the despatch. "My mother wants me to come
home as quick as I can."

"I am sorry your news is so bad, Mr. Peeks; but there is only one thing
for a son to do in such a case," I replied, full of sympathy for our
steward. "I hardly know how I shall get along without you; but I cannot
ask you to remain under such circumstances."

"I am sorry to leave, Captain Alick, especially for such a reason. My
health has been entirely restored by this cruise, and I would not leave
you if I didn't get a cent for my work, though I have been well and
promptly paid. My father has considerable property, and my mother is
old and feeble. I am afraid I shall not be able to join you again, for
if my father dies, as the doctors say he must, I shall have to look out
for his affairs at home. But I have no time to lose, for I must take
the train for the North this afternoon."

I paid him the balance of wages due him, and we parted with a hearty
shake of hands. His going disturbed me not a little, for he was both
skilful and faithful, and his services had been invaluable, when I had
so many passengers on board the Sylvania. He left the saloon, and for
some minutes I forgot the exciting events of the day.

If we were to sail on our next cruise, as had been arranged, the next
morning, I must look up a competent steward. But the Florida sea