ng cool drink. Phew, it'll be a roaster this evening."

"Going out dining?" inquired the rumbling-voiced old man.

"No, to the theatre. I'm taking Mrs. Tracey. How is everything
getting on on board?"

"Right as can be. Came in to see if you'd come down to-morrow and have
a look at her."

Barry nodded. "Right you are, Watson: and I daresay that Mrs. Tracey
will come too. She takes a lot of pride in the new ship I can tell
you."

"Just so. And you'll find that the new ship will be even a better
sailer than the _Mahina_."

For the _Mahina_, had been sold a month or so before, and in her place
had been bought a smart little barque of double her tonnage.

She was to sail for Arrecifos in a few days, and old Watson had joined
her as chief mate, for poor Manuel Barradas was in prison, having
received a sentence of two years' imprisonment for his share in the
seizure of the brig. And here, as this story draws near to an end, let
me tell what became of him. After twelve months of his sentence had
expired he was, through the persistent efforts of Barry and his
friends, set at liberty, the judge who had tried him being one of some
hundreds of people who petitioned the Crown on his behalf. Before
another year had passed he was back in Arrecifos Lagoon, in charge of
the station, which he took over from Velo at Barry's desire; the
faithful Samoan being tired of living on shore, and for long, long
years Barradas remained in Barry's employ on the island, happy and
contented and with his mind at rest.

* * * * * *

The hotel in which Barry was living was quite near the wharves of the
Circular Quay. He had taken up his quarters there after the _Mahina_
had been sold, for as old Watson was an active and energetic chief
officer there was no need for him to live on board the new vessel.
During the time he had been living on shore he had met Mrs. Tracey
frequently; for he acted as her business agent, and she relied upon him
with the most implicit confidence. When he suggested that the brig
should be sold and another vessel bought she eagerly acquiesced on the
one condition that he would take command.

"Of course I will," he said, "and very glad to do so, Mrs. Tracey. She
is a beautiful little barque and not a bit too big. You will see how
she can sail when you pay a visit to Arrecifos next year."

"I almost wish I were going this time, Captain Barry. Till next year
seems a long, lon