"Yes, Helena, to catch us. Of course he'll follow in some way. I have,
all the way from above Dubuque. Why should not he?"

The ladies looked from me to each other, doubting my sanity, perhaps.

"I don't just understand all this," began Helena. "But since we travel
only as we like, and only with guests whom we invite or who are
invited by the boat's owner, I shall ask you to put us ashore."

"On a sand-bar, Helena? Among the alligators?"

"Of course I mean at the nearest town."

"There is none where we are going, my dear Miss Emory. Little do you
know what lies before you! Black Bart heads for the open sea. Let yon
varlet follow at his peril. Believe me, 'twill cost him a very
considerable amount of gasoline."

"What right have you on this boat?" she demanded fiercely.

"The right of any pirate."

"Why do you intrude--how dare you--at least, I don't understand----"

"I have taken this ship, Helena," said I, "because it carries
treasure--more than you know of, more than I dreamed. My father was a
pirate, I am well assured by the public prints. So am I. 'Tis in the
blood. But do not anger me. Rather, have a cup of tea." John, my cook,
was now at the door with the tray.

"Thank you," rejoined Helena icily. "It would hardly be courteous to
Mr. Davidson--to use his servants and his table in this way in his
absence. Besides----"

"Besides, I recalled that your Aunt Lucinda's neuralgia is always
benefited by a glass or so of ninety-three at about ten thirty of the
evening. John!"

"Lessah!"

"Go to the left-hand locker in B; and bring me a bottle of the
ninety-three. I think you will find that better than this absurd
German champagne which I see yon varlet has been offering you, my dear
Mrs. Daniver. But--excuse me----"

Helena looked up, innocently.

"--A moment before there were six empty bottles on the table there.
And I saw you writing. How many have you thrown overboard through the
port-hole?"

"I didn't know you were so observant," replied Helena demurely. "But
only three."

"It is not enough," said I. "Go on, and write your other messages for
succor. Use each bottle, and we shall have more emptied for you, if
you like. You shall have oil bottles, vinegar bottles, water bottles,
wine bottles, all you like. Yon varlet might run across one, floating,
it is true. I hope he will. Methinks 'twould bid him speed. But all in
vain would be your appeal, for swift must be the craft that can come
up with Blac