s now keenly on the alert, and he
watched every movement on the ship or wharf with the sharpness of a
lynx. Bulla presently went below, leaving the other three chatting on
the bridge, then a move was made and, the engineer reappearing, all four
entered the cabin. Apparently they were having a meal, for in about an
hour's time they emerged, and bringing canvas chairs to the boat
deck, sat down and began to smoke--all except Bulla, who once again
disappeared below. In a few moments he emerged with one of the crew,
and began to superintend the coupling of the oil hose. The friends had
realized the ship would have to put in for oil, but they had expected
that an hour's halt would have sufficed to fill up. But from the delay
in starting and the leisurely way the operation was being conducted, it
looked as if she was not proceeding that night.

In about an hour the oiling was completed, and Bulla followed his
friends to the captain's cabin, where the latter had retired when dusk
began to fall. An hour later they came out, said "Good-night," and
separated, Benson coming ashore, Bulla and Menzies entering cabins
on the main deck, and Captain Beamish snapping off the deck light and
re-entering his own room.

"Now or never," thought Merriman, as silence and darkness settled down
over the wharf.

But apparently it was to be never. Once again the hours crept slowly by
and not a sign of activity became apparent. Nothing moved on either
ship or wharf, until about two in the morning he saw dimly in the faint
moonlight the figure of Hilliard to relieve him.

The exchange was rapidly effected, and Hilliard took up his watch, while
his friend pulled back into Hull, and following his own precedent, went
to the hotel and to bed.

The following day Merriman took an early train to Goole, returning
immediately. This brought him past the depot, and he saw that the
Girondin had left.

That night he again rowed to the wharf and relieved Hilliard. They had
agreed that in spite of the extreme irksomeness of a second night in the
cask it was essential to continue their watch, lest the Girondin should
make another call on her way to sea and then discharge the faked props.

The remainder of the night and the next day passed like a hideous
dream. There being nothing to watch for in the first part of his vigil,
Merriman tried to sleep, but without much success. The hours dragged by
with an incredible deliberation, and during the next day there