econd mate's report and his
request to be allowed to salve the hull and cargo, and then called for
volunteers for the job.

The prospect of salvage money proved tempting enough to induce some
twenty men to come forward, of whom Kennedy chose fifteen, including the
boatswain's and carpenter's mates; whereupon the purser was instructed
to make up the men's accounts to date and pay them off. While the first
part of this business--namely, the making up of the accounts--was being
attended to, those who had volunteered went below and packed their kits,
then brought them on deck and threw them into the first cutter, which
Mrs Vansittart gave them, after which they went aboard the Hollander
and got to work.

The arrangement was that if Briscoe found the ship sound, he was, if
possible, to follow us to Colombo. If the yacht should be there upon
his arrival, he was to turn over his salvaged vessel to the proper
authorities, and, with his crew, rejoin the _Stella Maris_. But if for
any reason this plan should be found impracticable, he was to act
according to his own discretion, preferably navigating the ship to the
nearest port at which she could be refitted, and thence taking her home.

Half an hour afterward Grimwood, the purser, reported that he had made
up his accounts and withdrawn from the safe the amount of money required
to pay off the volunteers, whereupon I was ordered to take the whaler,
which was still in the water, veered astern, convey the purser aboard
the other craft, and, while he was engaged upon his business, take a
look round and consult with Briscoe, to determine whether the latter had
all that he was likely to require.

Investigation showed, as was of course to be expected, that the craft
was amply supplied with provisions and water for a long voyage, and also
that both were undamaged, while she was also well found in every other
respect. As soon, therefore, as the purser had finished his task--not
without having some of his accounts disputed--we bade the adventurers
farewell, wished them a safe and prosperous voyage, climbed down into
our boat, and returned to the yacht, which, after I had made my report
to the skipper, filled away and proceeded for Colombo, just as the sun
was dipping below the horizon.

I may mention here that we saw no more of Briscoe and his crew. They
did not turn up at Colombo during our sojourn there; and it was not
until long afterward that I learned that, after a very pro