told an untruth, or at all events, of having been
guilty of an evasion.

"It wasn't my money," he said, as if to extenuate his previous denial.

"Then you have got a draft, such as this fellow speaks of?" continued
the corsair, pointing contemptuously with his foot at the mate, with a
kick.

"Yes," said the captain.

"Where is it?"

"In a note-book in the pocket of that coat of mine you've got on," said
Captain Harding, with a gesture at the borrowed monkey-jacket which the
other still wore.

"Oh, thanks! Then it is quite handy," said the corsair, clapping his
hand in the breast-pocket of the appropriated garment, and producing a
thick Russian leather wallet, which he proceeded to open with nervous
hands.

"Respect my private papers," said the captain, as the other fumbled
amidst a mass of memoranda and other documents. "There is only one
draft there, and nothing else valuable, I pledge you my word."

"Honour?" asked the other.

"On my honour there is not," replied Captain Harding with dignity. "I
never said that when you asked me about money in the cabin; so, you may
believe me."

"I do believe you, captain," said the pirate chief with a light laugh,
which might have been caused by the sight of a banker's draft which he
unfolded at the moment, as much as by his words. "I give you the credit
of not being able to tell a lie with any spirit, as you tried to do just
now. Here are your papers; this will be enough for me." And he then
read out the draft, which ran as follows:--

"From Bracegirdle, Pollyblank, and Company, Ship and Insurance Agents,
Birchin Lane, London, to Miguel, Mavrocordato, and Thomasson, Freres,
Fruit Merchants and General Shippers, Smyrna, 17th March, 1881. At
three days' sight pay to John Harding, master of the ship _Muscadine_,
or order, the sum of one thousand five hundred and seventy-five pounds
sterling. Value received.

"1575 pounds, 0 shillings 0 pence. Bracegirdle, Pollyblank and Co."

"This is a very nice little sum of money," said the corsair
complacently, restored to all his previous good humour; "a very nice
little sum of money!"

"Wait till you get it," said Captain Harding gruffly, by no means
pleased at the other's satisfaction.

"Oh, I shall get it easily enough," replied the corsair airily. "You've
only to put your signature to it, and the thing's done."

"When I sign it," said the captain, pointedly.

"Ah! my dear captain, there will be no bother abou