t. But here's something more the
biggest game ever played between nations by a private person--with
fifty thousand pounds as the end thereof, if all goes well with my lone
corvette."

The next evening, just before dusk, after having idled about out of
sight of the signal station nearly all day, Captain Shewell entered
Golden Gate with the Hornet-of no squadron. But the officers at the
signal station did not know that, and simply telegraphed to the harbour,
in reply to the signals from the corvette, that a British man-of-war
was coming. She came leisurely up the bay, with Captain Shewell on the
bridge. He gave a low whistle as he saw the Cormorant in the distance.
He knew the harbour well, and saw that the Cormorant had gone to a new
anchorage, not the same as British men-of-war took formerly. He drew
away to the old anchorage--he need not be supposed to know that a change
was expected; besides--and this was important to Captain Shewell--the
old anchorage was near the docks; and it was clear, save for one little
life-boat and a schooner which was making out as he came up.

As the Hornet came to anchor the Cormorant saluted her, and she replied
instantly. Customs officers who were watching the craft from the shore
or from their boats put down their marine glasses contentedly when they
saw and heard the salutes. But two went out to the Hornet, were
received graciously by Captain Shewell, who, over a glass of wine in his
cabin-appropriately hung with pictures of Nelson and Collingwood--said
that he was proceeding to Alaska to rescue a crew shipwrecked which had
taken refuge on a barren island, and that he was leaving the next day as
soon as he could get some coal; though he feared it would be difficult
coaling up that night. He did not need a great deal, he said--which was,
indeed, the case--but he did need some, and for the Hornet's safety he
must have it. After this, with cheerful compliments, and the perfunctory
declaration on his part that there was nothing dutiable on board, the
officers left him, greatly pleased with his courtesy, saluted by the
sailors standing at the gangway as they left the ship's side. The
officers did not notice that one of these sailors winked an eye at
another, and that both then grinned, and were promptly ordered aft by
the second lieutenant.

As soon as it was very dark two or three boats pushed out from the
Hornet, and rowed swiftly to shore, passing a Customs boat as they went,
which was