The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-07-01

conc to him with the southeast trades
and rolled in his mind through the Southsrr
Ocean. only to reach perfection within ttt
last few hours. But it was perfect now
And all beyond lay dark.
Isn't that their boat, sir?'
II was the chief steward who wanted tC
| know: he was dallying on the poop in the
excitement OF the occasion. The cap.air
stood farther aft; an anxious face red
| cigar-end, and blue Tam-o' ShaEter were
all of him that showed in the intense
! darkness. The main-yaTd had just been
backed. and the chief officer WIS now or
| the quarterback, seeing the rOpe-ladlei
! over the side. II was through his glasses
/ that Skrimshire was watching tho pilots
cutter. or rather her lights. and as well
| as he could, by their meagre rays. the lit
| tie boat that now bodied against the cut
| ter's side
1T is the boat. amt it, sir?" persisted
the steward.
Yes 1 think so'' said Skrimshire "Bow
many men come with the pilot, as a ru e 90
only himself and chap to row him"
''Ah! You mjgt; give these to the chief
officer. steward. I'm going to my cab n
for a minute. Don't forget to thank the
mate for lending me his glasses; they'vs
been exceedingly useful to me-"
And, Skrirashire disappeared down the
ladder; his tone had been strange but the
steward only remembered this afterward;
a, the tine he was too excited himself
and too glad OF glass to level at the boat.
to note any such nicely as mere tone
-Four OF them. by lingo" mused the
steward. Il wonder what that's for?'
But he did not wonder long; in a very
few minutes the four were on board ard
ascending the SAINT ladder by which SkIim-
shire had gone below, the pilot at their
head. Nelson received them at the break
of the poop.
Il congratulate you, captain was the
pilots greeting; I've didn't expect You
before next week. Now, first allow me"
and he lowered his voice, "to introduce
Inspector Robins. of the Melbourne
police; this gentleman is an officer h.
has brought with him: and my man has
come aboard for message for the sher,
Mr.. Robins would like 4 word with you
before We lie: him go There is No hurry
for I'm very much afraid can't lake you
in till daylight
Nelson took the Inspector to che wealth
errail.
, Il know what's comiug,v he said. THE
Garth Castle sisnaled-i't
II know, 1 know. Have you got him?
Have you got himT' raped out Robins.
Safe and sound whispered the captain;
land thinks himself as right as the bank,
poor DEVIL"
Then you didn't put him in irons?"
mo; l thought it better not to. He'd
have committed suicide. / spotted tat:
sounded him without his knowing sid
the crafty captain. ~ happened to read the
signals myself. and never let on to soul
in the ship
The good fellow looked delighted with
himself behind his red cigar. but the acute
face of the detective scarcely reflected his
satisfaction.
well. that's all right if he's all right"
said Robins. If you don't mind captain,
I'd like to be introduced to him. One or
both of us will spend the night with him.
by your leave"
AS you like" said Nelson: "but can't
help feeling sorry for him. He's no more
idea of this than the man in the MON.
That you. steward? Where's Mr.. Bennett?
He was here a minute ago."
Yes. sir; only just gone below, sir"
well. so and ask him to come up and
drink with the pilot. I'll introduce him to
the pilot. and you can do what you like"
continued the captain, only wishing he
could shrink detestable duty altogether.
but i give you fair warming. tbs is
desperate man, or I'm much mistaken in
him
"Desperate!" chuckled the inspector;
don't we know it? 1t seems to have bsen
as bad murder as you've had in the old
country for long time. In a train. All
planned. Victim in one carriage. our friend
in the next; got along footboard in tunnel,
shot him dead through window, and got
back. Case OF revenge, and other fellow no
beauty. but this ones got to swing. On his
way to join your ship. too; passage booked
beforehand. The most coid-b,ooded
plant"
1t was the chief steward. breathless and
panic-stricken.
His door Is locked"
He always does lock it, exclaimed the !