Newspaper Page Text
task for Jot/in_ cue American slip, and I should have hvtn offended at his tone, but I know I had been wrong. "From what you toll us lie had no doubt been in communication with Captain Wood yesterday, and be would bave saved us some time and trouble if wo luul him under our hand now. 'He must be hunted up." said the colo nel. "Your people know him at Scotland Yard. He was there today, and they sent him on tt the United States con sulate. He told me that himself," I said. "They will know lum at the consu late probably. I will send there to in qtthv." said the colonel, making a short note. "And Captain Wood's man knows Mm. They came here together this afternoon." "And for the matter of that so do I added Sir Charles. "Not much, of eourse, and he's an uncommon queer looking eha But the fellow seems honest and straightforward." "Unless the whole thing is a put up job," remarked the police colonel, with "He must be hunted up," said the colonel. a meaning smile, "a scheme to throw you off the hceut of these papers which you sav are so important. Sir Charles" "By George, they are that," the gen etal broke in. "Don't you see? It is probably a trumped up story about the plot against Wood simply to cover the theft of the papers." "But Captain Wood has gone. He has been carried off," I said. 'Gone,' yes," sneered the colonel, "but 'carried off/ How do we know that? It's not the first time a young gentleman has disappeared for four and twenty hours or more. Who knows all the ins and outs of Captain Wood's affairs and private move ments?" At that moment Harris, the butler, came up with a card. "Gentleman asks if he can see you most particular. Same as came this afternoonMr. Snoozer but he's got a dirty scrub of a boy with him." "Joe," 1 cried. '"Show them up here, Harris. Yes bring both of them, of eourse. We shall hear something-now." Mr. Snuyzer came up to the drawing room at a run, I'm sure. He was al most at Harris' heels. The boy Joe lagged a little behind and stood abash ed at the door, and Roy, who by consti tution hated all boys, especially ragged ones, took this hesitation as suspicious and gave an ugly growl, with a show of his fierce teeth. The collie, I should mention, had never left me since he was brought to Hill street. "Look yar. What did I tell jou, miss?" began the detecthe, coming straight at me and talking ralher ex citedly. "1 never thought to show my self here again, but, by thunder, it was too strong for me. I'v got the pride of my business, and I wanted vou to see I was right to belie\e in Joe. Now, speak out, young squire." I must say 1 thought well of the boy from the very first He was an apple checked, healthy looking, bullet head ed urchiu. with clear, china blue eyes, very wide open just then in astonish ment, 1 think, not fear. He did not care one bit for the dog, but faced him sturdily, stooping as if to pick up a stone, with a "Would youbr-r-r, lie dorn. will you." that sent the collie, still growling, under the sofa. "How was it, Joe? Won't vou sit down? Let's hear what happened," I said just to encoutage him, and he ask ed nothing better than to tell his story, and taking his seat at the very edge of a chair after dusting it he began: "It was this wa mummiss. When heMr. Snujzer thereset me on the nark. I moan uateij this morning. 1 held on to the job close for a matter of three hours and never saw nothing. Worn't no move at all in the house tiJl about 11 o'clock, when a trap comes down the road and pulls up at the gar den gate. The coachman he Mas in an old blue coat and silver buttous, bad hathalf a crown an hour business regular fly. But inside was a donaa real lady, you understand, dressed up to the knocker. I saw her get out" "Would you know her again?" we asked, all of us, in a breath. Joe nodded his head. "I couldn't see her face at first, she'd got a thick veil on. But afterward I got my chance, as I'll tell you directly. She was a snorter, too, leal jam, and no mistake, a lady, like as I've seen at the music 'alls." "When did you see her face?" asked the colonel, rather disdainfully. "In the carriage, when I was a-set tlng right opposite her. I'll come to that. But first of all 1 must tell you bow it was. You see, the dona she wouldn't go right into the garden at first. She kept at the gate spyinglike, watching the house and doubting, as I fancied, she ought to go in. Then she made a dash forward for the front door, but before she reached the steps some one came down, a man" "Would you know him again?" "Rather, In a thousand. He was a little black muzzled chap, with a skin Ifke a pickled walnut, and he came out all in a hurry, as though he had been watching for her. "He waved her back, but she stuck to it, and they must have had words, for I see'd him take her by the wrist and pull her out toward the carriage. l&iS-ibyk, S"?*A*.MaM, "I was crouched close under the wall, for Yd sneaked up at the back of the umiage to spot what I could, and I wsis just by the door when the small chap opened it and was forcing the dona to got in ''I will not co, Punir' tPepe), she says, 'not until I have heard what you have done to him. There was to be no violence. You promised that, and I wish to be sure. I must know,' she says, 'that he ain't come to no harm,' she says. "With that the little fellow gives her a great shove. I think he'd 'a' struck her, but just then he caught sight of me. 'Why, in the name ofsome for eign gibberish'where have you drop ped from? What brings you 'anging about 'ere?' "I tried to stall him off by axing him to buy a box of matches, but he cut up very rough and wanted to lay 'old of me, saying he'd call the police and give me in charge for loitering and all that. But I checked him and slipped through his fiugers-'twasn't difficultand ran up the road. Aitei 1 1 *.l been caught out," Joe went on, hieh I'm very sorry, sir, I judgtv, ctter keep off a bit it I v. as to do ii%, more good. "It was time, too, now they'd dropped on to me, to send word to the office what was up that they was a-moviug down here. I was a-making tor the nearest postjffico to send a wire, when, from where I was, I saw the carriage drive straight into the garden "The road was clear, so I crept baek, keeping out of sight and scrouging in side the pillars of the next gate, where I'd got my eye on what went on The carriage was nowheres to be seen. They must have took it right inside the stables, for the coachhouse doors was open." "That was to get Mr. Wood away," said the American detective. "How do you know that? You don't even know that he was there at all," sneered the colonel. "Hah! You wait. Guess you'll see," retorted Mr. Snuyzer. "I believe the carriage came on purpose, or they were uneasy at seeing the boy. Suspected something some one had got wind, some one was on the track and wanted to clear out." "All pure conjectuie," said the colo nel. "Anyway, they did seniore him," ar gued Snuyzer. "If he was ever there," retorted the colonel. "Well, well. Go on, Joe. Did you see anything more of the brougham?" I asked. "Did 1, mum? Of course 1 did. That's what I was waiting for. It was half an hour or more afore it come out again. And there was three chaps come'd out first, a-laughing and a-talk ing. I heerd one of 'em say, 'Not much fight about him now.' T'other says, 'He went like a sheep.' 'A dead un.' says another. 'Mutton, you mean.' "Oh! had they hurt him? Oh, Sir Charles!" I burst in, finding great diffi culty in restraining myself. "No, miss." put in the American very kindly. 'Tvo told you they've no cause to hurt him as I look at it. He's too pieeions to them, besides. Fire ahead Joe." "The carriage, it was druv out fast through the gate into the road and straight on for London. I had to settle what I'd do and quick too. You'd told me, sir, to atch the house and if any one come out to let you know Well, I judged tbej'd all come out. so anyways I was bound to let jou know, and I'd an idea that the carriage'd help me to the next move. If I foUererl it, I'd find where they'd all gone to. "So with that I scribbled a message on the gate, case vou corned down and missed me, and I started running all 1 knew to catch up the carriage. I pick ed it up long way this side of the bridge, although I was near baked and done brown But I hitched on to the back part like as I've done a thousand times atoie and rode like a gentleman all the way up the 'Aramersmith road right into Kensington. "There one of your blooming inter fering coves wot sees me on mj perch gives the office to the man a-dnvmg, who rounds with his whip and gives "It's you, is it? Aha! This is the second time I've caught you spying." me wot for. I held ou for all the cuts of the cord, though they stung like hot nettles. I was pretty well slashed all over, when all at once the jarvey stops his 'osses, and before I could climb down a fellerthe same little black faced mooehercame and copped me right where I sat behind. He was aw ful mad. 'You devil's spawn! It's you, is it? Aha! This is the second time I've -A*. /Aiie^i&r -vU&Cilibj caught you spying. Tell me who sent you, or by'-some foreign talk'I'll do for you.' "But mum was the word with me. I wouldn't 'a'let on if he'd cut me to rib bons. 'Chuck it.' 1 said, 'chuck it or call the coppers If I'vo done wrong, it's for them to pick me up, not you. I'll answer lo them.' "He didn't much like the talk of the police. I could see that. They might want to know more about him thau he chose to toll. That settled him, I think, for he dragged me up to the carriage door, opened it and shoved me in, I saw the lady, the same dona, was there and by her side a big bundle of some thing, a figure of a man it might *a'- been. all wrapped up in rugs and blan kets and things. Might 'a'been a dead un Then the feller began talking for eign again to the dona, and she an swered back the same, aud there was a great shiudy. "It was all about me. 1 guessed that. And the end was that the feller hoisted mo on to the front seat and said to me mighty sharp: 'You stick there. Don't move. If you try to get out, I shall sec you from the box, and you won't got far even if you don't break your neck leaving the carriage. Watch him, Susette She's responsible for you, my lad, and she knows what I'll do to her if you play any tricks.' "With that he left us, and we rolled ou. -Who sent youV' asked the dona di rectly he'd gone. 'Do you come from his friends?' She nudged the bundle alongside. 'Do you know Captain Wood?' "Ha, you see!" interposed the Amer ican. "You bet that was our man hid up among those rugs." The others were compelled now to admit the tact, and they did so un grudgingly. As for me, my heart was beating fast, for I felt that at last I had come upon the track of my love. "What did you tell her? Go on, my good boy," I said breathlessly. "You see, miss, I'd never heard tell of no captain, but I wouldn't let on," Joe continued. "The boss 'ere had only told me to watch, saying it was a cross job, but he mentioned no names. So I ups and asks, 'Is that Mr. Wood?' and I could 'a' sworn that the bundle mov ed, and there was struggling like in- side." "Gagged, of course," put In the Amer ican. Joe went on. 'Anyway, 1 am his friend.' she says. 'I don't mean be shall come to harm. And 1 want him'the bundle moved again'him and others to know that, and I'd like you to tell 'em so when you get out of this mess.' 'When'll that be?' I asks, a little bit on the hump, you know. 'Now, if you're game to hop out, I'm not a-going to stop you,' and she was for turning of the handle then and there. "But 1 considered a bit, and the thought came in my head that uow I'd got 'ere I had ought to stick 'ere. There was the gentleman opposite meas 1 judgedand if I was to do any service to him 'twasn't by cutting awaj. I'd got to see the thing right through where they took him, what they did to him, who and what they were." "You're a brave lad," I said, stretch ing out and shaking hands with him. and indeed I should have liked to hug him, dusty and dirty as he was. "Thank you kindly, miss." he an swered shyly, and went on. "The only way out of it was to say 1 was afeard to jump The cove on the box was a-watchiug me. 1 says, and a lot more. Then the carriage settled it by turning into some jard, a private place it look ed like, bur they gave me no time to spy, for the feilei from the box came down directly we stopped and had me out in a jiffy '"'Ere,' he sajs. "we've got first to do with on Lay hold on him.' Then two other chaps grabs me by tb arms and rushes me head down, jam, ram, straight into a dark hole that smelled of moldy straw and garbagesome soit of cellarwhere they locked a door on me, and I was laid up in limbo like a rat in a trap. "It took me half an houi or so to shake rujself together. First thing that gave me heart was a streak of 3ajligh up atop of the calaboose, aud when 1 struck a match I found it corned through an old iron grating, which I soon overhauled 'Tworn't set so tight that I couldn't soon loosen a brick, although I tore my hands a bit before 1 got the thing right out. Then I'd a job to lift myself up by my arms, but I'm strong in the arms, and by and by 1 scrambled through that grating that's what tore my clothesand out on to the yard above. It was the one as we'd druv intoa stable yard at the back of a tall house all shut up, windows shutteied, blinds down. No one at home, you'd say The stables was emptyno horses, helpers, no traps 1 couldn't find that the stables joined on to the house neither, but I judged it wi better not to hang about too long or they'd be copping me again. So 1 makes foi the yard doors. They was only barred on the inside, and 1 got out right enough into the back lane That's about all. I corned on then straight to you, sir, to make my report." "You were in a monstrous hurry," said Colonel Bannister. "Why didn't you mark down the house, the neigh borhood, the exact spot?" Mr. Snuyzer took his part. "Joe knows his business yes, sir, as well as the best professionals. Tell us Joe." "The stables was in Featherstoue mews, No. 7. To make sure 1 chalked something ou the doors. The stables was at the back of Featherstone Gar dens and belonged, I should say, to No. 7." In a few minutes more we had start ed in cabsI in a hansom with Sir Charlesstraight for Featherstone Gardens. Roy came with us. We were the first to arrive, but the others had gone round, escorted by Joe, to the back of %hp hou.se so as to verify the mews aud the .situation exactly. When they joined us at the entrance of the gardens, Colonel Bannister, who now took the lead, dismissed the cabs and said in his brief, ordering sort of way. "W oan'fc all go up to thehou&e. It might create a scandal. The whole thing may be a mistake. I'll take this lad first. He may perhaps identify somebody, aud theu wc shall be eu titled to act." "And me, please," I added. "Oh, yes, indeed, Colonel Bannister, I shall go too." He shrugged his shoulders, and we three, with Roy close at my heels, soon stood on the doorstep of No. 7. The house was all shut up, the chain was on the door, and we waited a long time while some one inside fumbled with it and several bolts. "Well, what is it?" asked an old man who at last opened the door, but held it ajar. He was of very respectable appearance, with white hair under a black skullcap, and wore a decent blue and white striped jacket, the typo of an old servant in a good family. "May I inquire" "We wish to see your master," said the colonel promptly. "I am afraid that is impossible, sir," replied the man civilly. "The family have gone out of town. The duke left yesterday for Spain." "The duke?" "The Duke of Tierra Sagrada. He is my master, sir. If you will leave your card I will see that it is sent on to him, or any letter. I have his ad dress." "In Spain?" "Certainly, sir. Oasa Huerta Her mosa, St. Sebastian. They have gone to the seaside. No, please"this was to me, for I was quietly trying to get Roy past him into the house"that dog mustn't come in. My orders are strict against dogs." "Call him back, Miss Fairholme, at once," said the colonel in a tone which I resented, but he cut me quite short. "This farce has gone far enough. I wash my hands of it. Good night" this to the old manservant as we walked away. "And if you will be guided by me, Miss Fairholme, you will do the same. It's all humbug from first to last, I give you my word. I do not believe one syllable of this sto ry, except perhaps about the papers, and even then I am not quite satisfied, for they were sent to Captain Wood in the dispatch box. That we know" "But not at Captain Wood's re quest," I said hurriedly. "His man thinks not, and 1 admit the box was not specifically mentioned in the letter, but the letter said papers, and the expression was seemingly one that Wood used, for the man, as a mat ter of course, sent the dispatch bov." "But what do you imply?" "Just this, that Captain Wood in tended to keep out of the wayfor rea sons I do aot presume to conjecture and while out of the way to go on with his work. He'll turn up in good time. take my word for it, and will give his own explanation of his absence. It may not be absolutely satisfactory, his excuse may be bad. but ho will make one, and you will have tu take it or leave it," were the cynical oolice colo nel's last words. I hated and loathed him for taking this view, aud I turned my back on him. Sir Charles did not console me, for he was thinking more about the official papers than Willie's disappear ance. "By the Lord Harrv, wc shall be Queer street if they don't turn up," he said with much emphasis "Wood or no Wood, we've got to got them, or there will be a jolly row a cabinet question, egad, and the devil's own complications. The mattei can't rest here. So cheer up. Miss Frida We'll all do our level best." "Why, certainly," added Snuyzer, "we don't depend entirely on police colonels, and this one is not so al mighty clever. I've got to get ou the inside track of this business, and I'll do it yet you bet your bottom dollar." It was kind of them, but I would not be consoled. When I got to Hill street, I crept up to my room, very sorrowful and sick at heart, and cried myself to sleep. Next morning while I was dressing they came and told me that Mr. Snuy ser had called He had something im portant to tell me, and was rather in a hurry. "Captain Wood's not ia that house." began the American abruptly, when I got down stairs. "How do you know? Why are you so sure?" I asked. "Haven't the smallest doubt of it. I know, because 1 went right through the house last night, every single room." "What! Did they let you in?" "No, miss I broke inburglary you call it iu this country, I believe, aud you may give me into custody if you please. But the detective thafs not good enough to break the law on an oc casion as well as break into a house and stand the racket had better give up the business." The man's audacity staggered me. I was quite terrified, but I liked him for It. "You see, miss, I can't afford to stick at trifles. My professional reputation is at stake, and the more I thought it over the more hungered to get inside that house in Featherstone Gardens, and this is how I worked it: First 1 set a close watch on the house, front and back, and found before midnight that no one had gone either in or out 1 reckoned that there were not very many of them, and we mustered half a dozen, two of them practiced 'crooks' professional burglars, miss. We got into the house right enoughthe crooks managed thatin half an hour. First thing was to lay hands on the care* taker. There was no one else in the house. He swore to that, and we soon saw that he was speaking truth, for we drew every room, ransacked every cor- ner, turned out every cupboard, but nary soul was, tu- &* found They'd ali cleared out bur this one critter." So I went back to him and threatened his life. He was very stiff, but a ievolver is a mighty fine persuader, and pres ently ho outs with the story lies may be, maybe truth, but good enough to make him worth keeping till WJ could get some corroboration." "What was- Ids story? Anything about Captain Wofd? Did he admit that they had taken him?" "You bet he did. Told us the whole game from first to last, The first* we knew pretty well before the last is that they have token him out to sea In a steamer. The steam yacht Fleur de-Lis, auxiliary screw, 274 tons reg ister, cleared from Victoria dock yes terday at a p. m. I've beii there and verified it this morning." "Already?" "Yes," he went on. "The yacht Fleur de-Lis, Chapman master, left the dock at 3 p. m. yesterday. They knew her well there. She was waiting, ready for sea, fires banked, blue peter flying, waiting only for her owner, and left her berth directly he was got on board. He was an invalid, came in a carriage to the dock side and had to be carried on board wrapped up in blankets." "Ah' Joe was right then." "A lady helped him, thought to be his wife, but she did not accompany him to the ship. She staid on shore very much upset, they told me who saw her, aud could hardly be persuaded to re-enter the carriage. But a gentleman at last made her, and they drove away "So lucnt back lo him and thicatened his life." together. So the parties have split up. One lot are afloat with their prisoner, meaning, I've no doubt, to keep him away at sea, incapable of interfering, while the others carry on their spolia tion in New York. That's how I figure it now," said the detective shrewdly. "I dare say you're right," I interrupt ed him hastily. "But surely these speculations will not help us. We've got to give chase to that yacht. How is it to be done?" "You see, she has a tremendous start." "No auxiliary screw can do more than eight or ten knots, I believe. Mother and I were the Mediterrane an last ear with one of the best. Let us hire something faster. There must be plentj, of steamers I will pay any price gladly." "Then we have no idea of what course the Fleur-de-Lis has token." "There are signal stations all along the coast. I believe We hear of ships being reported every hour almost, as long as they are in sight of land." "She will fly no signals'and will cer tainly get out of sight of land "Oh. dear. d*ar!" 1 said, almost crj ing with rage "You onlj make diffi culties It's too terrible to think of. Is there nothing you can suggest'5 Have you no advice to she I shall go and consult Sir Charles Colhngham. He is a man in authority, and can help, I believe I shall tell him what you have discov ered." "Well, miss, let's each go our own waj. But. see here. Take this I've noted down a description of the Fleur de-Lis just as I got it from the dock yard. It's the only guide you'll have in tracing her, for she won't flv her number, you bet." CHAPTER VII AT THE ADMIRALTY ASD I.I.OlDb. Sir Charles Colhngham lived out Kensington way in a new red house on Campden hill I got there in less than half an hour, for mj carriage was at the door, and. although I knew some thing of his wajs from Willie Wood, I hoped to catch him before he left home. It was not yet 10 a. m. He was out already on his bicycle when I arrived, but he came up, fortunately, just as 1 was asking for him "Come for news or brought some, hey. Miss Fairholme? If it's the first, I can't help 3 ouworse luck if the oth erand, egad, bj the look ou your bou nie face 1 believe you've something to tell! Is that it? Ha!" He hopped off his "bike" with all the alacrity of a youug man and led the way into the house. "Surprising chap, that American!" he cried in his brisk, abrupt tones. "I suppose we're bound to believe him. Actually did break in and all that, hey? Anyhow, he's forwarder than we are, for I've been down to Clarges street to inquire if Master Wood had turned up and drew blank, of course." "Oh, but, Sir Charles, how could he?" I said quickly. "And ought we to be talking, wasting time here? He has been kidnaped, as you see. Surely it is our business to follow up this clew without a moment's loss of time. He must be rescued, recovered." "And the papersthey will have car ried off the papers with them, you may depend upon that. By the Lord Harry, you are right! But Jiow, how in heav en's namehow are we to overhaul that yacht? I do not see my way." "By following in another,'to be sure. I will pay anything. Only do, please, let us lose no more time. Could not we get a man-of-war?" "By Jove, you're right! If we could have a fast cruiser now. Upon m.v soul, I believe it might be done! If I could only persuade them at the admi- ralty. It's an affair of national im portance to recover those papers." We drove straight to the admiralty iu Whitehall, where the general was admitted without question or delay. We were .soon introduced to a Captain Puljteney, who proved to be naval sec retary to the first lord and a very charming man, I dare say, but I took a great dislike to him, for he began at once to make difficulties, speaking, I thought, in a sneery, put you down sort of way which was very irritating. "What could we send? There isn't a ship," he said, addressing the others, and seeming to imply that the whole British navy had ceased to exist. "Be- sides, if I could lay hands on a gun boat or dispatch vessel, wThat course would she steer? What is she to look for? The whole thing is a wild goose cha.se. I'm dead against it." "I think we'll see Sir George," re marked my dear general stiflly. "W* can discuss these points better with him," and we again moved on, Cap tain Pulteney following, grumbling aud growling all the way. But Sir George Fitz Hugh (he was the first sea lord) sided with Captain Pulteney. The information was too vague nothing was positively known, neither about the papers nor about Captain Wood. "You see, Sir Cliaiies, you have noth ing to go on about those papers, were they stolen, seized, whatever we may call it. Who can be certain ot that, or of anything, except that they have disappeared, as Wood has? And you infer that the same people have taken them both. How do we know that? You take too much for granted. Or, let us admit they were taken, how do we know that they were put on board the yacht? It is all pure con jecture. I should be very sorry to actto lake upon myself to act we must wait for the first lord." "When do you expect him?" I asked impatiently. I was getting cross at all these difficulties and delays, and I could see that Sir Charles Collingham was dangerously near losing his tem per. He only controlled himself by re maining stolidly silent. r "He is always here in the afternoon takes the office on his way to' the house. You might see him, then, Sir Charles, if so minded," said the naval secretary. "The afternoon: Probably four good hours hence. Absurd!" I cried hotly, "when every moment is precious. Why, this pirate yacht has already had 24 hours' start. Oh, come, F'r Charles! Let us go somewhere else. There are other ships besides warships steamers, yachts in dozens, for hire. Why do you hesitate? Will no one help me?" I asked this possibly with some warmth, for I heard some one say as we went off, Sir Charles and I. "My word, what a little fury!" From Whitehall the general took me to Lloyds. He knew the secretary, he said, aud something of the ways of the place- its wonderful organization and the vast machinery at its command for knowing all about ships, almost from hour to hour. But the secretary, a grave gentleman, with a sly twinkle in his eye, shook his head very doubtfully when he heard the whole story "I fear we shall not be able to lay cur liands upon that jachtat least for some time to comeif she wishes to keep out of the way. We can track her down the river, of course, as far as Southend on one side, the North Foreland on the other But if after that she steers a straight comse east ward till out of sight, she will bo lost in the German ocean." He Touched a bell on his Table and gave instructions to a clerk "Communicate with signal stations down the Thames', and then with those on the east and southeast coasts, and inquire for a yacht answering this descriptionit is the Fleur-de-Lis, in tact She is registered here you can verity her from the books. Ask if she has been seen cr spoken with, and if so, what course she is ou That won't take half an hour. In the meantime, you might be inquiring for a steamer to send in chase. That is our idea, is it not?" and again he signaled in a desk tube, summoning another subor dinate "Can anything come of it?" asked fcir Charles doubtfully. "WI13 not? You will, of course, have to send a posse of police in her. It will not be enough to overhaul her you will have also to overawe the ab ductorsalways supposing you come up with and can positively identify the Fleur-de-Lis. neither of which is very probable "It is just what I tell this young lady. We've got first to catch the boat, aud then to be sure it is the Fleur-de Lis, before go a step farther." "Exactly. Ah, Trevor"this was to another clerk who now came in"let me know with all dispatch what steamers could be hired for a special mission. Class of no consequence, but she must liaTe a speed of 13 to 16 knots, and be ready for sea this after noon. Price of charter by week or month, all foundcrew, captain, coals on board. Sharp's the word, you un derstand? Who is going in her? You should have some police officers, in case there is any arrest to be made. Perhaps you will see to that, Sir Charles?" "I should like to go in her," I now said. "My dear child," protested Sir Charles, "that is pure nonsense. In the first place, I think it is highly im probable that she will catch up the yacht. But if she does there will be some rough aud tumble workfighting perhaps. Those villains, after going such lengths, will not be very willing to give up their prize. It would never do for you, Miss Fairholme." "I cannot bear to remain inactive. I want to be doing something," I con tended. *T expect you would be inactive enough on board the steamer." said the