"You sha'n't be disappointed," said Captain Verrion, bestowing on Caudel a hearty nod of approval, this time untinctured by condescension, "give us the end of your tow rope and we'll drag the dandy home for ye." "Cap'n, I thank 'ee," said Caudel. "You and the boy are pretty nigh wore out, I allow," exclaimed Captain Verrion. "I'll put a couple of men aboard the _Spitfire_. How often do she want pumping?" "'Bout every half hour." "You stay here," said Captain Verrion, looking with something of commiseration at Caudel, who, the longer one surveyed him, the more soaked, ashen, and shipwrecked one found him. "I'll send for the boy, and you can both dry yourselves and get a good long spell of rest." He left us to give the necessary orders to his men, and, whilst the steamer launched her own boat, I stood talking with Caudel, telling him of our adventures aboard the _Carthusian_, of our marriage, and so forth. He listened very gravely whilst I talked of my marriage. "I fear it's a sham," said I, "but it will be something to strengthen my hands with when I come to tackle Lady Amelia." "A sham!" cried he, "no fear, sir. If you've been married by the master of a ship, there's no more splicing wanted. You're a wedded man. There can be no breaking away from it." "How do you know?" said I, wondering whether he _did_ know. "How do I know, sir? Why, the master of a ship can do anything aboard his own craft, and whatever he does is lawful." This was mere forecastle superstition, and I saw that he did _not_ know. "Anyway, Caudel," said I, "the wedding ring is on the young lady's finger. Captain Verrion has noticed it, and I shall feel obliged by your calling her Mrs. Barclay whenever you have occasion to speak of her. Give Allett that hint, too, will you?" I had got into the shelter of the companion whilst I talked, and Grace, hearing my voice, called to me to tell her why the steamer had stopped, and if there was anything wrong. "Come here, my darling," said I. She approached and stood at the foot of the steps. "We have fallen in with the _Spitfire_, Grace, and here is Caudel." She uttered an exclamation of astonishment. He directed his oyster-like eyes into the comparative gloom, and then catching sight of her, knuckled his forehead, and exclaimed, "Bless your sweet face! And I am glad indeed, mum, to meet ye and find you both well and going home likewise." She came up the steps to give him her hand and I saw the old sailor's face working as he bent over it.