"If I had known my man sooner, I would have seen him at Hanover before I would have had anything to do with him. But look here, my dear Pugh, I couldn't help hearing a great deal about your domestic trouble. Haven't you been wronging the little woman?" "If you have any respect or feeling for me, Mr Parkley, say no more." "All right, my dear fellow," said the other, with a sigh, "I will not; only act like a sensible man in all things--home and business. Heigho, I really wish I was not going, but the idea of these hidden treasures sets me on fire." Mr Parkley forgot all his hesitation as they stepped on board and saw how--in spite of the bustle and confusion consequent upon receiving late supplies of fresh meat and vegetables--ship-shape and excellent were Captain Studwick's arrangements. John Studwick was on board, seated upon a wicker chair, and his sister beside him; Mr Meldon, the young doctor, was leaning over the bulwarks, with a very tall, thin young man, the naturalist friend; the sailors were busy lowering bales and arranging coops and hens; and all was ready for the start--in fact, the dockmen were ready to warp the schooner out, and after a short run behind a tug down the harbour, they would have the open Channel before them. There was a goodly concourse of people about the wharves, for the object of the schooner's trip had somehow gained wind, and while some expressed interest and curiosity in the voyage, others laughingly called it a fool's errand. "Has anybody seen Senor Lorry?" said Mr Parkley at last. "I had a note from him," said Captain Studwick, "He said he would be down here punctually at twelve. Has his luggage come, Oakum?" "None on it, sir," said the rough old sailor, pulling his forelock. "That's strange," said the captain. "When did you see him, Parkley?" "Last night, and he said he would be aboard in the morning, and glad of it, for he was sick of England." "Twelve o'clock now," said the captain. "Well, the tide serves; I must give the word for getting out of dock. He must have a longer row for being late. He's sure to come, of course." "Oh, yes," said Mr Parkley; but he glanced uneasily at Dutch, as if he did not feel sure. "Ready there," cried the captain. "Now, my lads, be handy--cast off those ropes for'ard. Oh, here he is. Hold hard there." "But where's his luggage?" said Mr Parkley. "Oh, behind the crowd," said the captain. "Come along, sir, we were going without you." "Indeed!" said the Cuban, with a smile. "I doubt that. Where would you go?" "Where Mr Parkley told me," said the captain. "Give me the order. I'll find the place. Let's see, Mr Pugh, we are to send you back in the tug, I suppose." Dutch nodded. "Now, then, for'ard there," cried the captain; "be ready to cast off. Are you ready?" "Ay, ay," came in chorus from the smart, well-picked crew.