"In that case," said the Commander, rising, "I must be getting under way for Seattle as quickly as possible. I only wish that I might have you both down to dine with me this evening; but business before pleasure, and so I will wish you both a very good-night." CHAPTER XXII. TWO SHORT BUT EXCITING VOYAGES. "I tell you, Rick Dale, that was a close shave," said Bonny, as the steamer moved away from the Tacoma wharf. "Wasn't it, though! But it seems to me, Bonny, that smuggling must be one of the worst crimes a person can commit, judging from the anxiety those fellows show to capture us. I knew it was bad, but I hadn't any idea it was so serious." "It does look as if we were wanted," admitted Bonny; "but we've thrown 'em off the track this time, so they won't bother us any more. Didn't we do it neatly?" "Yes, we certainly did. But where do you suppose we are going now?" "Haven't the least idea, and don't care. Maybe to China, maybe to San Francisco, and maybe to Alaska. Yes, I think this must be an Alaska ship, for I remember now seeing a big Eskimo dog taken ashore just as we came aboard, and Alaska is where they come from. If she is bound for Alaska, though, she'll stop at Port Townsend and Victoria on the way, and we must lie low until after we pass the first. It would never do to be put off there, for that's headquarters for the whole revenue business, and they'd scoop us in quick enough. I wouldn't mind Victoria so very much, though." "I should," objected Alaric, who feared that the Sountaggs might have telegraphed from Japan to have him apprehended and forwarded to them. "I don't like Victoria, and neither do I want to go to any of the places you have mentioned." "Very well," laughed Bonny, who, with a sense of freedom, had regained all his light-heartedness. "Just send word to the Captain where you want to go, and he'll probably be pleased to take you there." For an hour or so longer the boys discussed their plans and prospects. Then, as it was growing dark and they were becoming very hungry, Bonny proposed to skirmish around and see what the chances were for obtaining something to eat. Bidding Alaric remain in hiding until his return, the young sailor sallied forth. In a moment he reappeared with the news that the ship was putting in at Seattle and was already close to the wharf. "That's good," said Alaric. "Seattle is much better for us than Fort Townsend, or Victoria, San Francisco, China, or even Alaska. So I move we go ashore and try our luck." This was what they were obliged to do, whether or no, for the ship was hardly moored before they were discovered by one of the mates, who chased them ashore. "Whew-w!" gasped Alaric, after they had run to a safe distance. "It seems to me that working your way through the world consists mainly in being chased by people who are bigger and stronger than you are."