"Something familiar about her appearance, even seen under such disadvantages. Never forget the cut of a boat on which I have sailed. Then I heard her bell sound--do you know, there are bells and bells--some have a peculiar ring that you would recognize if you heard it on a camel in Egypt. The Sterling Castle had such a bell--I never heard one just like it until a short bit ago when it sounded four strokes. I tell you sir, it made me jump and rub my eyes, half believing I was officer of the deck again on board the stanch old Sterling Castle. And last but not least, there came a man from the shore rowing past and heading for some German ship over yonder. I hailed him, and as he came alongside asked him the question. As near as I could make out he said he believed she was called the Sherwin Castle, and had just arrived two hours before sundown. That settled it, sir." "I should think it did, captain. And so that is the boat. So near and yet so far. It is very aggravating, captain." "Very, sir," solemnly. "I have half a notion--" reflectively. "Thought you'd say that, sir," rubbing his hands gleefully, as though anticipating something. "To make a little run across to her." "Yes, sir, with what object in view?" "Oh! merely to ease my mind with respect to her identity, you might say," carelessly. "Of course--quite natural--young blood--always impetuous," commented the Benedict. "And incidentally to see whether I could find some golden opportunity to have a few words with one who is a passenger on board." "Ah! yes." The captain placed one finger alongside his nose. It was a habit he had when engaged in serious consideration, and Roderic, who had studied the old sea dog to advantage, felt sure there would be some result to this incubation. Nor was he wrong in his surmise. "Well, it could be done, sir," he said. "I knew I could trust you to help me out, Heaven bless you, old chap," said Owen, at once diving for the captain's hand and wringing it with impetuous ardor quite unlike his usual self possessed manner; but Cupid has wrought more marvelous changes than this in men. "It would not do to go prowling around the craft at this hour of the night--we might be suspected of being Yankee spies and fired upon." "That is true," assented Owen, knowing full well the captain would not stop there. "Now, I know Captain Shackelford well, and it wouldn't be strange for me to run over to shake hands with the old war dog. Besides, a sailor has respect for another man's affection regarding a craft he has made several voyages on, and he'd understand why I want to tread the deck of the Castle once again. It revives recollections, you know, and throws a man back years." "Just so," commented Roderic, encouragingly. "Well, so far, good. Now, if so be you could change your looks a little bit----" Roderic laughed exultantly. "I might row you over and go aboard." "Consider it done, Captain, and many thanks to you."