"Well, things don't change down here as much as you might think," replied Jack, as he and Alice watched the steamer coming nearer. "And an Englishman is less likely to change than anybody else, Miss. He'll often stay in the same berth until he dies. So it's likely some of the same officers who were around here when I was arrested are here yet. And they may be on that vessel." "But how can they recognize you?" Alice persisted. "Well, if they didn't know me, they might know this ship." "This ship! Why, this is only a small vessel, and yours was a big five-master." "I know, Miss, I know," said Jack, with a nervous look over his shoulder. "But here's a secret I haven't told to anyone yet. This may be the _Mary Ellen_, but she used to be the _Halcyon_!" Alice started back in surprise. "The _Halcyon_!" she gasped. "How could it be?" "This way, Miss. They built her over, cut down her length, and changed her so hardly anybody would recognize her. But I knew the _Mary Ellen_ for the _Halcyon_ almost as soon as I came aboard." "And is that why you acted so--so queer?" "Partly--yes. You see she was first the _Mary Ellen_ and the mutineers named her the _Halcyon_. Then, when she was rebuilt she became _Mary Ellen_ again." "But I never knew they could make vessels over," Alice protested. --"Oh, yes, it's often done," the sailor assured her. "This certainly was the old _Halcyon_, as she was called when the mutineers had her, and anyone who had sailed in her would know it. A sailor's eye can't be deceived. There's others on board as know it, too." "Others here? Of the mutinous crew?" "Hush, Miss, if you please! Not so loud! Yes, others who were in the mutiny, but who got off scott free, while I was the one to suffer. But they're tryin' to keep under cover. There's a game afoot, but I'll spoil it if I can--that is, if this British steamer don't make trouble for me." Alice's head seemed to swim. She was getting into the depths of the mystery now with a vengeance. What did it all mean? To what did Jack have reference? Could it be that Captain Brisco, and the man with whom he was so friendly, were in a plot? Alice felt as if she must tell someone. It was too big a secret for her to keep to herself. One thing seemed necessary. She must rid Jack of some of his fear of being arrested again. "But if the ship is changed so, how could any of the British officers, provided any are on that steamer, recognize her?" Alice asked. "I don't know how, but I'm sure they could," said Jack, rather unreasonably. "And you mark my words. They'll see us and in spite of our change of rig, they will want to speak us. A sailor never forgets a ship. Of course there may be no officers on that steamer who would know the old _Halcyon_, but ag'in, there may be. I'm afeered, Miss." "Oh, but you needn't be. Mr. Pertell will make it all right even if----"