was waiting for him, while he was having breakfast and council with his

chief. Between the Round-house and the old white gate he heard a low

whistle from a clump of shrubs, and turning that way, met Tugwell. With

that prince of fishermen he shook hands, according to the manner of

Springhaven, for he had learned to admire the brave habit of the man,

his strong mind, and frank taciturnity. And Tugwell on his part had

taken a liking to the simple and cheerful young officer, who received

his suggestions, was kind to all hands, and so manfully bore the daily

disappointment.

"Nobody in there?" asked Zeb, with one finger pointing to the

Round-house; "then sit down on this bit of bank, sir, a minute. Less

chance to be shot at by any French ship."

The bit of bank really was a bit of hollow, where no one could see them

from the beach, or lane, or even from the Round-house. Scudamore, who

understood his man, obeyed; and Tugwell came to his bearings on a clump

of fern before him.

"How much will Government pay the chaps as fetches her out of that snug

little berth? For division to self and partners, how much? For division

to self and family, how much?"

"I have thought about that," the lieutenant answered, with little

surprise at the question, but much at the secrecy thrown around it; "and

I think it would be very unsafe to count upon getting a penny beyond the

Admiral's terms--double pay for the day that we float her."

Captain Zebedee shook his head, and the golden sheaf of his Olympian

beard ruffled and crisped, as to an adverse wind.

"Can't a'most believe it," he replied, with his bright eyes steadily

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