26 THE BOY CAPTAIN.

captain the discrepancies in the alleged shipwrecked men’s
stories, Ben did not know; but he heard the order given
to have the newcomers secured below, where there would
be no opportunity of their being able to gain the shore.

Hardly ten minutes elapsed from the time the informer
made his escape before this was done, and the young
sailor thought he had reason for believing the chief mate
had had some hand in arranging the matter with a view
o! enabling him to make good his promise.

Although Ben had been so eager to see Hong Kong, he
appeared to take no notice of the city on this evening, and,
instead of joining his friends among the crew in planning
excursions when they should have a day’s liberty, spent
his time poring over a chart of the China Sea, which had
been loaned him by Mr. Short.

On the following morning Captain Thompson went on
shore. Ben knew that his first visit would be to the
consul’s, his second to the agents of the ship, and it
was reasonable to suppose the business would be con-
cluded by noon, therefore, when the first officer was in
command, he proffered the request for liberty.

As may be fancied, it was readily granted, and with it
came a bit of advice.

«You can go, lad, of course; but remember what I say,
an’ mind your eye.”

Ben intended to “ mind his eye,” and take advantage of
every opportunity at the same time. He was in no hurry
to land, because he had figured out the probable time
which would be spent by his father at the office of the