g2 THE BOY CAPTAIN.

commission, took no heed, save in a general way, of the
future. It was sufficient for him that he had succeeded
thus far in his attempt, and, sanguine now of accomplish-
ing his purpose, he was in the best of spirits.

“I reckon we cancount on making Hong Kong when-
ever we feel so disposed,” Ben said, cheerily, as he ap-
proached the wheel. “We'll call it your watch below,
now, and I’ll take my trick at the helm.”

“ But isn’t there anything to be done?” Miss Dunham
asked.

“Indeed there is. I could find a week’s employment
for a dozen men and then not have the old hooker in
decent shape; but it’s foolish to talk about that when
we've only three yellow pirates and a frightened negro
aboard, so we’ll let things go as they are until we get into
port. You are to take a little rest, now, for I fancy
you need it.”

“Not so much as I am sure you must, for I had a long
time of idleness while you were coming down in the
sampan. It is my intention to stay where I am, unless
the wind calls for stronger arms at the wheel.”

“But I can’t think of allowing you to stand here, more
especially when I haven’t anything important to do,”
Ben said, with a feeble attempt at sternness.

“T haven't asked your permission. You can’t very
well order the mate below, and here I propose to remain.
Besides, it seems to me you should be free to go where
you please, because those Chinamen need careful watching.
No one can say how soon they may attempt to take