96 : THE BOY CAPTAIN.

«Why does a needle vary from the true direction ?”

“Now you’ve asked me a puzzler,”’ Ben replied, with a
hearty laugh. “As a matter of fact, I never heard that
any one had solved that question ; but there are very many
theories, some plausible and others foolish.”

«Would it be possible for you to find out if this one is
correct?”

«“ Not without swinging to some true bearing on shore ;
I shall compare it with the Sportsman's when we arrive at
Hong Kong, provided, of course, I am allowed to remain
in command.”

“‘T sincerely hope there will be no change of captain,”
the young girl said, earnestly ; “for, after what has hap-
pened, I am quite positive you will be able to take,the little
ship home as well, if not better, than any one who could
be found in Hong Kong.”

“ Now, that’s what I call getting a long leg to wind-
ward,” Ben said, with a hearty laugh. “With you on my
side I count myself in full command.”

“How do you make that out? I don’t fancy the con-
signees would take any advice from me.”

“They couldn’t help it. All you’ve got to do is to
look at them once, and they ’re done for, so far as having
any opinion of their own is concerned.”

Now it was Miss Dunham’s turn to laugh, which she
did right merrily, and before an hour had passed the two
felt as well acquainted as if they had known each other for
years, instead of only a few hours.

«Have you been in the China Seas before, captain?”