IN COMMAND. 107

a generous amount for their services, Ben had the only
remaining boat lowered in readiness for going on shore,
explaining to his crew of prisoners that they should be
discharged as soon as the gig was pulled to the land.

Miss Dunham, eager to begin the work which she
believed would result in the appointment of Ben to the
position of captain of the brig, was ready for the journey
to Hong Kong before the anchors had been dropped, and,
in less than ten minutes from the time of arrival, she
and the young captain were on the Great Quay seeking
information as to the time for the regular Hong Kong
steamers to sail.

“Tt seems like shirking my duty to send you alone,” he
said, after all the arrangements had been made, and he
was about to take his leave of her. “Perhaps I ought to
go, although I am positive I would not succeed as well as
you.”

“There’s no reason why you should say anything of the
kind. The matter has been decided upon, and it only re-
mains to ask if there are other instructions to give me?”

« Bless your heart, no. You understand the position of
affairs quite as well as I do, and, I am satisfied, will trans-
act the business a great deal better. When shall I hear
from you?”

“T don’t think you need expect any word, for if I am
successful I shall come back at once in order to bring the
good news, and, in case of failure, it will be equally neces-
sary to return for my belongings, since I shall not go home
in the brig if a stranger takes command.”