CHAPTER VIII.
MISS DUNHAM’S RETURN.

Be had spent, in paying for his passage from Hong
Kong to Nampang Island, and in settling with his
crew, nearly all the small amount of money which he re-
ceived from his father as wages, but now that the brig was
in port there was really no necessity for ready cash, since
any of the merchants would willingly have advanced a
reasonable sum on a distress note signed by him as captain.
His first visit, after parting with Miss Dunham, was to
the American consul, for the purpose of learning where
sailors could be procured, and before nightfall he had four
experienced hands busily engaged in setting the little
craft to rights.

When evening came, and matters on board were look-
ing very much as they should, Ben allowed himself, for
the first time since having left the Sportsman, to indulge
in rest, and as he went below to turn in it was with the
thought that at last he occupied in a proper manner the
position of captain, even though it might be only for a
short time.

The men whom he had employed. could stand the
anchor watches, and there were yet sufficient provisions to
furnish them with the necessaries of life, consequently he

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