286 THE BOY CAPTAIN.

wait to find out, for I know it already, and now, sweet-
heart, where do you propose to go?”

“TI do not know. Except for you I am alone in the
world.”

“Then I can settle matters very speedily. We will go
to my mother. She will receive .you as a daughter, and
the day I sail on my second voyage as captain will be the
day when you shall be made my wife.” |

Although the two young people had been together so
much, there were many minor points to be decided be-
tween them, now that the responsibility of caring for the
brig was taken from Ben’s shoulders, and they had been
conversing fully two hours when Mr. Bean came below.

«The brig is snugged down, sir, and the anchor watch
set; but I have to report that the three mutineers, who
should have been delivered up to the authorities, have
deserted.”

“ How did that happen?” Ben asked, excitedly.

“T cannot say, sir. The gig was lowered to set the
pilot ashore, and while I was busy aft they must have
sneaked off in her. Shall I send some one after the
boat 2?”

To have judged from the expression on the first off-
cer’s face, one would have said the desertion of the men
had taken him wholly by surprise, and that he regretted
the occurrence; but Miss Dunham, remembering what
she had said to him in regard to her wish that the muti-
neers might escape, gave him a grateful glance when the
captain’s attention was directed to another quarter.