extent of my plans by telegram from Washington."

The captain hesitated. "Is this with the lady's consent? I must
consider the question of damages."

"There will be no damages. Your owners will be quite safe, and so
will you."

"Are there any charges of any kind against----?"

"That is not for you to ask. She is under my care, and must not
disembark until I say the word. You will kindly give her a place
at my table. There must be no idle curiosity to annoy her. But
tell me, when shall we reach the mouth of the river? Is it not
possible to save some time by avoiding some of the smaller stops?"

"But our freight, our passengers--" The captain passed a hand
across his brow, much perplexed. The other showed a sudden
firmness.

"My errand demands secrecy and speed alike. There must be no
communication between this boat and the shore, so far as this young
lady is concerned. Meantime, if all is ready, it would please me
mightily if we could start."

The captain pulled a bell rope. "Tell the mate to cast off," he
said, to the man who answered. An instant later the hoarse boom of
the boat's whistles roared out their warning. There came a crush
of late-comers at the gangway. Shouts arose; deck hands scrambled
with the last packages of freight; but presently the staging was