soon; or, at least, have first made sure that all danger was over. But
never mind; we'll soon smuggle you off, if we can get the slightest
hint. 'Palm oil squares the yards,' as the old sailors used to say,
and nobody has had more experience of that than I."

"Does G----d and old J----b know about the affair?"

"I think they are bound to, though they may have forgotten. Anyhow,
they are absolutely loyal, and may be depended upon if their aid is
called into requisition. Do you know they had to clear out of the
country with their families, and nearly every English family had to do
the same?"

"Well, Patrovish C----," said the captain, "they may seize the
steamer, but they will never be allowed to seize me, even should it be
legal to do so, now the war is at an end."

"What do they care about what is legal," said Patrovish. "If it suits
their purpose, and those in authority learn what took place, there
will be no scruples about doing anything. My advice is to keep quiet
and cool-headed, and I feel almost certain you won't be interfered
with. But there comes Yaunie. Hear what he says."

This gentleman was a Greek pilot, who had previously been a boatswain
aboard a Greek sailing-vessel. He saw an excellent opening at the
beginning of the steamship era to add to his income, so commenced a
business which flourished so well that his riches were the envy of a
large residential public, to say nothing of the seafaring itinerants
who swarmed in and out of the port. He spoke English with a Levantine
accent. Physically, he was a fine-looking, well-built man, who