Star,' and the others to 'The Water Rose.' I was on the point of
leaving"--then he added, looking around cautiously and lowering his
voice, "for the life on the 'St. George' is not what it was when your
father was alive. God rest his soul! Now instead of rice sacks and
bales of merchandise we carry human freight--slant-eyed, pig-tailed
Chinamen bound for the gold fields of Australia."

"I am so glad you are here, Tommy; there is one human being on board I
know," repeated Willy.

"Why Master Willy, do you not know your uncle, the Captain?"

"I did not know until today that I had an uncle."

"Is that possible? Well, your father surely had no reason to be proud
of his brother. Why, in a single night he gambled away 'The Gold
Nixie' and more, too. I believe that he would gamble away the 'St.
George' if it were his, but it belongs to you, Master Willy. I ought
not to say anything to such a young lad as you about the matter--I know
that, but--"

In the cabin Redfox, the first officer, and the Captain sat in earnest
conversation. "Redfox, your wish is fulfilled. My nephew is on board,
but, do you know, now that I have seen the boy--he so much resembles my
poor dear brother when he was his age--I have not the heart to carry
out our plan," said the Captain.

"Hm, hm," answered the first officer, stroking his red beard, and
giving the Captain a wicked side glance, "hm--and we have everything so
well planned. It is our only salvation. Must I repeat the reasons