supper.

"Mr. Schultz," the captain called from the bridge, "as soon as your
men have had their supper clear away the working boat. I'm going
ashore."

"Very vell, sir," Mr. Schultz replied heartily, and the captain went
below to supper. He was scarcely seated before Mr. Schultz stuck his
head in the dining saloon window and announced that a gentleman who
claimed to represent the charterers was alongside in a launch and
desired to come aboard and speak with him.

"Let down the accommodation ladder, Mr. Schultz, and when the
gentleman comes aboard, show him round to my state-room," the skipper
answered. "I'll meet him there in a pig's whisper. It is probable he
has come aboard with our orders, Mr. Schultz, so never mind clearing
away the boat until I speak to you further about it. Steward, set an
extra cover at my right. We may have a guest for supper."

He hurried round to his state-room and donned a uniform coat to
receive his visitor. Mr. Schultz came presently, bearing a
visiting-card upon which was engraved the name: Mr. August Carl von
Staden. Behind the mate a sailor with a bulging suitcase stood at
attention; two more sailors stood behind the first, a steamer trunk
between them, and as Captain Murphy stepped out on deck to greet his
visitor he observed a tall, athletic, splendid-looking fellow coming
leisurely toward him along the deck. The stranger carried a large
Gladstone bag.

The captain bowed. "I am the skipper of this big box," he announced