only a red lantern dropped from either cathead to within a couple of

feet of the water. A lookout was stationed on the bowsprit end, another

in the crosstrees; and the whole ship's company crowded forward,

scouting for enemies or friends. It was now the crucial moment of our

enterprise; we were now risking liberty and credit; and that for a sum

so small to a man in my bankrupt situation, that I could have laughed

aloud in bitterness. But the piece had been arranged, and we must play

it to the finish.

For some while, we saw nothing but the dark mountain outline of the

island, the torches of native fishermen glittering here and there along

the foreshore, and right in the midst that cluster of brave lights with

which the town of Honolulu advertises itself to the seaward. Presently

a ruddy star appeared inshore of us, and seemed to draw near unsteadily.

This was the anticipated signal; and we made haste to show the

countersign, lowering a white light from the quarter, extinguishing

the two others, and laying the schooner incontinently to. The star

approached slowly; the sounds of oars and of men's speech came to us

across the water; and then a voice hailed us.

"Is that Mr. Dodd?"

"Yes," I returned. "Is Jim Pinkerton there?"

"No, sir," replied the voice. "But there's one of his crowd here; name

of Speedy."

"I'm here, Mr. Dodd," added Speedy himself. "I have letters for you."

"All right," I replied. "Come aboard, gentlemen, and let me see my

mail."

A whaleboat accordingly ranged alongside, and three men boarded us: my

old San Francisco friend, the stock-gambler Speedy, a little wizened

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