She looks like the Walrus,’ ‘‘ By heaven, sir, you confirm a suspicion that has been in my mind for several days!’ the officer hastily replied. ‘ ‘ There is something in it, and we must see what is best to be done. I will speak to the authorities to-day and get their advice.’ ‘ Half an hour ago a messenger from the civil commandant came on board our craft and had an interview with our skipper, and as he was leaving I heard the cap’n say, ‘ To morrow morning then the search' will be made.’ ‘ You think that the authorities will board us in the morning ?’ Steel asked. , ‘ Yes, sir. lam sure of it/ was the answer. ‘ Have you any more to tell me?’ asked Steel. ‘ No, sir.’ ‘ Well, here is your money. You have earned it, but Captain Shannon will find he has made a big mistake, and he’ll have to pay for it/ the cap tain replied, with a forced laugh. The instant the man bad gone Steel went on deck and asked for Lieutenant Marsden. ‘ He is ashore, sir, with some of the men,’ was the reply. ‘ Then go and find him at once. Tell him quietly that I want him back instantly along with the men. Do not let anyone hear you give him the message.’ ‘ Yes, sir.’ In less than half an hour Marsden returned, and Steel at once told him what had happened. ‘ Darn it! We might have known that there would be some marks on the Walrus cargo and fittings that Wexford’s officers would recognise/ returned the lieutenant. ‘ What is to be done ? Shall we face it out?’ queried the captain. ‘lt would riot be safe. We must get away to-night even if we have to fight for it. Let us go to the Snowden and invite Shannon and his officers to a farewell dinner here to-morrow evening. It will throw them off their guard. I wish they were berthed half a mile away from us/ answered Marsden. The idea was a good one, and was at once acted on. Shannon received them quite politely, and readily accepted the invitation, though Steel, who was a keen reader of character, could detect, satire in his tone of voice. 