it was very new, and stood in an exposed and solitary station, was less

crowded than those nearer to the centre of the port. It was but a shed

of timber, much like a blockhouse in the backwoods of to-day, and was

coarsely furnished with a press or two, a number of naked benches, and

boards set upon barrels to play the part of tables. In the middle, and

besieged by half a hundred violent draughts, a fire of wreck-wood blazed

and vomited thick smoke.

Ay, now," said Lawless, "here is a shipman's joy--a good fire and a good

stiff cup ashore, with foul weather without and an off-sea gale a-snoring

in the roof! Here's to the Good Hope! May she ride easy!"

"Ay," said Skipper Arblaster, "'tis good weather to be ashore in, that is

sooth. Man Tom, how say ye to that? Gossip, ye speak well, though I can

never think upon your name; but ye speak very well. May the Good Hope

ride easy! Amen!"

"Friend Dickon," resumed Lawless, addressing his commander, "ye have

certain matters on hand, unless I err? Well, prithee be about them

incontinently. For here I be with the choice of all good company, two

tough old shipmen; and till that ye return I will go warrant these brave

fellows will bide here and drink me cup for cup. We are not like

shore-men, we old, tough tarry-Johns!"

"It is well meant," returned the skipper. "Ye can go, boy; for I will

keep your good friend and my good gossip company till curfew--ay, and by

St. Mary, till the sun get up again! For, look ye, when a man hath been

The Black Arrow