by sea, we do run some peril by the elements; but, what much outweighteth

all, we have a chance to make good our purpose and bear off the maid."

Well," returned Lord Foxham, "lead on. I will, in some sort, follow you

for shame's sake; but I own I would I were in bed."

Here, then," said Dick. "Hither we go to fetch our pilot."

And he led the way to the rude alehouse where he had given rendezvous to

a portion of his men. Some of these he found lingering round the door

outside; others had pushed more boldly in, and, choosing places as near

as possible to where they saw their comrade, gathered close about Lawless

and the two shipmen. These, to judge by the distempered countenance and

cloudy eye, had long since gone beyond the boundaries of moderation; and

as Richard entered, closely followed by Lord Foxham, they were all three

tuning up an old, pitiful sea-ditty, to the chorus of the wailing of the

gale.

The young leader cast a rapid glance about the shed. The fire had just

been replenished, and gave forth volumes of black smoke, so that it was

difficult to see clearly in the further corners. It was plain, however,

that the outlaws very largely outnumbered the remainder of the guests.

Satisfied upon this point, in case of any failure in the operation of his

plan, Dick strode up to the table and resumed his place upon the bench.

Hey?" cried the skipper, tipsily, "who are ye, hey?"

The Black Arrow