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When the mucker had explained the possibilities of profit that were to be had by

entering the conspiracy aimed at Simms and Ward the two seamen were

enthusiastically for it.

Bony" Sawyer suggested that the black cook, Blanco, was about the only other

member of the crew upon whom they could depend, and at Byrne's request

Bony" promised to enlist the cooperation of the giant Ethiopian.

From early morning of the second day out of Honolulu keen eyes scanned the

eastern horizon through powerful glasses, until about two bells of the afternoon

watch a slight smudge became visible about two points north of east. Immediately

the course of the Halfmoon was altered so that she bore almost directly north by

west in an effort to come safely into the course of the steamer which was seen

rising rapidly above the horizon.

The new course of the brigantine was held as long as it seemed reasonably safe

without danger of being sighted under full sail by the oncoming vessel, then her

head was brought into the wind, and one by one her sails were lowered and

furled, as the keen eyes of Second Officer Theriere announced that there was no

question but that the white hull in the distance was that of the steam pleasure

yacht Lotus.

Upon the deck of the unsuspecting vessel a merry party laughed and chatted in

happy ignorance of the plotters in their path. It was nearly half an hour after the

Halfmoon had come to rest, drifting idly under bare poles, that the lookout upon

the Lotus sighted her.

"Sailin' vessel lyin' to, west half south," he shouted, "flyin' distress signals."

In an instant guests and crew had hurried to points of vantage where they might

obtain unobstructed view of the stranger, and take advantage of this break in the

monotony of a long sea voyage.

Anthony Harding was on the bridge with the captain, and both men had leveled

their glasses upon the distant ship.

Can you make her out?" asked the owner.

She's a brigantine," replied the officer, "and all that I can make out from here

would indicate that everything was shipshape about her. Her canvas is neatly

furled, and she is evidently well manned, for I can see a number of figures above

deck apparently engaged in watching us. I'll alter our course and speak to her--

we'll see what's wrong, and give her a hand if we can."

That's right," replied Harding; "do anything you can for them."

The Mucker