"You go on with them alterations," he repeated.

Captain Brisket started and reflected. A nod from Mr. Tredgold and a
significant gesture in the direction of the unconscious Mr. Chalk decided
him. "Very good, gentlemen," he said, cheerfully. "I'm in your hands,
and Peter Ducket'll do what I do. It's settled he's coming, I suppose?"

Mr. Tredgold, after a long look at the anxious face of Mr. Duckett, said
"Yes," and then at Captain Brisket's suggestion the party adjourned to
the Jack Ashore, where in a little room upstairs, not much larger than
the schooner's cabin, the preparations for the voyage were discussed in
detail.

"And mind, Peter," said Captain Brisket to his friend, as the pair
strolled along by the harbour after their principals had departed, "the
less you say about this the better. We don't want any Biddlecombe men in
it."

"Why not?" inquired the other.

"Because," replied Brisket, lowering his voice, "there's more in this
than meets the eye. They're not the sort to go on a cruise to the
islands for pleasure--except Chalk, that is. I've been keeping my ears
open, and there's something afoot. D'ye take me?"

[Illustration: "There's more in this than meets the eye."]

Mr. Duckett nodded shrewdly.