for. We went quite far out and saw the Sea Monster from a different
side in the distance, and tacked down to the other end of Wecanicut
under the Fort guns.

It was when we got in from the gorgeous sail, with Greg carrying the
little basket all made of twisted-up rope Captain Moss had done for
him, that we found a big, square envelope lying on the hall table.
And, to our despair, supper was just ready and we couldn't read the
letter till afterward. Supper was good, I must admit,--baked eggs,
all crusty and buttery on top, and muffins, and cherry jam. We ate
hugely, because of the _Jolly Nancy_ making us so hungry.

When we'd finished we went into Father's study, where he wasn't, and
turned on the desk-light and got at the letter. I read it, while the
boys crouched about expectantly. Here it is:


_Dear Comrades_:

I should have answered your frantic appeals for news of me
long since, had I not been slavishly occupied in carrying out
the demands of the Man of Torture from whom I am now
completely released, praises be. I am even contemplating
escape from Bluar Boor by stealth. But no doubt you have no
desire for these modern details and are all agog to find out
whether or not I met a wretched death at the bottom of the
sea. I think you left me--or I left you--with a soft and
hideous something resting upon my shoulder.

Sirs, it was a Hand, a webbed hand, and turning, I looked