woman, Lizzie, and your grandmother is proud of you."

[Illustration: "'YOU ARE A VERY CLEAR-HEADED YOUNG WOMAN, LIZZIE,' SAID
MRS. NOAH"]

The Committee on Treachery were about to protest, but the chair refused to
entertain any debate upon the question, which was put and carried with a
storm of approval.

Five minutes later a note was handed through the port, addressed to
Cleopatra, which read as follows:

"DEAR MADAME,--Six bells has just struck, and the officers and
crew are hungry. Will you and your fair companions co-operate
with us in our enterprise by having a hearty dinner ready within
two hours? A speck has appeared on the horizon which betokens a
coming storm, else we would prepare our supper ourselves. As it
is, we feel that your safety depends on our remaining on deck.
If there is any beer on the ice, we prefer it to tea. Two cases
will suffice.

"Yours respectfully,

"HENRY MORGAN, Bart., First Mate."

"Hurrah!" cried Cleopatra, as she read this communication. "I have an
idea. Tell the Committee on Treachery to appear before the full meeting at
once."

The committee was summoned, and Cleopatra announced her plan of operation,