months' wages coming to him at sixty dollars a month--and if he
didn't, why, I'll instruct McBride to deduct the cable charges from
his wages when he pays him off."

"I think your reference to his meager maritime experience annoyed him,
Skinner," Cappy suggested thoughtfully. "It may be that he is a most
excellent sailor. At least, he spends his money like one."

Cappy had no further comment to make, and the reply to this impudent
communication was accordingly left to Mr. Skinner, who cabled:

San Francisco, Feb. 17th, 19--.

Rickstar,
Cape Town.

No!

Bluestar.

"I think that will settle the upstart," Mr. Skinner declared
confidently as he rang for a messenger boy.

It did not. Four hours later he received this:

Cape Town, Feb. 17, 19--.

Bluestar,
San Francisco.