"Captain Peasley," young Matt corrected him. "Since the death of
Captain Kendall I have been in charge of the vessel; hence, for the
present, I am known as Captain Peasley. What can I do for you,
gentlemen?"

All Hands And Feet glanced appraisingly at Matt Peasley and did him
the honor to remove his coat and vest.

"Yes; it's pretty hot down in these latitudes," Matt remarked, by way
of being pleasant and making conversation.

All Hands And Feet removed an envelope from his coat pocket and handed
it to Matt; and while the latter perused it the big Swede strode to
the scuttle butt and helped himself to a drink of water. Matt opened
the envelope and read this communication from Cappy Ricks:

San Francisco, California.
February 20, 19--.

Mr. Matthew Peasley,
Chief Mate Barkentine Retriever,
Cape Town, South Africa.

My Dear Mr. Peasley:

Cast your eye along the lines of the bearer of this note, Captain
Ole Peterson, who comes to Cape Town to take command of the
Retriever. Within five minutes he will, acting under
instructions from me and without the slightest personal animus