"Quite right. Morris. Now take my horse around to the stables and
then return as fast as you can," said Ishmael, as he passed the
professor and entered the office.

The judge and the two young clerks occupied it.

The former was walking up and down the floor impatiently. The latter
were seated at their desks.

The judge turned quickly to greet his young friend.

"Oh, Ishmael, I am so relieved that you have come at last. I have
been very anxious for the last few hours."

"Why so, sir?" inquired Ishmael, as he shook hands with the old man.
"Did you not know that I would be punctual when I gave you my word
to that effect?"

"Oh, yes; but there are such things as accidents, you know, and an
accident would have been very awkward on the eve of a voyage. And
you are late, you are late, you see!"

"Yes," said Ishmael, as he passed on to speak to his young clerks
and thank them for their thoughtfulness in waiting.

Then, while divesting himself of his greatcoat, he explained to the
judge the cause of his short delay--the detour he had made to bid
good-by to his old friends, Hannah and Reuben. By the time he had
done this, and seated himself, the professor returned from the
livery stables; but he only reported the safe delivery of the horse