There, painted in blood-red letters on the black
stern, was the name
MORGIANNA.
He had scarce read it, when the same clear tones, more subdued, hailed
him, as he thought, with somewhat of kindness:
"Captain, do me the favor to back your main-yard; I will come aboard of
you--_alone_!"
[Illustration: Morgianna.]
The captain gave the necessary orders, and "hove to" within three or
four cables' length of the stranger; and in a very few minutes a
four-oared boat, containing but a single figure besides the crew, was
seen approaching the _Ocean Star_.
Captain Lane had a ladder put over the gangway and threw a rope to the
boat as it came alongside; and the next moment the stranger sprang upon
the deck of the _Ocean Star_.
With an easy grace he gave to the captain the quick, intelligible sign
of the "great brotherhood" and, taking his arm familiarly, walked aft.
Captain Lane called the steward, sent for glasses and wine, and, as soon
as they were placed upon the table, closed the cabin door, and found
himself alone with his strange visitor.
The captain filled his glass and, sipping it in Spanish fashion, passed
the decanter to the stranger. He followed his example, and after the
usual interchange of courtesies addressed him:
"Captain, I have a favor to ask of you."
"Name it."
"You are probably not aware of the true motive which induced me to heave
you to?"
"I am not.
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