"Has any change been made in their arrangements?"
"No, 'cept that the pier bein' swept away they're to run down the lamp that the harbor-master has stuck up on a pole."
"Is it certain that Christian will not be with them?"
"Ay, full certain. They came nigh to blows over it last night."
"And you will not go, Danny?"
"No, no; when I take back the boat I'll get out of the road."
"The harbor-master is to be decoyed away to the carol-singing and the hunting of the wren?"
"Ay, Davy Cain and Tommy Tear are at that job."
"And when is it high-water to-night?"
"About eleven, but the Frenchman is meaning to run in at ten. I heard Bill say that, houldin' in his breath."
"You're quite sure about Christian?" asked Mona again.
"Aw yes, certain sure."
"Then will you come back here to-night at six o'clock, Danny?"
"Yes," said the lad, and he went out and down toward the shore.
Mona hastened with all speed to the house of Kerruish Kinvig. There in breathless haste, but in the most logical sequence, she disclosed the whole infamous scheme which was afoot to wreck a merchantman that was expected to run into port on a smuggling adventure at ten o'clock that night. This was the plot as Mona presented it to Mr. Kinvig. The
harbor-master's musical weakness was to be played upon, and he was
