I wanted to see if you were honest." [Illustration: Captain Plum] With a gasp of astonishment Captain Plum sank back into the chair.

His jaw dropped and his pipe was held fireless in his hand.
"The devil you say!" "Oh, certainly, certainly, if you wish it," chuckled the little man, in high humor.

"I would have visited your sloop to-day, Captain Plum, if you hadn't come ashore so opportunely this morning.

Ho, ho, ho! a good joke, eh?
A mighty good joke!" Captain Plum regained his composure by relighting his pipe.

He heard the chink of gold pieces and when he looked again the two piles of money were close to the edge of his side of the table.
"That's for you, Captain Plum.