But not till it be almost ready for sea--not till the skipper could weigh anchor at a moment's notice.

He himself said he must not come aboard till the last moment.

Were any hue and cry to be made after him, any vessel in port would be certain to be searched.

How to keep him safe for these fourteen--nay, it is but twelve days now--is the thing that is perplexing me.

Until the close of the appointed week naught will be done; but there will be one long week after that which will tax our resources to the utmost.