Come aboard quick as ye can." As Paul could not leave the schooner without first having his effects passed through the Custom House, the captain himself came ashore.

He nearly dislocated Paul's arm with his vigorous hand shaking and said that he had been waiting at Nassau a week for him.

The apparatus being duly passed, all embarked in the captain's yawl and were speedily conveyed aboard the "Foam." There he received the same warm welcome from the captain's good natured wife, who had a neat little cabin prepared for him.

After supper the captain and Paul had a long talk on deck where they sat smoking cigars under the brilliant starlight.

Paul described fully his father objection to his embarking in the wrecking business, though he was willing to enter into the arrangements, providing his share would be the shells and curiosities, which the captain regarded as so much trash.
"Now, Paul, me b'y," said Balbo, after listening intently to his proposition; "Oi'm an old man an' Oi consider meself an honest wan.