I might land the launch over to some boat-builder or repairer, with directions to make a trifling change in her.

She would then be removed to his shed or yard, and so be effectually concealed, while at the same time I could have her at a few hours' notice." "That seems simple enough." "It is just these very simple things which are extremely liable to be overlooked.

However, I determined to act on the idea.

I started at once in this harmless seaman's rig and inquired at all the yards down the river.

I drew blank at fifteen, but at the sixteenth--Jacobson's--I learned that the Aurora had been handed over to them two days ago by a wooden-legged man, with some trivial directions as to her rudder.