CHAPTER XVIII.
WAGES.
The East Indiaman was too important a prize to be trusted to any other than the skilful sailor and brave officer, Derry Duck.

He was at once ordered to prepare to take her into an American port, with all due formalities.
Derry's sea-chest contained more than his scanty wardrobe, his golden gains during this long cruise were garnered there.

Yet he trusted it to the hands of unscrupulous men, while his own arms found a more welcome burden.

Tenderly as a mother bears her sleeping infant, Derry clasped a slender figure to his rough bosom, and would suffer no one to give him aid in his office of love.

There was a gentle pulsation in the heart so near to his.