“Orange boat?” cried Rodd. “Why, uncle’s been thinking of one of those!”

“Well, why not?” said the captain; “a Saltcomber?”

“Yes,” cried Rodd.

“Well-built, fast, plenty of room below for cargo or what not, plenty of provisions and water, but no guns.”

“That’s just the sort of vessel I want,” cried Uncle Paul. “Do you think one’s to be had over there?”

“Sure on it. See one last week as they was just getting up her standing rigging.”

“What, a new one?” cried Rodd.

“Ay. Fresh launched, and being made ready for sea.”

“Capital!” cried Uncle Pad. “Who does she belong to?”

“Ship-builder as yet.”