"It is—it is," said Wad, almost dancing with joy as the other displayed the missing article; "and where got ye it?"

"Lying at the close-head."

"Say you so? Could I have dropped it?"

"You know best."

"My deck was overstown wi' usquebaugh—donnart deil that I am, it must have been so!"

"This letter is of value then??

"I would rather lose my starboard fin than it."

"Then it is well worth a crown."

"To those wha hae crowns to spare," said the gunner.

Borthwick took a firmer grasp of the packet.