"Two minutes would answer."
"Very well; I will call with the boy in the course of an hour or two. By the way, I shall want a small chest to put the articles in. You keep them, of course?"
"A great variety."
"I dare say you will suit me. A very plain one will answer. Have your bill made out for the other articles, and I will discharge it."
With a profusion of bows and thanks, the trader dismissed his customer.
The mate now betook himself to the hotel where he had engaged Charlie to meet him at eleven o'clock. Charlie, who was always punctual to his appointments, had already arrived, and was looking over a newspaper in the reading-room.
"So you are on hand, my boy," said Randall, in a friendly manner.
"Yes, sir."
"I am glad to find you punctual. Are you ready to set out?"
"Yes, sir, quite ready."