"It's a long letter, my boy, but it may be the last—it's certainly the longest I've ever written."
Carden folded up the letter and placed it in his pocket. His eyes were not exactly dry—nor were any others at the table—little Miss Fleming and Julia were actually sobbing; Mr. Stafford, Doctor Fox and O'Brien were vainly endeavoring to look through the open window; and Kate sat dry-eyed, aye, and dry-lipped too, gazing intently before her, and Carden became angry.
"I've violated Dick's confidence," he said, in hard tones and looking straight at his cousin,—"only to show you the kind of a man we are losing—for he's going to certain death, I firmly believe!"
Carden stopped and sprang up quickly, but not quick enough to prevent Kate from falling heavily to the floor.
All was bustle and confusion aboard The Albatross. It lacked only an hour of sailing-time, and still all the cargo was not aboard. The captain was swearing at the stevedores, and they in turn at the men, but it was all in vain, and the part of the cargo still to be stowed was so valuable that the captain hated to leave it.
Whilst the captain was hesitating, a hansom came tearing down to the pier.
Leaning over the taffrail of The Albatross was Martin, and, even before the cab door was thrown open, he murmured "Fred!"
"I was afraid something serious had happened, and you could not come!" he said, returning the warm grasp of his friend.
"Something serious has happened!" replied Carden, "and you must come back with me at once! It's just a matter of life or death with Kate, and Fox says it depends on you! Come Dick! Why, what's the matter with you? Come on! Hang the outfit! Let's get away!" and he dragged Martin ashore.