“It is to pay for the stores I broke into below. Take it, and put it where your father will see it. Good by.”

He started up the ladder, but came back again to ask,

“Is there a steamer in the bay? Did you get in time enough to see?”

“Lots of them.”

“No, I should have said a whaleback steamer?”

“What are those—oh, I know what you mean. A great long, steel boat, with cabins way up above the hull, and no deck to speak of.”

“That’s it,” said Brandon eagerly.

“Yes, there is one here. I saw it and meant to ask father what it was. I thought it was a dredger of some kind,” and Milly laughed again gleefully. “Is that a steamer?”

“Yes. My friends are aboard her.”

“Then you will find them,” she returned delightedly. “That funny boat lies not far from our dock. Now go, or somebody will catch you.”