"It would not do to go prowling around the craft at this hour of the night--we might be suspected of being Yankee spies and fired upon."
"That is true," assented Owen, knowing full well the captain would not stop there.
"Now, I know Captain Shackelford well, and it wouldn't be strange for me to run over to shake hands with the old war dog. Besides, a sailor has respect for another man's affection regarding a craft he has made several voyages on, and he'd understand why I want to tread the deck of the Castle once again. It revives recollections, you know, and throws a man back years."
"Just so," commented Roderic, encouragingly.
"Well, so far, good. Now, if so be you could change your looks a little bit----"
"Consider it done, Captain, and many thanks to you."
"Don't forget they owe you no good will."
"And would be only too glad to hang me up to the yardarm if discovered. Don't worry, my dear fellow. It has been my business to hide my identity from all sorts of inquisitive people. This comes right in my line. When will you go?"
"I can be ready in five minutes, sir, but----"
The captain chuckled so hard he shook like a pyramid of calves foot jelly.
"A boy after my own heart, God bless him, and all them that loves the ladies, are my sentiments. My little woman at home came without any such hardships, but I honors them as think no danger too great, no price too dear, when true affection calls. Only I _am_ surprised at his not falling in love with Miss Fairfax, for unless my old eyes deceive me she worships the ground he walks on. Well, this is a queer world anyhow, and remarkable things happen in it," with which sage remark the old sailor hurried away to fix up a little for his late visit on board the neighboring craft.
When he returned to the spot the five minutes had expired.
The captain would never have suspected his identity only that he spoke.
In that brief space of time Roderic had completely altered his appearance--instead of a gentleman, well dressed and desirous of only killing time, he had the look of an ordinary everyday sailor.
Even his face was altered--Captain Beven never could tell how it was done, and marveled greatly at the tricks of the trade--but in the semi darkness it did not look at all like Owen who addressed him laughingly asking if he would do.