On the contrary, it is going splendidly," answered Barebone, gaily; and Captain Clubbe ducked his head down again over the papers of the French custom-house.

"It is going splendidly, but--" He paused.

Half an hour ago he had no thought in his mind of Captain Clubbe or of Farlingford.

He had come on board merely to greet his old friends, to hear some news of home, to take up for a moment that old self of bygone days and drop it again.

And now, in half a dozen questions and answers, whither was he drifting?
Captain Clubbe filled in a word, slowly and very legibly.
"But I am not the man, you know," said Barebone, slowly.