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192 tle pile one of these days," returned Montague Smith, thoughtfully.

"What doing?"

"I'll tell you—when the time comes. Now I'll look at those papers, if you please."

Captain Cosgrove at once arose, and going to a chest of drawers in a corner of the cabin, brought forth several documents, which he spread out on the cabin table. The two drew up their chairs, and for five minutes bent over the papers intently.

"That seems to be all right," said Montague Smith. "I'll sign at once."

Pen and ink were produced, and he wrote down his signature twice. Then he arose and Captain Cosgrove put the papers away.

Seeing that the pair were about to come on deck again, Franklin made haste to get out of sight. There was a mass of freight on the forward deck, and he hurried behind this, just as the pair once more emerged into daylight.

From his new place of concealment Franklin saw the captain and the part owner of the battery works leave the Sunfiower and stroll down the street in the direction of the factory. He thought to follow, but before he could do so, two deck hands sprang aboard and confronted him.

"What is it you want?" asked one of them, in a business-like way.

For the instant Franklin knew not what to re-