“Some days ago a New Yorker who was suspected of cheating at cards on the complaint of several passengers was put on trial and convicted through the evidence of one who had seen him marking a pack of the ship’s cards.  He was condemned to be carried up to the round top and made fast there, in view of all the ship’s company for three hours and to pay a fine of two bottles of brandy.  He refused to pay his fine and we excommunicated the culprit refusing either to eat, drink or speak with him until he should submit.  Today he gave up and paid his fine.  Man is a sociable being and the bitterest of all punishments is exclusion.  He couldn’t stand it.”

About noon on the twenty-ninth of November they made Dover and anchored in the Downs.  Deal was about three miles away and its boats came off for them.  They made a circuit and sailed close in shore.  Each boat that went out for passengers had its own landing.  Its men threw a rope across the breakers.  This was quickly put on a windlass.  With the rope winding on its windlass the boat was slowly hauled through the surge, its occupants being drenched and sprinkled with salt water.  They made their way to the inn of The Three Kings where two men stood watching as they approached.  One of them Jack recognized as the man Slops with the black pipe in his mouth.

“That’s him,” said the man with the black pipe pointing at Solomon, whereupon the latter was promptly arrested.

“What have I done?” he asked.

“You’ll learn directly at ’eadquarters,” said the officer.

Solomon shook hands with Jack and said:  “I’m glad I met ye,” and turned and walked away with the two men.

Jack was tempted to follow them but feeling a hidden purpose in
Solomon’s conduct went into the inn.

So the friends parted.  Jack being puzzled and distressed by the swift change in the color of their affairs.  The letter to Doctor Franklin was in his pocket—­a lucky circumstance.  He decided to go to London and deliver the letter and seek advice regarding the relief of Solomon.  At the desk in the lobby of The Three Kings he learned that he must take the post chaise for Canterbury which would not be leaving until six P.M.  This gave him time to take counsel in behalf of his friend.  Turning toward the door he met Captain Preston, who greeted him with great warmth and wished to know where was Major Binkus.

Jack told the Captain of the arrest of his friend.

“I expected it,” said Preston.  “So I have waited here for your ship.  It’s that mongrel chap on The Star who got a tarring from Binkus and his friends.  He saw Binkus on your deck, as I did, and proclaimed his purpose.  So I am here to do what I can to help you.  I can not forget that you two men saved my life.  Are there any papers on his person which are likely to make him trouble?”

“No,” said Jack, thinking of the letter lying safely in his own pocket.