sure. "What! Is not Mrs. Marston
sailing in the _Esmeralda?_"

"No; it will be better for her to remain here until the youngster comes.
My wife and I will be only too glad to have her with us. It would be
impossible for her to go to sea now her poor husband is dead. And she
knows no one in Manila. So you must be content to remain here at Samatau
as my welcome guest. Frewen will take the ship to Manila, and then
decide as to his future course. He thinks that after selling the
cargo at Manila he should proceed to Australia for a cargo of coal for
Valparaiso. I think it a very sensible suggestion, especially as he can
then see poor Marston's agent there and settle up with him regarding
some money due to Marston."

The Italian's face assumed a placid appearance. "You are quite right,
Mr. Raymond. And I shall be content to remain here. _Per Bacco!_
Mr. Frewen is a gentleman, and I wish him all good lack with the
_Esmeralda_. But I should like the lady to know that I am prepared to
return to the ship this moment if she so wishes it."

"She does know it, Mr. Villari. You have her full esteem and
confidence--as you had that of her poor husband, who just before he died
anxiously inquired about you, and said that he regretted not taking your
advice concerning the two Greeks."

"Ah! Mr. Raymond," and the man raised and clenched his right hand, "I
was a fool! I suspected that mischief was afoot that night when I found
Almanza and the two Greeks talking together; I simply reported the
matter to the captain, who thought nothing of it. Had I done my duty I
should have watched, for no one can trust a Greek."

"Do not reproach yourself, Mr. Villari. I may as well tell you that poor
Captain Marston, when he was inquiring about you just before he died,
spoke in the highest terms of you, and asked Mrs. Marston to see that
you were given five hundred pounds."

Villari raised himself on his elbow. "I swear to you, Mr. Raymond, that
I do not want any money--compensation--reward--gift--call it what you
will--for doing my duty as a seaman. Captain Marston was not only my
captain, but my friend. And I would give my life for his wife. Tell her
from me that it will hurt me if she even speaks of this money to me."

"As you will, Mr. Villari," said Raymond kindly, who saw that the
Italian was excited. "I will tell her to-morrow. But I trust you will
now understand that Mr. Frewen had no desire to supplant you in any
way."

"I understand. C