truth," he said, "that was just what I was coming to
see you about. I wanted to find out, whether you would permit me to
withdraw my refusal of your kind invitation, in favour of an
acceptance. I know it is not quite the thing to do; but still our
friendship is old enough to permit of such a strain being placed upon
it. If, however, you have filled your cabins, do not for a moment
consider me. It is just possible I may be able to secure a berth on
one of the outgoing mail-boats. Get away, however, I must, and
immediately."

Browne scarcely knew what to say in reply. He knew that every person
he added to the party meant an additional danger to all concerned; and
he felt that, in common justice to Maas, he could not take him without
giving him some hint of what he was about to do. Maas noticed his
hesitation; and, thinking it betokened acquiescence to his plan, was
quick to take advantage of it.

"My dear fellow," he said, "if I am causing you the least
inconvenience, I beg of you not to give it a second thought. I should
not have spoken to you at all on the subject had you not said what you
did to me in Paris."

After this speech Browne felt that he had no opening left, save to
declare that nothing would give him greater pleasure than to have the
other's society upon the voyage.

"And you are quite sure that I shall not be in the way?" Maas inquired.

"In the way?" Browne replied. "Not at all; I have only Jimmy Foote
going with me. We shall be a snug little party."

"It's awfully good of you," said Maas; "and I'm sure I don't know how
to thank you. When do you propose to sail?"

"On Monday next from Southampton," answered Browne. "I will see that
you have a proper notice, and I will also let you know by what train we
shall go down. Your heavier baggage had better go on ahead."

"You are kindness itself," said Maas. "By the way, since we have come
to this arrangement, why should we not have a little dinner to-night at
my rooms as a send off? I'll find Foote and get him to come, and we'll
drink a toast to the Land of the Rising Sun."

"Many thanks," said Browne, "but I'm very much afraid it's quite out of
the question. I leave for Paris this afternoon, and shall not be back
until Saturday at earliest."

"What a pity!" said Maas. "Never mind; if we can't celebrate the
occasion on this side of the world, we will do so on the other. You
are turning off here? Well, good-bye, and many, many thank