nly they are both interested in the
same business deal--a silver mine in Mexico. Ken bought stock and
Keralio is the only man he knows connected with it. That's why."

The lawyer gave vent to a grunt of disgust.

"If Keralio has anything to do with it, good-bye to Ken's money. In my
opinion the fellow's a crook."

Suddenly Helen pointed to a spot away down at the other end of the deck.

"Yes--you're right--there he is--behind that third lifeboat. He's
talking to some one."

The lawyer looked in the direction indicated.

"Yes--and do you see the secretive way in which they're talking--hiding
behind that boat, as if so that no one might see them. They're
plotting some mischief, you may be sure of that. Who's the other
fellow?"

Helen strained her eyes to see.

"I can't see his face. Oh, yes I can--why--it's our
Francois--Kenneth's valet. What can they be talking about? I don't
trust that valet. Only the other day I caught him reading some
letters. I warned Ken about him; but he insists he is faithful--I
wonder what they can have in common? He used to be in Signor Keralio's
employ."

The lawyer shook his head ominously. Gravely he said:

"That fellow Keralio will bear watching. I think I'll put my Sherlock
Holmes on his track."

Ray laughed.

"Oh, that would be exciting--a drama in real life. Please do----"

"Good morning, ladies!" said a voice close at hand. "Good morning, Mr.
Steell."

All looked up. A tall, elderly man with white hair, distinguished
looking and fashionably dressed, had stopped.

"Why, it's Mr. Parker!" exclaimed Helen holding out her hand. "You
came to see Kenneth off?"

"Yes--where is he?"

"In his stateroom--attending to his baggage. He'll be here directly."

"I must see him at once."

"Anything important?"

"Very important, indeed," replied the newcomer.

Helen jumped up, all flushed from excitement.

"Please tell me what it is?" she exclaimed.

The old gentleman drew a telegram from his pocket.

"I've just received this from our agent in Cape Town. Another diamond
of extraordinary size has been picked up. It weighs over 2,000 carats
and is calculated to be worth five hundred thousand dollars. That's
the second stone of extraordinary size that we have found. Possibly
there is some exaggeration in the reports, but there is no doubt
whatever that we are on the verge of discoveries little short of
sensational. Meantime, the treasury of the Americo