y were in a position to
go into executive session and consider the matter. The women waited on
deck while the meeting lasted. They were unanimous in the opinion that
the affair had been badly managed.

"They should have offered to stay by the ship providing Monty would let
DeMille manage the cruise," said Miss Valentine. "That would have been
a concession and at the same time it would have put the cruise on an
economical basis."

"In other words, you will accept a man's invitation to dinner if he
will allow you to order it and invite the other guests," said Peggy,
who was quick to defend Monty.

"Well that would be better than helping to eat up every bit of food he
possessed." But Miss Valentine always avoided argument when she could
and gave this as a parting thrust before she walked away.

"There must be something more than we know about in Monty's
extravagance," said Mrs. Dan. "He isn't the kind of man to squander his
last penny without having something left to show for it. There must be
a method in his madness."

"He has done it for us," said Peggy. "He has devoted himself all along
to giving us a good time and now we are showing our gratitude."

Further discussion was prevented by the appearance of the conspiring
committee and the whole company was summoned to hear DeMille's report
as chairman.

"We have found a solution of our difficulties," he began, and his
manner was so jubilant that every one became hopeful. "It is desperate,
but I think it will be effective. Monty has given us the privilege of
leaving the yacht at any port where we can take a steamer to New York.
Now, my suggestion is that we select the most convenient place for all
of us, and obviously there is nothing quite so convenient as Boston."

"Dan DeMille, you are quite foolish," cried his wife. "Who ever
conceived such a ridiculous idea?"

"Captain Perry has his instructions," continued DeMille, turning to the
captain. "Are we not acting along the lines marked out by Brewster
himself?"

"I will sail for Boston if you say the word," said the thoughtful
captain. "But he is sure to countermand such an order."

"He won't be able to, captain," cried "Subway" Smith, who had for some
time been eager to join in the conversation. "This is a genuine,
dyed-in-the-wool mutiny and we expect to carry out the original plan,
which was to put Mr. Brewster in irons, until we are safe from all
opposition."

"He is my friend, Mr. Smith, and at least it