e? Is it for fun, do you suppose?"

He turned from me without saying anything, but my words had their
effect, for when the door opened and Holgate's face appeared Day said
civilly enough, "I am sorry to have disturbed you unnecessarily, Mr.
Holgate, but I find I shall not need you at present."

The third officer's big face moved slowly on his bull neck and his eyes
met mine.

"Very well, sir," said he calmly, and there was nothing legible in his
gaze. It was blank and insignificant, destitute even of curiosity.

Barraclough arrived immediately afterwards, and on his heels--Mr.
Morland, dressed as when he walked the hurricane deck daily, his
somewhat dull face owning and manifesting a certain dignity.

"I have asked you here, Mr. Morland," said Day at once, "because of
certain rumours and mysteries and alleged discoveries which are in
circulation. It is an untimely hour, but that is not my fault. Dr.
Phillimore has brought me a story, which, if he is correct, is of vital
importance to us. I should be glad, therefore, if you would answer a
question. Are you Prince Frederic of Hochburg?"

Mr. Morland's eyes lighted up. "I have employed you, sir," he began,
"to work this ship----"

"Pardon me, it is necessary," said Day with extreme politeness. "I hear
a tale of conspiracy to rob my employer, who sails with me and whom I
know as Mr. Morland, but who is stated to be Prince Frederic of
Hochburg. I am justified, therefore, in asking if Mr. Morland is Prince
Frederic; and if he has the money on board which the tale alleges.
According to that answer must I shape my conduct."

Mr. Morland drew himself up. "It is reasonable," he said, as if
reflecting. "Yes, I am Frederic of Hochburg."

Day's fingers trembled. "And the money?" he asked in a hard voice.

"There is some money on board," said the Prince, looking round on our
faces, and now I was surprised that I had not identified long since
that guttural German accent. "But I should wish to know what this scene
means, sir?" he said in a haughty voice.

Day waved his hand at me.

"I have learned to-night," said I, "by an accident, that there is a
plot among the crew to seize the ship and its contents before reaching
Buenos Ayres."

For the third time I then told my story, to which my sodden garments
were a genuine witness. The Prince listened to me with a frown.

"I do not understand," said he. "I was led to believe that I was
chartering a good vessel with a good cap