to help you, and you keep me
at arm's length. I am not asking out of curiosity. I only want to know
what allies I can depend on. Heaven knows I have gone through enough
already to keep me silent henceforward for ever, even to the point of
attempted murder."

"I will answer any question you wish to put--if I can," she replied in
a milder voice. "But my brother is waiting."

"Then may I know why you credit this plot?" I asked.

"I know nothing of the plot," she said. "The news of it has just come
to my ears, through some words dropped by Mr. Morland. But this I
know--that he runs a great risk. He has always run a great risk ever
since----" she stopped. "I am willing to believe the worst."

"Now," said I, "I am ready to accompany you," and forthwith, without
more words, we went on deck.

When we reached the cabin I found not only the Prince, but Day, who was
clearly in one of his moods. He had a nervous way of flipping his
fingers when put out, and he stood now firing off his white hand
restlessly. He did not pay me any attention on my entrance, but fixed
his gaze on Princess Alix.

"As I am no longer in command on my boat, Dr. Phillimore," he said
abruptly, "perhaps you will be good enough to explain to Mr. Morland
what you propose to do."

I looked at the Prince, who nodded curtly. Evidently there had been a
scene.

"I believe that a rising is contemplated before we reach Buenos Ayres,"
I said. "I would advise, therefore, that we change our course for Rio
Janeiro at once. We are only thirty-hours' steam away."

Day turned his attention on me. "There is something in that," he said.
"I shall be able to get a new doctor."

The Prince frowned. "It is for me to say," he said sharply.

"You, sir, will then be able to get a new captain," said Day politely.
He bowed to the Prince and Princess.

"That is very probable," said the Prince, and added, "I order you to
put into Rio, captain. Dr. Phillimore's advice commends itself to me."

I said nothing, but the Princess gave me a quick glance, in which I
seemed to read approval.

"Your orders shall be obeyed," said Day, and ceremoniously left the
cabin. When he was gone the Prince turned to me.

"I am obliged for your zeal in my service," he said, as if he were
conferring a decoration; whereupon he bowed, and I followed the
captain.

I went at once to Day's cabin and waited, for I had made up my mind as
to the method in which he should be treated. The man was obv