t reared, and
declared that he had gone through much worse gales. She shook her head
with some energy.

"No, no, it was not that. There were the sailors--those demons. Was it
true that they had offered to put us all ashore?"

"Yes," said I, "if we give them what we have not got. That is what they
promise, Juliette. But would you like to trust them?"

She considered a moment, her plain, capable face in thought. "No." She
shook her head. "Mademoiselle would do well to beware of them. Yes,
yes," and with a nod she left me.

Now what did that mean? I asked myself, and I could only jump to the
conclusion that Mademoiselle had thoughts of making a bargain with
Holgate on her own account. I knew she was capable of yielding to any
caprice or impulse. If there had not been tragedy in the air it would
have amused me to ponder the possibilities of that conflict of wits and
brains between Holgate and the lady. But she was a victim to
sea-sickness, and our hour drew near. Indeed, it was then but two hours
to eight o'clock.

It was necessary to take such precautions as we might in case Holgate
kept his word. But it was possible that in that wind and sea he would
not. However, to be prepared for the worst, we had a council. There
were now but the Prince, Barraclough, Lane and myself available, for
Ellison was in a bad way. The spareness of our forces was thus betrayed
by this meeting, which was in effect a council of despair. We made our
arrangements as speedily as possible, and then I asked:

"The ladies? We must have some definite plan."

The Prince nodded. "They must be locked in the _boudoir_," he said. "It
has entrances from both their cabins."

"The last stand, then, is there?" I remarked casually.

He echoed the word "there."

I had my duties in addition to those imposed by our dispositions, and I
was not going to fail--I knew I should not fail. Outside in the
corridor we sat and nursed our weapons silently. I don't think that any
one was disposed to talk; but presently the Prince rose and retired to
his room. He returned presently with a magnum of champagne, and
Barraclough drew the cork, while Lane obtained some glasses.

"Let's have a wet. That's a good idea," said the purser.

The Prince ceremoniously lifted his glass to us and took our eyes.

Lane quaffed his, emitting his usual gag hoarsely.

"Fortune!"

How amazingly odd it sounded, like the ironic exclamation of some
onlooking demon of sarcasm.

"Fo