every nerve tingling, as I stepped between
them. "Another insinuation like that, and you will learn what I can
do. You may be captain of this boat, but you are alone with us now,
and I can kill you before you could utter a cry. So help me God, I
will, if you dare insult her again."

He reeled back against the desk, although I do not think I touched him,
and his hand sought an open drawer. I knew him instantly for a coward,
and gripped his wrist, hurling him from me half across the room.

"I 'll stand here, and you over there. I prefer dealing with your kind
with bare hands. Now if you have any reply to make to this lady's
assertions put it in decent language."

He gasped a bit, rubbing his bruised wrist, his eyes shifting to the
closed door as though contemplating an alarm. But I stood where I
could block any effort, and I doubt if he liked the expression on my
face.

[Illustration: He gasped a bit, rubbing his bruised wrist.]

"There is no use going off at half cock, Craig," he snarled. "I did
n't mean any insult. And I 'll get you for that some time. You 'll
learn yet what the _Sea Gull_ is."

"No doubt," I coincided, tired of his threats, and awakened to the fact
that this quarrel was not likely to help our chances. "But for a few
minutes it will be worth your while to listen to me. I am not
defending this woman from anything but unnecessary insults. If she has
deceived me I want to find it out. If you are Philip Henley, as you
claim to be, you must have evidence to prove it. Convince me that her
assertions are false, and you will not find me unreasonable."

"Gordon Craig, do you mean--"

I turned to her, steeling myself to look into her appealing eyes.

"I have been honest with you from the beginning," I Interrupted
abruptly. "Now, if I discover that your statements are false, the
inducements are all the other way. I am a soldier of fortune."

CHAPTER XXIII

THE SECRET OF THE VOYAGE

Henley laughed, the sound grating harshly on my nerves, yet I made no
movement of protest as he stepped silently back to his desk. I was no
longer afraid of the fellow, even although he might have a weapon
concealed in one of the drawers, for I knew I had drawn his fangs.
This open avowal on my part was sufficient to convince one of his
stripe that I was concerned only with my own interests. Whatever
suspicion he may have previously entertained regarding my relations
with the lady were now thoroug