urrender to the pagan spirit which is abroad."

"And do you think that the critics will read it and be overcome?" asked
Arthur.

"It will convince the critics, not that they are pagans, but that I am.
They will review it, therefore, just to annoy me."

"You reason just like a critic, from anywhere to nowhere."

"The book will make a stir, nevertheless," and Doyle showed his
confidence.

"It's to be a loud protest, and will tangle the supple legs of Henry
Ward Beecher and other semi-pagans like a lasso."

"How about the legs of the publishers?"

"That's their lookout. I have nothing against them, and I hope at the
close of the sale they will have nothing against me."

"When, where, with what title, binding and so forth?"

"Speak not overmuch to thy dentist," said Grahame slyly. "Already he
knoweth too many of thy mouth's secrets."

The young men kept the little company alive with their pranks and their
badinage. Grahame discovered in the Captain a rare personality, who had
seen the globe in its entirety, particularly the underside, as a
detective and secret service agent for various governments. He was a
tall, slender man, rather like a New England deacon than a daring
adventurer, with a refined face, a handsome beard, and a speaking,
languid gray eye. He spent the first week in strict devotion to his
duties, and in close observation of his passengers. In the second week
Grahame had him telling stories after dinner for the sole purpose of
diverting the sad and anxious thoughts of Honora, although Arthur hardly
gave her time to think by the multiplied services which he rendered her.
There came an afternoon of storm, followed by a nasty night, which kept
all the passengers in the cabin; and after tea there, a demand was made
upon Captain Richard Curran for the best and longest story in his
repertory. The men lit pipes and cigars, and Honora brought her
crotcheting. The rolling and tossing of the ship, the beating of the
rain, and the roar of the wind, gave them a sense of comfort. The ship,
in her element, proudly and smoothly rode the rough waves, showing her
strength like a racer.

"Let us have a choice, Captain," said Grahame, as the officer settled
himself in his chair. "You detectives always set forth your successes.
Give us now a story of complete failure, something that remains a
mystery till now."

"Mystery is the word," said Honora. "This is a night of mystery. But a
story without an end to it----"