at
the saloon entrance. "Now, sir," he began, "if you wish to see me, I
am at your disposal."

"In that case, let us walk a little farther aft," replied the tall man.
"Let us find a place where we shall run no risks of being disturbed."

"This way, then," said Browne, and led him along the deck towards the
taffrail. He climbed up on to the rail, while his companion seated
himself on the stern grating. The light from the after-skylight fell
upon his face, and Browne saw that it was a countenance cast in a
singularly handsome mould. The features were sharp and clear cut, the
forehead broad, and the mouth and chin showing signs of considerable
determination. Taken altogether, it was the face of a man who, having
embarked upon a certain enterprise, would carry it through, or perish
in the attempt. Having lit a cigarette and thrown the match overboard,
he began to speak.

"It has been brought to my knowledge," he began, "that you are anxious
to carry out a certain delicate piece of business connected with an
island, a short distance to the north of Japan. Is that so?"

"Before you go any farther," continued Browne, "perhaps it would be as
well for you to say whether or not you come from Johann Schmidt."

"Johann Schmidt!" replied the other, with some little astonishment.
"Who the devil is he? I don't know that I ever heard of him."

It was Browne's turn this time to feel surprised. "I asked because I
understood that he was going to send some one to me this evening."

"That is very possible," MacAndrew answered; "but let me make it clear
to you that I know nothing whatsoever of him; in matters like this, Mr.
Browne, you will find it best to know nothing of anybody."

After this plain speech, Browne thought he had grasped the situation.
"We will presume, then, that you know nothing of our friend Johann," he
said. "Perhaps you have a plan worked out, and can tell me exactly
what I ought to do to effect the object I have in view."

"It is for that reason that I am here," resumed MacAndrew, with
business-like celerity, as he flicked the ash from his cigarette.
"I've got the plan fixed up, and I think I can tell you exactly how the
matter in question is going to be arranged. To begin with, I may as
well inform you that it is going to be an expensive business."

"Expense is no difficulty to me," replied Browne. "I am, of course,
quite prepared to pay a large sum, provided it is in reason, and I am
assured in