be whispered behind corners." He scowled when his
mate gave him a wink, both suggestive and imploring. "Spit it out!"

"The law doesn't allow us to take passengers, as you suggest. And
naturally you don't like to act without orders from owners." He looked
at Mr. Fogg as he spoke, plainly offering apology to that gentleman.
"But we need a second steward and--"

"We don't!" Captain Wass was blunt and tactless.

"I beg pardon--we really do. And we can sign this young man in a--a sort
of nominal way, and then when we get to Philadelphia we'll probably find
the matter all straightened out."

"What's your name?" asked Mr. Fogg.

"Boyd Mayo, sir. First mate."

"Mr. Mayo, you're a young man with a lot of common sense," declared
Fogg.

To himself, staring at the young man, he said: "I'm going to play this
game out with two-spots, and here's one ready for the draw!"

"I'll see you in Philadelphia, Mr. Mayo," he continued, aloud. "I am
exactly what I say I am. Captain Wass, you've got something coming to
you. Mr. Mayo, you've got something coming to you, also--and it's
good!" His assertiveness was compelling, and even the captain displayed
symptoms of being impressed. "It isn't at all necessary that my agent
make this trip with you, Captain Wass. Perhaps I had no distinct right
to bring him here. But I am a hustling sort of a business man and I want
to get at matters in short order. However, I ask no favors. Come on,
Boyne!"

"We'll sign him on as steward to cover the law," proffered the captain,
as terse in consent as he was in refusal.

"Very well," agreed Fogg. "You've got an able first mate, sir." He
flipped his watch out. "I've got a train to make, gentlemen. Good day!"

He took Boyne by the arm and led him to the ladder from the bridge.
"Son," said he, "you dig into that Mayo chap till you know him up and
down and through and through. I'm going to use him. And you keep your
mouth shut about yourself." He backed down the ladder, feeling his
way cautiously with his fat legs, trotted to the waiting cab, and was
whirled away.

At high noon the next day Fletcher Fogg marched into the general
offices of the Vose line in company with ten solid-looking citizens.
Imperturbable and smiling, he allowed President Vose to shriek anathema
and to wave the certified copy of the record of the annual meeting under
the snub Fogg nose.

"What you say doesn't change the situation in the least," affirmed Mr.
Fogg. "You'll find t