your missus'll hear sharp enough from the police."

Suddenly she ran back to the companion-way. She did not look to see
where Ole Fred was. Keeping her eyes averted she called, "Good-bye,
Knollys. Thank you for being so kind to me."

Then she took Louis's hand without a word. He stood immovable.

"Feel sh-shick, ole girl," he gasped.

She stood still, feeling sick, too.

"Go on, ma--I'll tend him," said the cabman. Marcella walked on with her
head in the air, looking disgusted. After a few minutes she turned and
saw the cabman struggling to drag him along. His legs lagged foolishly.

"Can't walk, ole girl. Legs all cross-nibbed, ole girl," he moaned.

"You're not to talk, Louis," she said calmly.

"Talk? Talk? Can't talk. Parlez-vous Franshay, Marsh-shella? Voulez-vous
coucher avec moi? Baisez-moi, ma petite--!"

She faced him suddenly.

"Look here, Louis. If you talk French one of us goes in the harbour. I'd
rather it was me. Either that or I'll take my hands and choke you. _You_
know they're strong hands--made in Scotland, Louis--bony, not a bit
wobbly. Now what do you think?"

He made a sudden effort, threw off the cabman's detaining hand, swayed a
little and then steered a straight course for the cab, stumbling over
the step and crawling in on his knees.

"Isn't he a lad!" said the cabman admiringly. "Pair of lads, that's what
you are! By cripes, you are! Where are you making for, missus?" His
eyes, full of curiosity, were on the ship as a babble of voices rose.
"Listen, they've got ole monkey-face! That's him singing out now. We'd
better put our best leg forward for fear he comes after you."

"If he does I shall put him back again," she said; "we were going to the
Hotel Australia--but I don't think I'll take my husband there. I think
they mightn't like him. Do you know anywhere else we could go--a
house--where there are poor people who won't be rude to me about him?"

He thought for a moment. Then his face brightened.

"I know the very place, ma. It's quite near. The boss boozes, but Ma's a
good sort. She'll have a room, sure. It's all among the Chows, if you
don't mind that."

"Chows--what are Chows?"

"Chinese--Chinks--a good many white people won't live among them."

"If they don't object to us, I'm sure I shall not to them."

The next minute she was sitting beside Louis, but he was fast asleep.

"Louis," she whispered, shaking him gently. He stirred and muttered, but
could not waken. She