plied, his fury gone as suddenly as it came,
and we descended the ladder.

At the foot we met McCrae, very angry and sarcastic, wanting to know
since when the deck was allowed to order the engine-room about like
pot-boys, but a few words put him in possession of the facts, and I
think, if any argument had been needed, my exhausted and dripping body
would have sufficed.

"The old man?" said he. Legrand nodded.

CHAPTER VI

THE CONFERENCE IN THE CABIN

We opened the captain's door without knocking, but he was awake at
once, and turned on the electric light.

"What is this, gentlemen? Is it a raree show?" he inquired in his
particular voice.

"It is some information Dr. Phillimore has to impart, sir," said
Legrand.

Day's eyes narrowed. "Oh, I see Dr. Phillimore is taking part in some
more theatricals," he said grimly. "And his costume seems suited to
them."

"I beg your pardon, sir," said I hotly. "If you would only listen
instead of passing judgment we might get on."

"I'm learning a lot this voyage," said Day with a sneer; "pray
proceed."

Again I told my story. Day got up in his pyjamas, an insignificant
figure of a man without his important uniform. He might have been
merely a member of Parliament, or a minor poet. But he had, with all
his defects, the courage of his position and responsibilities.

"This is a matter I feel unequal to alone. It has gone on too long," he
said sharply. "It is time I knew where I stand." He left the cabin
abruptly, and returned in a few minutes.

"I have taken the liberty of inviting Mr. Morland's attendance," he
said, "and have sent for Sir John Barraclough and Mr. Holgate. I will
know once for all where I stand."

"I beg you not Mr. Holgate, captain," said I.

"And why not Mr. Holgate, sir?" he asked peremptorily. "Here is a
report of conspiracy and mutiny you bring me, and I will have my
officers in attendance to weigh it."

"You will remember my former charge, Captain Day?" I said.

"Well, sir?" he answered.

"If my report to-night is correct, as I have a witness to prove, does
it not shed some light on my former charge against Mr. Holgate? And is
it, therefore, desirable that he should be here?"

Day considered, and then he looked me up and down.

"If I were a doctor, Dr. Phillimore," he observed with sarcasm, "I
should advise you to change your clothes."

"Oh, there is a more important matter than clothes," I replied angrily,
"or should I be her