d archly in her pretty English. "I know
the doctor. He is an old friend of mine."

She was dressed in a smart morning gown, somewhat open at the throat,
and her admirable voice seemed to encompass us in its sympathy. One
could not but feel pleased and flattered by her faith. I smiled.

"I am glad to say that Legrand's safe, but _hors de combat_," I went
on. "Perhaps not for long. We may have a surprise in store for us. At
any rate, Holgate does not know everything. He's a little too clever,
to my mind."

"Oh, I wish they were all hanged, and dead," broke out Mademoiselle,
with an impatient gesticulation.

"They will be in due time," said Barraclough.

"Tell me, Sir John, tell me, doctor, is there any danger?" she asked
vivaciously.

Sir John was ever deliberate, and I anticipated him.

"None, or very little at present, I think."

"Ah!" she beamed on us both. "Then you shall have time to play with me.
Do you play breedge, Sir John?"

I turned away, for it was time to relieve Lane in the saloon.

CHAPTER XI

THE LULL

When you consider how I had parted from the Prince, his subsequent
conduct must be regarded as creditable. After my watch I fell dead
asleep in my bunk, and might have slept till night had it not been for
the sense of discipline possessed and exhibited by his Royal Highness.
He visited me in person, and did me the honour to arouse me from my
dreamless slumber, whereat I sat up cursing.

"It is natural you should feel irritated, Dr. Phillimore," said he
calmly. "But when you come to yourself you will perceive that duty must
be performed. It is your watch."

"Oh, ah!" I blurted forth. "You must excuse me; sir, but I have had a
night of it."

He nodded amiably. "If you will come to my cabin after your watch," he
observed, "I shall have something to say to you."

I do not know that I looked forward to the interview with any interest.
I expected some censure of my conduct earlier in the day, and I was
resolved to defend myself. But the Prince proved mild and even amiable.
He offered me a cigar, and condescended to discuss some points of
policy with me.

"I have been told," said he, "that you have been in the forecastle, and
have seen Mr. Legrand. You think that there is some chance of his
joining us? Well, it is good hearing. I have no doubt that we shall
succeed in destroying the traitors."

"Mr. Morland," said I, leaning forward to him, "I would not like to
leave you in the thou