nterfere, and even as I hesitated Barraclough turned the
key, and the door fell open. Holgate waddled heavily into the corridor
and took us all three in with his rolling eyes. His face seemed to be
broader, more substantial, and darker than ever, and his mouth and chin
marked the resolute animal even more determinedly. The open door was
behind him.

"As Sir John will have told you," he began slowly, moving his gaze from
one to another, "I have come on a little business with him which we've
got to settle before we part."

Legrand stood in angry bewilderment, and, as for me, I knew not how to
take this. Had he come in good faith?

"I would be damned if I would have struck a bargain with you, Holgate,
or dreamed of trusting you," said Legrand, fuming. "But as it's done,
and you have the spoils, what's your game now?"

Holgate sent a quick look at him, and passed his hand over his
forehead. Then he eyed me.

"What do you suppose I'm here for?" he asked, his eyes looking out as
tigers waiting in their lair. "All unarmed, and trusting, as I am, it
is only reasonable to suppose that I come to fulfill my promise to Sir
John here. He knows what that was, and he's done enough to have got his
money's worth."

"We will sign if you produce the document," said Barraclough curtly.
"You'll sign, Phillimore, and you?" he said, looking at Legrand.

It had the air of a command, but what else could we do? We were at
Holgate's mercy, and the act of signature could do us no harm. On the
other hand, it might save us.

"Yes," I said reluctantly, "I'll sign, as it's come to that."

"I'll follow," growled Legrand. "But if I'd known----"

"Hang it! let's get it over!" said Barraclough. "You shall have our
word of honour as gentlemen."

"It's a pretty big thing you're asking," said Legrand moodily. "I don't
know. Let's think it out."

"And the Prince?" said Holgate; "he must sign. You can manage him?"

Barraclough frowned. After all, it seemed more complex now with the
cold light of reason on the compact.

"Look here, man," said he, and I never was nearer liking him, "if
you'll put us ashore within forty-eight hours after floating--and you
can--on the Chili coast, you'll have a fortnight's start, and can
chance the rest. Hang it! Holgate, take your risks."

Holgate showed his teeth in a grin. "I have lived forty years," said he
slowly, "and, by thunder, I've never taken an unnecessary risk in my
life--no! by God I haven't!" and