actly; you picked up a strange man on the street; agreed to go off
on a criminal mission with him, and now expect us to believe you
perfectly innocent of any wrong intent."

"That will be enough," I interrupted, unable to remain quiet any
longer. "The motives of the woman, and how we chanced to meet, are no
concern of yours. If you are Philip Henley, prove it, and let it go at
that. I have told you plainly enough where I stand."

He gazed with black eyes narrowed into slits at the two of us, too
pleased with himself to doubt his success. The sarcastic smile curling
his lips caused me to swear under my breath, but I had gone too far now
to retreat.

"Just as you say, Craig," affecting an easy good nature. "That is
perfectly agreeable to me. However, as it makes no difference what the
late Mrs. Henley thinks, we will dismiss her from the case, and settle
the affair quietly between ourselves. I 've got a proposition which
will interest you." He touched a button, and I heard the sharp tingle
of a bell outside. Almost instantly the door in the cabin opened.
"That you, Peters? Conduct the woman back to her stateroom, lock the
door, and bring me the key."

He bent forward, searching for something in a pigeonhole to his right,
and I caught her eyes, touching my lips with my fingers to signal
silence, while an inclination of the head told her to go without
resistance. The swift change of expression on her face proved her
instant comprehension, as, without uttering a word of protest, she
turned, and disappeared. Henley never glanced up from his work of
selecting papers from a bundle under his hands, nor did I move, until
after Peters returned with the key. Henley dropped it into his pocket.

"That will be all," he said; "you can go."

"You mean I am off duty, sir?"

"Certainly; you understand English, don't you? There will be no more
guard work tonight."

As the door closed again behind Peters the fellow rose to his feet, and
held out his hand. "You are the kind I like, Craig," he said
cordially. "At first I had my doubts about you, and no doubt have been
harsh. To be perfectly honest I thought you would be all right under
ordinary circumstances, but was afraid the girl had a sentimental hold
on you which would make you difficult to handle. Lord, she thought so
too. Did you see her face when you first sided in with me? She wilted
completely. Well, that will make the rest easy. Sit down again, and I