t lie wrecked about him. He was going out by one
steamer and back by the next, the impending issue of his great Company
afforded all the excuse that was necessary. If Da Souza's story was
true--well, there were many things which might be done, short of a
complete disclosure. Monty might be satisfied, if plenty of money were
forthcoming, to abandon his partnership and release the situation from
its otherwise endless complications. Trent smoked his cigar placidly
and, taking off his cap bared his head to the sweeping sea-wind, which
seemed laden with life and buoyancy. Suddenly as he swung round by
the companion-way he found himself confronted by a newcomer who came
staggering out from the gangway. There was a moment's recoil and a sharp
exclamation. Trent stood quite still and a heavy frown darkened his
face.

"Da Souza!" he exclaimed. "How on earth came you on board?"

Da Souza's face was yellower than ever and he wore an ulster buttoned
up to his chin. Yet there was a flash of malice in his eyes as he
answered--

"I came by late tender at Southampton," he said.

"It cost me a special from London and the agents told me I couldn't do
it, but here I am, you see!"

"And a poor-looking object you are," Trent said contemptuously. "If
you've life enough in you to talk, be so good as to tell me what the
devil you mean by following me like this!"

"I came," Da Souza answered, "in both our interests--chiefly in my own!"

"I can believe that," Trent answered shortly, "now speak up. Tell me
what you want."

Da Souza groaned and sank down upon a vacant deck-chair.

"I will sit down," he said, "I am not well! The sea disagrees with me
horribly. Well, well, you want to know why I came here! I can answer
that question by another. What are you doing here? Why are you going to
Africa?"

"I am going," Trent said, "to see how much truth there was in that story
you told me. I am going to see old Monty if he is alive."

Da Souza groaned.

"It is cruel madness," he said, "and you are such an obstinate man! Oh
dear! oh dear!"

"I prefer," Trent said, "a crisis now, to ruin in the future. Besides, I
have the remnants of a conscience."

"You will ruin yourself, and you will ruin me," Da Souza moaned. "How am
I to have a quarter share if Monty is to come in for half, and how are
you to repay him all that you would owe on a partnership account? You
couldn't do it, Trent. I've heard of your four-in-hand, and your yacht,
and your