ather sharply guarded, of course,--and he--"

"Fetch him here at once, Mr. Mott," commanded Captain Trigger. "I'll
hear what he has to say first hand."

"Very well, sir." Mr. Mott started away, hesitated, rubbed his chin
dubiously, and then came back. "He's having a bit of breakfast, sir, and
has asked for the loan of Mr. Codge's razors--"

"What?" roared the captain.

"I informed him he would have to appear before you at once, sir, and he
said he was quite willing to do so, but would it be possible for him
to tidy up a bit beforehand. I am obliged to confess, sir, that I have
never encountered a more interesting stowaway in all my career, which
leads me to confess still further that I gave orders to feed him,--he
hasn't had a mouthful to eat since we left port, owing to the fact, he
says, that his luggage shifted the first day out and try as he would
he couldn't locate it without a match, or something to that effect,--he
rather stumped me, sir, with the graceful way he lies,--and then Mr.
Codge agreed to let him take one of his razors, and when I left him
below, sir, it seemed quite certain that Mr. Gray was on the point of
lending him a shirt and a change of underwear. I--"

"Good God, sir!" gasped Captain Trigger, with something more than
emotion in his voice. "What is this you are telling me?"

"He seems a most likeable chap," explained Mr. Mott lamely. "Quite
a courteous fellow, too, sir. I forgot to mention that he sent his
compliments to you and asks for an interview at your earliest conven--"

"Asked for an interview? Drag him here at once--by the heels, if
necessary. Tell him I shan't keep him waiting an instant," said the
captain ironically.

Mr. Mott still hesitated. "In the event, sir, that he is in the midst of
shaving--"

"I don't care a hang what he's in the midst of," exclaimed Captain
Trigger. "Even in the midst of changing shirts. Present my compliments
to him, Mr. Mott, and say that he needn't dress up on my account. I
am an old-fashioned sailor-man. It is nothing new to me to see men who
haven't shaved in a fortnight, and others who never change shirts."

"Very well, sir," said Mr. Mott, and departed.

Presently he reappeared with the stowaway in charge.

Captain Trigger beheld a well set-up young man of medium height, with
freshly shaven chin and jaws, carefully brushed hair, spotless white
shirt and collar, and,--revealed in a quick glance,--recently scrubbed
hands. His brown Norfolk