tructing the dock at the water's edge. As the incident is entitled
to a very definite place in this narrative, a more or less extended
account of it may be given here and now, even at the risk of being
classed as a digression, or a step backward in the sequence of the
history.

Mr. Landover, Mr. Block, Mr. Nicklestick and two or three other men
were grouped on the after-deck early one morning decrying the brainless
scheme to build a camp out there in the open. Their audience included
several women, among them Mrs. Spofford, Ruth Clinton, Madame
Careni-Amori, Madame Obosky, Mrs. Block and a couple of loquacious Rio
Janeiro ladies.

Percival bore down upon this group. He wasted no time in getting to the
point.

"We've been at work for two days out there, gentlemen, and up to date
not one of you has turned to with the rest of us. The understanding was
that--"

Mr. Landover whirled on him, white with anger. "That will do!" he
exclaimed. "Clear out! I do not intend to allow any such riff-raff as
you to order me to--Oh, pray do not be alarmed, ladies! This rowdy is
not likely to assault me. Nothing will happen, I assure you. Clear out,
you bum,--do you hear me?"

Percival was smiling. "I wish you wouldn't interrupt me, Mr. Landover.
As I was saying, it was understood that every man on this ship who is
well enough to--"

"Can't you see that there are ladies present? Haven't you an atom of
decency about you?"

"--understood that every man on this ship was to do his share of the
work laid out. I owe these ladies an apology for reminding you in their
presence that the boats are leaving for shore and that if you do not get
off in the next relay you will be compelled to swim to that landing over
there,--and I doubt very much whether any of you can make it."

"Wha-what's that?" demanded Mr. Block.

Mr. Landover was speechless. A hard glitter came to Percival's eyes, the
smile left his lips.

"You heard what I said, Mr. Block. I'll make it plainer, however. If you
men don't get into the next boat leaving this ship, I'm going to
have you thrown overboard and made to swim to your work. I regret
exceedingly, ladies, that I have been obliged to resort to harsh words
in your presence, but time is so precious that I can't afford to give
them a private audience."

"Oh, my goodness gracious!" cried Mrs. Block, twisting her fat hands in
an agony of alarm. "Maybe you better go, Moses. You vas nearly drownded
twice yet in pool a