aited.

Only a few words came to Denman's ears, and these in the hoarse accents
of Jenkins as he left them: "Six days at cruising speed, you say, and
two at full steam? All right."

Jenkins continued aft, but halted and called the retreating Sampson, who
joined him; then the two approached the galley hatch and hailed Denman.

"Captain Jenkins can't talk very well, sir," said Sampson, with a
conciliatory grin; "but he wants me to ask you what you did to him. He
says he bears no grudge."

"Can't tell you," answered Denman, promptly. "It is a trick of Japanese
jujutsu, not taught in the schools, and known only to experts. I
learned it in Japan when my life was in danger."

Jenkins nodded, as though satisfied with the explanation, and Sampson
resumed:

"Another thing we came aft for, Mr. Denman, is to notify you that we
must search the skipper's room and the wardroom for whatever money there
is on board. There may be none, but we want the last cent."

"What on earth," exclaimed Denman, "do you want with money?" Then, as
their faces clouded, he added: "Oh, go ahead. Don't turn my room
upside-down. You'll find my pile in a suit of citizen's clothes hanging
up. About four and a half."

"Four and a half is a whole lot, sir," remarked Sampson as they
descended the wardroom hatch.

"Got any money down below, Florrie?" inquired Denman, joining the girl.

She shook her head. "No. I lost everything but what I wear."

The tears that started to her eyes apprised Denman that hers was more
than a money loss; but there is no comfort of mere words for such loss,
and he went on quickly:

"They are going through the cabin for money. They'll get all I've got.
Did you see any cash in the captain's desk?"

"Why, yes, Billie," she said, hesitatingly. "I wanted a place to put my
combs when I wore the bandage, and I saw some money in the upper desk.
It was a roll."

"He's lost it, then. Always was a careless man. Did you count it?"

"No. I had no right to."

But the question in Denman's mind was answered by Sampson when he and
Jenkins emerged from the hatch. "Five hundred," he said. "Fine! He
won't need a quarter of it, Jenkins."

"Five hundred!" repeated Denman to the girl. "Jail-breaking, stealing
government property, mutiny--against me--piracy, and burglary. Heaven
help them when they are caught!"

"But will they be?"

"Can't help but be caught. I know nothing of their plans; but I do know
that they are running right i