"You are sure it wasn't cholera?" asked the harbour-master's deputy, who
had boarded them in his launch, after he had heard the story.

"Positive," said Carson.

"Very fortunate thing they had you on board," said the deputy--"very
fortunate."

The doctor bowed.

"Seems so odd, the three of them being down with it," said the other;
"looks as though it's infectious, doesn't it?"

"I don't think so," said the doctor, accepting with alacrity an offer to
go ashore in the launch and change into some decent clothes. "I think I
know what it was."

The captain of the _Stella_ pricked up his ears, and the second officer
leaned forward with parted lips. Carson, accompanied by the deputy and
the solicitor, walked toward the launch.

"What was it?" cried the skipper, anxiously.

[Illustration: THE SECOND OFFICER LEANED FORWARD]

"I think that you ate something that disagreed with you," replied the
doctor, grinning meaningly. "Good-by, captain."

The master of the _Stella_ made no reply, but rising feebly, tottered to
the side, and shook his fist at the launch as it headed for the shore.