"Then, if it please the rest, we will all go below," Jack answered
amiably.

There was instantly a chorus of dissent. The tall, blond young woman
had already made her way to the conning tower, accompanied by a young
man of English appearance. But Eph unconcernedly barred their way.

"Step aside, if you please, young man," urged the Englishman. "The
lady wishes to go below."

"Captain's permission necessary, sir," replied Somers, quietly.

"You see, ladies and gentlemen," Jack explained, "it won't be quite
possible to let visitors roam at will over the boat. It would be
against my instructions from the owner. Either all must remain on deck,
or all must go below."

As he spoke the young skipper thought he saw a swift look pass between
the young Swedish woman and her English escort.

"Oh, well," replied the young woman, shrugging her shoulders, "I do not
intend to be disagreeable. If the others wish to remain on deck, I will
do so, too."

"Very good, Miss Peddensen," murmured the young Englishman.

Jack Benson took his place at the deck wheel, and Eph, after Hal had
come to the conning tower opening, hurried forward once more to cast off
the moorings. Then speed was called for, and the "Benson" made a