"Queer-looking fellow, that," the latter remarked. "Doesn't seem quite at
his ease, does he?"

"Seemed a trifle over-anxious, I thought, when he was showing us round the
ship," Quest agreed.

"M-m," Harris murmured softly, "as the gentleman who wrote the volume of
detective stories I am reading puts it, we'd better keep our eye on
Brown."...

The Captain, who was down to dinner unusually early, rose to welcome
Quest's little party and himself arranged the seats.

"You, Miss Lenora," he said, "will please sit on my left, and you, Miss
Laura, on my right. Mr. Quest, will you sit on the other side of Miss
Laura, and Mr. Harris two places down on my left. There is an old lady who
expects to be at the table, but the steward tells me she hasn't been in
yet."

They settled down into the places arranged for them. Harris was looking a
little glum. Lenora and Quest exchanged a meaning glance.

"I'm not sure that I appreciate this arrangement," Harris whispered to his
neighbour.

"You may be candid," Lenora replied, "but you aren't very polite, are
you?"

Harris almost blushed as he realized his slip.