Bernhard, junior partner in the house of Bernhard Brothers; as you see, a
fine, handsome man, with the most All Highest moustache; and also owns a
heavenly tenor voice--but I would not trust him farther than I could
throw him!"

"And that would not be far," said Shafto; "he weighs every ounce of
fourteen stone."

"Yes, a big man in every way, trades on his voice and his good looks, as
well as in teak and paddy--an unscrupulous devil where women are
concerned; the lady he is escorting is Mrs. Lacy; you would not think to
look at her, so slim, gracious and smiling, that she is a noted
man-eater."

"What do you mean?"

"Well, perhaps the expression is a bit too strong. She has a subtle way
of attracting mankind. It amuses her and, in the long run, does no harm.
Wait till you see how they will collect about her on board--like flies
round a pot of honey."

"Shall you be one of the flies?"

"Possibly. I enjoy being fascinated and I like honey! She is very
amusing and dances like a moonbeam. Those are two coffee planters,
wonderful pals and bridge players, and here comes a strange lady,
probably a tourist--rich too."

Shafto looked and saw a handsome grey-haired woman, with a round smiling
face, wearing a long sable coat and an air of complacent prosperity.