him as far as possible off the scent. If he takes me for a card-sharper,
all the better. For he's as slippery as an eel, and I have to play him
pretty carefully."

He ceased. Cynthia's eyes were growing wider and wider.

"Nat Verney on board this ship?" she gasped.

He nodded.

"Yes. You wanted him to get away, didn't you? But I don't think he will,
this time. He will probably be arrested directly we reach New York. But,
meantime, I must watch out."

"Oh!" breathed Cynthia. "Then"--with sudden hope dawning in her
eyes--"it really was your doing, that trick at the card-table last
night?"

West uttered his brief, hard laugh.

"What do you take me for?"

She heaved a great sigh of relief.

"And it wasn't Archie, after all? I'm thankful you told me. I thought--I
thought--But it doesn't matter, does it? Tell me, do tell me, Mr. West,"
drawing very close to him, "which--which is Mr. Nat Verney?"

West seemed to hesitate.