of five men as well as the oil tanks and certain stores. Then
amidships was a long expanse of holds, while aft were the officers'
cabins and tiny mess-room, galley, navigating bridge, and last, but
not least, the engine-room with its set of Diesel engines. She
seemed throughout a well-appointed boat, no money having apparently
been spared to make her efficient and comfortable.

"She carries between six and seven thousand props every trip," Mr.
Coburn told them, "that is, without any deck cargo. I dare say in
summer we could put ten thousand on her if we tried, but she is
rather shallow in the draught for it, and we don't care to run any
risks. Hallo, captain! Back again?" he broke off, as a man in a
blue pilot cloth coat and a peaked cap emerged from below.

The newcomer was powerfully built and would have been tall, but for
rather rounded shoulders and a stoop. He was clean shaven, with a
heavy jaw and thin lips which were compressed into a narrow line.
His expression was vindictive as well as somewhat crafty, and he
looked a man who would not be turned from his purpose by nice points
of morality or conscience.

Though Hilliard instinctively noted these details, they did not
particularly excite his interest. But his interest was nevertheless
keenly aroused. For he saw the man, as his gaze fell on himself
and Merriman, give a sudden start, and then flash a quick,
questioning glance at Mr. Coburn. The action was momentary, but it
was enough to bring back with a rush all Hilliard's suspicions.
Surely, he thought, there must be something if the sight of a stranger
upsets all these people in this way.