Captain Beamish moved impatiently.

"I don't think we need worry," he repeated with a trace of aggression
in his manner. "Let's get on to business. Have you heard from
Archer?"

Mr. Coburn drew a paper from his pocket, while Hilliard instinctively
bent forward, believing he was at last about to learn something which
would throw a light on these mysterious happenings. But alas for him!
Just as the manager began to speak he heard steps on the gangway which
passed on board and a man began to climb the starboard ladder to the
upper deck.

Hilliard's first thought was to return to his hiding place under
the boat, but he could not bring himself to go so far away from
the center of interest, and before he had consciously thought out
the situation he found himself creeping silently up the ladder to
the bridge. There he believed he would be safe from observation
while remaining within earshot of the cabin, and if anyone followed
him up the ladder he could creep round on the roof of the cabin to
the back of the chart-house, out of sight.

The newcomer tapped at the captain's door and, after a shout of
"Come in," opened it. There was a moment's silence, then Coburn's
voice said:

"We were just talking of you, Henri. The skipper wants to know - "
and the door closed.