As I faced Mr. Mellaire, and talked with him, and smiled, and
exchanged amenities, I was aware of the feeling that comes to one in
the forest or jungle when he knows unseen wild eyes of hunting
animals are spying upon him. Frankly I was afraid of the thing
ambushed behind there in the skull of Mr. Mellaire. One so as a
matter of course identifies form and feature with the spirit within.
But I could not do this with the second mate. His face and form and
manner and suave ease were one thing, inside which he, an entirely
different thing, lay hid.

I noticed Wada standing in the cabin door, evidently waiting to ask
for instructions. I nodded, and prepared to follow him inside. Mr.
Pike looked at me quickly and said:

"Just a moment, Mr. Pathurst."

He gave some orders to the second mate, who turned on his heel and
started for'ard. I stood and waited for Mr. Pike's communication,
which he did not choose to make until he saw the second mate well out
of ear-shot. Then he leaned closely to me and said:

"Don't mention that little matter of my age to anybody. Each year I
sign on I sign my age one year younger. I am fifty-four, now, on the
articles."

"And you don't look a day older," I answered lightly, though I meant
it in all sincerity.

"And I don't feel it. I can outwork and outgame the huskiest of the
younglings. And don't let my age get to anybody's ears, Mr.