"A friend--equally of yours, the captain's, and the other passengers',"
replied Senor Perkins pleasantly. "A man who believes you, my dear sir,
and, even if he did not, sees no reason to interrupt the harmony that
has obtained in our little community during our delightful passage.
Were any scandal to occur, were you to carry out your idea of throwing
yourself overboard, it would, to say nothing of my personal regret,
produce a discord for which there is no necessity, and from which no
personal good can be derived. Here at least your secret is secure, for
even I do not ask what it is; we meet here on an equality, based on
our own conduct and courtesy to each other, limited by no antecedent
prejudice, and restrained by no thought of the future. In a little while
we shall be separated--why should it not be as friends? Why should we
not look back upon our little world of this ship as a happy one?"

Hurlstone gazed at the speaker with a troubled air. It was once more
the quaint benevolent figure whom he had vaguely noted among the other
passengers, and as vaguely despised. He hesitated a moment, and then,
half timidly, half reservedly, extended his hand.

"I thank you," he said, "at least for not asking my secret. Perhaps, if
it was only"--

"Your own--you might tell it," interrupted the Senor, gayly. "I
understand. I see you recognize my principle. There is no necessity of
your putting yourself to that pain, or another to that risk. And now, my
young friend, time presses. I must say a word to our friends above,
who are waiting, and I shall see that you are taken privately to your
state-room while most of the other passengers are still on deck. If you
would permit yourself the weakness of allowing the steward to carry or
assist you it would be better. Let me advise you that the excitement of