NEW ACQUAINTANCES


The sound of a bugle, which Kirk interpreted as an invitation to
breakfast, reminded him that he was famished, and he lost no time
in going below. Upon his appearance the steward made it plain to
him in some subtle manner that the occupant of Suite A needed
nothing beyond the mere possession of those magnificent quarters
to insure the most considerate treatment. Kirk was placed at the
captain's table, where his hunger was soon appeased, and his
outlook grew more cheerful with the complete restoration of bodily
comfort. Feeling somewhat less dissatisfied with his surroundings,
he began to study the faces of his fellow-passengers.

"Getting your sea legs, Mr. Locke?" inquired the man at his right.

"My name is Anthony."

"I beg your pardon! The passenger list said--"

"That was a mistake."

"My name is Stein. May I ask where you are bound for?"

"I think the place is Panama."

"Going to work on the canal?"

"What canal? Oh, of course! Now I remember hearing something about