Their luggage was put aboard the steamer, the last purchases had been
made, and now they were ready themselves to walk up the gang-plank.

"Well, girls, are you all ready to leave?" asked Mr. Robinson, as he
came on deck.

"All ready--for waters blue!" half chanted Cora.

"Inez," she asked, "would you mind going down and seeing if mother
has everything she wants?"

"I go, Senorita," murmured the Spanish girl. As she turned to make
her way to Mrs. Kimball's stateroom, Inez started and drew back at
the sight of a very fat man just coming aboard. "Zat man! Here!"
she gasped, and Cora turned to see Inez shrink out of sight behind
one of the lifeboats.




CHAPTER X

THE BLUE WATERS


"What is the matter, my dear girl?" asked Cora, when she had
recovered from the little start Inez gave her. "Did that man do
anything--or speak to you?" and she looked indignantly about for a
ship's officer to whom to complain.