their whereabouts unknown, because Dick had seen an announcement of the
_Aphrodite's_ cruise in a London newspaper brought on board by the
pilot. Von Kerber's name was not mentioned, but the others were
described briefly, the reference to Mrs. Haxton being that she was "a
_persona grata_ in Anglo-Egyptian society." Why, then, did the Austrian
demand such secrecy from the yacht's crew, and be so perturbed by the
advent of a letter addressed to one of them? But Royson's disposition
was far too happy-go-lucky to permit of serious ponderings on other
people's business. He laughed and reddened a little when his mind swung
round to the more pleasing memory of the girl's frank sympathy, and he
told himself, with deep and convincing earnestness, that next time they
met he must guard his unruly tongue, else it might run away with him
again, and find her in less receptive mood.

Then he fell asleep, and slept soundly, too, in blissful ignorance of a
conversation then taking place in the chart-house, though it had the
most direct bearing on his own future.

For von Kerber had seized the opportunity, when Mr. Fenshawe and the
two ladies went below, to draw Stump into private conclave.

"We reach Suez to-morrow, captain," he said, "and that will be our last
chance of getting rid of any of the crew whom you think unsuitable."

"That's so," agreed Stump, "but I can't say I've blacklisted any of
'em. The on'y fault I find with 'em is that there's too many hands for
the work."

"Ah, you regard them as dependable, yes?"