structures on the deck until he reached the other door of the
companion-way, and then, with a sigh of relief, ran down the steps.
There were still quite a number of people in the saloon, and seated at
the side of one of the smaller tables he noticed the lady whose name he
imagined was Miss Katherine Earle.

"My name is Morris," said that gentleman to the head steward. "Where
have you placed me?"

The steward took him down the long table, looking at the cards beside
the row of plates.

"Here you are, sir," said the steward. "We are rather crowded this
voyage, sir."

Morris did not answer him, for opposite he noticed the old gentleman,
who had been the companion of the young lady, lingering over his wine.

"Isn't there any other place vacant? At one of the smaller tables, for
instance? I don't like to sit at the long table," said Morris, placing
his finger and thumb significantly in his waistcoat pocket.

"I think that can be arranged, sir," answered the steward, with a smile.

"Is there a place vacant at the table where that young lady is sitting
alone?" said Morris, nodding in the direction. "Well, sir, all the
places are taken there; but the gentleman who has been placed at the
head of the table has not come down, sir, and if you like I will change
his card for yours at the long table."