To none did the news come with greater pleasure than to Reg and Hal, who were impatient to get on to Wyck's track without delay. Reg had improved in spirits considerably since he had taken Hal into his confidence, but he remained as determined as ever to carry out his object.
Poor old Tickell had in vain tried to penetrate their reserve, and find out something about them, but he had to acknowledge they had seen through all his cunning devices. He knew everybody and everybody's business, from one end of the passenger list to the other, with the exception of these two. His failure here worried him, but still, though the voyage was fast terminating, he did not lose all hope of finding out something about them. As luck would have it, he found himself standing close beside the two who were occupying his thoughts.
"I am sorry we are going to part, gentlemen," he said, affably.
"Yes?" answered Hal, smiling.
"I shall miss your society. You are out here for pleasure, are you not?"
"Now, Tickell, my good fellow, drop all that," said Hal, seeing what was coming.
"No offence, my dear sir. On business, then?"
"Go to the devil, Tickell—or what is better, go and worry some of the old women," said Hal, turning away.
"Now, don't get cross, sir."
"You're an infernal old fool," said Reg, fairly losing his temper; and tucking Hal's arm under his own, strolled away.