The ladies glared at one another, and Tommy sought the purser, who was in his cabin.

"Well, what do you want?" he asked.

"Say, sir, what am I to do with Miss Jones' dog? Mrs. Stocker says——"

"Oh! hang the dog!" replied the purser, impatiently. "I've heard all that before. I can't be bothered."

Tommy entered the saloon again with a piece of rope.

"What does he say?" asked Mrs. Stocker, eagerly.

"The dog's to be hanged, ma'am."

"What!" cried Miss Jones, "hang my Fido!"

"I always said the purser was a gentleman," remarked Mrs. Stocker, smiling triumphantly.

"I will appeal to the captain!" exclaimed Miss Jones. "Touch Fido, if you dare, till I return."