"Embarrassing, but let's get up," gasped Nelson.
Kit set his mouth and went up. A steward who wore neat uniform met him at the top.
"Have you got a ticket, sir?"
"I have not," said Kit; "do I look like a passenger?"
"Ship's cleared, sir. All visitors sent off. We're only waiting for the water-boat."
Kit made an effort for control. To get savage would not help and the fellow had no doubt been ordered to let nobody come on board. For all that a number of amused passengers were watching the dispute. The thing was ridiculous, and he was cold. He thought he knew one of the passengers and tried to signal, but the fellow went behind a boat. Although an iron ladder a few yards off led to the well-deck, the steward resolutely blocked the way. Then a very smart mate crossed the deck.
"Why have you come on board? What do you want?" he asked.
"Clothes, to begin with," said Kit. "Anyhow, we have got on board and we're going to stop until we get a boat."
The whistle shrieked and drowned the other's reply. He turned, Nelson pushed Kit, and they ran for the ladder. Plunging down, they reached an alleyway and Nelson laughed.
"I don't expect the fellow will come after us; a liner's mate has got to be dignified. If you want help when things are awkward, try the engineer."