Shortly after luncheon something happened down in the engine-room; and the chief engineer said that they would have to travel at half speed to Penang. In other words, they would not make the port to-day, Sunday, but to-morrow. Another day with this mysterious tantalizing woman, thought Warrington. He went in search of her, but before he found her, he was summoned to the captain's cabin. Warrington presented himself, mildly curious. The captain nodded to a stool.
"Sit down, Mr. Warrington. Will you have a cheroot?"
"Yes, thanks."
A crackle of matches followed.
"This fellow Craig has complained about his treatment by you this morning. I fancy you were rather rough with him."
"Perhaps. He was very drunk and abusive, and he needed cold water more than anything else. I once knew the man."
"Ah! But it never pays to manhandle that particular brand of tippler. They always retaliate in some way."
"I suppose he has given you an excerpt from my history?"
"He says you can not return to the States."
"I am returning on the very first boats I can find."