“Then let me send him away. I think we shall be safer alone.”
“Why, do you think——”
“I’ll explain the reason for taking so many precautions after Manuel leaves,” Ned replied as he hurried on deck, and then said as he leaned over the rail where he could speak with the man; “There is nothing more to be done. Will you please get here in the morning as soon as the workmen come? for we can’t tell them what is wanted unless you are on hand.”
“Am I not to remain on board the yacht? It is customary.”
“In this case it will be best not to do anything of the kind. We have no cook, and each fellow waits upon himself.”
“I should be willing to do the same.”
“We would rather you stayed on shore,” Ned replied, and this time he spoke so decidedly that the interpreter could do no less than take his departure.
Ned repeated the conversation to his friends, both of whom were in the kitchen, when he went below, and Roy asked curiously:
“Why is it you were opposed to his staying on board? I think it might be rather nice, for he could tell us all about the city and would be on hand when the machinists arrive.”
“I don’t think it is safe,” was the emphatic reply, which caused his companions to stare at him in surprise.