“I don’t know, sir.”
“Hasn’t he disclosed his plans to you?”
“No, sir. I believe he is engaged on some literary work, and I am engaged to help him.”
“Then, I suppose, you will settle down somewhere?”
“I suppose so.”
“Mr. Sturgis,” said Bernard, after a short pause, “I find myself in a difficult, not to say dangerous, position, and I would like to ask your advice.”
Nelson Sturgis looked a little surprised, but he answered cordially: “Speak freely, Bernard. I will give you the best advice I can.”
“First, I must tell you how I am situated.”
Then Bernard gave an account of Professor Puffer’s attempt to throw him over the rail during the voyage.
Mr. Sturgis listened in amazement.