"How can I make sure of that?"
"Ask Captain Stump to send you in charge of the boat. Do you know that an attempt was made to get rid of you at Suez?"
"Yes."
"It failed."
"Yes, I know that, too."
"Who told you?"
"I overheard a conversation. I could not help it."
"Well, once we are ashore I may have a chance of explaining things fully. If necessary, tell Captain Stump I wish you to escort us."
They could say no more. The telegraph rang from "Slow" to "Stop her." Two sailors were waiting in the bows, and had already cleared the anchor from its chocks. Irene leaned against the rail. She wore a pith hat, and was dressed in white muslin for shore-going, while a pink-lined parasol helped to dispel a pallor which was the natural result of an exhausting voyage. Dick thought he had never seen a woman with a face and figure to match hers, and it is to be feared that hi mind wandered a little until he was roused by a bellow from the bridge.
"Stand by, forrard. Let go-o-o!"