"You are an honest fellow, Phelax, and I always give you the best. That cranberry compote is no use to me now, anyway. You can eat it because you are honest and because you will help me to find the thief."
The compote was just what I needed, what I had missed. It should have been spread between the pancakes, but still it was going to the same place.
"How can I catch the thief, Smutje?"
"Watch to-night, and see who eats the least peas."
"All right, Smutje, I will watch."
"Be sure to catch him, Phelax, and now, because you are honest, here is the cranberry compote."
It was delicious.
That night I reported to Smutje that each of the other men had eaten approximately an equal amount of peas. It was not part of the bargain to report that I had scarcely eaten any. I promised to continue the hunt for the culprit, and Smutje was confirmed in his opinion that I was the only honest man aboard.
The Cæsarea docked in Melbourne, and there an important event occurred. The captain invited the German consul to dinner, and then took counsel with Smutje.
"We must have something good when the consul comes."