"If I were a billionaire," Mrs. Fairhew observed, "I would never go anywhere by night except on my own private car. All sleepers are an abomination, and I hate the thought of who may have been in the compartment when I have to sleep in it. I hope we shall see you at dinner, Mr. Taberman?"
"Thank you," Jerry answered, "but I have business to-night. I assure you I regret it tremendously."
"Well," the lady returned over her shoulder as she departed, "at least we shall expect to see you to-morrow; and I hope you'll leave us Mr. Castleport.
"Glad to," laughed Jerry, with a nod; and the men were left to themselves.
Jerry turned quickly to Jack the moment they were alone, with a look of earnestness and concern in his face.
"Cap'n," he said urgently, "come somewhere where we can talk, will you? We've got heaps to say, and my time's precious."
"Jerry," cried the other, catching him by the arm, "something has happened to the Merle!"
"Not a thing, Jacko. She is as right as a trivet, but I'm in a hurry. Come on!"
"Hurry?" echoed Jack, following him in evident disquiet; "what in the world's up? It can't be mutiny, and if the yacht's all right, I don't see"—