"Then caution him to keep his mouth shut on the business, Mr. McBride. When can you promise to have steam raised?"
"A matter of twa' hours after we've re-assembled the high-pressure slide valves and the auxiliary starting valves, sir."
"Very good, Mr. McBride, that will do."
The chief engineer saluted and hurried off to the engine-room, while Captain Ramshaw made his way to the bridge, which was in charge of Chief Officer Lymore and the fourth officer, Terence Aubyn.
Mr. Lymore, a short, broad-shouldered, powerfully built man, looked inquiringly at his superior officer as the skipper mounted the bridge.
"McBride's found the cause of the mischief, Mr. Lymore," announced Captain Ramshaw. "I do not want either you or Mr. Aubyn to mention the matter to any of the passengers and crew, and Mr. McBride has undertaken to conceal the knowledge from his staff with the exception of Mr. Raeburn. I think the secret can be safely trusted with those whose names I've mentioned."
"You can rely upon us, sir," said the chief officer, and Terence Aubyn touched his cap in acquiescence.
"There's underhand work somewhere," continued the "old man." "McBride informs me that metal scrap has been surreptitiously placed in the high-pressure cylinders, and that it must have been done while the engines were being overhauled at Cape Town. As we had no outside help, the culprit or culprits must have been one of our own men."
"For what reason, do you suppose, sir?"
"That I cannot say. The engineers are, I think, absolutely trustworthy. The firemen are apparently contented. They are paid at rates considerably higher than those demanded by their Union. They have no cause to be affected by labour troubles. And yet some one has deliberately attempted to delay the ship by maliciously tampering with the engines.