"I am pleased to note your rapid recovery from a very trying experience, Mr. Frazier. As you may know, I represent English insurance interests which wrote a total of a hundred thousand pounds sterling on the Kenilworth and her cargo. If the efforts to float the vessel prove successful, the loss may be comparatively small."
Mr. Prentice adjusted his glasses, cleared his throat, and resumed with emphatic earnestness:
"You hinted at having prevented a disastrous explosion in the steamer's hold, Mr. Frazier. You may not recall the words you used. It was after you were taken on board the tug Three Sisters. I have made the most thorough examination of the Kenilworth and failed to find any traces of explosives."
"If you are going to call me a liar at the start, you won't get very far," hotly cried Dan. "Do you think I cooked up that yarn to get a reward out of the insurance companies? Did you fish in the water amidships for a sack of powder? Wait till the ship is pumped out and I'll find it for you fast enough."
"If you are going to call me a liar at the start, you won't
get very far!"
Mrs. Frazier laid her hand on the lad's shoulder, whispered in his ear, and he sank sulkily back in his chair while the unruffled Mr. Prentice asked:
"Why did you dump the powder down the hatch instead of letting it stay where it was as evidence of the dastardly attempt of the wreckers?"