“What’s he dressed in?” she demanded abruptly.

“Madam, it was intended for a ball-suit.”

“You will do no dancing here, young man.”

“My dear lady, I accept that and every condition you may impose. Whatever the discipline of the ship——”

She cut me short. “Have you told him, father?”

“Why, no. You see, sir, I ought to tell you that this is not an ordinary voyage.”

“Nor, for that matter, is mine.”

“You will be exposed to risks.”

“In a privateer that goes without saying.”

“The risk of capture.”