The water-clerk, an undersized Malay half-breed with small, shifty eyes, made a movement that was something between a salaam and a salute.
"I have important news from Mr. Solomon, Captain," he said.
"Well, go ahead."
The clerk glanced at the men at work on deck and made a significant gesture.
"It is very private, sir," he answered.
"Then you'd better come to my cabin," said the Captain, and led the way aft. On entering the cabin he sat down, but did not request his visitor to do likewise, and the latter knew enough to remain standing.
"Now unload your instructions," said Calamity.
"The fact is, Captain, there's been great trouble about you in Singapore," began the clerk, speaking in subdued tones. "It's said that your Letters of Marque were forged and that you're nothing but a pirate——"
"A what?" broke in the Captain, so fiercely that the other jumped.
"I—I'm only telling you what people say," the clerk answered nervously.