"I only state plainly what I think," responded the other. "All the facts tend to show that such was the case."
The other man laughed a dry, cynical laugh.
"And what do your guests think of this sudden change of plans?" he asked.
"Think!" responded Keppel, for one voice I now recognised as his. "They are happy enough. The Adriatic is always more attractive for yachting than the Mediterranean."
"Well," responded his companion, "act just as you think fit. I shall not advise."
"It is not for you to advise," answered the owner of the Vispera sharply. "You are my servant, and therefore must do my bidding."
"You asked my advice, sir, ten minutes ago, otherwise I should not have presumed to speak as I have just spoken."
"You are a great deal too presumptuous on board the Vispera, Davis," Keppel snapped. "Please recollect that when I am here I am master."
His words proved that the man with whom he was speaking was the captain.
"I regret if you've taken any word or action of mine as presumptuous, sir," responded the skipper gruffly. "I'm a seafaring man, sir, and ain't much used to polite society."