“You receive this information about as I supposed you would, Madam,” he said coldly.  “I was doubtless the very last person you expected to encounter.  Your accomplice here informs me that I am supposed to be dead.  I am inclined to think you were both mistaken—­but not more so than in regard to my marriage.”

She straightened up, her eyes shining.

“You are not Philip Henley,” she said firmly.  “He is my husband.”

The smile widened, revealing the cruel white teeth.

“I expected heroics.  It was hardly to be supposed that you would confess your fraud at once, and—­before your lover.”

She shrank back, her hands still extended.

“My—­my lover—­”

“Now stop!” I broke in, every nerve tingling, as I stepped between them.  “Another insinuation like that, and you will learn what I can do.  You may be captain of this boat, but you are alone with us now, and I can kill you before you could utter a cry.  So help me God, I will, if you dare insult her again.”

He reeled back against the desk, although I do not think I touched him, and his hand sought an open drawer.  I knew him instantly for a coward, and gripped his wrist, hurling him from me half across the room.

“I ’ll stand here, and you over there.  I prefer dealing with your kind with bare hands.  Now if you have any reply to make to this lady’s assertions put it in decent language.”

He gasped a bit, rubbing his bruised wrist, his eyes shifting to the closed door as though contemplating an alarm.  But I stood where I could block any effort, and I doubt if he liked the expression on my face.

[Illustration:  He gasped a bit, rubbing his bruised wrist.]

“There is no use going off at half cock, Craig,” he snarled.  “I did n’t mean any insult.  And I ’ll get you for that some time.  You ’ll learn yet what the Sea Gull is.”

“No doubt,” I coincided, tired of his threats, and awakened to the fact that this quarrel was not likely to help our chances.  “But for a few minutes it will be worth your while to listen to me.  I am not defending this woman from anything but unnecessary insults.  If she has deceived me I want to find it out.  If you are Philip Henley, as you claim to be, you must have evidence to prove it.  Convince me that her assertions are false, and you will not find me unreasonable.”

“Gordon Craig, do you mean—­”

I turned to her, steeling myself to look into her appealing eyes.

“I have been honest with you from the beginning,” I Interrupted abruptly.  “Now, if I discover that your statements are false, the inducements are all the other way.  I am a soldier of fortune.”

CHAPTER XXIII

THE SECRET OF THE VOYAGE