“Exactly; you picked up a strange man on the street; agreed to go off on a criminal mission with him, and now expect us to believe you perfectly innocent of any wrong intent.”

“That will be enough,” I interrupted, unable to remain quiet any longer.  “The motives of the woman, and how we chanced to meet, are no concern of yours.  If you are Philip Henley, prove it, and let it go at that.  I have told you plainly enough where I stand.”

He gazed with black eyes narrowed into slits at the two of us, too pleased with himself to doubt his success.  The sarcastic smile curling his lips caused me to swear under my breath, but I had gone too far now to retreat.

“Just as you say, Craig,” affecting an easy good nature.  “That is perfectly agreeable to me.  However, as it makes no difference what the late Mrs. Henley thinks, we will dismiss her from the case, and settle the affair quietly between ourselves.  I ’ve got a proposition which will interest you.”  He touched a button, and I heard the sharp tingle of a bell outside.  Almost instantly the door in the cabin opened.  “That you, Peters?  Conduct the woman back to her stateroom, lock the door, and bring me the key.”

He bent forward, searching for something in a pigeonhole to his right, and I caught her eyes, touching my lips with my fingers to signal silence, while an inclination of the head told her to go without resistance.  The swift change of expression on her face proved her instant comprehension, as, without uttering a word of protest, she turned, and disappeared.  Henley never glanced up from his work of selecting papers from a bundle under his hands, nor did I move, until after Peters returned with the key.  Henley dropped it into his pocket.

“That will be all,” he said; “you can go.”

“You mean I am off duty, sir?”

“Certainly; you understand English, don’t you?  There will be no more guard work tonight.”

As the door closed again behind Peters the fellow rose to his feet, and held out his hand.  “You are the kind I like, Craig,” he said cordially.  “At first I had my doubts about you, and no doubt have been harsh.  To be perfectly honest I thought you would be all right under ordinary circumstances, but was afraid the girl had a sentimental hold on you which would make you difficult to handle.  Lord, she thought so too.  Did you see her face when you first sided in with me?  She wilted completely.  Well, that will make the rest easy.  Sit down again, and I will explain what I want you for.”

I accepted the chair indicated, but was not yet altogether ready to hear his proposition.

“Just a moment,” I said firmly.  “I may be the man you want, and all that, but I have got to be convinced first that I am not making another mistake.  I came down here originally believing myself an agent of justice, only to discover I had been duped.  This time I insist on the truth.  I may be a soldier of fortune, but I prefer choosing the side on which I fight.”