But he muttered something about eavesdroppers, and said that if he wasn't satisfied when he got on board, he would return at once and ask for a cabin in exchange by the next steamer." "That will do," I answered, slipping the promised five-pound note into the clerk's open palm, which closed over it convulsively.

"Talked about eavesdroppers, did he?
Then he knows he's been shadowed.

It may console you to learn that you are instrumental in furthering the aims of justice and unmasking a cruel and wicked conspiracy.

Now, the next thing is this: I want two berths at once by this very steamer--one for myself--name of Cumberledge; one for a lady--name of Wade; and look sharp about it." The sandy-haired man did look sharp; and within three minutes we were driving off with our tickets to Prince's Dock landing-stage.
We slipped on board unobtrusively, and instantly took refuge in our respective staterooms till the steamer was well under way, and fairly out of sight of Kolaba Island.

Only after all chance of Sebastian's avoiding us was gone for ever did we venture up on deck, on purpose to confront him.
It was one of those delicious balmy evenings which one gets only at sea and in the warmer latitudes.