He tried just at first to continue and complete his sentence: "And these organs," he went on, aimlessly, "these bull's-eyes that I spoke about, are so arranged--so arranged--I was speaking on the subject of crustaceans, I think--crustaceans so arranged--" then he broke down utterly and turned sharply round to me.

He did not look at Hilda--I think he did not dare; but he faced me with his head down and his long, thin neck protruded, eyeing me from under those overhanging, penthouse brows of his.

"You sneak!" he cried, passionately.

"You sneak! You have dogged me by false pretences.

You have lied to bring this about! You have come aboard under a false name--you and your accomplice!" I faced him in turn, erect and unflinching.