As the incident is entitled to a very definite place in this narrative, a more or less extended account of it may be given here and now, even at the risk of being classed as a digression, or a step backward in the sequence of the history.
Mr.Landover, Mr.Block, Mr.Nicklestick and two or three other men were grouped on the after-deck early one morning decrying the brainless scheme to build a camp out there in the open.

Their audience included several women, among them Mrs.Spofford, Ruth Clinton, Madame Careni-Amori, Madame Obosky, Mrs.Block and a couple of loquacious Rio Janeiro ladies.
Percival bore down upon this group.

He wasted no time in getting to the point.
"We've been at work for two days out there, gentlemen, and up to date not one of you has turned to with the rest of us.

The understanding was that--" Mr.Landover whirled on him, white with anger.

"That will do!" he exclaimed.