I have been very busy since we parted, and I need your advice and assistance," replied the commander.

"I have got at something." "Indeed! I am glad to hear it," added Mr.Flint.
Without the loss of any time, the captain called Dave, who was at work in the ward room, and told him to see that no one came near the door of his cabin.

The steward understood him perfectly, and Christy resumed his place at the table with the executive officer, and proceeded to detail to him as briefly as he could all the information he had obtained through Dave, and the manner of obtaining it.

It required some time to do this, and the first lieutenant was intensely interested in the narrative.
"I am not greatly surprised so far as Lillyworth is concerned, for there has been something about him that I could not fathom since both of us came on board," said Mr.Flint.
"Of course these men are on board for a purpose, though I acknowledge that I cannot fathom this purpose, unless it be treason in a general sense; but I am inclined to believe that they have some specific object," added the captain.

"Of course you will be willing to believe that both of these men are sailing under false colors." "Undoubtedly.