There was a moment's recoil and a sharp exclamation.

Trent stood quite still and a heavy frown darkened his face.
"Da Souza!" he exclaimed.

"How on earth came you on board ?" Da Souza's face was yellower than ever and he wore an ulster buttoned up to his chin.

Yet there was a flash of malice in his eyes as he answered-- "I came by late tender at Southampton," he said.
"It cost me a special from London and the agents told me I couldn't do it, but here I am, you see!" "And a poor-looking object you are," Trent said contemptuously.

"If you've life enough in you to talk, be so good as to tell me what the devil you mean by following me like this!" "I came," Da Souza answered, "in both our interests--chiefly in my own!" "I can believe that," Trent answered shortly, "now speak up.