Don't all speak at once,--and please be careful, there are ladies present." While Percival did not take his eyes from Landover's face during this speech, he was aware that Miss Clinton and her aunt had turned abruptly away and were leaning against the rail a few yards distant, their backs to him.

Olga Obosky and Careni-Amori were regarding him with shining, approving eyes, while Mrs.Block,--gulping furiously,--clasped her husband's arm and kept up a constant muttering.

Something told him that Ruth Clinton and Mrs.Spofford had turned against him.
"I have nothing to say to you," said Landover, curtly.

Turning on his heel, he joined the two ladies at the rail.

He spoke a few words to them in a lowered tone, and then the three of them strode off without so much as a glance at the young man.
Percival flushed a dull red under his tan.