And they have the audacity to call their craft the _Lola_--the _Lola_, of all names!" "But as you know who and what the fellows are, you ought, I think, in common justice to Hutcheson, to tell us something," I complained.

"If they are adventurers, they ought to be traced." "What can I do--a prisoner here on board ?" he argued bitterly.

"How can I act ?" "Leave it all to me.

I'm free to travel after them, and find out the truth if only you will tell me what you know concerning them," I said eagerly.
"Gordon, let me be frank and open with you, my dear old fellow.

I would tell you everything--everything--if I dared.