Two or three times he thought he saw signs of appreciation in his listener's face, but the mouth under the heavy moustache was firm and the eyes steady.

Only when he related Swann's interview with Nathan Smith and Kybird did the captain's features relax.

He gave a chuckling cough and, feeling for his handkerchief, blew his nose violently.

Then, with a strange gleam in his eye, he turned to the young man opposite.
"Very smart," he said, shortly.
"It was successful," said the other, modestly.
"Very," said the captain, as he rose and confronted him.

"I am much obliged, of course, for the trouble you have taken in the affairs of my family.