His watchfulness sent an unexpected thrill through Alan.

Like a shot his mind jumped to a conclusion.

He stepped to Rossland's side and touched his arm.
"Watching for Miss Standish ?" he asked.
"I am." There was no evasion in Rossland's words.

They possessed the hard and definite quality of one who had an incontestable authority behind him.
"And if she goes ashore ?" "I am going too.

Is it any affair of yours, Mr.Holt?
Has she asked you to discuss the matter with me?
If so--" "No, Miss Standish hasn't done that." "Then please attend to your own business.