Pray accompany me to my cabin ?" "_Parfaitement, monsieur!_ I await your pleasure!" The stranger's gesture, his bow, proclaimed the Parisian as well as his speech.

The Master nodded.

All three proceeded in silence to the hooded companion-way at the forward end of the take-off, that sheltered the ladder.

This they descended, to the main corridor.
There they paused, a moment.
"Major," said the Master, "pardon me, but I wish to speak to our--guest, alone.

You understand." The major's glance conveyed a world of indignant protest, but he obeyed in silence.