Tell him how matters stand with you, and he will cool off." He believed nothing of the sort, but he was desperately anxious that Iris should learn the truth as to her father's dilemma from other lips than his own.

This would be the first point gained.

Others would follow.
The two men were conversing in the Earl's cabin.

On the deck overhead a very different chat was taking place.
The _Orient_ was due in Singapore that afternoon.

Iris was invited into the chart-room on some pretext, and Lieutenant Playdon, delegated by the commander and the first lieutenant, buttonholed Robert.
With sailor-like directness he came straight to the point-- "A few of us have been talking about you, Anstruther, and we cannot be far wrong in assuming that you are hard up.