They have seen every man, boy, woman and animal amongst my crew or passengers." "They've been fooled somehow," Laura muttered.
The Captain frowned.

He was on the point of a sharp rejoinder when he met Laura's eyes.

She was smiling very faintly and there was something in her expression which changed his whole point of view.
"I'll go and make a few enquiries myself," he declared.

"See you at dinner-time, I hope, young ladies." "If you keep her as steady as this," Laura promised, "there are hopes." He disappeared along the deck, and presently re-entered his room, where Harris and Quest were waiting for him.

He was followed by his steward, an under-sized man with pallid complexion and nervous manner.