I cannot understand it. Why
only a few days ago we received and entertained a friend of
yours who brought a letter from you to papa--the Count de
Cadenet."
Again that telltale flush mantled the man's cheek. He cursed
himself inwardly for his lack of self-control. The girl would
have his whole secret out of him in another half-hour if he
were not more careful.
"They made me do that," he said, jerking his thumb in the
general direction of Skipper Simms' cabin. "Maybe that
accounts for their bringing me along. The 'Count de Cadenet' is
a fellow named Theriere, second mate of this ship. They sent
him to learn your plans; when you expected sailing from
Honolulu and your course. They are all crooks and villains. If
I hadn't done as they bid they would have killed me."
The girl made no comment, but Divine saw the contempt in
her face.
"I didn't know that they were going to do this. If I had I'd
have died before I'd have written that note," he added rather
lamely.
The girl was suddenly looking very sad. She was thinking
of Billy Mallory who had died in an effort to save her. The
mental comparison she was making between him and Mr.
Divine was not overly flattering to the latter gentleman.
"They killed poor Billy," she said at last.
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