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 "You 'll have to fight that out with the owners of the Manihiki," said Tempest. "May I ask if you 're calling anywhere on the way to San Francisco?"

"A few places in Samoa, then Washington Island and Honolulu," replied the skipper.

Tempest smiled.

"That's funny, *' he said. "I was going to ask you to oblige us with a passage at the expense of the Manihiki's owners, but since you 're bound for Washington Island I think it would be much better if you could sign us on as members of your crew till we get there."

"Why, certainly. I can do that," said the skipper. "What's the idea?"

"Nothing much," Tempest observed, "except that we might have a little—er—business not so far from Washington Island; and though we 're not stuck for funds, a bit of extra cash might come in very handy when we get there."

The captain displayed no further curiosity in