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 "He certainly has been mighty good to us," Tempest replied, "and I would n't do anything to make him feel peeved if I could help it, bless his heart. But business is business, Dave, and we should be foolish to let sentiment interfere with an affair of this kind."

Joe Flagg was awaiting them on the veranda, beaming as usual and working diligently with the handkerchief upon his moist brow.

"I thought you'd deserted me," he said. "What have you two rascals been up to all day?"

"Getting ready to desert you, Mr. Flagg," said Tempest. "We have changed our program a little instead of going to Christmas Island. I'm afraid we have almost overstayed our welcome as it is."

"What's this—what's this?" puffed their host. "What d' you mean about overstaying your welcome? Wait till I say anything like that. I know of no vessel coming here for a week or more yet."