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226 I'll tell you that story some night before we reach Cadiz."

As they paced the deck again the Honourable John came up from the saloon. Stranleigh saw that his friend wore an anxious, almost haggard, look, and he greeted him with laughter.

"Cheer up, Johnny!" he cried. "I see that the anxiety of the ship-master has come over you. I once felt like that myself, but I grew accustomed to it. Why, you look as if you contemplated casting away this boat and collecting the insurance. I was just telling my friend here that I was once a pirate, but, like many successful criminals, I have reformed now that I've captured the loot; so I hope you won't take to robbery on the high seas. This seems a pretty slow boat, so you can't get away if pursued. I had the advantage of you as a pirate, because I sailed then what was about the swiftest craft on the ocean. But, nonsense apart, what's worrying you, Johnny? Anything in which I can help?"

"Oh, no," said Hazel, with an attempt at geniality; "I am just a little concerned regarding the chef. He's said to be exceedingly good, but I want the first dinner to make a favourable impression, and I know what a sybarite you are at the table."

"That's a slander, Johnny. I'm the easiest man to provide for that ever stepped aboard a yacht. Give me a bit of salt junk—if that's the right term