Page:Henry rideout--The siamese cat.djvu/165



At breakfast, the captain's presence forbade explanation; and three times in the shore-going sampan, Aunt Julia herself forbade it in good set terms. Clasping Chao Phya beside her on the thwart, she sat as upright as her parasol.

"But I must tell you," urged Owen desperately. "You don't know the risk. That cat's collar has a—"

"Our luggage is all that I need trouble you about," she interrupted, frowning. "Please understand, Mr. Scarlett, that unless this silly and unfortunate subject is dropped, I shall be seriously displeased."

Her frigid air, her careful choice of words, and above all a stealthy glance from her niece,