Page:Under three flags; a story of mystery (IA underthreeflagss00tayliala).pdf/337

 *way reverts to him with unpleasant keenness. Ames is moody and abstracted and only the incessant flow of spirits of Jack Ashley, who joins the group with Juanita, keeps the little party alive.

But bedtime comes early, for everyone is thoroughly tired, and the party disperses with many a fervent "Good-night, and pleasant dreams."

And as Van Zandt prepares to go below he feels a touch on his arm and turns to see John Barker. "Mr. Van Zandt, will you grant me a few minutes before you retire?" requests the detective.

"Certainly," is the reply. "Come to my stateroom."

Ashley rises early the next morning and as he smokes his after-breakfast cigar Barker joins him.

"I shall want you at ten o'clock, promptly," says the detective. "Meet me in the private cabin, or whatever it is called on shipboard. I have secured exclusive use of it for an hour."

"Very well," replies Jack, abstractedly.

Promptly at ten, Ashley repairs below, and as he enters the cabin he finds Ames and Van Zandt there. They look at him questioningly, but before he has opportunity to say more than "Good-morning," Barker enters, closes the door and locks it.

Ames flushes angrily. "So," he says, "it is at your request that I am here?"

"It is," replies the detective, calmly.

"What do you mean, sir, by inviting me to this place and locking the door upon me?"

"I simply do not wish to be disturbed," is Barker's unruffled response. "The cruiser America is now United States territory. I have business with you, Mr. Ames. Gentlemen, will you not be seated?"