"Very well done, Knott!" exclaimed the first officer. The coxswain of the boat hastened to pick up his master, and place him on the cushioned seat. Of course he was as wrathy as a respectable Mohammedan could be, to say nothing of such a one as Noury was. "What do you mean, you rascal?" demanded His Highness, glowering at the first officer as though he would subject him to the bowstring if he could get hold of him. "Do you intend to drown me?" "I do not, sir; but if you attempt to come on board of this steamer, you, and not I, will be responsible for the consequences," replied Mr. Boulong. "But I told you I wished to see the commander of the Guardian-Mother," stormed the Pacha. "And I told you that he declined to receive you." "May I ask why he declines to receive me?" demanded Noury. "That is the commander's business, and not mine." "But I must and will see him!" His Highness persisted. "I can only say, sir, that if you succeed in getting on the deck of this steamer, it will be my duty to have you thrown overboard, or into your barge, as the case may be," answered Mr. Boulong. Captain Ringgold had placed himself on his knees on the divan, with his head at the after window of the cabin. He realized that Noury was in earnest, and he considered it rather mean to require the first officer to fight his battle for him. He came out of the cabin, and placed himself at the side of Mr. Boulong. "Good-evening, Captain Ringgold," said the Pacha as soon as he saw him. "Good-evening, sir," replied the commander coldly. "If you have any business with me, I will hear it from where you are." "I desire to go on board of the Guardian-Mother;" and Noury seemed to have an excellent memory, for he remembered all the names. "I cannot permit you to do so. I decline to receive you on board of my ship, or anywhere else," replied the captain firmly. "That is an insult, sir!" protested the Moor. "It is not intended as such, but is simply the plain statement of my position in regard to you." "What is your position?" demanded the Pacha furiously. "Simply that I decline to associate with you, and the ladies and gentlemen on board of the Guardian-Mother occupy the same position. In other words, they refuse to associate with you, or to receive you." "This is very extraordinary!" gasped the Moor. "I do not so regard it." "Does the young lady, Miss Blanche, refuse to see me?" asked the Pacha in a more moderate tone. "Most decidedly; and her mother declines to permit her to see you." "It is very strange," said Noury with a savage frown on his handsome face. "I thought the young lady was pleased with me." "You were never more mistaken in your life." "Will you inform me why you refuse to receive me, Captain Ringgold?" "I do not wish to offend Your Highness; but I must speak the truth if I speak at all." "Speak out, by all means, Captain."