"Well," said Mr. Sparhawk, after the visitor had been greeted and had taken a chair. "You are busy making ready, I suppose?" "The company is aboard," said Anthony. "And we'll drop down the river with the next tide." Mr. Sparhawk applauded this news with soft pattering hands. "Brisk work!" praised he. "Oh, excellent!" "When does the tide turn?" asked Mademoiselle Lafargue. "At three in the morning," said Anthony. "You will have time for a few hours' sleep," said Monsieur Lafargue to mademoiselle. "But your baggage had better be sent aboard at once." Anthony looked from one to the other; then he turned his gaze upon Mr. Sparhawk. The little gentleman spoke in his most persuasive voice. "I trust," said he, "that the _Roebuck_ is as roomy as she looks, and that you have managed to set apart quarters that will be reasonably comfortable for mademoiselle." "For mademoiselle!" said Anthony, astonished. "Now, God bless my soul!" said Mr. Sparhawk regretfully. "How could I have been so neglectful? I have not told him," to Monsieur Lafargue. "How can you forgive me?" to mademoiselle. "Not told him!" said mademoiselle, her face crimson. "I ask your pardon," said Mr. Sparhawk. He waved a hand helplessly. "There is no possible excuse that I can offer." For all he seemed so distressed, there was, so Anthony thought, a gleam at the back of his eye that was self-possessed enough. "We had arranged it all between us," said Mr. Sparhawk to Anthony, "that Mademoiselle Lafargue was to sail with you; and it was further arranged that I make you acquainted with our purpose, which, stupidly enough, I have not done." "There is no place for a woman in such an expedition," said Anthony. He looked at the girl, who had now arisen and was standing by her father's chair, tall, straight, wonderful. It rose in his heart to say that he was a fool; that there was a place for her anywhere; that, if it were given him to do, he'd make a place for her--and a safe place--at the very feet of peril itself. But he did not say it. He only looked at her stubbornly, and denied her permission to put foot on the _Roebuck_. But she said nothing; it was Mr. Sparhawk who spoke.