Somers opened the door of the state-room, which had been occupied by the prisoner, and there, to his utter astonishment and confusion, he saw Pillgrim, sitting on a stool, and looking as composed as though nothing had happened. Somers could hardly believe the evidence of his own eyes. "Good morning, Mr. Somers," said the traitor. "I am happy to see you. I was just thinking it was about breakfast time." "Haven't you had your breakfast yet?" asked Somers, who deemed it best to talk at random. "How should I? You lock the door, and confine me to a very limited sphere of observation. I hope you don't intend to starve me." "O, no, by no means. I thought it likely you had breakfasted while on your travels." "On my travels?" said the prisoner, inquiringly. "You have been out of your room." "I?" Pillgrim opened his eyes, and seemed to be astonished. "Certainly you have. When we opened the door half an hour since, you were not here. Perhaps you will not object to telling me where you have been." "I have not been out of my state-room, as you must be aware." "But you have," replied Somers, stoutly. "Am I to infer that you accuse me of lying, Mr. Somers?" demanded the traitor, with an exhibition of dignity. "I accuse you of nothing; I only say you have been out of your state-room." "But I say I have not. I am your prisoner: it is hardly magnanimous to insult me in my present situation." "Are you ready for your breakfast?" asked Somers, unwilling to pursue the conversation on that tack. "A hungry man is always ready for his breakfast. My misfortunes have not impaired my appetite. I am ready for my breakfast." Somers directed the steward to bring the prisoner his morning meal. "Mr. Somers, may I beg the favor of half an hour's conversation with you, when I have done my breakfast?" added Pillgrim. "It is hardly necessary." "Excuse me; it is absolutely necessary for your comfort and safety as well as mine." "Under such a threat, I shall certainly decline," replied Somers, coldly. "I intended no threat. Send these people away, and I will speak." "You may speak or be silent, as you please." Somers stationed a marine at the door, and sent the others away, retiring himself to the farther end of the cabin. He was sorely puzzled to know how the prisoner had got out of his state-room, and why he had returned. He concluded that the opening of the hold had induced the latter step, but the former was still enveloped in mystery. He determined to give the prisoner another room, and make a more careful search in the one he now occupied. When Pillgrim had done his breakfast, Somers called a couple of marines, and ordered them to put the prisoner in the aftermost room. The hasp and padlock were then transferred to the occupied room. "Mr. Somers," said Pillgrim, as he was about to lock the door, "I should like to speak with you."