That there were two persons in the boat was evident, for in another minute we heard the grinding of the keel upon the shingle, followed by a few whispered words. A low voice said, “Pass me out the parcel and I’ll push her off.” Again we heard the stones scrunch as the boat was slid back into the water. “Good-nights” were exchanged, and receding oar-dips told us that the boat was returning to the hulk. Then somebody climbed the sea-wall, and stood still for half a minute as if looking around to make sure that no one was in sight. Our hiding-place was fortunately well in shadow, and we ran very little risk of discovery, but it was not until the person who had landed had turned and taken some steps in the opposite direction that I ventured to lift my head. Night was fast closing in, but standing as the new-comer was upon the sea-wall, silhouetted against the darkening sky, I could distinctly see that the figure was a woman’s. “Hughes’ old woman, zur,” Quickly whispered in my ear; but I motioned to him to be silent, and so we remained for a few seconds. Then Muir spoke, with evident disgust, and not in a whisper either: “Look here, Master Max Rissler, eaves-dropping and foxing about after women isn’t in my line. You haven’t told me what your little game is, and I haven’t asked you. I’ve a great respect for you, as you know, but if you’re playing tricks with that poor devil’s wife, why, damme, man, I’d as soon knock your jib amidships as look at you.” I could have strangled the big-hearted blundering Briton, but had to content myself with shaking a fist at him and grinding my teeth with vexation until I grinned, for “Mrs. Hughes” was still within earshot. It did not lessen my annoyance to know, from the approving grimace which I could feel, rather than see, on the generally expressionless face of Quickly, that he also credited me with evil designs upon “Mrs. Hughes,” and shared his master’s sentiments. Him too I was strongly moved to strangle; and that I resisted the temptation was due chiefly to the fact that I had present need of his services. “Look here, old man!” I said to Muir when I thought it safe to speak. “Did you ever know me do a dirty action?” “Never, my boy,” he responded promptly.