Hugh laughed--a laugh so hearty it might have been the brick-top's own. The texas tender enjoyed it as he bore a tray of dishes from the room of the twins. Down beyond the bell it drew the father's smile and up at the wheel the stoical gaze of Watson. Half of it was for the exhorter and half for a newcomer at tardy sight of whom the exhorter paled, certain that he had been overheard. "Oh!" he cried, "I ain't meant no offence to nobody naw tuck none!" and eagerly followed the commodore's beckon to go below with him and the nurse. Hugh, still smiling, met the blazing stare of Julian Hayle. "Good morning," he said, while Hayle was inquiring: "May I again ask of you a word in private?" "Oh, this is private enough," said Hugh. "Every private word I've had with you so far, or with your--coterie, has been so unsatisfactory to you--and them, and so tiresome to everybody, I can't see why you should want another. My friend----" "We are not friends, sir." "Well, then, let's make friends. Here's my hand. I'm utterly ashamed of this miserable little spat." Hayle folded his arms. "You'll find it life-size before we're done." "Nonsense! it's too small for words, private or otherwise. Let's end it, for that reason if for no better." "That's not your reason, sir. You have another." "Yes, I simply can't quarrel with you." "You--crawling--poltroon!" Hugh's smile vanished at last. He gulped as though a wave had gone over him. But he remembered his father. Beyond doubt his father had heard. He glanced down to him, and what he saw was worth a year of commonplace experience. The father had heard, yet he sat at ease, his knees crossed and his gaze out forward on the boat's course. Watson--but what could Watson matter then? Hugh's eyes burned big on Hayle, his voice deepened, his words came slow. "We can't fight here and now. I can only put you ashore. Don't make me do that. There's trouble enough on this boat as it is. You're having your share. Mr. Hayle, I fear--though I don't know--that Basile has the cholera." "Damn him and it! You wouldn't fight me if you could." "True." "Why? On your father's account--and his father's?" "On everybody's. Your own father's. Your mother's." "My sister's?" The question was a threatening sneer. "Yes, sir." The breakfast bell rang merrily below and Hugh turned to leave. Julian blazed out in curses: "I forbid you 'that young lady's' company henceforth!" "And that's the private word you had for me?" "Yes, damn you! I know who sat up late last night. If you do it again I'll shoot you right on this boat!" "My private word for you, Mr. Hayle, isn't as public as that. Only I and the texas tender know it." "Most fitting partnership!" "No, it was entirely his own enterprise. While you and your brother were getting your information from him he got your weapons from both of you. I have them in the clerk's safe." XXXIV THE PEACEMAKERS