“Well, if he was after anything, he didn’t get it,” he added, as he placed the things in the pocket and put the coat under his pillow again. “I wonder who it was?” “Sames to me it was the feller that was talkin’ to Stummer the other day,--that sport av a young man.” “You mean Mr. Polk?” demanded Gilbert. “I don’t know his handle, but the feller as was askin’ about you.” “That is the man I mean.” Gilbert’s brow grew clouded. “If that was the man, he was up to no good.” “Is he down on you, lieutenant?” “I have every reason to believe he is, although I don’t care to talk about it.” “Do ye suppose he was afther stalin’ somethin’?” “I can’t say what he was after, Dan. But I wish he would keep his distance after this.” “Perhaps ye had better be afther reportin’ him.” “No, I’ll keep my eyes open; and I reckon that will be enough.” Gilbert sank back to rest again, but it was a long while before he fell asleep. He wondered if Nuggy Polk had been after the letter. “If he was, he didn’t get it,” he told himself; “and I’ll take good care that he doesn’t get another chance at it.” When Nuggy Polk reached his state-room, he was almost out of breath and as white as a sheet. Coming inside, he locked the door, and began to pull off his clothing with all possible speed. “What’s up now?” questioned Nickerson. “The roll of the boat upset me, and I woke the lieutenant up,” was the low answer. “I don’t know but that they are after me. Keep quiet; and, if they come here, we’ll pretend we are asleep, and have been for over an hour.” Nuggy soon had his shoes and clothing off; and, still trembling with excitement, he crept into his bunk, and lay there in silence, listening for a knock on the door. But the minutes went by, and nobody came; and at last he breathed easier. “They didn’t spot me, after all,” he chuckled. “I reckon I was too quick for them.” “Did you return the bogus letter?” asked his companion. “Yes.” “Then you are safe on the writing question?” “Sure. Pennington won’t suspect a thing, and of course Branders won’t know where the blank sheet came from. The first move in this game is entirely in my favor,” concluded Nuggy; and, much satisfied with himself, he rolled over, and was soon in the land of dreams. CHAPTER XI THE RELIEF OF ADMIRAL SEYMOUR’S PARTY The transport carrying the regiment to which Gilbert was attached arrived at Nagasaki on July 2. She dropped anchor in the place assigned to her by the harbor-master, and her chief officer went ashore at once for despatches.