“Oh, no, sir,” replied the steward. “It's only just a little after seven now, sir.” “That's better!” smiled Crang. “Well, get my traps right up here, like a good fellow, and I'll clean up a bit. And hurry, will you?” The steward looked a little blank. “Your traps, sir?” “Luggage--traps--baggage,” defined Crang with facetious terseness. “Oh, I knew what you meant, sir,” said the steward. “It's where your traps are, sir? I--I thought it a bit strange you didn't have anything with you when you came aboard this afternoon.” “Did you, now?” inquired Crang sweetly. “Well, then, the sooner you get them here the less strange it will seem. Beat it!” “But where are they, sir?” persisted the man. “Where are they? Good God, how do I know!” ejaculated Crang sarcastically. “I sent them down to the ship early this morning to be put aboard--in your baggage room. You've got a baggage room aboard, haven't you?” “Yes, sir; but----” “I would suggest the baggage room, then!” interrupted Crang crisply. “And if they are not there, ask the captain to let you have any of the crew who aren't too busy on this engine trouble, and get them to help you search the ship!” The steward grinned. “Very good, sir. Would you mind describing the pieces?” “There are four,” said Crang with exaggerated patience, as he created the non-existent baggage out of his imagination. “And they have all got your 'wanted on the voyage' labels, with my name and cabin written on them--Mr. John Bruce; Cabin H-14. There is a steamer trunk, and two brown alligator-leather--which I do not guarantee to be genuine in spite of the price--suit-cases, and a hat box.” “Very good, sir,” said the steward again--and hurried from the cabin. Crang got up and went to the window. The tug alongside seemed to furnish him with engrossing reflections, for he stood there, smiling queerly, until he swung around in answer to a knock upon his door. A man in ship's uniform entered ahead of the steward. “The steward here, sir,” said the man, “was speaking about your baggage.” “_Speaking_ about it!” murmured Crang helplessly. “I told him to get it.” “Yes, sir,” said the man; “but I am sorry to say that no such baggage as you describe has come aboard the ship. There has been no baggage at all for Mr. Bruce, sir.” “Not aboard!” gasped Crang. “Then--then where is it?” “I can't say, sir, of course,” said the other sympathetically. “I am only stating a fact to you.” “But--but I sent it down to the dock early this morning.” Crang's voice was rising in well-affected excitement. “It must be here! I tell you, it must be here!” The man shook his head. “It's my job, sir. I'm sorry, Mr. Bruce, but I know positively your baggage is not aboard this ship.” “Then what's to be done?” Crang's voice rose louder. “You've left it on the dock, that's what--fools, thundering idiots!” The man with the baggage job looked uncomfortable. Crang danced up and down on the floor of the cabin.