"The special purpose is a run across the Atlantic, if you want to know," he answered carelessly. "Of course, when I'd got her, I wanted a small crew. Now, I've had great experience of Chinamen--best servants on earth, in my opinion--so I sailed her down to the Thames, went up to London Docks, and took in some Chinese chaps that I got in Limehouse. Two men and one cook--man cook, of course. He's good--I can't promise you a real and proper dinner tonight, but I can promise a very satisfactory substitute which we call supper." "And you're going across the Atlantic with a crew of three?" I asked. "As a matter of fact," he answered candidly, "there are six of us. The three Chinese; myself; my friend who was with me this afternoon, and who will join us again tomorrow, and another friend who will return with him, and who, like the crew, is a Chinaman. But he's a Chinaman of rank and position." "In other words, the Chinese gentleman who was with you and your French friend in Hull?" I suggested. "Just so--since we're to be frank," he answered. "The same." Then, with a laugh, he glanced at Miss Raven. "Mr. Middlebrook," he said, "considers me the most candid desperado he ever met!" "Your candour is certainly interesting," replied Miss Raven. "Especially if you really are a desperado. Perhaps--you'll give us more of it?" "I'll tell you a bit--later on," he said. "That Quick business, I mean." Suddenly, setting down his tea-cup, he got up and moved away towards the galley, into which he presently disappeared. Miss Raven turned sharply on me. "Did you eat a slice of that plum-cake?" she whispered. "You did?" "I know what you're thinking," I answered. "It reminds you of the cake that Lorrimore's man, Wing, makes." "Reminds!" she exclaimed. "There's no reminding about it! Do you know what I think? That man Wing is aboard this yacht! He made that cake!" CHAPTER XIX BLACK MEMORIES