Meantime the boat danced over the waves, and, after an hour or two, was cruising across the track of inward-bound vessels. Soon there came the announcement of the lights of a vessel, and the "Nancy" was cautiously run on a course which would enable her captain to take observations. The lights proved to be those of an ocean steamer, and the great leviathan, with its precious freight of human souls, plowed past the taut little yacht distant only half a mile. When the lights were first seen, the detective was standing forward of the mainmast, and suddenly a pallor overspread his face. If it should prove that the lights were those of an incoming smuggler, the critical moment had arrived for him. Our hero was intently watching the lights, as were the balance of the crew, waiting for a signal, and so absorbed was he as not to observe the presence of Sol Burton close by his side. A few moments passed, and the lights were made out, and the word was passed around, "It's a steamer!" The detective turned to go aft, when he found himself face to face with Sol Burton. The two men had met as comrades once or twice before, during the two or three hours the boat had been out on the sea, but not a word had passed between them; but as they met after the distinguishing of the lights, Burton addressed our hero and said: "You're the new man?" "Yes," was the short answer. "Your first trip on the 'Nancy?'" "Yes." There was a premonition, of danger in the next words of Sol Burton. CHAPTER XVIII. "I think I've seen you before, Ballard!" Sol Burton spoke in slow and very distinct tones, and his manner betrayed that there was a deep significance in his declaration. "If you remember having seen me before, you have the advantage, my good friend." "I think I've seen you before. I met you on board the 'Nancy.'" "Where?" "I cannot recall, but there is something in your face that strikes me as very familiar." The detective laughed in an easy manner, and answered "Well, you'll have to depend upon your own recollections, I can't aid you to a recognition." As the detective spoke he remembered Renie's warning words, "Sol Burton, I fear, has his suspicions aroused." "I noticed you turn pale when we first sighted the lights, Ballard." "Did you?" "I did." Ballard stepped close to Sol Burton, and demanded in a determined tone, "What are you getting at? I don't like this cross-questioning." "That's my idea, Ballard. I don't think you like this cross-questioning, and I think further there is a good reason for you not liking it." "If you've anything to say to me, spit it." "When did you first show up on the coast?" "Who are you? What's your name?" retorted Ballard. "My name is Sol Burton." "Ah, you are Burton; yes, I've heard about you!" The detective used the words, "I've heard about you," in a very meaning tone. "You've heard about me?" "Yes, I've heard about you," came the response. "What have you heard about me?"