I have gone fully into the matter, and it seems impossible that any one else could have been responsible except this gentleman. I thought therefore you ought to hear about it. I can only suppose that knowing nothing of marine engines he was under the impression that he was performing some sort of a practical joke. If so, and you will excuse my saying so, it seems to me to have been an uncommon stupid and dangerous one. I don't suppose he realizes what would have happened to him if Mr. McEwen or the second engineer had happened to catch him in the act. I fancy he wouldn't have wanted to be funny with any more engines--not this side of the grave. Everything is now ready for sea, or will be by the date I gave you. The necessary stores are coming on board, and some extra cases have arrived from Harrod's and Fortnum and Mason's, which I suppose you have ordered yourself in London. Hoping that you are keeping well, and with my respectful regards to yourself and Mr. Oliver, I have the honour to remain, Yours truly, JOHN SIMMONS. Tony laid down the letter on the bed, took a thoughtful pull or two at his cigarette, and then, reaching up, pressed the electric bell, which was answered almost immediately by Spalding. "Has Mr. Oliver gone out yet?" he inquired. "He left the house a minute or two ago, Sir Antony. I could perhaps overtake him if you wished it." Tony shook his head. "You had better not try, Spalding," he said. "You might drop dead from heart disease, and that would be very inconvenient." "Quite so, sir," assented Spalding gravely. "You can turn on my bath instead," observed Tony. "I have to go to Southampton." He threw back the bed-clothes and prepared to get out. "You might tell Bugg and Jennings that I shall want to see them as soon as I am dressed," he added. Gathering up the tray, Spalding departed on his errand, and in a surprisingly short time for him Tony had completed his toilet, and was descending the staircase. As he reached the hall the door at the back opened, and Bugg appeared on the threshold. He came forward in that noiseless fashion which had won him his famous soubriquet. "Mornin', Sir Ant'ny. Mr. Spalding says as you wanted to see me." "That's right, Bugg," said Tony. "Are you a good sailor?" "I dunno, sir," observed "Tiger" simply. "I ain't never tried--'cept once at the Welsh 'Arp." "I am told that it can be very rough there at times," said Tony. He paused, and looked thoughtfully at his devoted henchman. "How would you like to come to South America on the _Betty_?" he inquired. Bugg's blue eyes lit up. "Not 'arf, sir." "Do you know where it is?" Bugg nodded. "Yes, sir. Where they gets the cocoanuts."