"_Excusez_. I came back to ask monsieur how many shirts I pack." Thoroughly aroused, the promoter pointed to the door. Sternly he said: "Get out of here--you fool! If you don't know your business, I'll get some one else who does." The Frenchman beat a rapid retreat. There was a malevolent look on his face, but he murmured respectfully enough: "_Oui, monsieur_." Kenneth turned to his wife. "What did he come back for?" he demanded. "He was listening--behind the door," she replied calmly. CHAPTER IV The dirty, sullen waters of the harbor washed lazily against the black, precipitous sides of the giant liner which, under a full head of steam, vibrated with suppressed energy, straining at mighty cables as if impatient to start on her long and hazardous voyage across the tumbling seas. A raw, piercing northeaster, howling dismally above the monotonous creaking and puffing of the donkey-engine, swept through the cheerless, draughty dock, chilling the spectators to the marrow. The sun, vainly trying to break through the banks of leaden-colored clouds, cast a grayish pall over land and sky. A day it was of sinister portent, that could not fail to have a depressing effect on sailor and landlubber alike. Yet unpropitious skies and chilly wind did not appear to keep people at home. The steamer was crowded, both with those who were sailing and those who were not. The gangways, staterooms were overrun not only by passengers, but by all sorts of visitors curious to get a glimpse of the luxurious liner. The first-class saloon, heaped high on all sides with American Beauty roses and orchids, looked as gay and full of color as a florist's shop. "Isn't it perfectly stunning? How I adore ships!" exclaimed Ray, eager to see everything. Keeping close together, the two young women with difficulty elbowed their way through the excited throng. They were anxious to rejoin Kenneth whom they had left in the stateroom giving instructions to Francois, and they began to be afraid they might lose him in the crush. Delighted at everything she saw, Ray could not contain herself. "Oh, how I wish I were going! Why doesn't Ken take me?" Helen turned to her in mock despair. "If you went, what would I do? Who would take care of me?" "I would," said a masculine voice close by. The women turned quickly. A tall, fair man still in his thirties, had stopped and raised his hat. "Why, it's Mr. Steell!" exclaimed Ray, her pleasure at the meeting betraying itself in the tone of her voice. "Do you doubt my ability to take care of you? Could any man wish for a more congenial task?" "Flatterer!" laughed Helen. Cordially she added: "I'm awfully glad to see you. It was very good of you to come and see Ken off." "Nonsense," exclaimed the newcomer. "I wanted to come--if only to make sure he wouldn't change his mind. I'm as anxious to see those diamonds as you are."