But as, gripping the rail to prevent being thrown down by the rolling of the ship, I passed along the side of the deck-house I was surprised to see a light within. The curtains of green silk were still drawn, but the light could, nevertheless, be seen through them, and it seemed to me strange that any one should be there at that hour of the night. I placed my face close to the screwed-down port-hole, but the curtain had been so well drawn that it was impossible to see within. Then, moving quietly, I examined the other three round, brass-bound windows, but all were as closely curtained as the first. I fancied I heard voices as I stood there and tried to distinguish the words, but the roar of the funnels and howling of the wind drowned every other sound. What if my host caught me prying? His private affairs were surely no business of mine, therefore I was about to turn away, when suddenly I experienced an extraordinary desire to peep inside that forbidden chamber. I walked around it again stealthily, for fortunately I was in thin slippers. While standing there in hesitation I noticed that upon the low roof was a small ventilator which had been raised to admit air. What if I could get a peep down there? It was an adventurous climb for a woman hampered by skirts as I was; but I searched for means to mount, and found them in a low iron staple to which some cords of the rigging were attached and a brass rail which afforded rather insecure foothold. After some effort I succeeded in scrambling to the top, but not before I found myself beneath the eye of the officer on the bridge. Fortunately I was behind him, but if he had occasion to turn towards the stern he must discover me. Having risked so much, however, I was determined to make further endeavors, and leaning across the small roof I placed my face close to the open ventilator and peered down into the locked cabin. Next second I drew back with a start, holding my breath. A loud exclamation of dismay escaped me, but the sound was swallowed up in the noises of the boisterous night. The sight I witnessed below me in that small deck-house held me rigid as one petrified. CHAPTER XIII DISCLOSES A MILLIONAIRE’S SECRET So heavily was the yacht rolling that I was compelled to hold firmly, lest I should lose my balance and roll down upon the deck. My foothold was insecure, and the sight which presented itself as I peered within was so unexpected and startling, that in the excitement of the moment I loosened my grip and narrowly escaped being pitched down headlong. From my position I unfortunately could not obtain a view of the entire interior, the ventilator being open only a couple of inches, but what I saw was sufficient to unnerve any woman.