"Arabs!" he cried. "How long has that bee buzzed In your bonnet. The only lawless tribes In this country are far away in the interior. And even they are apt to think many times before they offer active resistance to the passing of a strong and well-intentioned _kafila_. Besides, my dear fellow, we must purchase some portion of our equipment here. It is secrecy, not candor, that would endanger our mission. Believe me, you are suffering from Red Sea spleen. It distorts your normal vision. You certainly took a different view of the situation when we determined its main features in London." Royson was careful not to look at the speakers. Between him and them was seated Mrs. Haxton, and he knew that she, too, was an attentive listener. Von Kerber began to explain the reasons which lay behind his change of opinion, but Stump's voice suddenly recalled Dick to his duties. "Stand by the anchor, Mr. Royson," he said, "and see that everything is clear when I tell you to let go." Irene heard the order. "I want to watch the anchor flop overboard," she announced, springing up from a deck chair. "I think I shall accompany you, Mr. Royson." Dick held out his hand to help her down the short companionway. They had not exchanged many words since that memorable night in the canal, and the penetrating look in the girl's eyes warned Royson now that she was about to say something not meant for others to hear. "You have not forgotten?" she murmured. "No," he answered. "When we go ashore you must come with us." "How can I make sure of that?" "Ask Captain Stump to send you in charge of the boat. Do you know that an attempt was made to get rid of you at Suez?" "Yes." "It failed." "Yes, I know that, too." "Who told you?" "I overheard a conversation. I could not help it." "Well, once we are ashore I may have a chance of explaining things fully. If necessary, tell Captain Stump I wish you to escort us." They could say no more. The telegraph rang from "Slow" to "Stop her." Two sailors were waiting in the bows, and had already cleared the anchor from its chocks. Irene leaned against the rail. She wore a pith hat, and was dressed in white muslin for shore-going, while a pink-lined parasol helped to dispel a pallor which was the natural result of an exhausting voyage. Dick thought he had never seen a woman with a face and figure to match hers, and it is to be feared that his mind wandered a little until he was roused by a bellow from the bridge. "Stand by, forrard. Let go-o-o!" Luckily, Dick's office was a sinecure. The men knew what to do, and did it. With a roar and a rattle the chain cable rushed through the hawse-pipe, and the _Aphrodite_ rested motionless on the green water of the roadstead.