He was so urbane and apologetic, and promised such impartial punishment both for the persons who inspired the outrage and for those who actually carried it out, that Mr. Fenshawe deferred to the morrow the stern protest he meant to register against von Kerber's detention. It was quite true, as Stump told Royson, that strongly-worded cablegrams were despatched to London and Rome earlier in the evening. Diplomatic representations would certainly be made in both capitals, and the yacht-owner felt that the local authorities would now leave matters entirely to the Italian Colonial Minister. So a truce was proclaimed. Before he left them, the Governor drank to Miss Fenshawe's health in the best champagne that the Grand Hotel of the Universe could produce. The four people rose from their belated meal at half past ten. A sailor came from the _Aphrodite_ in response to a message sent by Stump announcing Miss Fenshawe's return. The jolly-boat was waiting to take them on board, he said, and they walked to the jêtée, escorted by the whole body of gens d'armes who had mounted guard at the hotel. The long pull across the starlit waters of the harbor was peculiarly refreshing and restful after the thrilling events of the day. Irene said with a laugh that it was almost worth while being kidnapped for the sake of becoming a heroine, and Mr. Fenshawe yielded to the soothing influence of the hour in expressing the opinion that he expected to hear of the Baron's unconditional release early next day. "By the way," said the girl, speaking to the boatswain, "how was Mrs. Haxton when you left the yacht?" "She was all right, miss, when I saw her about nine o'clock. She was just goin' ashore--" "Going ashore!" For the life of her, Irene could not help the blank wonderment of that repetition. "Yes, miss. An Arab kem for her." "Are you sure?" "Sartin, miss. It was about two bells when that craft hailed us--wasn't it, Bill?" The sailor thus unexpectedly appealed to was taken by surprise. He nearly swallowed a quid of tobacco before he answered: "That's correct. It struck two bells just after they shoved off." "Do you know where Mrs. Haxton meant to go? I mean, was she making for the hotel?" "I didn't happen to hear, miss. But Mr. Tagg was talkin' to the lady. P'raps he can tell you." From the silence prevailing among her companions Irene was aware that they were as much astounded by the man's statement as she herself. It was impossible to discuss the matter further in front of the boat's crew, but the girl whispered, to Royson, who was sitting near her: "Did you ever hear anything more amazing? She could not have missed us. What can be her object in going off alone?" "We may be able to answer those questions, and others, when we find out who it was that came for her." "Some Arab, the man says. How strange that Mrs. Haxton should be acquainted with an Arab in Massowah!" Mr. Fenshawe bent towards them.