The stowaway seemed to add an inch to his height before replying.

"Algernon Adonis Percival, sir," he said, a very clear note of
defiance in his voice.

The Captain looked at the First Officer, and the First Officer,
after a brief stare at the speaker, looked at the Captain.

"It's his right name, you can bet, sir," said Mr. Mott, with conviction.
"Nobody would voluntarily give himself a name like that."

"You never can tell about these Americans, Mr. Mott," said the
Captain warily. "They've got what they call a keen sense of humour,
you know."

Mr. Percival smiled. His teeth were very white and even.

"I am a first and only child," he explained. "That ought to account
for it, sir," he went on, a trifle defensively.

Captain Trigger did not smile. Mr. Mott, however, looked distinctly
sympathetic.

"You say you are an American,--a citizen of the United States?"
demanded the former.

"Yes, sir. My home is in Baltimore."

"Baltimore?" repeated Mr. Mott quickly. "That's where Mr. Gray hails