from, sir," he added, as a sort of apology to the Captain for the
exclamation.

The Captain's gaze settled on the stowaway's spotless white shirt
and collar. Then he nodded his head slowly.

"Mr. Gray is the Chief Engineer," he explained, with mock courtesy.

"Yes, sir,--I know," responded Percival. "He comes of one of the
oldest and most highly connected families in Baltimore. He informs
me that his father--"

"Never mind!" snapped the Captain. "We need not discuss Mr. Gray's
antecedents. How old are you?"

"Thirty last Friday, sir."

"Married?"

"No, sir."

"Parents living?"

"No, sir."

"And now, what the devil do you mean by sneaking aboard this ship
and hiding yourself in the--by the way, Mr. Mott, where was he
hiding?"

Mr. Mott: "It doesn't seem to be quite clear as yet, sir."