Part 22 (1/2)

The floor was littered with papers, coats, collars, ties, and underwear.

Drawers had been dragged out and emptied, my trunk gutted of its contents. Evidently the captain had been engaged in a thorough search of the cabin when my entrance diverted his attention.

”Not at all. I was hoping you would come,” he answered pleasantly.

”Perhaps I should have knocked before entering, but then I didn't expect to find you here.”

”I came on impulse,” he explained. ”I had reason to suppose you would be busy for an hour or two. By the way, Evie _is_ entertaining. Did I ever mention to you that it is my intention to marry her?”

”I think not.”

”Ah! Then I make a confidant of you now. Congratulate me, my friend.”

”Is this an official announcement?” I asked.

”Hardly official, I think. The lady does not know it.”

”Then I think I'll wait till the engagement gets her O. K.”

”As you like, Mr. Sedgwick, but I a.s.sure you I am an irresistible lover.”

”So I hear you say,” I replied coldly. ”Was it to tell me this that you have put me in debt to you for this call?”

”Hardly. To be frank, I came to get a map.”

I sat down on the edge of the bed.

”Again?”

”As you say, again.”

”Quite like old times, isn't it? I am reminded of our 'Frisco Nights'

Entertainment. The search for a map in other people's apartments is becoming rather a habit with you, isn't it?”

”I'm a persistent beggar,” he admitted.

”I regret we have no more copies to lend.”

He laughed indulgently.

”_Touche, monsieur._ But I don't care for copies. I am a collector of originals.”

”They are said to be expensive.”

”But valuable.”

”Still, the cost is a consideration.”

”Not when some one else pays the shot, Mr. Sedgwick.”

”I see. You expect those poor devils whom you are misleading to draw the chestnut out of the fire for you.”