"Your owners have satisfied themselves that this will be met; I thought I'd better keep the other amount separate." "That's all right," the captain returned; "but you're a hundred dollars short." "I guess you're mistaken," Walthew said. "We've paid the freight, and a bonus to yourself, as we promised because it was an awkward job. What else do you want?" "A bonus for the engineer," the greasy mechanic answered with a grin. "Precisely," said the captain. "Then I'm afraid you'll be disappointed," Grahame said, and Walthew picked up the check, which still lay on the table. There was silence for a few moments while the Miranda's officers looked hard at their visitors. Grahame's face was impassive, but there was a gleam of amusement in Walthew's eyes. "Now, you listen to me," said the captain. "Mr. James is entitled to his share, and he means to get it. You don't suppose he'd take a hand in a risky job like this entirely for the benefit of the owners?" "Mr. James," said Walthew, "runs no risk that I[Pg 61] can see. However, if you think he has a right to something, you can divide with him." [Pg 61] "No, sir! What you have given me is mine. But there's another point you've overlooked. The crew expect a few dollars, and it might be wise to satisfy them." Grahame smiled. "They certainly struck me as a hard crowd; but seamen don't rob cargo-shippers nowadays. Then it's difficult to imagine that you told them what's in the cases. In fact, the way they obeyed your mate suggested that there's not much liking between men and officers on board this packet. If there was any trouble, I don't know that they'd take your side." The captain frowned; and James drained his glass again and then struck the table. "Think something of yourselves, I reckon, but we've come out on top with smarter folks than you. Put down your money like gentlemen, and say no more." "It's good advice," the captain added meaningly. "Guess we disagree," Walthew said, putting the check into his pocket. "You haven't got your freight payment
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