Hurricane Island Read online

  CHAPTER VI

  THE CONFERENCE IN THE CABIN

  We opened the captain's door without knocking, but he was awake atonce, and turned on the electric light.

  "What is this, gentlemen? Is it a raree show?" he inquired in hisparticular voice.

  "It is some information Dr. Phillimore has to impart, sir," saidLegrand.

  Day's eyes narrowed. "Oh, I see Dr. Phillimore is taking part in somemore theatricals," he said grimly. "And his costume seems suited tothem."

  "I beg your pardon, sir," said I hotly. "If you would only listeninstead of passing judgment we might get on."

  "I'm learning a lot this voyage," said Day with a sneer; "prayproceed."

  Again I told my story. Day got up in his pyjamas, an insignificantfigure of a man without his important uniform. He might have beenmerely a member of Parliament, or a minor poet. But he had, with allhis defects, the courage of his position and responsibilities.

  "This is a matter I feel unequal to alone. It has gone on too long," hesaid sharply. "It is time I knew where I stand." He left the cabinabruptly, and returned in a few minutes.

  "I have taken the liberty of inviting Mr. Morland's attendance," hesaid, "and have sent for Sir John Barraclough and Mr. Holgate. I willknow once for all where I stand."

  "I beg you not Mr. Holgate, captain," said I.

  "And why not Mr. Holgate, sir?" he asked peremptorily. "Here is areport of conspiracy and mutiny you bring me, and I will have myofficers in attendance to weigh it."

  "You will remember my former charge, Captain Day?" I said.

  "Well, sir?" he answered.

  "If my report to-night is correct, as I have a witness to prove, doesit not shed some light on my former charge against Mr. Holgate? And isit, therefore, desirable that he should be here?"

  Day considered, and then he looked me up and down.

  "If I were a doctor, Dr. Phillimore," he observed with sarcasm, "Ishould advise you to change your clothes."

  "Oh, there is a more important matter than clothes," I replied angrily,"or should I be here? Is it for fun, do you suppose?"

  He turned from me without saying anything, but my words had theireffect, for when the door opened and Holgate's face appeared Day saidcivilly enough, "I am sorry to have disturbed you unnecessarily, Mr.Holgate, but I find I shall not need you at present."

  The third officer's big face moved slowly on his bull neck and his eyesmet mine.

  "Very well, sir," said he calmly, and there was nothing legible in hisgaze. It was blank and insignificant, destitute even of curiosity.

  Barraclough arrived immediately afterwards, and on his heels--Mr.Morland, dressed as when he walked the hurricane deck daily, hissomewhat dull face owning and manifesting a certain dignity.

  "I have asked you here, Mr. Morland," said Day at once, "because ofcertain rumours and mysteries and alleged discoveries which are incirculation. It is an untimely hour, but that is not my fault. Dr.Phillimore has brought me a story, which, if he is correct, is of vitalimportance to us. I should be glad, therefore, if you would answer aquestion. Are you Prince Frederic of Hochburg?"

  Mr. Morland's eyes lighted up. "I have employed you, sir," he began,"to work this ship----"

  "Pardon me, it is necessary," said Day with extreme politeness. "I heara tale of conspiracy to rob my employer, who sails with me and whom Iknow as Mr. Morland, but who is stated to be Prince Frederic ofHochburg. I am justified, therefore, in asking if Mr. Morland is PrinceFrederic; and if he has the money on board which the tale alleges.According to that answer must I shape my conduct."

  Mr. Morland drew himself up. "It is reasonable," he said, as ifreflecting. "Yes, I am Frederic of Hochburg."

  Day's fingers trembled. "And the money?" he asked in a hard voice.

  "There is some money on board," said the Prince, looking round on ourfaces, and now I was surprised that I had not identified long sincethat guttural German accent. "But I should wish to know what this scenemeans, sir?" he said in a haughty voice.

  Day waved his hand at me.

  "I have learned to-night," said I, "by an accident, that there is aplot among the crew to seize the ship and its contents before reachingBuenos Ayres."

  For the third time I then told my story, to which my sodden garmentswere a genuine witness. The Prince listened to me with a frown.

  "I do not understand," said he. "I was led to believe that I waschartering a good vessel with a good captain and a crew for my cruise.I do not understand this."

  "Nor I," said Day, with a shrug of his shoulders. "I am not responsiblefor the crew. It was arranged by your agents, Mr. Morland."

  "Ah!" said the Prince shortly, and then, "But you tell me they haveturned out to be pirates. This is ridiculous."

  "I must refer you to Dr. Phillimore, sir," said Day curtly. "As for me,if I had known what I know now, you would have sailed under anothercaptain. I am too old for mysteries."

  Ignoring this, if he listened to it, the Prince turned on me.

  "Where is your evidence of this?" he asked, and his eyes fell onEllison, who was plainly uncomfortable.

  "Ah! did what the doctor says happen?"

  "Yes, sir."

  "Then we must send for this man Adams," concluded his Royal Highness."Let him be brought."

  I had in my hand during all this time the bar of iron which McCrae hadbrought. I gave it to Barraclough.

  "If you are going," said I, "take this. It may be needed."

  He looked at me with a lift of his eyebrows.

  "All serene," said he with a smile. "This seems a pretty showaltogether. Come, quartermaster."

  Legrand went back to his bridge with a revolver in his pocket, and Iwas left with Mr. Morland and the captain. The former scrutinised meclosely and deliberately, without regard to my feelings, while Dayfeigned to be busy at his table.

  "I stay here, sir," said I to the Prince with emphasis, "because I seemin a manner to be a prisoner on trial. I have called my evidence, andit will be forthcoming presently. But I must say," I added bitterly,"that I resent the way in which my testimony has been received, and atBuenos Ayres, if we ever reach that port, I shall beg to be relieved ofmy duties and have my contract cancelled."

  "If Mr.--Mr. Morland does not object certainly I shall not, Dr.Phillimore," said Day drily.

  "Oh, come, captain," said I impatiently; "we are in a peril togetherand you stand on ceremonies."

  "That has yet to be proved," he said.

  Even as he spoke a noise announced the return of the party, and SirJohn Barraclough entered.

  "Your man's missing," said he.

  Day uttered an exclamation, and the Prince's frown deepened.

  "There's no one in the cabin," said Barraclough.

  At that instant a knock fell on the door. "Is the doctor here?" said avoice which I recognised at once. Barraclough opened the door andHolgate stood on the threshold.

  "It has been reported to me as I came on duty," he said, "that Adams ismissing, doctor. It seems a bad case. He was delirious, and two of themen say they heard a plunge. The port-hole is open."

  "It's a lie!" I cried.

  Holgate's face twitched. "It's the report made to me," he said; "I cameat once," and the fang showed clear under his upper lip.

  "It is foul play!" I said. "He was not likely to throw himselfoverboard. It all belongs to the plot."

  "Was this man delirious?" asked Day of me.

  I hesitated. "For a time he was slightly," I answered.

  "He was delirious when he told you these things?"

  "That I deny."

  He turned to Ellison. "What do you say, quartermaster?"

  "I don't know, sir," said the man in confusion. "He didn't seemquite--quite all right."

  "Ah!" said Day, looking at Mr. Morland.

  "Good heavens, sir, would you take a common sailor's word before adoctor's?" I asked indignantly.

  "No, Dr. Phillimore, I am only weighing the evidence," said he coolly."This man was, accor
ding to you, delirious for a time. He made somecommunication as to a plot. Then he disappears. It is either conspiracyor delirium. Either accounts for the facts. Which are we to believe?"

  "You forget the attempt on me," I said hotly.

  "Not at all," he said, "I have not forgotten that--accident. But ithardly gets us further. It fits in with either supposition--the plotor"--he paused--"the delirium," he added significantly.

  "Gentlemen, I wish you good night, or good morning," I said, turning onmy heel. "And I will beg of you, Mr. Morland, to grant me the privilegeof a substitute when we reach Buenos Ayres."

  Mr. Morland did not answer. He made an impatient gesture, and then:

  "Are you satisfied, Captain Day?" he asked.

  "Quite," was the laconic answer.

  "Then may I request you will see that discipline is kept among yourmen," said the Prince severely, and stalked out of the cabin.

  Barraclough broke into laughter. "Upon my soul----" he began, but wasinterrupted by an angry exclamation.

  "Be good enough, sir, to keep your counsel till it is asked, sir," saidDay, trembling with fury. "I have too many princes and baronets herefor my taste." He stamped round the room in agitation. "My men!" hecried. "Good Lord, what have I had to do with them? I wish I'd neverseen the figurehead of the yacht. Good Lord! my men! I would sooner runan excursion steamer than submit to this."

  Barraclough eyed him without any emotion, even with hard hostility. Theexit of the Prince had stayed my departure, and abruptly Day came to apause by me.

  "That will do, gentlemen," he said quietly. Holgate, who was at thedoor, opened it, and his round face swung gently on his shoulders tillhis gaze rested on me again. Something flickered in it, something likea leer on that malicious blackness, and then he was gone. Day stoodstock-still looking by me after him. As I turned to follow he addressedme.

  "Dr. Phillimore, if you can spare a moment before you change," he saidcivilly, "I shall be glad of a few minutes."

  I answered promptly, wondering, and the door closed behind Barraclough.

  "Doctor, I haven't slept a wink for nights," burst out the captainsuddenly; "I must have something."

  He had a haggard, drawn look, and his eyes seemed sunken in his head.At once I was the professional man, and not an officer of the ship.

  "Sit down, sir," said I, "and tell me. What is it?"

  He sat down shakily. "I don't like my officers, doctor, and I don'tlike my employer," he said peevishly. I held his pulse, which wasjumping.

  "What else," I said.

  "You are not a married man?" he inquired, looking at me restlessly."No; never mind," he paused, and proceeded in his ridiculously precisevoice. "I had the misfortune to lose my wife and my son in afortnight--about a month ago. It has rather upset me."

  It might have seemed comic communicated in that matter-of-fact tone,but somehow it struck me as tragic. That this vain, self-contained, andreticent man should confess to the frailty of humanity to a man hedisliked was the measure of his suffering.

  "I can mend the sleep, captain," said I. "You must do the rest."

  "Good God!" he shook his head and stood up.

  "No," said I, "sit down. I'll see to you. Let me ring."

  In a few minutes I had my case of instruments, and carefully extractedwhat I wanted, while Day looked on feverishly impatient.

  "I'm going to do what has already been done this night," I saidgravely, "but in a better cause."

  I raised the syringe, and bade him put back the sleeve of his pyjama. Arush of pain went through my arm which had been bruised and battered inthe sea, and suddenly the cabin went from me. For the first and onlytime in my life I fainted.

  When I came to Day was bending over me, glass in hand, a look ofsolicitude on his face.

  "It seems we have changed places," said I feebly, "and that you are myphysician."

  He set the glass down. "Doctor, I did you less than justice just now,"he said quickly. "But I have had my troubles."

  I picked myself up slowly. "I will now resume," I said, smiling.

  "If you are able," he said doubtfully, and then, "Heavens, I shouldlike just one hour of sleep."

  "You shall sleep till eight bells, I promise you," I answered, and oncemore I took the syringe.

  He sighed as if in anticipation. "Doctor," he said, as he lay back."Not a word of this. We must talk about the other thing. I don't likemy officers. I'll tackle this question to-morrow. There's something init."

  I bade him "good night," and left with the conviction that in thedifficulties before us Captain Day would count for little. To face suchemergencies as I felt must now be faced we had no need of a neuroticsubject.

  Nevertheless I was mistaken in one particular. Day sent for me nextmorning, and I found him in quite a brisk, cheerful state. He did notallude to what had occurred between us, but came straight to thesubject of the plot.

  "Nothing has happened, doctor," he said.

  I knew nothing could happen, for the disappearance of Adams meant thatthe conspirators were not ready with their plans. Otherwise they wouldnot have been so determined to rob me of my evidence. This I explained,and he listened attentively.

  "You see the difficulty," he said at last. "There is no corroborationof your story, and I can take no action. I will have an inquiry intoAdams's disappearance, of course, but I fear nothing will come of it."He rubbed his hands nervously. "I wish to God it would."

  This was astounding from the man, but, as I looked into his eyes, Icould see how deeply his nervous system had been shocked, and once moreI despaired of such a captain in such circumstances. I carried mymisgivings to Legrand, with whom the events of the night had seemed tobring me in closer relationship.

  "The old man's all right," he said. "A better seaman doesn't exist.There's nothing he doesn't know."

  "Except human nature," said I.

  "Well, that may be. But who knows much about that?" said the secondofficer, setting his sextant. "You say we're slumbering over a volcano.I daresay we are. It's more or less what we're paid to do, and take allrisks. Things are quiet enough now, anyway."

  Was this another sceptic, where I had sought to find an ally?

  "I am used by this to ridicule," I began drily.

  "Who on earth is ridiculing you?" he asked. "You have only given ussomething to think of--and something pretty tall, too."

  I shrugged my shoulders. "I suppose it is my word against Holgate's," Isaid wearily.

  "Holgate's!" he said, lowering his sextant swiftly. "Holgate's! Iwouldn't trust Holgate if he were on a dozen oaths--not if he wereswung at a yard-arm, and were making Christian confession," he saidpassionately.

  "Nor would I," I said softly after a pause. We exchanged glances. Heresumed his sextant.

  "The only thing to be done," he said, "is to keep a watch. We shallknow shortly. Excuse me, doctor, I must take the bearings."

  Routine must go on aboard ship, but this cool attitude, reasonable asit was, was not to my taste in my condition. Things moved as smoothlyas before; the watch came and went, and the bells tolled regularly; butwith the knowledge that I had that something evil was brewing, Ifretted and worried and grew out of temper. The powers that wereresponsible for the safety of the ship and her good conduct wereindifferent to the danger, or else incredulous. I alone knew howincompetent was the captain to secure his vessel, and the attitude of"Mr. Morland" filled me with contempt. It was very well for a royalprince in his palace, surrounded by his guard, servitors, anddependants, to assume an autocratic attitude, and take things forgranted. But it was another case when he had deliberately abandonedthat security and launched himself upon a romantic, not to sayquixotic, career, in which nothing was certain. Yet upon the promenadedeck the Prince and his sister took their constitutionals as if nothinghad happened or would happen, and, as before, Mlle. Trebizond joinedthem, and her laugh floated down to us, musical and clear. Wouldnothing make them understand the peril in which they stood?

  In all this vexation
of spirit I still found time to be amused by Lane.The affair of Adams was, necessarily, public property, and the inquirypromised by Day was in process. Adams was gone, gone overboard, as Iknew, and I could have put my hand on his murderer, if I could not alsoidentify the man who had made an attempt to be mine. Lane, on therumour of the night's proceedings reaching him, sought me, andcomplained. It was ludicrous, but it was characteristic of the man, asI had come to know him.

  "Where do I come in?" he asked plaintively. "You might have given me acall, doctor."

  "I wish I had been sleeping as sound as you," I said.

  "Oh, hang it, man, it's dull enough on this beastly boat. If there'sany row on, I'm in it."

  "Do you think you guess how big a row you may be on?" I asked him.

  "Oh, well, it's infernally dull," he grumbled, which, when you come tothink of it, was a surprising point of view.

  The Adams inquiry ended in what must necessarily be called an openverdict. The evidence of the boatswain and Pentecost, one of the hands,assured that. Both testified to the fact that they were awakened in thestill hours by a splash, and one thought it was accompanied by a cry,but was not sure. At any rate, the boatswain was sufficiently arousedto make search, and to discover that Adams was missing, andsubsequently that the port-hole was open. He had then, as he declared,reported the matter at once to the officer of the watch, who wasHolgate. Holgate came to the captain's cabin, as has been related.There was no discrepancy to be noted in the stories of the two men, norwas there any inherent improbability in their tale. So, as I have said,though no verdict was given, the verdict might be considered as open,and we had got no further. The captain, however, took one precaution,for the key of the ammunition chest was put in Barraclough's charge.What others did I know not, but I slept with a loaded revolver under mypillow.

  We were now within a week of Buenos Ayres, and had come into summerweather. When we passed the twentieth parallel the heat wasoverpowering. We took to ducks, and the ladies, as we could observe, tothe lightest of cotton dresses. For all, however, that we saw of themthey might have been dwelling in another sphere, as, indeed, they were.The steward alone had the privilege of communion with them, and he,being a distant fellow, had nothing to say, though, I believe, Lanecross-questioned him rigorously.

  I have said that we saw nothing of our passengers, but I, at least, wasto see them more nearly very soon, and that in the most unexpectedmanner. One evening I had retired to my cabin and was stretched in mybunk, reading one of the gilded books from the yacht's library, when Iwas interrupted by a knock on the door.

  "Come in," I called idly, and the door promptly opened, and to myamazement Miss Morland stood before me. She wore a plain evening dressof chiffon, very pretty to the eye, and over her head and shoulders amantle of silk lace. She had naturally, as I had observed on myprevious encounters, a sparkle of colour in her face; but now she hadlost it, and was dead white of complexion under the electric light.

  "Doctor Phillimore," she said in English, which was more perfect ofaccent than her brother's, but speaking somewhat formally, "Iunderstand that you believe you have discovered some plot."

  By this time I was on my feet. "Madam, no one else believes it," saidI.

  "I do," she said sharply; and then, "I want you to come and see mybrother--Mr. Morland."

  "I will do as you will," I answered, "but, at the same time, I mustpoint out that Mr. Morland has cognisance of my story. I stated what Ihad to say in his presence some days since."

  "Ah," said she, "you do not understand. It is impossible for one in mybrother's position to entertain these suspicions. It is not for him totake precautions--or should not be," she added bitterly.

  I bowed. "I will repeat what I have already stated," I said; and then,as she turned to go, I took a sudden impulse. My heart was beatingfaster at this unexpected appearance of an ally and I made up my mindto confirm the alliance if it was what it seemed.

  "Miss Morland," said I, "if I must continue to call you so."

  "That is my name, sir," she said loftily.

  "Then if that is your name there is nothing in my plot," I answeredbluntly. "This plot, imaginary or otherwise, but one in which you sayyou believe, is dependent wholly on your name not being Morland, madam.Assure me that it is, and I undertake that the plot shallcease--disappear in a twinkling."

  "You speak, sir, as if you had authority over it," she said, after apause.

  "No. I reason only on what I know. This conspiracy has been evolved onthe supposition that you and Mr. Morland are not what you claim to be,and on other suppositions. If these be untrue, and the mutineers can beconvinced of that, the conspiracy naturally falls to the ground."

  Again she made a pause, but spoke quickly when she spoke:

  "My brother is Prince Frederic of Hochburg."

  I bowed. "And, madam, the ship contains treasure? Let us finish ourconfidences."

  "There are bonds and bullion to a large amount on board," she said, asif reluctantly. "It was unwise of him, but he would have it so."

  "I may take it that the Princess Alix would not have it so," Isuggested.

  "You may assume what you will, sir," she said coldly.

  "Madam," said I seriously, for handsome as she was and royal, too, Iwas nettled by her distance, "you ask me to help you, and you keep meat arm's length. I am not asking out of curiosity. I only want to knowwhat allies I can depend on. Heaven knows I have gone through enoughalready to keep me silent henceforward for ever, even to the point ofattempted murder."

  "I will answer any question you wish to put--if I can," she replied ina milder voice. "But my brother is waiting."

  "Then may I know why you credit this plot?" I asked.

  "I know nothing of the plot," she said. "The news of it has just cometo my ears, through some words dropped by Mr. Morland. But this Iknow--that he runs a great risk. He has always run a great risk eversince----" she stopped. "I am willing to believe the worst."

  "Now," said I, "I am ready to accompany you," and forthwith, withoutmore words, we went on deck.

  When we reached the cabin I found not only the Prince, but Day, who wasclearly in one of his moods. He had a nervous way of flipping hisfingers when put out, and he stood now firing off his white handrestlessly. He did not pay me any attention on my entrance, but fixedhis gaze on Princess Alix.

  "As I am no longer in command on my boat, Dr. Phillimore," he saidabruptly, "perhaps you will be good enough to explain to Mr. Morlandwhat you propose to do."

  I looked at the Prince, who nodded curtly. Evidently there had been ascene.

  "I believe that a rising is contemplated before we reach Buenos Ayres,"I said. "I would advise, therefore, that we change our course for RioJaneiro at once. We are only thirty-hours' steam away."

  Day turned his attention on me. "There is something in that," he said."I shall be able to get a new doctor."

  The Prince frowned. "It is for me to say," he said sharply.

  "You, sir, will then be able to get a new captain," said Day politely.He bowed to the Prince and Princess.

  "That is very probable," said the Prince, and added, "I order you toput into Rio, captain. Dr. Phillimore's advice commends itself to me."

  I said nothing, but the Princess gave me a quick glance, in which Iseemed to read approval.

  "Your orders shall be obeyed," said Day, and ceremoniously left thecabin. When he was gone the Prince turned to me.

  "I am obliged for your zeal in my service," he said, as if he wereconferring a decoration; whereupon he bowed, and I followed thecaptain.

  I went at once to Day's cabin and waited, for I had made up my mind asto the method in which he should be treated. The man was obviouslyincapable of discretion in his state. He entered presently with a heavysigh, and only then observed me. A malignant look worked in his faceblackly, but I interposed at once.

  "Captain," said I. "If you are captain, I am doctor. This can only endone way, and I won't have it end that way if it is in my power toprevent i
t."

  "You are wrong," he said snappishly. "You are captain and doctor inone."

  "I am going to try on you a particular drug which I have faith in," Isaid, ignoring his words. "It is new, but there are great possibilitiesin it. If it is all I believe it to be, you will get up to-morrowanother man."

  He put his arms on the table. "Oh, my God!" he groaned. "Night and day,night and day. For God's sake, doctor, give me something."

  That was what I wanted. He was a little querulous, spiteful child now,and I had possession of him. I had seen his soul undressed and naked,and it frightened me. I felt more than anxiety for him; I feltcompassion. And it was I that put him to bed that night. But meanwhilewe were on the way to Rio Janeiro.