A _tartana_ waited for passengers at the end of the street, and she got down at the Catalina mole. _Mossamedes'_ windlass rattled, and her cable was coming in, but a boat with the African house-flag painted on the bow lay against the wall, and Betty knew Kit had not gone on board. For all that, she did not see him, and the steamer's anchor would soon be up. If he did not come in a minute or two, she would have no time for talk. Then he ran out of the office, pushing some papers into his pocket, and stopped.
"Hallo!" he said. "You are kind to see me off."
"I didn't come to see you off. At least, that wasn't all," Betty replied.
"Oh, well," Kit said, laughing, "you're generally frank. I'd rather have liked to think you did want to see me off. Anyhow, I'm glad you have arrived."
Betty gave him the packet and he noted the address.
"All right, I'll land it at Saffi. I wish you had come sooner. They've broken the anchor out."
She went across the mole with him and stopped at the top of the steps. He looked keen, alert and handsome. His white clothes were well made, his thin figure was athletic, and Betty liked his smile. She felt rewarded; Kit was glad she had come. The trouble was, she could not send him off like that.
"There's another thing," she said. "Jefferson thinks you ought not to stop on board _Mossamedes_. He declares Wolf is not to be trusted."
"Ah!" said Kit, rather sharply. "But how do you know?"
Betty braced herself. She must be honest, although it was plain honesty might cost her something.
"Miss Brown came to the office half an hour since and brought the packet. She heard Jefferson talk to Austin about Wolf, and thought you ought to be warned."
"She came to the office!" Kit exclaimed, and Betty saw his satisfaction. "Well, she's very kind. But she sent a message?"
"Wolf is plotting something in Africa. His business isn't what it looks. Captain Revillon has some part in it."
Kit laughed. "Miss Brown meant well, you mean well, but you don't understand. Wolf is cheating the French captain. He'd an object for asking him to the feast. In fact, I see his plan."
"I don't think Miss Brown was cheated," Betty urged.
_Mossamedes'_ whistle shrieked, foam splashed about her stern and she began to forge ahead. Kit shouted to the men in the boat and Betty gave him her hand.