It was Olive who took exception to the place.
"I think, if you don't mind," she said, "I'll get you to rig me up a shelter on deck. It's rather stuffy down there for two. You have no objection, I hope, Mrs. Shallop?"
"Not in the least," replied the lady loftily. "It's nothing to do with me. You can please yourself."
Peter concurred. Although he was curious to know why Olive should have objection to the cabin--it had been swept out--he refrained from asking why. He could only come to the conclusion that Olive was reluctant to be in her late employer's company more than was actually necessary.
"It was stuffy down there," declared the girl. "No scuttle--I'd much prefer a canvas screen on deck."
The rest of the day passed uneventfully. About four in the afternoon land was seen broad on the starboard beam. What land it was Peter had no idea. The Arabs were silent upon the subject. Preston could advance no suggestion beyond the theory that it might be Cape St. Mary, on the southernmost extremity of Madagascar.
"If so, old man, we were all out of it," he added. "On the course we were steering we would have missed the whole island. Strange things happen at sea."
At sunset the Arab crew turned their faces towards Mecca and prostrated themselves on the deck. In their acts of devotion they were joined by the lascars.
"Black heathens!" snorted Mrs. Shallop contemptuously, laughing loudly.
It was the act of an uneducated fool. People of that type, both male and female, have done so before to-day, often with serious results to themselves and others.
"For Heaven's sake shut up!" hissed Preston apprehensively. "You may get a knife across your throat for this."
Peter too felt far from comfortable when the Arabs regained their feet. There could not have been the slightest doubt that they had heard the mocking laugh, and had there been trouble the lascars would have held aloof, or even have sided with their co-religionists. But, grave and inscrutable, the crew of the dhow carried on as if the unseemly interruption was beneath their notice.
"I think I'll keep watch to-night after this," said Peter.
"P'raps 'twould be as well," agreed Preston. "That woman is a perfect curse--I'm not much use, but I'll take a trick. If there's any sign of mischief I can give you a shout. Got your automatic handy?"
