"My brother is Prince Frederic of Hochburg."
I bowed. "And, madam, the ship contains treasure? Let us finish our confidences."
"There are bonds and bullion to a large amount on board," she said, as if 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," I suggested.
"You may assume what you will, sir," she said coldly.
"Madam," said I seriously, for handsome as she was and royal, too, I was nettled by her distance, "you ask me to help you, and you keep me at arm's length. I am not asking out of curiosity. I only want to know what allies I can depend on. Heaven knows I have gone through enough already to keep me silent henceforward for ever, even to the point of attempted murder."
"I will answer any question you wish to put--if I can," she replied in a 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 come to my ears, through some words dropped by Mr. Morland. But this I know--that he runs a great risk. He has always run a great risk ever since----" she stopped. "I am willing to believe the worst."
"Now," said I, "I am ready to accompany you," and forthwith, without more words, we went on deck.
When we reached the cabin I found not only the Prince, but Day, who was clearly in one of his moods. He had a nervous way of flipping his fingers when put out, and he stood now firing off his white hand restlessly. He did not pay me any attention on my entrance, but fixed his gaze on Princess Alix.
"As I am no longer in command on my boat, Dr. Phillimore," he said abruptly, "perhaps you will be good enough to explain to Mr. Morland what you propose to do."
I looked at the Prince, who nodded curtly. Evidently there had been a scene.
"I believe that a rising is contemplated before we reach Buenos Ayres," I said. "I would advise, therefore, that we change our course for Rio Janeiro 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.