"And if he won't?" The captain gazed at Phil sharply.
"Then, perhaps, I'll do something on my own account."
"Are you going to keep your eye on him?"
"Yes, but you need not tell him so."
"Don't worry—I shan't open my mouth, Philip. I am glad to hear of this, for, I tell you privately, Van Blott needs watching. He is a sly dog, and I am satisfied in my own mind that he has something up his sleeve."
"Do you know a man named Bangor in San Francisco? He was with Mr. Van Blott just before we sailed."
"Ah! I thought so! Yes, I know him, and his reputation among shippers is none of the best. He used to be a supercargo for the Donaldson-Munroe Company, but they discharged him for some crooked work. What were he and Van Blott doing?"
Phil told of what he had overheard.
"That confirms my idea exactly!" cried the captain of the Stormy Petrel. "There is something in the wind. You must watch out, by all means, and I'll do the same. This man must not be allowed to do anything wrong, if we can possibly prevent it."
