Fugitive Anne

"You mustn't do that," said the Dane, quietly. "This should be given into the Captain's charge, in case"--he hesitated, then said straightly,--"in case there should be need for an inquiry."

Bedo swore again. "What business is it of yours?" he cried.

"None," replied Hansen, "beyond the fact that if an inquiry became necessary, which I hope most earnestly may not be, I should be examined as a witness, and should have to give evidence as to the contents of that letter."

"The letter is a private one, written to her mother," said Bedo. "It had best be destroyed; there is nothing in it to throw any light upon the matter."

"I cannot agree with you," said Hansen, quietly;