“What could have been Tudor Brown’s motive in trying to make them believe that Patrick O’Donoghan was dead?  And what was his purpose in taking this voyage upon the ‘Alaska’?  It was impossible for them to say.  But it was difficult not to believe that it had some connection with the shipwreck of the ‘Cynthia,’ and the infant tied to the buoy.  The only interest which Patrick O’Donoghan had for Erik and his friends, was the fact of his supposed knowledge of the affair, and this was their only reason for seeking for him.  Now they had before them a man who was uninvited, and who had come to them, and declared that Patrick O’Donoghan was dead.  And this man had forced his society upon the members of the expedition, as soon as his assertion in the most unexpected manner had been proved to be false.  They were therefore obliged to conclude that he had some personal interest in the matter, and the fact of his seeking out Doctor Schwaryencrona indicated the connection between his interests, and the inquiries instituted by the doctor.”

All these facts therefore seemed to indicate that Tudor Brown was in this problem a factor quite as important as Patrick O’Donoghan himself.  Who could tell whether he was not already in possession of the secret which they were trying to elucidate?  If this was the case, was it a happy thing for them that they had him on board, or should they rather be disturbed by his presence?

Mr. Bredejord inclined to the latter opinion, and did not consider his appearance among them as at all reassuring.  The doctor, on the other side, argued that Tudor Brown might have acted in good faith, and also that he might be honest at heart, notwithstanding his unattractive exterior.

“If he knows anything,” said he, “we can hope that the familiarity which a long voyage necessarily produces may induce him to speak out; in that case it would be a stroke of good luck to have had him with us.  At least we shall see what he can have to do with O’Donoghan, if we ever find the Irishman.”

As for Erik, he did not even dare to express the sentiments which the sight of this man awakened in him.  It was more than repulsion, it was positive hatred, and an instinctive desire to rush upon him and throw him into the sea.  He was convinced that this man had had some share in the misfortune of his life, but he would have blushed to abandon himself to such a conviction, or even to speak of it.  He contented himself with saying that he would never have allowed Tudor Brown to come on board if he had had any voice in the matter.

How should they treat him?

On this point also they were divided.  The doctor declared that it would be politic to treat Tudor Brown with at least outward courtesy, in the hope of inducing him to speak out.  Mr. Bredejord, as well as Erik, felt a great repugnance to act out such a comedy, and it was by no means certain that Dr. Schwaryencrona himself would be able to conform to his own programme.  They determined to leave the matter to be decided by circumstances, and the behavior of Tudor Brown himself.