AT SUNWICH PORT

BY

W. W. JACOBS

ILLUSTRATIONS

From Drawings by Will Owen

CHAPTER I

The ancient port of Sunwich was basking in the sunshine of a Julyafternoon. A rattle of cranes and winches sounded from the shipping inthe harbour, but the town itself was half asleep. Somnolent shopkeepersin dim back parlours coyly veiled their faces in red handkerchiefs fromthe too ardent flies, while small boys left in charge noticed listlesslythe slow passing of time as recorded by the church clock. 

It is a fine church, and Sunwich is proud of it. The tall grey tower isa landmark at sea, but from the narrow streets of the little town itselfit has a disquieting appearance of rising suddenly above the roofshuddled beneath it for the purpose of displaying a black-faced clock withgilt numerals whose mellow chimes have recorded the passing hours formany generations of Sunwich men. 

Regardless of the heat, which indeed was mild compared with that whichraged in his own bosom, Captain Nugent, fresh from the inquiry of thecollision of his ship _Conqueror_ with the German barque _Hans Muller_, strode rapidly up the High Street in the direction of home. An honestseafaring smell, compounded of tar, rope, and fish, known to the educatedof Sunwich as ozone, set his thoughts upon the sea. He longed to beaboard ship again, with the Court of Inquiry to form part of his crew. In all his fifty years of life he had never met such a collection offools. His hard blue eyes blazed as he thought of them, and the mouthhidden by his well-kept beard was set with anger. 

Mr. Samson Wilks, his steward, who had been with him to London to giveevidence, had had a time upon which he looked back in later years withmuch satisfaction at his powers of endurance. He was with the captain, and yet not with him. When they got out of the train at Sunwich hehesitated as to whether he should follow the captain or leave him. Hisexcuse for following was the bag, his reason for leaving the volcaniccondition of its owner's temper, coupled with the fact that he appearedto be sublimely ignorant that the most devoted steward in the world wastagging faithfully along a yard or two in the rear. 

The few passers-by glanced at the couple with interest. Mr. Wilks hadwhat is called an expressive face, and he had worked his sandy eyebrows, his weak blue eyes, and large, tremulous mouth into such an expression ofsurprise at the finding of the Court, that he had all the appearance of abeholder of visions. He changed the bag to his other hand as they leftthe town behind them, and regarded with gratitude the approaching end ofhis labours. 

At the garden-gate of a fair-sized house some half-mile along the roadthe captain stopped, and after an impatient fumbling at the latch strodeup the path, followed by Mr. Wilks, and knocked at the door. As hepaused on the step he half turned, and for the first time noticed thefacial expression of his faithful follower. 

"What the dickens are you looking like that for?" he demanded. 

"I've been surprised, sir, " conceded Mr. Wilks; "surprised andastonished. "

Wrath blazed again in the captain's eyes and set lines in his forehead. He was being pitied by a steward!

"You've been drinking, " he said, crisply; "put that bag down. "

"Arsking your pardon, sir, " said the steward, twisting his unusually drylips into a smile, "but I've 'ad no opportunity, sir--I've been follerin'you all day, sir. "

A servant opened the door. "You've been soaking in it for a month, "declared the captain as he entered the hall. "Why the blazes don't youbring that bag in? Are you so drunk you don't know what you are doing?"

Mr. Wilks picked the bag up and followed humbly into the house. Then helost his head altogether, and gave some colour to his superior officer'scharges by first cannoning into the servant and then wedging the captainfirmly in the doorway of the sitting-room with the bag. 

"Steward!" rasped the captain. 

"Yessir, " said the unhappy Mr. Wilks. 

"Go and sit down in the kitchen, and don't leave this house till you'resober. "

Mr. Wilks disappeared. He was not in his first lustre, but he was anardent admirer of the sex, and in an absent-minded way he passed his armround the handmaiden's waist, and sustained a buffet which made his headring. 

"A man o' your age, and drunk, too, " explained the damsel. 

Mr. Wilks denied both charges. It appeared that he was much younger thanhe looked, while, as for drink, he had forgotten the taste of it. Aquestion as to the reception Ann would have accorded a boyish teetotalerremained unanswered. 

In the sitting-room Mrs. Kingdom, the captain's widowed sister, put downher crochet-work as her brother entered, and turned to him expectantly. There was an expression of loving sympathy on her mild and rather foolishface, and the captain stiffened at once. 

"I was in the wrong, " he said, harshly, as he dropped into a chair; "mycertificate has been suspended for six months, and my first officer hasbeen commended. "

"Suspended?" gasped Mrs. Kingdom, pushing back the white streamer to thecap which she wore in memory of the late Mr. Kingdom, and sittingupright. "You?"

"I think that's what I said, " replied her brother. 

Mrs. Kingdom gazed at him mournfully, and, putting her hand behind her, began a wriggling search in her pocket for a handkerchief, with the ideaof paying a wholesome tribute of tears. She was a past-master in the artof grief, and, pending its extraction, a docile tear hung on her eyelidand waited. The captain eyed her preparations with silent anger. 

"I am not surprised, " said Mrs. Kingdom, dabbing her eyes; "I expected itsomehow. I seemed to have a warning of it. Something seemed to tell me;I couldn't explain, but I seemed to know. "

She sniffed gently, and, wiping one eye at a time, kept the disengagedone charged with sisterly solicitude upon her brother. The captain, withsteadily rising anger, endured this game of one-eyed bo-peep for fiveminutes; then he rose and, muttering strange things in his beard, stalkedupstairs to his room. 

Mrs. Kingdom, thus forsaken, dried her eyes and resumed her work. Theremainder of the family were in the kitchen ministering to the wants of amisunderstood steward, and, in return, extracting information whichshould render them independent of the captain's version. 

"Was it very solemn, Sam?" inquired Miss Nugent, aged nine, who wassitting on the kitchen table. 

Mr. Wilks used his hands and eyebrows to indicate the solemnity of theoccasion. 

"They even made the cap'n leave off speaking, " he said, in an awed voice. 

"I should have liked to have been there, " said Master Nugent, dutifully. 

"Ann, " said Miss Nugent, "go and draw Sam a jug of beer. "

"Beer, Miss?" said Ann. 

"A jug of beer, " repeated Miss Nugent, peremptorily. 

Ann took a jug from the dresser, and Mr. Wilks, who was watching her, coughed helplessly. His perturbation attracted the attention of hishostess, and, looking round for the cause, she was just in time to seeAnn disappearing into the larder with a cream jug. 

[Illustration: "His perturbation attracted the attention of hishostess. "]

"The big jug, Ann, " she said, impatiently; "you ought to know Sam wouldlike a big one. "

Ann changed the jugs, and, ignoring a mild triumph in Mr. Wilks's eye, returned to the larder, whence ensued a musical trickling. Then MissNugent, raising the jug with some difficulty, poured out a tumbler forthe steward with her own fair hands. 

"Sam likes beer, " she said, speaking generally. 

"I knew that the first time I see him, Miss, " re-marked the vindictiveAnn. 

Mr. Wilks drained his glass and set it down on the table again, making afeeble gesture of repulse as Miss Nugent refilled it. 

"Go on, Sam, " she said, with kindly encouragement; "how much does thisjug hold, Jack?"

"Quart, " replied her brother. 

"How many quarts are there in a gallon?"

"Four. "

Miss Nugent looked troubled. "I heard father say he drinks gallons aday, " she remarked; "you'd better fill all the jugs, Ann. "

"It was only 'is way o' speaking, " said Mr. Wilks, hurriedly; "the cap'nis like that sometimes. "

"I knew a man once, Miss, " said Ann, "as used to prefer to 'ave it in awash-hand basin. Odd, ugly-looking man 'e was; like Mr. Wilks in theface, only better-looking. "

Mr. Wilks sat upright and, in the mental struggle involved in taking inthis insult in all its ramifications, did not notice until too late thatMiss Nugent had filled his glass again. 

"It must ha' been nice for the captain to 'ave you with 'im to-day, "remarked Ann, carelessly. 

"It was, " said Mr. Wilks, pausing with the glass at his lips and eyeingher sternly. "Eighteen years I've bin with 'im--ever since 'e 'ad aship. 'E took a fancy to me the fust time 'e set eyes on me. "

"Were you better-looking then, Sam?" inquired Miss Nugent, shufflingcloser to him on the table and regarding him affectionately. 

"Much as I am now, Miss, " replied Mr. Wilks, setting down his glass andregarding Ann's giggles with a cold eye. 

Miss Nugent sighed. "I love you, Sam, " she said, simply. "Will you havesome more beer?"

Mr. Wilks declined gracefully. "Eighteen years I've bin with the cap'n, "he remarked, softly; "through calms and storms, fair weather and foul, Samson Wilks 'as been by 'is side, always ready in a quiet and 'umble wayto do 'is best for 'im, and now--now that 'e is on his beam-ends and lost'is ship, Samson Wilks'll sit down and starve ashore till he getsanother. "

At these touching words Miss Nugent was undisguisedly affected, andwiping her bright eyes with her pinafore, gave her small, well-shapednose a slight touch _en passant_ with the same useful garment, andsqueezed his arm affectionately. 

"It's a lively look-out for me if father is going to be at home forlong, " remarked Master Nugent. "Who'll get his ship, Sam?"

"Shouldn't wonder if the fust officer, Mr. Hardy, got it, " replied thesteward. "He was going dead-slow in the fog afore he sent down to rouseyour father, and as soon as your father came on deck 'e went at'arfspeed. Mr. Hardy was commended, and your father's certifikit wassuspended for six months. "

Master Nugent whistled thoughtfully, and quitting the kitchen proceededupstairs to his room, and first washing himself with unusual care for aboy of thirteen, put on a clean collar and brushed his hair. He was notgoing to provide a suspended master-mariner with any obvious reasons forfault-finding. While he was thus occupied the sitting-room bell rang, and Ann, answering it, left Mr. Wilks in the kitchen listening with sometrepidation to the conversation. 

"Is that steward of mine still in the kitchen?" demanded the captain, gruffly. 

"Yessir, " said Ann. 

"What's he doing?"

Mr. Wilks's ears quivered anxiously, and he eyed with unwonted disfavourthe evidences of his late debauch. 

"Sitting down, sir, " replied Ann. 

"Give him a glass of ale and send him off, " commanded the captain; "andif that was Miss Kate I heard talking, send her in to me. "

Ann took the message back to the kitchen and, with the air of a martyrengaged upon an unpleasant task, drew Mr. Wilks another glass of ale andstood over him with well-affected wonder while he drank it. Miss Nugentwalked into the sitting-room, and listening in a perfunctory fashion to ashipmaster's platitude on kitchen-company, took a seat on his knee andkissed his ear. 

CHAPTER II

The downfall of Captain Nugent was for some time a welcome subject ofconversation in marine circles at Sunwich. At The Goblets, a ramblingold inn with paved courtyard and wooden galleries, which almost backed onto the churchyard, brother-captains attributed it to an error ofjudgment; at the Two Schooners on the quay the profanest of sailormenreadily attributed it to an all-seeing Providence with a dislike ofover-bearing ship-masters. 

[Illustration: "A welcome subject of conversation in marine circles. "]

The captain's cup was filled to the brim by the promotion of his firstofficer to the command of the _Conqueror_. It was by far the largestcraft which sailed from the port of Sunwich, and its master held acorresponding dignity amongst the captains of lesser vessels. Theirallegiance was now transferred to Captain Hardy, and the master of a brigwhich was in the last stages of senile decay, meeting Nugent in TheGoblets, actually showed him by means of two lucifer matches how thecollision might have been avoided. 

A touching feature in the business, and a source of much gratification toMr. Wilks by the sentimental applause evoked by it, was his renunciationof the post of steward on the ss. _Conqueror_. Sunwich buzzed with thetidings that after eighteen years' service with Captain Nugent hepreferred starvation ashore to serving under another master. Althoughcomfortable in pocket and known to be living with his mother, who kept asmall general shop, he was regarded as a man on the brink of starvation. Pints were thrust upon him, and the tale of his nobility increased withmuch narration. It was considered that the whole race of stewards hadacquired fresh lustre from his action. 

His only unfavourable critic was the erring captain himself. He senta peremptory summons to Mr. Wilks to attend at Equator Lodge, and themoment he set eyes upon that piece of probity embarked upon such avilification of his personal defects and character as Mr. Wilks had nevereven dreamt of. He wound up by ordering him to rejoin the shipforthwith. 

"Arsking your pardon, sir, " said Mr. Wilks, with tender reproach, "but Icouldn't. "

"Are you going to live on your mother, you hulking rascal?" quoth theincensed captain. 

"No, sir, " said Mr. Wilks. "I've got a little money, sir; enough for myfew wants till we sail again. "

"When I sail again you won't come with me, " said the captain, grimly. "I suppose you want an excuse for a soak ashore for six months!"

Mr. Wilks twiddled his cap in his hands and smiled weakly. 

"I thought p'r'aps as you'd like me to come round and wait at table, andhelp with the knives and boots and such-like, " he said, softly. "Ann isagreeable. "

"Get out of the house, " said the captain in quiet, measured tones. 

Mr. Wilks went, but on his way to the gate he picked up three pieces ofpaper which had blown into the garden, weeded two pieces of grass fromthe path, and carefully removed a dead branch from a laurel facing thewindow. He would have done more but for an imperative knocking on theglass, and he left the premises sadly, putting his collection of rubbishover the next garden fence as he passed it. 

But the next day the captain's boots bore such a polish that he was ableto view his own startled face in them, and at dinner-time the brightnessof the knives was so conspicuous that Mrs. Kingdom called Ann in for thepurpose of asking her why she didn't always do them like that. Herbrother ate his meal in silence, and going to his room afterwardsdiscovered every pair of boots he possessed, headed by the tallsea-boots, standing in a nicely graduated line by the wall, and allshining their hardest. 

For two days did Mr. Wilks do good by stealth, leaving Ann to blush tofind it fame; but on the third day at dinner, as the captain took up hisknife and fork to carve, he became aware of a shadow standing behind hischair. A shadow in a blue coat with metal buttons, which, whipping upthe first plate carved, carried it to Mrs. Kingdom, and then leanedagainst her with the vegetable dishes. 

The dishes clattered a little on his arm as he helped the captain, butthe latter, after an impressive pause and a vain attempt to catch the eyeof Mr. Wilks, which was intent upon things afar off, took up the spoonand helped himself. From the unwonted silence of Miss Nugent in thepresence of anything unusual it was clear to him that the whole thing hadbeen carefully arranged. He ate in silence, and a resolution to kick Mr. Wilks off the premises vanished before the comfort, to say nothing of thedignity, afforded by his presence. Mr. Wilks, somewhat reassured, favoured Miss Nugent with a wink to which, although she had devoted muchtime in trying to acquire the art, she endeavoured in vain to respond. 

It was on the day following this that Jack Nugent, at his sister'sinstigation, made an attempt to avenge the family honour. Miss Nugent, although she treated him with scant courtesy herself, had a touchingfaith in his prowess, a faith partly due to her brother occasionallyshowing her his bicep muscles in moments of exaltation. 

"There's that horrid Jem Hardy, " she said, suddenly, as they walked alongthe road. 

"So it is, " said Master Nugent, but without any display of enthusiasm. 

"Halloa, Jack, " shouted Master Hardy across the road. 

"The suspense became painful. "

"Halloa, " responded the other. 

"He's going to fight you, " shrilled Miss Nugent, who thought theseamenities ill-timed; "he said so. "

Master Hardy crossed the road. "What for?" he demanded, with surprise. 

"Because you're a nasty, horrid boy, " replied Miss Nugent, drawingherself up. 

"Oh, " said Master Hardy, blankly. 

The two gentlemen stood regarding each other with uneasy grins; the ladystood by in breathless expectation. The suspense became painful. 

[Illustration: "The suspense became painful. "]

"Who are you staring at?" demanded Master Nugent, at last. 

"You, " replied the other; "who are you staring at?"

"You, " said Master Nugent, defiantly. 

There was a long interval, both gentlemen experiencing some difficulty inworking up sufficient heat for the engagement. 

"You hit me and see what you'll get, " said Master Hardy, at length. 

"You hit me, " said the other. 

"Cowardy, cowardy custard, " chanted the well-bred Miss Nugent, "ate hismother's mustard. Cowardy, cowardy cus--"

"Why don't you send that kid home?" demanded Master Hardy, eyeing thefair songstress with strong disfavour. 

"You leave my sister alone, " said the other, giving him a light tap onthe shoulder. "There's your coward's blow. "

Master Hardy made a ceremonious return. "There's yours, " he said. "Let's go behind the church. "

His foe assented, and they proceeded in grave silence to a piece of grassscreened by trees, which stood between the church and the beach. Herethey removed their coats and rolled up their shirt-sleeves. Things lookdifferent out of doors, and to Miss Nugent the arms of both gentlemenseemed somewhat stick-like in their proportions. 

The preliminaries were awful, both combatants prancing round each otherwith their faces just peering above their bent right arms, while theirtrusty lefts dealt vicious blows at the air. Miss Nugent turned pale andcaught her breath at each blow, then she suddenly reddened with wrath asJames Philip Hardy, having paid his tribute to science, began to hammerJohn Augustus Nugent about the face in a most painful and workmanlikefashion. 

She hid her face for a moment, and when she looked again Jack was on theground, and Master Hardy just rising from his prostrate body. Then Jackrose slowly and, crossing over to her, borrowed her handkerchief andapplied it with great tenderness to his nose. 

"Does it hurt, Jack?" she inquired, anxiously. "No, " growled herbrother. 

He threw down the handkerchief and turned to his opponent again; MissNugent, who was careful about her property, stooped to recover it, andimmediately found herself involved in a twisting tangle of legs, fromwhich she escaped by a miracle to see Master Hardy cuddling her brotherround the neck with one hand and punching him as hard and as fast as hecould with the other. The unfairness of it maddened her, and the nextmoment Master Hardy's head was drawn forcibly backwards by the hair. Thepain was so excruciating that he released his victim at once, and MissNugent, emitting a series of terrified yelps, dashed off in the directionof home, her hair bobbing up and down on her shoulders, and her smallblack legs in an ecstasy of motion. 

Master Hardy, with no very well-defined ideas of what he was going to doif he caught her, started in pursuit. His scalp was still smarting andhis eyes watering with the pain as he pounded behind her. Panting wildlyshe heard him coming closer and closer, and she was just about to give upwhen, to her joy, she saw her father coming towards them. 

Master Hardy, intent on his quarry, saw him just in time, and, swervinginto the road, passed in safety as Miss Nugent flung herself with someviolence at her father's waistcoat and, clinging to him convulsively, fought for breath. It was some time before she could furnish theastonished captain with full details, and she was pleased to find thathis indignation led him to ignore the hair-grabbing episode, on which, to do her justice, she touched but lightly. 

That evening, for the first time in his life, Captain Nugent, after somedeliberation, called upon his late mate. The old servant who, since Mrs. Hardy's death the year before, had looked after the house, was out, andHardy, unaware of the honour intended him, was scandalized by the mannerin which his son received the visitor. The door opened, there was aninvoluntary grunt from Master Hardy, and the next moment he sped alongthe narrow passage and darted upstairs. His father, after waiting invain for his return, went to the door himself. 

"Good evening, cap'n, " he said, in surprise. 

Nugent responded gruffly, and followed him into the sitting-room. To aninvitation to sit, he responded more gruffly still that he preferred tostand. He then demanded instant and sufficient punishment of MasterHardy for frightening his daughter. 

Even as he spoke he noticed with strong disfavour the change which hadtaken place in his late first officer. The change which takes place whena man is promoted from that rank to that of master is subtle, butunmistakable--sometimes, as in the present instance, more unmistakablethan subtle. Captain Hardy coiled his long, sinewy form in an arm-chairand, eyeing him calmly, lit his pipe before replying. 

[Illustration: "Captain Hardy lit his pipe before replying. "]

"Boys will fight, " he said, briefly. 

"I'm speaking of his running after my daughter, " said Nugent, sternly. 

Hardy's eyes twinkled. "Young dog, " he said, genially; "at his age, too. "

Captain Nugent's face was suffused with wrath at the pleasantry, and heregarded him with a fixed stare. On board the _Conqueror_ there was awitchery in that glance more potent than the spoken word, but in his ownparlour the new captain met it calmly. 

"I didn't come here to listen to your foolery, " said Nugent; "I came totell you to punish that boy of yours. "

"And I sha'n't do it, " replied the other. "I have got something betterto do than interfere in children's quarrels. I haven't got your sparetime, you know. "

Captain Nugent turned purple. Such language from his late first officerwas a revelation to him. 

"I also came to warn you, " he said, furiously, "that I shall take the lawinto my own hands if you refuse. "

"Aye, aye, " said Hardy, with careless contempt; "I'll tell him to keepout of your way. But I should advise you to wait until I have sailed. "

Captain Nugent, who was moving towards the door, swung round andconfronted him savagely. 

"What do you mean?" he demanded. 

"What I say, " retorted Captain Hardy. "I don't want to indulge Sunwichwith the spectacle of two middle-aged ship-masters at fisticuffs, butthat's what'll happen if you touch my boy. It would probably please thespectators more than it would us. "

"I'll cane him the first time I lay hands on him, " roared Captain Nugent. 

Captain Hardy's stock of patience was at an end, and there was, moreover, a long and undischarged account between himself and his late skipper. Herose and crossed to the door. 

"Jem, " he cried, "come downstairs and show Captain Nugent out. "

There was a breathless pause. Captain Nugent ground his teeth with furyas he saw the challenge, and realized the ridiculous position into whichhis temper had led him; and the other, who was also careful ofappearances, repented the order the moment he had given it. Matters hadnow, however, passed out of their hands, and both men cast appraisingglances at each other's form. The only one who kept his head was MasterHardy, and it was a source of considerable relief to both of them when, from the top of the stairs, the voice of that youthful Solomon was hearddeclining in the most positive terms to do anything of the kind. 

Captain Hardy repeated his command. The only reply was the violentclosing of a door at the top of the house, and after waiting a short timehe led the way to the front door himself. 

"You will regret your insolence before I have done with you, " said hisvisitor, as he paused on the step. "It's the old story of a beggar onhorseback. "

"It's a good story, " said Captain Hardy, "but to my mind it doesn't comeup to the one about Humpty-Dumpty. Good-night. "

CHAPTER III

If anything was wanted to convince Captain Nugent that his action hadbeen foolish and his language intemperate it was borne in upon him by thesubsequent behaviour of Master Hardy. Generosity is seldom an attributeof youth, while egotism, on the other hand, is seldom absent. So farfrom realizing that the captain would have scorned such lowly game, Master Hardy believed that he lived for little else, and hisJack-in-the-box ubiquity was a constant marvel and discomfort to thatirritable mariner. Did he approach a seat on the beach, it was MasterHardy who rose (at the last moment) to make room for him. Did he strolldown to the harbour, it was in the wake of a small boy looking coyly athim over his shoulder. Every small alley as he passed seemed to containa Jem Hardy, who whizzed out like a human firework in front of him, andthen followed dancing on his toes a pace or two in his rear. 

This was on week-days; on the Sabbath Master Hardy's daring ingenuity ledhim to still further flights. All the seats at the parish church werefree, but Captain Nugent, whose admirable practice it was to take hisentire family to church, never thoroughly realized how free they wereuntil Master Hardy squeezed his way in and, taking a seat next to him, prayed with unwonted fervour into the interior of a new hat, and thensitting back watched with polite composure the efforts of Miss Nugent'sfamily to re-strain her growing excitement. 

Charmed with the experiment, he repeated it the following Sunday. Thistime he boarded the seat from the other end, and seeing no place by thecaptain, took one, or more correctly speaking made one, between MissNugent and Jack, and despite the former's elbow began to feel almost likeone of the family. Hostile feelings vanished, and with an amiable smileat the half-frantic Miss Nugent he placed a "bull's-eye" of greatstrength in his cheek, and leaning forward for a hymn-book left one onthe ledge in front of jack. A double-distilled perfume at once assailedthe atmosphere. 

Miss Nugent sat dazed at his impudence, and for the first time in herlife doubts as to her father's capacity stirred within her. Sheattempted the poor consolation of an "acid tablet, " and it was atonce impounded by the watchful Mrs. Kingdom. Mean-time the reek of"bull's-eyes" was insufferable. 

The service seemed interminable, and all that time the indignant damsel, wedged in between her aunt and the openly exultant enemy of her House, was compelled to endure in silence. She did indeed attempt one remark, and Master Hardy, with a horrified expression of outraged piety, said"H'sh, " and shook his head at her. It was almost more than flesh andblood could bear, and when the unobservant Mrs. Kingdom asked her for thetext on the way home her reply nearly cost her the loss of her dinner. 

The _Conqueror, _ under its new commander, sailed on the day following. Mr. Wilks watched it from the quay, and the new steward observing himcame to the side, and holding aloft an old pantry-cloth between hisfinger and thumb until he had attracted his attention, dropped itoverboard with every circumstance of exaggerated horror. By the time asuitable retort had occurred to the ex-steward the steamer was half amile distant, and the extraordinary and unnatural pantomime in which heindulged on the edge of the quay was grievously misinterpreted by anervous man in a sailing boat. 

[Illustration: "Mr. Wilks watched it from the quay. "]

Master Hardy had also seen the ship out, and, perched on the extreme endof the breakwater, he remained watching until she was hull down on thehorizon. Then he made his way back to the town and the nearestconfectioner, and started for home just as Miss Nugent, who was aboutto pay a call with her aunt, waited, beautifully dressed, in the frontgarden while that lady completed her preparations. 

Feeling very spic and span, and still a trifle uncomfortable from thevigorous attentions of Ann, who cleansed her as though she had been adoorstep, she paced slowly up and down the path. Upon these occasions ofhigh dress a spirit of Sabbath calm was wont to descend upon her and saveher from escapades to which in a less severe garb she was somewhat prone. 

She stopped at the gate and looked up the road. Then her face flushed, and she cast her eyes behind her to make sure that the hall-door stoodopen. The hated scion of the house of Hardy was coming down the road, and, in view of that fact, she forgot all else--even her manners. 

The boy, still fresh from the loss of his natural protector, kept a waryeye on the house as he approached. Then all expression died out of hisface, and he passed the gate, blankly ignoring the small girl who wasleaning over it and apparently suffering from elephantiasis of thetongue. He went by quietly, and Miss Nugent, raging inwardly that shehad misbehaved to no purpose, withdrew her tongue for more legitimateuses. 

"Boo, " she cried; "who had his hair pulled?"

Master Hardy pursued the even tenor of his way. 

"Who's afraid to answer me for fear my father will thrash him?" cried thedisappointed lady, raising her voice. 

This was too much. The enemy retraced his steps and came up to the gate. 

"You're a rude little girl, " he said, with an insufferably grown-up air. 

"Who had his hair pulled?" demanded Miss Nugent, capering wildly; "whohad his hair pulled?"

"Don't be silly, " said Master Hardy. "Here. " He put his hand in hispocket, and producing some nuts offered them over the gate. At this MissNugent ceased her capering, and wrath possessed her that the enemy shouldthus misunderstand the gravity of the situation. 

"Well, give 'em to Jack, then, " pursued the boy; "he won't say no. "

This was a distinct reflection on Jack's loyalty, and her indignation wasnot lessened by the fact that she knew it was true. 

"Go away from our gate, " she stormed. "If my father catches you, you'llsuffer. "

"Pooh!" said the dare-devil. He looked up at the house and then, openingthe gate, strode boldly into the front garden. Before this intrusionMiss Nugent retreated in alarm, and gaining the door-step gazed at him indismay. Then her face cleared suddenly, and Master Hardy looking overhis shoulder saw that his retreat was cut off by Mr. Wilks. 

"Don't let him hurt me, Sam, " entreated Miss Nugent, piteously. 

Mr. Wilks came into the garden and closed the gate behind him. 

"I wasn't going to hurt her, " cried Master Hardy, anxiously; "as if Ishould hurt a girl!

"Wot are you doing in our front garden, then?" demanded Mr. Wilks. 

He sprang forward suddenly and, catching the boy by the collar with onehuge hand, dragged him, struggling violently, down the side-entrance intothe back garden. Miss Nugent, following close behind, sought to improvethe occasion. 

"See what you get by coming into our garden, " she said. 

The victim made no reply. He was writhing strenuously in order tofrustrate Mr. Wilks's evident desire to arrange him comfortably for theadministration of the stick he was carrying. Satisfied at last, theex-steward raised his weapon, and for some seconds plied it briskly. Miss Nugent trembled, but sternly repressing sympathy for the sufferer, was pleased that the long arm of justice had at last over-taken him. 

"Let him go now, Sam, " she said; "he's crying. "

"I'm not, " yelled Master Hardy, frantically. 

"I can see the tears, " declared Miss Nugent, bending. 

Mr. Wilks plied the rod again until his victim, with a sudden turn, fetched him a violent kick on the shin and broke loose. The ex-stewardset off in pursuit, somewhat handicapped by the fact that he dare not goover flower-beds, whilst Master Hardy was singularly free from suchprejudices. Miss Nugent ran to the side-entrance to cut off his retreat. She was willing for him to be released, but not to escape, and so it fellout that the boy, dodging beneath Mr. Wilks's outspread arms, chargedblindly up the side-entrance and bowled the young lady over. 

There was a shrill squeal, a flutter of white, and a neat pair of buttonboots waving in the air. Then Miss Nugent, sobbing piteously, rose fromthe puddle into which she had fallen and surveyed her garments. Mr. Wilks surveyed them, too, and a very cursory glance was sufficient toshow him that the case was beyond his powers. He took the outrageddamsel by the hand, and led her, howling lustily, in to the horrifiedAnn. 

"My word, " said she, gasping. "Look at your gloves! Look at yourfrock!"

But Miss Nugent was looking at her knees. There was only a slightredness about the left, but from the right a piece of skin wasindubitably missing. This knee she gave Ann instructions to foment withfair water of a comfortable temperature, indulging in satisfiedprognostications as to the fate of Master Hardy when her father shouldsee the damage. 

The news, when the captain came home, was broken to him by degrees. He was first shown the flower-beds by Ann, then Mrs. Kingdom brought invarious soiled garments, and at the psychological moment his daughterbared her knees. 

"What will you do to him, father?" she inquired. 

The captain ignored the question in favour of a few remarks on thesubject of his daughter's behaviour, coupled with stern inquiries as towhere she learnt such tricks. In reply Miss Nugent sheltered herselfbehind a list which contained the names of all the young gentlemen whoattended her kindergarten class and many of the young ladies, and againinquired as to the fate of her assailant. 

Jack came in soon after, and the indefatigable Miss Nugent produced herknees again. She had to describe the injury to the left, but the rightspoke for itself. Jack gazed at it with indignation, and then, withoutwaiting for his tea, put on his cap and sallied out again. 

He returned an hour later, and instead of entering the sitting-roomwent straight upstairs to bed, from whence he sent down word by thesympathetic Ann that he was suffering from a bad headache, which heproposed to treat with raw meat applied to the left eye. His nose, whichwas apparently suffering from sympathetic inflammation, he left to takecare of itself, that organ bitterly resenting any treatment whatsoever. 

He described the battle to Kate and Ann the next day, darkly ascribinghis defeat to a mysterious compound which Jem Hardy was believed to rubinto his arms; to a foolish error of judgment at the beginning of thefray, and to the sun which shone persistently in his eyes all the time. His audience received the explanations in chilly silence. 

"And he said it was an accident he knocked you down, " he concluded; "hesaid he hoped you weren't hurt, and he gave me some toffee for you. "

"What did you do with it?" demanded Miss Nugent. 

"I knew you wouldn't have it, " replied her brother, inconsequently, "andthere wasn't much of it. "

His sister regarded him sharply. 

"You don't mean to say you ate it?" she screamed. 

"Why not?" demanded her brother. "I wanted comforting, I can tell you. "

"I wonder you were not too--too proud, " said Miss Nugent, bitterly. 

"I'm never too proud to eat toffee, " retorted Jack, simply. 

He stalked off in dudgeon at the lack of sympathy displayed by hisaudience, and being still in need of comforting sought it amid theraspberry-canes. 

His father noted his son's honourable scars, but made no comment. As toany action on his own part, he realized to the full the impotence of alaw-abiding and dignified citizen when confronted by lawless youth. ButMaster Hardy came to church no more. Indeed, the following Sunday he wasfully occupied on the beach, enacting the part of David, after firstimpressing the raving Mr. Wilks into that of Goliath. 

[Illustration: "Master Hardy on the beach enacting the part of David. "]

CHAPTER IV

For the next month or two Master Hardy's existence was brightened by theefforts of an elderly steward who made no secret of his intentions ofputting an end to it. Mr. Wilks at first placed great reliance on thesaw that "it is the early bird that catches the worm, " but lost faith init when he found that it made no provision for cases in which the wormleaning from its bedroom window addressed spirited remonstrances to thebird on the subject of its personal appearance. 

To the anxious inquiries of Miss Nugent, Mr. Wilks replied that he wasbiding his time. Every delay, he hinted, made it worse for Master Hardywhen the day of retribution should dawn, and although she pleadedearnestly for a little on account he was unable to meet her wishes. Before that day came, however, Captain Nugent heard of the proceedings, and after a painful interview with the steward, during which the latter'sfailings by no means escaped attention, confined him to the house. 

[Illustration: "Mr. Wilks replied that he was biding his time. "]

An excellent reason for absenting himself from school was thus denied toMaster Hardy; but it has been well said that when one door closes anotheropens, and to his great satisfaction the old servant, who had been inpoor health for some time, suddenly took to her bed and required hisundivided attention. 

He treated her at first with patent medicines purchased at the chemist's, a doctor being regarded by both of them as a piece of unnecessaryextravagance; but in spite of four infallible remedies she got steadilyworse. Then a doctor was called in, and by the time Captain Hardyreturned home she had made a partial recovery, but was clearly incapableof further work. She left in a cab to accept a home with a niece, leaving the captain confronted with a problem which he had seen growingfor some time past. 

"I can't make up my mind what to do with you, " he observed, regarding hisson. 

"I'm very comfortable, " was the reply. 

"You're too comfortable, " said his father. 

"You're running wild. It's just as well poor old Martha has gone; it hasbrought things to a head. "

"We could have somebody else, " suggested his son. 

The captain shook his head. "I'll give up the house and send you toLondon to your Aunt Mary, " he said, slowly; "she doesn't know you, andonce I'm at sea and the house given up, she won't be able to send youback. "

Master Hardy, who was much averse to leaving Sunwich and had heardaccounts of the lady in question which referred principally to herstrength of mind, made tender inquiries concerning his father's comfortwhile ashore. 

"I'll take rooms, " was the reply, "and I shall spend as much time as Ican with you in London. You want looking after, my son; I've heard allabout you. "

His son, without inquiring as to the nature of the information, denied itat once upon principle; he also alluded darkly to his education, andshook his head over the effects of a change at such a critical period ofhis existence. 

"And you talk too much for your age, " was his father's comment when hehad finished. "A year or two with your aunt ought to make a nice boy ofyou; there's plenty of room for improvement. "

He put his plans in hand at once, and a week before he sailed again haddisposed of the house. Some of the furniture he kept for himself; butthe bulk of it went to his sister as conscience-money. 

Master Hardy, in very low spirits, watched it taken away. Big men inhob-nailed boots ran noisily up the bare stairs, and came down slowly, steering large pieces of furniture through narrow passages, and usingmuch vain repetition when they found their hands acting as fenders. Thewardrobe, a piece of furniture which had been built for larger premises, was a particularly hard nut to crack, but they succeeded at last--inthree places. 

[Illustration: "A particularly hard nut to crack. "]

A few of his intimates came down to see the last of him, and Miss Nugent, who in some feminine fashion regarded the move as a triumph for herfamily, passed by several times. It might have been chance, it mighthave been design, but the boy could not help noticing that when thepiano, the wardrobe, and other fine pieces were being placed in the van, she was at the other end of the road a position from which such curios asa broken washstand or a two-legged chair never failed to entice her. 

It was over at last. The second van had disappeared, and nothing wasleft but a litter of straw and paper. The front door stood open andrevealed desolation. Miss Nugent came to the gate and stared insuperciliously. 

"I'm glad you're going, " she said, frankly. 

Master Hardy scarcely noticed her. One of his friends who concealedstrong business instincts beneath a sentimental exterior had suggestedsouvenirs and given him a spectacle-glass said to have belonged to HenryVIII. , and he was busy searching his pockets for an adequate return. Then Captain Hardy came up, and first going over the empty house, cameout and bade his son accompany him to the station. A minute or two laterand they were out of sight; the sentimentalist stood on the curb gloatingover a newly acquired penknife, and Miss Nugent, after being stronglyreproved by him for curiosity, paced slowly home with her head in theair. 

Sunwich made no stir over the departure of one of its youthful citizens. Indeed, it lacked not those who would have cheerfully parted with two orthree hundred more. The boy was quite chilled by the tameness of hisexit, and for years afterwards the desolate appearance of the platform asthe train steamed out occurred to him with an odd sense of discomfort. In all Sunwich there was only one person who grieved over his departure, and he, after keeping his memory green for two years, wrote off fivepenceas a bad debt and dismissed him from his thoughts. 

Two months after the _Conqueror_ had sailed again Captain Nugent obtainedcommand of a steamer sailing between London and the Chinese ports. Fromthe gratified lips of Mr. Wilks, Sunwich heard of this new craft, theparticular glory of which appeared to be the luxurious appointments ofthe steward's quarters. Language indeed failed Mr. Wilks in describingit, and, pressed for details, he could only murmur disjointedly ofsatin-wood, polished brass, and crimson velvet. 

Jack Nugent hailed his father's departure with joy. They had seen agreat deal of each other during the latter's prolonged stay ashore, andneither had risen in the other's estimation in consequence. He becameenthusiastic over the sea as a profession for fathers, and gave himselfsome airs over acquaintances less fortunately placed. In the first flushof liberty he took to staying away from school, the education thus lostbeing only partially atoned for by a grown-up style of compositionengendered by dictating excuses to the easy-going Mrs. Kingdom. 

At seventeen he learnt, somewhat to his surprise, that his education wasfinished. His father provided the information and, simply as a matter ofform, consulted him as to his views for the future. It was an importantthing to decide upon at short notice, but he was equal to it, and, havingsuggested gold-digging as the only profession he cared for, was promptlyprovided by the incensed captain with a stool in the local bank. 

[Illustration: "A stool in the local bank. "]

He occupied it for three weeks, a period of time which coincided to a daywith his father's leave ashore. He left behind him his initials cutdeeply in the lid of his desk, a miscellaneous collection of cheapfiction, and a few experiments in book-keeping which the managerultimately solved with red ink and a ruler. 

A slight uneasiness as to the wisdom of his proceedings occurred to himjust before his father's return, but he comforted himself and Kate withthe undeniable truth that after all the captain couldn't eat him. He wasafraid, however, that the latter would be displeased, and, with aconstitutional objection to unpleasantness, he contrived to be out whenhe returned, leaving to Mrs. Kingdom the task of breaking the news. 

The captain's reply was brief and to the point. He asked his son whetherhe would like to go to sea, and upon receiving a decided answer in thenegative, at once took steps to send him there. In two days he hadprocured him an outfit, and within a week Jack Nugent, greatly to his ownsurprise, was on the way to Melbourne as apprentice on the barque _SilverStream_. 

He liked it even less than the bank. The monotony of the sea wasappalling to a youth of his tastes, and the fact that the skipper, a manwho never spoke except to find fault, was almost loquacious with himfailed to afford him any satisfaction. He liked the mates no better thanthe skipper, and having said as much one day to the second officer, hadno reason afterwards to modify his opinions. He lived a life apart, andexcept for the cook, another martyr to fault-finding, had no society. 

In these uncongenial circumstances the new apprentice worked for fourmonths as he had never believed it possible he could work. He wasannoyed both at the extent and the variety of his tasks, the work of anA. B. Being gratuitously included in his curriculum. The end of thevoyage found him desperate, and after a hasty consultation with the cookthey deserted together and went up-country. 

Letters, dealing mainly with the ideas and adventures of the cook, reached Sunwich at irregular intervals, and were eagerly perused by Mrs. Kingdom and Kate, but the captain forbade all mention of him. Then theyceased altogether, and after a year or two of unbroken silence Mrs. Kingdom asserted herself, and a photograph in her possession, the onlyone extant, exposing the missing Jack in petticoats and sash, suddenlyappeared on the drawing-room mantelpiece. 

The captain stared, but made no comment. Disappointed in his son, heturned for consolation to his daughter, noting with some concern theunaccountable changes which that young lady underwent during hisabsences. He noticed a difference after every voyage. He left behindhim on one occasion a nice trim little girl, and returned to find acreature all legs and arms. He returned again and found the arms lessobnoxious and the legs hidden by a long skirt; and as he complained insecret astonishment to his sister, she had developed a motherly mannerin her dealings with him which was almost unbearable. 

"She'll grow out of it soon, " said Mrs. Kingdom; "you wait and see. "

The captain growled and waited, and found his sister's prognosticationspartly fulfilled. The exuberance of Miss Nugent's manner was certainlymodified by time, but she developed instead a quiet, unassuming habit ofauthority which he liked as little. 

"She gets made such a fuss of, it's no wonder, " said Mrs. Kingdom, with asatisfied smile. "I never heard of a girl getting as much attention asshe does; it's a wonder her head isn't turned. "

"Eh!" said the startled captain; "she'd better not let me see anything ofit. "

"Just so, " said Mrs. Kingdom. 

The captain dwelt on these words and kept his eyes open, and, owing tohis daughter's benevolent efforts on his behalf, had them fully occupied. He went to sea firmly convinced that she would do something foolish inthe matrimonial line, the glowing terms in which he had overheard herdescribing the charms of the new postman to Mrs. Kingdom filling him withthe direst forebodings. 

It was his last voyage. An unexpected windfall from an almost forgottenuncle and his own investments had placed him in a position of modestcomfort, and just before Miss Nugent reached her twentieth birthday heresolved to spend his declining days ashore and give her those advantagesof parental attention from which she had been so long debarred. 

Mr. Wilks, to the inconsolable grief of his ship-mates, left with him. He had been for nearly a couple of years in receipt of an annuitypurchased for him under the will of his mother, and his defection left agap never to be filled among comrades who had for some time regarded himin the light of an improved drinking fountain. 

CHAPTER V

On a fine afternoon, some two months after his release from the toilsof the sea, Captain Nugent sat in the special parlour of The Goblets. The old inn offers hospitality to all, but one parlour has by ancienttradition and the exercise of self-restraint and proper feeling beenfrom time immemorial reserved for the elite of the town. 

The captain, confident in the security of these unwritten regulations, conversed freely with his peers. He had been moved to speech by theutter absence of discipline ashore, and from that had wandered to thegrowing evil of revolutionary ideas at sea. His remarks were muchapplauded, and two brother-captains listened with grave respect to adisquisition on the wrongs of shipmasters ensuing on the fanciedrights of sailor men, the only discordant note being struck by theharbour-master, a man whose ideas had probably been insidiously sappedby a long residence ashore. 

"A man before the mast, " said the latter, fortifying his moral couragewith whisky, "is a human being. "

"Nobody denies it, " said Captain Nugent, looking round. 

One captain agreed with him. 

"Why don't they act like it, then?" demanded the other. 

Nugent and the first captain, struck by the re-mark, thought they hadperhaps been too hasty in their admission, and waited for number two tocontinue. They eyed him with silent encouragement. 

"Why don't they act like it, then?" repeated number two, who, being aman of few ideas, was not disposed to waste them. 

Captain Nugent and his friend turned to the harbour-master to see how hewould meet this poser. 

"They mostly do, " he replied, sturdily. "Treat a seaman well, and he'lltreat you well. "

This was rank heresy, and moreover seemed to imply something. CaptainNugent wondered dismally whether life ashore would infect him with thesame opinions. 

"What about that man of mine who threw a belaying-pin at me?"

The harbour-master quailed at the challenge. The obvious retort wasoffensive. 

"I shall carry the mark with me to my grave, " added the captain, as afurther inducement to him to reply. 

"I hope that you'll carry it a long time, " said the harbour-master, gracefully. 

"Here, look here, Hall!" expostulated captain number two, starting up. 

"It's all right, Cooper, " said Nugent. 

"It's all right, " said captain number one, and in a rash moment undertookto explain. In five minutes he had clouded Captain Cooper's intellectfor the afternoon. 

He was still busy with his self-imposed task when a diversion was createdby the entrance of a new arrival. A short, stout man stood for a momentwith the handle of the door in his hand, and then came in, carefullybearing before him a glass of gin and water. It was the first time thathe had set foot there, and all understood that by this intrusion Mr. Daniel Kybird sought to place sea-captains and other dignitaries on afooting with the keepers of slop-shops and dealers in old clothes. Inthe midst of an impressive silence he set his glass upon the table and, taking a chair, drew a small clay pipe from his pocket. 

[Illustration: "A diversion was created by the entrance of a newarrival. "]

Aghast at the intrusion, the quartette conferred with their eyes, alanguage which is perhaps only successful in love. Captain Cooper, whowas usually moved to speech by externals, was the first to speak. 

"You've got a sty coming on your eye, Hall, " he remarked. 

"I daresay. "

"If anybody's got a needle, " said the captain, who loved minoroperations. 

Nobody heeded him except the harbour-master, and he muttered somethingabout beams and motes, which the captain failed to understand. Theothers were glaring darkly at Mr. Kybird, who had taken up a newspaperand was busy perusing it. 

"Are you looking for anybody?" demanded Captain Nugent, at last. 

"No, " said Mr. Kybird, looking at him over the top of his paper. 

"What have you come here for, then?" inquired the captain. 

"I come 'ere to drink two o' gin cold, " returned Mr. Kybird, with adignity befitting the occupation. 

"Well, suppose you drink it somewhere else, " suggested the captain. 

Mr. Kybird had another supposition to offer. "Suppose I don't?" heremarked. "I'm a respect-able British tradesman, and my money is as goodas yours. I've as much right to be here as you 'ave. I've never doneanything I'm ashamed of!"

"And you never will, " said Captain Cooper's friend, grimly, "not if youlive to be a hundred. "

Mr. Kybird looked surprised at the tribute. "Thankee, " he said, gratefully. 

"Well, we don't want you here, " said Captain Nugent. "We prefer yourroom to your company. "

Mr. Kybird leaned back in his chair and twisted his blunt features intoan expression of withering contempt. Then he took up a glass and drank, and discovered too late that in the excitement of the moment he had madefree with the speaker's whisky. 

"Don't apologize, " interrupted the captain; "it's soon remedied. "

He took the glass up gingerly and flung it with a crash into thefireplace. Then he rang the bell. 

"I've smashed a dirty glass, " he said, as the bar-man entered. "Howmuch?"

The man told him, and the captain, after a few stern remarks aboutprivacy and harpies, left the room with his friends, leaving thespeechless Mr. Kybird gazing at the broken glass and returning evasivereplies to the inquiries of the curious Charles. 

He finished his gin and water slowly. For months he had been screwing uphis courage to carry that room by assault, and this was the result. Hehad been insulted almost in the very face of Charles, a youth whosereputation as a gossip was second to none in Sunwich. 

"Do you know what I should do if I was you?" said that worthy, as heentered the room again and swept up the broken glass. 

"I do not, " said Mr. Kybird, with lofty indifference. 

"I shouldn't come 'ere again, that's what I should do, " said Charles, frankly. "Next time he'll throw you in the fireplace. "

"Ho, " said the heated Mr. Kybird. "Ho, will he? I'd like to see 'im. I'll make 'im sorry for this afore I've done with 'im. I'll learn 'im toinsult a respectable British tradesman. I'll show him who's who. "

"What'll you do?" inquired the other. 

"Never you mind, " said Mr. Kybird, who was not in a position to satisfyhis curiosity--"never you mind. You go and get on with your work, Charles, and p'r'aps by the time your moustache 'as grown big enough tobe seen, you'll 'ear something. "

"I 'eard something the other day, " said the bar-man, musingly; "about youit was, but I wouldn't believe it. "

"Wot was it?" demanded the other. 

"Nothing much, " replied Charles, standing with his hand on the door-knob, "but I wouldn't believe it of you; I said I couldn't. "

"Wot--was--it?" insisted Mr. Kybird. 

"Why, they said you once gave a man a fair price for a pair of trousers, "said the barman, indignantly. 

He closed the door behind him softly, and Mr. Kybird, after a briefpause, opened it again and, more softly still, quitted the precincts ofThe Goblets, and stepped across the road to his emporium. 

[Illustration: "He stepped across the road to his emporium. "]

Captain Nugent, in happy ignorance of the dark designs of the wardrobedealer, had also gone home. He was only just beginning to realize thecomparative unimportance of a retired shipmaster, and the knowledge wasa source of considerable annoyance to him. No deferential mates listenedrespectfully to his instructions, no sturdy seaman ran to execute hiscommands or trembled mutinously at his wrath. The only person in thewide world who stood in awe of him was the general servant Bella, and shemade no attempt to conceal her satisfaction at the attention excited byher shortcomings. 

He paused a moment at the gate and then, walking slowly up to the door, gave it the knock of a master. A full minute passing, he knocked again, remembering with some misgivings his stern instructions of the day beforethat the door was to be attended by the servant and by nobody else. Hehad seen Miss Nugent sitting at the window as he passed it, but in thecircumstances the fact gave him no comfort. A third knock was followedby a fourth, and then a distressed voice upstairs was heard callingwildly upon the name of Bella. 

At the fifth knock the house shook, and a red-faced maid with hershoulders veiled in a large damp towel passed hastily down the staircaseand, slipping the catch, passed more hastily still upstairs again, affording the indignant captain a glimpse of a short striped skirt as itturned the landing. 

"Is there any management at all in this house?" he inquired, as heentered the room. 

"Bella was dressing, " said Miss Nugent, calmly, "and you gave ordersyesterday that nobody else was to open the door. "

"Nobody else when she's available, " qualified her father, eyeing hersharply. "When I give orders I expect people to use their common sense. Why isn't my tea ready? It's five o'clock. "

"The clock's twenty minutes fast, " said Kate. "Who's been meddling withit?" demanded her father, verifying the fact by his watch. 

Miss Nugent shook her head. "It's gained that since you regulated itlast night, " she said, with a smile. 

The captain threw himself into an easy-chair, and with one eye on theclock, waited until, at five minutes to the hour by the right time, aclatter of crockery sounded from the kitchen, and Bella, still damp, camein with the tray. Her eye was also on the clock, and she smirked weaklyin the captain's direction as she saw that she was at least two minutesahead of time. At a minute to the hour the teapot itself was on thetray, and the heavy breathing of the handmaiden in the kitchen wasaudible to all. 

"Punctual to the minute, John, " said Mrs. Kingdom, as she took her seatat the tray. "It's wonderful how that girl has improved since you'vebeen at home. She isn't like the same girl. "

She raised the teapot and, after pouring out a little of the contents, put it down again and gave it another two minutes. At the end of thattime, the colour being of the same unsatisfactory paleness, she set thepot down and was about to raise the lid when an avalanche burst into theroom and, emptying some tea into the pot from a canister-lid, beat ahasty re-treat. 

"Good tea and well-trained servants, " muttered the captain to his plate. "What more can a man want?"

Mrs. Kingdom coughed and passed his cup; Miss Nugent, who possessed ahealthy appetite, serenely attacked her bread and butter; conversationlanguished. 

"I suppose you've heard the news, John?" said his sister. 

"I daresay I have, " was the reply. 

"Strange he should come back after all these years, " said Mrs. Kingdom;"though, to be sure, I don't know why he shouldn't. It's his nativeplace, and his father lives here. "

"Who are you talking about?" inquired the captain. 

"Why, James Hardy, " replied his sister. "I thought you said you hadheard. He's coming back to Sunwich and going into partnership with oldSwann, the shipbroker. A very good thing for him, I should think. "

"I'm not interested in the doings of the Hardys, " said the captain, gruffly. 

"I'm sure I'm not, " said his sister, defensively. 

Captain Nugent proceeded with his meal in silence. His hatred of Hardyhad not been lessened by the success which had attended that gentleman'scareer, and was not likely to be improved by the well-being of Hardyjunior. He passed his cup for some more tea, and, with a furtive glanceat the photograph on the mantelpiece, wondered what had happened to hisown son. 

"I don't suppose I should know him if I saw him, " continued Mrs. Kingdom, addressing a respectable old arm-chair; "London is sure to have changedhim. "

"Is this water-cress?" inquired the captain, looking up from his plate. 

"Yes. Why?" said Mrs. Kingdom. 

"I only wanted information, " said her brother, as he deposited the saladin question in the slop-basin. 

Mrs. Kingdom, with a resigned expression, tried to catch her niece's eyeand caught the captain's instead. Miss Nugent happening to glance up sawher fascinated by the basilisk glare of the master of the house. 

"Some more tea, please, " she said. 

Her aunt took her cup, and in gratitude for the diversion picked out thelargest lumps of sugar in the basin. 

"London changes so many people, " mused the persevering lady, stirring hertea. "I've noticed it before. Why it is I can't say, but the factremains. It seems to improve them altogether. I dare say that youngHardy--"

"Will you understand that I won't have the Hardys mentiond in my house?"said the captain, looking up. "I'm not interested in their business, andI will not have it discussed here. "

"As you please, John, " said his sister, drawing herself up. "It's yourhouse and you are master here. I'm sure I don't want to discuss them. Nothing was farther from my thoughts. You understand what your fathersays, Kate?"

"Perfectly, " said Miss Nugent. "When the desire to talk about the Hardysbecomes irresistible we must go for a walk. "

The captain turned in his chair and regarded his daughter steadily. Shemet his gaze with calm affection. 

"I wish you were a boy, " he growled. 

"You're the only man in Sunwich who wishes that, " said Miss Nugent, complacently, "and I don't believe you mean it. If you'll come a littlecloser I'll put my head on your shoulder and convert you. "

"Kate!" said Mrs. Kingdom, reprovingly. 

"And, talking about heads, " said Miss Nugent, briskly, "reminds me that Iwant a new hat. You needn't look like that; good-looking daughtersalways come expensive. "

She moved her chair a couple of inches in his direction and smiledalluringly. The captain shifted uneasily; prudence counselled flight, but dignity forbade it. He stared hard at Mrs. Kingdom, and a smile ofrare appreciation on that lady's face endeavoured to fade slowly andnaturally into another expression. The chair came nearer. 

"Don't be foolish, " said the captain, gruffly. 

The chair came still nearer until at last it touched his, and then MissNugent, with a sigh of exaggerated content, allowed her head to sinkgracefully on his shoulder. 

"Most comfortable shoulder in Sunwich, " she murmured; "come and try theother, aunt, and perhaps you'll get a new bonnet. "

[Illustration: "'Most comfortable shoulder in Sunwich, ' she murmured. "]

Mrs. Kingdom hastened to reassure her brother. She would almost as soonhave thought of putting her head on the block. At the same time it wasquite evident that she was taking a mild joy in his discomfiture andeagerly awaiting further developments. 

"When you are tired of this childish behaviour, miss, " said the captain, stiffly----

There was a pause. "Kate!" said Mrs. Kingdom, in tones of mild reproof, "how can you?"

"Very good, " said the captain, we'll see who gets tired of it first. "I'min no hurry. "

A delicate but unmistakable snore rose from his shoulder in reply. 

CHAPTER VI

For the first few days after his return Sunwich was full of surprises toJem Hardy. The town itself had changed but little, and the olderinhabitants were for the most part easily recognisable, but time hadwrought wonders among the younger members of the population: small boyshad attained to whiskered manhood, and small girls passing intowell-grown young women had in some cases even changed their names. 

The most astounding and gratifying instance of the wonders effected bytime was that of Miss Nugent. He saw her first at the window, and with aready recognition of the enchantment lent by distance took the firstpossible opportunity of a closer observation. He then realized theenchantment afforded by proximity. The second opportunity led himimpetuously into a draper's shop, where a magnificent shop-walker, afterfirst ceremoniously handing him a high cane chair, passed on his orderfor pins in a deep and thrilling baritone, and retired in good order. 

[Illustration: "The most astounding and gratifying instance of thewonders effected by time was that of Miss Nugent. "]

By the end of a week his observations were completed, and Kate Nugent, securely enthroned in his mind as the incarnation of feminine grace andbeauty, left but little room for other matters. On his second Sunday athome, to his father's great surprise, he attended church, and aftercontemplating Miss Nugent's back hair for an hour and a half came homeand spoke eloquently and nobly on "burying hatchets, " "healing oldsores, " "letting bygones be bygones, " and kindred topics. 

"I never take much notice of sermons myself, " said the captain, misunderstanding. 

"Sermon?" said his son. "I wasn't thinking of the sermon, but I sawCaptain Nugent there, and I remembered the stupid quarrel between you. It's absurd that it should go on indefinitely. "

"Why, what does it matter?" inquired the other, staring. "Why shouldn'tit? Perhaps it's the music that's affected you; some of those oldhymns--"

"It wasn't the sermon and it wasn't the hymns, " said his son, disdainfully; "it's just common sense. It seems to me that the enmitybetween you has lasted long enough. "

"I don't see that it matters, " said the captain; "it doesn't hurt me. Nugent goes his way and I go mine, but if I ever get a chance at the oldman, he'd better look out. He wants a little of the starch taken out ofhim. "

"Mere mannerism, " said his son. 

"He's as proud as Lucifer, and his girl takes after him, " said theinnocent captain. "By the way, she's grown up a very good-looking girl. You take a look at her the next time you see her. "

His son stared at him. 

"She'll get married soon, I should think, " continued the other. "YoungMurchison, the new doctor here, seems to be the favourite. Nugent isbacking him, so they say; I wish him joy of his father-in-law. "

Jem Hardy took his pipe into the garden, and, pacing slowly up and downthe narrow paths, determined, at any costs, to save Dr. Murchison fromsuch a father-in-law and Kate Nugent from any husband except of hischoosing. He took a seat under an old apple tree, and, musing in thetwilight, tried in vain to think of ways and means of making heracquaintance. 

Meantime they passed each other as strangers, and the difficulty ofapproaching her only made the task more alluring. In the second week hereckoned up that he had seen her nine times. It was a satisfactorytotal, but at the same time he could not shut his eyes to the fact thatfive times out of that number he had seen Dr. Murchison as well, andneither of them appeared to have seen him. 

He sat thinking it over in the office one hot afternoon. Mr. AdolphusSwann, his partner, had just returned from lunch, and for about the fifthtime that day was arranging his white hair and short, neatly pointedbeard in a small looking-glass. Over the top of it he glanced at Hardy, who, leaning back in his chair, bit his pen and stared hard at a paperbefore him. 

"Is that the manifest of the North Star?" he inquired. 

"No, " was the reply. 

Mr. Swann put his looking-glass away and watched the other as he crossedover to the window and gazed through the small, dirty panes at thebustling life of the harbour below. For a short time Hardy stood gazingin silence, and then, suddenly crossing the room, took his hat from a pegand went out. 

"Restless, " said the senior partner, wiping his folders with great careand putting them on. "Wonder where he's put that manifest. "

He went over to the other's desk and opened a drawer to search for it. Just inside was a sheet of foolscap, and Mr. Swann with growingastonishment slowly mastered the contents. 

[Illustration: "Mr. Swann with growing astonishment slowly mastered thecontents. "]

"See her as often as possible. "

"Get to know some of her friends. "

"Try and get hold of the old lady. "

"Find out her tastes and ideas. "

"Show my hand before Murchison has it all his own way. "

"It seems to me, " said the bewildered shipbroker, carefully replacing thepaper, "that my young friend is looking out for another partner. Hehasn't lost much time. "

He went back to his seat and resumed his work. It occurred to him thathe ought to let his partner know what he had seen, and when Hardyreturned he had barely seated himself before Mr. Swann with a mysterioussmile crossed over to him, bearing a sheet of foolscap. 

"Try and dress as well as my partner, " read the astonished Hardy. "What's the matter with my clothes? What do you mean?"

Mr. Swann, in place of answering, returned to his desk and, taking upanother sheet of foolscap, began to write again, holding up his hand forsilence as Hardy repeated his question. When he had finished his task hebrought it over and placed it in the other's hand. 

"Take her little brother out for walks. "

Hardy crumpled the paper up and flung it aside. Then, with his facecrimson, he stared wrathfully at the benevolent Swann. 

"It's the safest card in the pack, " said the latter. "You pleaseeverybody; especially the little brother. You should always hold hishand--it looks well for one thing, and if you shut your eyes--"

"I don't want any of your nonsense, " said the maddened Jem. "What do youmean by reading my private papers?"

"I came over to look for the manifest, " said Mr. Swann, "and I read itbefore I could make out what it was. You must admit it's a bit cryptic. I thought it was a new game at first. Getting hold of the old ladysounds like a sort of blind-man's buff. But why not get hold of theyoung one? Why waste time over--"

"Go to the devil, " said the junior partner. 

"Any more suggestions I can give you, you are heartily welcome to, " saidMr. Swann, going back to his seat. "All my vast experience is at yourservice, and the best and sweetest and prettiest girls in Sunwich regardme as a sort of second father. "

"What's a second father?" inquired Jim, looking up--"a grandfather?"

"Go your own way, " said the other; "I wash my hands of you. You're notin earnest, or you'd clutch at any straw. But let me give you one wordof advice. Be careful how you get hold of the old lady; let herunderstand from the commencement that it isn't her. "

Mr. Hardy went on with his work. There was a pile of it in front of himand an accumulation in his drawers. For some time he wrote assiduously, but work was dry after the subject they had been discussing. He lookedover at his partner and, seeing that that gentleman was gravely busy, reopened the matter with a jeer. 

"Old maids always know most about rearing children, " he remarked; "so Isuppose old bachelors, looking down on life from the top shelf, thinkthey know most about marriage. "

"I wash my hands of you, " repeated the senior, placidly. "I am not to betaunted into rendering first aid to the wounded. "

The conscience-stricken junior lost his presence of mind. "Who's tryingto taunt you?" he demanded, hotly. "Why, you'd do more harm than good. "

"Put a bandage round the head instead of the heart, I expect, " assentedthe chuckling Swann. "Top shelf, I think you said; well, I climbed therefor safety. "

"You must have been much run after, " said his partner. 

"I was, " said the other. "I suppose that's why it is I am always sointerested in these affairs. I have helped to marry so many people inthis place, that I'm almost afraid to stir out after dark. "

Hardy's reply was interrupted by the entrance of Mr. Edward Silk, a youngman of forlorn aspect, who combined in his person the offices ofmessenger, cleaner, and office-boy to the firm. He brought in someletters, and placing them on Mr. Swann's desk retired. 

"There's another, " said the latter, as the door closed. "His complaintis Amelia Kybird, and he's got it badly. She's big enough to eat him, but I believe that they are engaged. Perseverance has done it in hiscase. He used to go about like a blighted flower--"

"I am rather busy, " his partner reminded him. 

Mr. Swann sighed and resumed his own labours. For some time both menwrote in silence. Then the elder suddenly put his pen down and hit hisdesk a noisy thump with his fist. 

"I've got it, " he said, briskly; "apologize humbly for all your candour, and I will give you a piece of information which shall brighten your dulleyes, raise the corners of your drooping mouth, and renew once more thepink and cream in your youthful cheeks. "

"Look here--" said the overwrought Hardy. 

"Samson Wilks, " interrupted Mr. Swann, "number three, Fullalove Alley, at home Fridays, seven to nine, to the daughter of his late skipper, whoalways visits him on that day. Don't thank me, Hardy, in case you breakdown. She's a very nice girl, and if she had been born twenty yearsearlier, or I had been born twenty years later, or you hadn't been bornat all, there's no saying what might not have happened. "

"When I want you to interfere in my business, " said Hardy, workingsedulously, "I'll let you know. "

"Very good, " replied Swann; "still, remember Thursdays, seven to nine. "

"Thursdays, " said Hardy, incautiously; "why, you said Fridays just now. "

Mr. Swann made no reply. His nose was immersed in the folds of a largehandkerchief, and his eyes watered profusely behind his glasses. It wassome minutes before he had regained his normal composure, and even thenthe sensitive nerves of his partner were offended by an occasionalbelated chuckle. 

Although by dint of casual and cautious inquiries Mr. Hardy found thathis partner's information was correct, he was by no means guilty of anyfeelings of gratitude towards him; and he only glared scornfully whenthat excellent but frivolous man mounted a chair on Friday afternoon, andputting the clock on a couple of hours or so, urged him to be in time. 

The evening, however, found him starting slowly in the direction ofFullalove Alley. His father had gone to sea again, and the house wasvery dull; moreover, he felt a mild curiosity to see the changes wroughtby time in Mr. Wilks. He walked along by the sea, and as the churchclock struck the three-quarters turned into the alley and looked eagerlyround for the old steward. 

The labours of the day were over, and the inhabitants were for the mostpart out of doors taking the air. Shirt-sleeved householders, leaningagainst their door-posts smoking, exchanged ideas across the narrow spacepaved with cobble-stones which separated their small and ancient houses, while the matrons, more gregariously inclined, bunched in little groupsand discussed subjects which in higher circles would have inundated theland with libel actions. Up and down the alley a tiny boy all ready forbed, with the exception of his nightgown, mechanically avoided friendlypalms as he sought anxiously for his mother. 

[Illustration: "Fullalove Alley. "]

The object of Mr. Hardy's search sat at the door of his front room, whichopened on to the alley, smoking an evening pipe, and noting with aninterested eye the doings of his neighbours. He was just preparing todraw himself up in his chair as the intruder passed, when to his utterastonishment that gentleman stopped in front of him, and takingpossession of his hand shook it fervently. 

"How do you do?" he said, smiling. 

Mr. Wilks eyed him stupidly and, releasing his hand, coyly placed it inhis trouser-pocket and breathed hard. 

"I meant to come before, " said Hardy, "but I've been so busy. How areyou?"

Mr. Wilks, still dazed, muttered that he was very well. Then he sat boltupright in his chair and eyed his visitor suspiciously. 

"I've been longing for a chat with you about old times, " said Hardy; "ofall my old friends you seem to have changed the least. You don't look aday older. "

"I'm getting on, " said Mr. Wilks, trying to speak coldly, but observingwith some gratification the effect produced upon his neighbours by theappearance of this well-dressed acquaintance. 

"I wanted to ask your advice, " said the unscrupulous Hardy, speaking inlow tones. "I daresay you know I've just gone into partnership inSunwich, and I'm told there's no man knows more about the business andthe ins and outs of this town than you do. "

Mr. Wilks thawed despite himself. His face glistened and his huge mouthbroke into tremulous smiles. For a moment he hesitated, and thennoticing that a little group near them had suspended their conversationto listen to his he drew his chair back and, in a kind voice, invited thesearcher after wisdom to step inside. 

Hardy thanked him, and, following him in, took a chair behind the door, and with an air of youthful deference bent his ear to catch the pearlswhich fell from the lips of his host. Since he was a babe on hismother's knee sixty years before Mr. Wilks had never had such anattentive and admiring listener. Hardy sat as though glued to his chair, one eye on Mr. Wilks and the other on the clock, and it was not untilthat ancient timepiece struck the hour that the ex-steward suddenlyrealized the awkward state of affairs. 

"Any more 'elp I can give you I shall always be pleased to, " he said, looking at the clock. 

Hardy thanked him at great length, wondering, as he spoke, whether MissNugent was of punctual habits. He leaned back in his chair and, foldinghis arms, gazed thoughtfully at the perturbed Mr. Wilks. 

"You must come round and smoke a pipe with me sometimes, " he said, casually. 

Mr. Wilks flushed with gratified pride. He had a vision of himselfwalking up to the front door of the Hardys, smoking a pipe in awell-appointed room, and telling an incredulous and envious FullaloveAlley about it afterwards. 

"I shall be very pleased, sir, " he said, impressively. 

"Come round on Tuesday, " said his visitor. "I shall be at home then. "

Mr. Wilks thanked him and, spurred on to hospitality, murmured somethingabout a glass of ale, and retired to the back to draw it. He came backwith a jug and a couple of glasses, and draining his own at a draught, hoped that the example would not be lost upon his visitor. That astuteperson, however, after a modest draught, sat still, anchored to thehalf-empty glass. 

"I'm expecting somebody to-night, " said the ex-steward, at last. 

"No doubt you have a lot of visitors, " said the other, admiringly. 

Mr. Wilks did not deny it. He eyed his guest's glass and fidgeted. 

"Miss Nugent is coming, " he said. 

Instead of any signs of disorder and preparations for rapid flight, Mr. Wilks saw that the other was quite composed. He began to entertain apoor idea of Mr. Hardy's memory. 

"She generally comes for a little quiet chat, " he said. 

"Indeed!"

"Just between the two of us, " said the other. 

His visitor said "Indeed, " and, as though some chord of memory had beentouched, sat gazing dreamily at Mr. Wilks's horticultural collection inthe window. Then he changed colour a little as a smart hat and a prettyface crossed the tiny panes. Mr. Wilks changed colour too, and in anawkward fashion rose to receive Miss Nugent. 

"Late as usual, Sam, " said the girl, sinking into a chair. Then shecaught sight of Hardy, who was standing by the door. 

[Illustration: "She caught sight of Hardy. "]

"It's a long time since you and I met, Miss Nugent, " he said, bowing. 

"Mr. Hardy?" said the girl, doubtfully. 

"Yes, miss, " interposed Mr. Wilks, anxious to explain his position. "Hecalled in to see me; quite a surprise to me it was. I 'ardly knowedhim. "

"The last time we three met, " said Hardy, who to his host's discomforthad resumed his chair, "Wilks was thrashing me and you were urging himon. "

Kate Nugent eyed him carefully. It was preposterous that this young manshould take advantage of a boy and girl acquaintance of eleven yearsbefore--and such an acquaintance!--in this manner. Her eyes expressed alittle surprise, not unmixed with hauteur, but Hardy was too pleased tohave them turned in his direction at all to quarrel with theirexpression. 

"You were a bit of a trial in them days, " said Mr. Wilks, shaking hishead. "If I live to be ninety I shall never forget seeing Miss Katecapsized the way she was. The way she----"

"How is your cold?" inquired Miss Nugent, hastily. 

"Better, miss, thankee, " said Mr. Wilks. 

"Miss Nugent has forgotten and forgiven all that long ago, " said Hardy. 

"Quite, " assented the girl, coldly; "one cannot remember all the boys andgirls one knew as a child. "

"Certainly not, " said Hardy. "I find that many have slipped from my ownmemory, but I have a most vivid recollection of you. "

Miss Nugent looked at him again, and an idea, strange and incredible, dawned slowly upon her. Childish impressions are lasting, and Jem Hardyhad remained in her mind as a sort of youthful ogre. He sat before hernow a frank, determined-looking young Englishman, in whose honest eyesadmiration of herself could not be concealed. Indignation and surprisestruggled for supremacy. 

"It's odd, " remarked Mr. Wilks, who had a happy knack at times of sayingthe wrong thing, "it's odd you should 'ave 'appened to come just at thesame time as Miss Kate did. "

"It's my good fortune, " said Hardy, with a slight bow. Then he cocked amalignant eye at the innocent Mr. Wilks, and wondered at what age mendiscarded the useless habit of blushing. Opposite him sat Miss Nugent, calmly observant, the slightest suggestion of disdain in her expression. Framed in the queer, high-backed old chair which had belonged to Mr. Wilks's grandfather, she made a picture at which Jem Hardy continued togaze with respectful ardour. A hopeless sense of self-depreciationpossessed him, but the idea that Murchison should aspire to so muchgoodness and beauty made him almost despair of his sex. His reverie wasbroken by the voice of Mr. Wilks. 

"A quarter to eight?" said that gentleman in-credulously; "it can't be. "

"I thought it was later than that, " said Hardy, simply. 

Mr. Wilks gasped, and with a faint shake of his head at the floorabandoned the thankless task of giving hints to a young man who was tooobtuse to see them; and it was not until some time later that Mr. Hardy, sorely against his inclinations, gave his host a hearty handshake and, with a respectful bow to Miss Nugent, took his departure. 

"Fine young man he's growed, " said Mr. Wilks, deferentially, turning tohis remaining visitor; "greatly improved, I think. "

Miss Nugent looked him over critically before replying. "He seems tohave taken a great fancy to you, " she remarked. 

Mr. Wilks smiled a satisfied smile. "He came to ask my advice aboutbusiness, " he said, softly. "He's 'eard two or three speak o' me asknowing a thing or two, and being young, and just starting, 'e came totalk it over with me. I never see a young man so pleased and ready totake advice as wot he is. "

"He is coming again for more, I suppose?" said Miss Nugent, carelessly. 

Mr. Wilks acquiesced. "And he asked me to go over to his 'ouse to smokea pipe with 'im on Tuesday, " he added, in the casual manner in which menallude to their aristocratic connections. "He's a bit lonely, all byhimself. "

Miss Nugent said, "Indeed, " and then, lapsing into silence, gave littleoccasional side-glances at Mr. Wilks, as though in search of any hiddencharms about him which might hitherto have escaped her. 

At the same time Mr. James Hardy, walking slowly home by the edge of thesea, pondered on further ways and means of ensnaring the affection of theex-steward. 

CHAPTER VII

The anticipations of Mr. Wilks were more than realized on the followingTuesday. From the time a trim maid showed him into the smoking-roomuntil late at night, when he left, a feted and honoured guest, with oneof his host's best cigars between his teeth, nothing that could yield himany comfort was left undone. In the easiest of easy chairs he sat in thegarden beneath the leafy branches of apple trees, and undiluted wisdomand advice flowed from his lips in a stream as he beamed delightedly uponhis entertainer. 

[Illustration: "Undiluted wisdom and advice flowed from his lips. "]

Their talk was mainly of Sunwich and Sunwich people, and it was an easystep from these to Equator Lodge. On that subject most people would havefound the ex-steward somewhat garrulous, but Jem Hardy listened withgreat content, and even brought him back to it when he showed signs ofwandering. Altogether Mr. Wilks spent one of the pleasantest evenings ofhis life, and, returning home in a slight state of mental exhilaration, severely exercised the tongues of Fullalove Alley by a bearing consideredincompatible with his station. 

Jem Hardy paid a return call on the following Friday, and had no cause tocomplain of any lack of warmth in his reception. The ex-steward wasdelighted to see him, and after showing him various curios picked upduring his voyages, took him to the small yard in the rear festooned withscarlet-runner beans, and gave him a chair in full view of theneighbours. 

"I'm the only visitor to-night?" said Hardy, after an hour's patientlistening and waiting. 

Mr. Wilks nodded casually. "Miss Kate came last night, " he said. "Friday is her night, but she came yesterday instead. "

Mr. Hardy said, "Oh, indeed, " and fell straight-way into a dismal reveriefrom which the most spirited efforts of his host only partially arousedhim. 

Without giving way to undue egotism it was pretty clear that Miss Nugenthad changed her plans on his account, and a long vista of pleasant Fridayevenings suddenly vanished. He, too, resolved to vary his visits, and, starting with a basis of two a week, sat trying to solve the mathematicalchances of selecting the same as Kate Nugent; calculations which were notfacilitated by a long-winded account from Mr. Wilks of certaininteresting amours of his youthful prime. 

Before he saw Kate Nugent again, however, another old acquaintance turnedup safe and sound in Sunwich. Captain Nugent walking into the town sawhim first: a tall, well-knit young man in shabby clothing, whose bearingeven in the distance was oddly familiar. As he came closer the captain'smisgivings were confirmed, and in the sunburnt fellow in tattered clotheswho advanced upon him with out-stretched hand he reluctantly recognizedhis son. 

"What have you come home for?" he inquired, ignoring the hand and eyeinghim from head to foot. 

"Change, " said Jack Nugent, laconically, as the smile left his face. 

The captain shrugged his shoulders and stood silent. His son lookedfirst up the road and then down. 

"All well at home?" he inquired. 

"Yes. "

Jack Nugent looked up the road again. 

"Not much change in the town, " he said, at length. 

"No, " said his father. 

"Well, I'm glad to have seen you, " said his son. "Good-bye. "

"Good-bye, " said the captain. 

His son nodded and, turning on his heel, walked back towards the town. Despite his forlorn appearance his step was jaunty and he carried hishead high. The captain watched him until he was hidden by a bend in theroad, and then, ashamed of himself for displaying so much emotion, turnedhis own steps in the direction of home. 

"Well, he didn't whine, " he said, slowly. "He's got a bit of prideleft. "

Meantime the prodigal had reached the town again, and stood ruefullyconsidering his position. 

He looked up the street, and then, the well-known shop of Mr. Kybirdcatching his eye, walked over and inspected the contents of the window. Sheath-knives, belts, tobacco-boxes, and watches were displayedalluringly behind the glass, sheltered from the sun by a row of cheapclothing dangling from short poles over the shop front. All the goodswere marked in plain figures in reduced circumstances, Mr. Kybird givinga soaring imagination play in the first marking, and a good businessfaculty in the second. 

At these valuables Jack Nugent, with a view of obtaining some idea ofprices, gazed for some time. Then passing between two suits of oilskinswhich stood as sentinels in the doorway, he entered the shop and smiledaffably at Miss Kybird, who was in charge. At his entrance she put downa piece of fancy-work, which Mr. Kybird called his sock, and with acasual glance at his clothes regarded him with a prejudiced eye. 

"Beautiful day, " said the customer; "makes one feel quite young again. "

"What do you want?" inquired Miss Kybird. 

[Illustration: "'What do you want?' inquired Miss Kybird. "]

Mr. Nugent turned to a broken cane-chair which stood by the counter, and, after applying severe tests, regardless of the lady's feelings, sat downupon it and gave a sigh of relief. 

"I've walked from London, " he said, in explanation. "I could sit herefor hours. "

"Look here----" began the indignant Miss Kybird. 

"Only people would be sure to couple our names together, " continued Mr. Nugent, mournfully. 

"When a handsome young man and a good-looking girl----"

"Do you want to buy anything or not?" demanded Miss Kybird, with animpatient toss of her head. 

"No, " said Jack, "I want to sell. "

"You've come to the wrong shop, then, " said Miss Kybird; "the warehouseis full of rubbish now. "

The other turned in his chair and looked hard at the window. "So it is, "he assented. "It's a good job I've brought you something decent to putthere. "

He felt in his pockets and, producing a silver-mounted briar-pipe, abattered watch, a knife, and a few other small articles, deposited themwith reverent care upon the counter. 

"No use to us, " declared Miss Kybird, anxious to hit back; "we burn coalhere. "

"These'll burn better than the coal you buy, " said the unmoved customer. 

"Well, we don't want them, " retorted Miss Kybird, raising her voice, "andI don't want any of your impudence. Get up out of our chair. "

Her heightened tones penetrated to the small and untidy room behind theshop. The door opened, and Mr. Kybird in his shirt-sleeves appeared atthe opening. 

"Wot's the row?" he demanded, his little black eyes glancing from one tothe other. 

"Only a lovers' quarrel, " replied Jack. "You go away; we don't wantyou. "

"Look 'ere, we don't want none o' your nonsense, " said the shopkeeper, sharply; "and, wot's more, we won't 'ave it. Who put that rubbish on mycounter?"

He bustled forward, and taking the articles in his hands examined themclosely. 

"Three shillings for the lot--cash, " he remarked. "Done, " said theother. 

"Did I say three?" inquired Mr. Kybird, startled at this readyacceptance. 

"Five you said, " replied Mr. Nugent, "but I'll take three, if you throwin a smile. "

Mr. Kybird, much against his inclinations, threw in a faint grin, andopening a drawer produced three shillings and flung them separately onthe counter. Miss Kybird thawed somewhat, and glancing from thecustomer's clothes to his face saw that he had a pleasant eye and a goodmoustache, together with a general air of recklessness much appreciatedby the sex. 

"Don't spend it on drink, " she remarked, not unkindly. 

"I won't, " said the other, solemnly; "I'm going to buy house property withit. "

"Why, darn my eyes, " said Mr. Kybird, who had been regarding him closely;"darn my old eyes, if it ain't young Nugent. Well, well!"

"That's me, " said young Nugent, cheerfully; "I should have known youanywhere, Kybird: same old face, same old voice, same old shirt-sleeves. "

"'Ere, come now, " objected the shopkeeper, shortening his arm andsquinting along it. 

"I should have known you anywhere, " continued the other, mournfully; "andhere I've thrown up a splendid berth and come all the way from Australiajust for one glimpse of Miss Kybird, and she doesn't know me. When Idie, Kybird, you will find the word 'Calais' engraven upon my heart. "

Mr. Kybird said, "Oh, indeed. " His daughter tossed her head and bade Mr. Nugent take his nonsense to people who might like it. 

"Last time I see you, " said Mr. Kybird, pursing up his lips and gazing atthe counter in an effort of memory; "last time I see you was one fifth o'November when you an' another bright young party was going about in twosuits o' oilskins wot I'd been 'unting for 'igh and low all day long. "

Jack Nugent sighed. "They were happy times, Kybird. "

"Might ha' been for you, " retorted the other, his temper rising a littleat the remembrance of his wrongs. 

"Have you come home for good? inquired Miss Kybird, curiously. Have youseen your father? He passed here a little while ago. "

"I saw him, " said Jack, with a brevity which was not lost upon the astuteMr. Kybird. "I may stay in Sunwich, and I may not--it all depends. "

"You're not going 'ome?" said Mr. Kybird. 

"No. "

The shopkeeper stood considering. He had a small room to let at the topof his house, and he stood divided between the fear of not getting hisrent and the joy to a man fond of simple pleasures, to be obtained bydunning the arrogant Captain Nugent for his son's debts. Before he couldarrive at a decision his meditations were interrupted by the entrance ofa stout, sandy-haired lady from the back parlour, who, having conqueredhis scruples against matrimony some thirty years before, had kept aparticularly wide-awake eye upon him ever since. 

"Your tea's a-gettin' cold, " she remarked, severely. 

Her husband received the news with calmness. He was by no means anenthusiast where that liquid was concerned, the admiration evoked by itsnon-inebriating qualities having been always something in the nature of amystery to him. 

"I'm coming, " he retorted; "I'm just 'aving a word with Mr. Nugent 'ere. "

"Well, I never did, " said the stout lady, coming farther into the shopand regarding the visitor. "I shouldn't 'ave knowed 'im. If you'd askedme who 'e was I couldn't ha' told you--I shouldn't 'ave knowed 'im fromAdam. "

Jack shook his head. "It's hard to be forgotten like this, " he said, sadly. "Even Miss Kybird had forgotten me, after all that had passedbetween us. "

"Eh?" said Mr. Kybird. 

"Oh, don't take any notice of him, " said his daughter. "I'd like to seemyself. "

Mr. Kybird paid no heed. He was still thinking of the son of CaptainNugent being indebted to him for lodging, and the more he thought of theidea the better he liked it. 

"Well, now you're 'ere, " he said, with a great assumption of cordiality, "why not come in and 'ave a cup o' tea?"

The other hesitated a moment and then, with a light laugh, accepted theoffer. He followed them into the small and untidy back parlour, andbeing requested by his hostess to squeeze in next to 'Melia at the smallround table, complied so literally with the order that that young ladycomplained bitterly of his encroachments. 

"And where do you think of sleeping to-night?" inquired Mr. Kybird afterhis daughter had, to use her own expressive phrase, shown the guest "hisplace. "

Mr. Nugent shook his head. "I shall get a lodging somewhere, " he said, airily. 

"There's a room upstairs as you might 'ave if you liked, " said Mr. Kybird, slowly. "It's been let to a very respectable, clean young man for half acrown a week. Really it ought to be three shillings, but if you like to'ave it at the old price, you can. "

"Done with you, " said the other. 

"No doubt you'll soon get something to do, " continued Mr. Kybird, more inanswer to his wife's inquiring glances than anything else. "Half a crownevery Saturday and the room's yours. "

Mr. Nugent thanked him, and after making a tea which caused Mr. Kybird tocongratulate himself upon the fact that he hadn't offered to board him, sat regaling Mrs. Kybird and daughter with a recital of his adventures inAustralia, receiving in return a full and true account of Sunwich and itspeople up to date. 

"There's no pride about 'im, that's what I like, " said Mrs. Kybird to herlord and master as they sat alone after closing time over a glass of ginand water. "He's a nice young feller, but bisness is bisness, and s'poseyou don't get your rent?"

"I shall get it sooner or later, " said Mr. Kybird. "That stuck-up fatherof 'is 'll be in a fine way at 'im living here. That's wot I'm thinkingof. "

"I don't see why, " said Mrs. Kybird, bridling. "Who's Captain Nugent, Ishould like to know? We're as good as what 'e is, if not better. And asfor the gell, if she'd got 'all Amelia's looks she'd do. "

"'Melia's a fine-looking gal, " assented Mr. Kybird. "I wonder----"

He laid his pipe down on the table and stared at the mantelpiece. "Heseems very struck with 'er, " he concluded. "I see that directly. "

"Not afore I did, " said his wife, sharply. 

"See it afore you come into the shop, " said Mr. Kybird, triumphantly. "It 'ud be a strange thing to marry into that family, Emma. "

"She's keeping company with young Teddy Silk, " his wife reminded him, coldly; "and if she wasn't she could do better than a young man withouta penny in 'is pocket. Pride's a fine thing, Dan'l, but you can't liveon it. "

"I know what I'm talking about, " said Mr. Kybird, impatiently. "I knowshe's keeping company with Teddy as well as wot you do. Still, as far asmoney goes, young Nugent 'll be all right. "

"'Ow?" inquired his wife. 

Mr. Kybird hesitated and took a sip of his gin and water. Then heregarded the wife of his bosom with a calculating glance which at onceexcited that lady's easily kindled wrath. 

[Illustration: "He regarded the wife of his bosom with a calculatingglance. "]

"You know I never tell secrets, " she cried. 

"Not often, " corrected Mr. Kybird, "but then I don't often tell you any. Wot would you say to young Nugent coming into five 'undred pounds 'ismother left 'im when he's twenty-five? He don't know it, but I do. "

"Five 'undred, " repeated his wife, "sure?"

"No, " said the other, "I'm not sure, but I know. I 'ad it from youngRoberts when 'e was at Stone and Dartnell's. Five 'undred pounds! Ishall get my money all right some time, and, if 'e wants a little bit togo on with, 'e can have it. He's honest enough; I can see that by hismanner. "

Upstairs in the tiny room under the tiles Mr. Jack Nugent, in blissfulignorance of his landlord's generous sentiments towards him, slept thesound, dreamless sleep of the man free from monetary cares. In thesanctity of her chamber Miss Kybird, gazing approvingly at the reflectionof her yellow hair and fine eyes in the little cracked looking-glass, wasalready comparing him very favourably with the somewhat pessimistic Mr. Silk. 

CHAPTER VIII

Mr. Nugent's return caused a sensation in several quarters, the feelingat Equator Lodge bordering close upon open mutiny. Even Mrs. Kingdomplucked up spirit and read the astonished captain a homily upon the firstduties of a parent--a homily which she backed up by reading the story ofthe Prodigal Son through to the bitter end. At the conclusion she brokedown entirely and was led up to bed by Kate and Bella, the sympathy ofthe latter taking an acute form, and consisting mainly of innuendoeswhich could only refer to one person in the house. 

Kate Nugent, who was not prone to tears, took a different line, but withno better success. The captain declined to discuss the subject, and, after listening to a description of himself in which Nero and othercelebrities figured for the purpose of having their characterswhitewashed, took up his hat and went out. 

Jem Hardy heard of the new arrival from his partner, and, ignoring thatgentleman's urgent advice to make hay while the sun shone and take MasterNugent for a walk forthwith sat thoughtfully considering how to turn theaffair to the best advantage. A slight outbreak of diphtheria atFullalove Alley had, for a time, closed that thoroughfare to Miss Nugent, and he was inclined to regard the opportune arrival of her brother as aneffort of Providence on his behalf. 

For some days, however, he looked for Jack Nugent in vain, that gentlemaneither being out of doors engaged in an earnest search for work, orsnugly seated in the back parlour of the Kybirds, indulging in thesomewhat perilous pastime of paying compliments to Amelia Kybird. Remittances which had reached him from his sister and aunt had beenpromptly returned, and he was indebted to the amiable Mr. Kybird for thebare necessaries of life. In these circumstances a warm feeling ofgratitude towards the family closed his eyes to their obviousshortcomings. 

He even obtained work down at the harbour through a friend of Mr. Kybird's. It was not of a very exalted nature, and caused more strainupon the back than the intellect, but seven years of roughing it had lefthim singularly free from caste prejudices, a freedom which he soondiscovered was not shared by his old acquaintances at Sunwich. Thediscovery made him somewhat bitter, and when Hardy stopped him oneafternoon as he was on his way home from work he tried to ignore hisoutstretched hand and continued on his way. 

[Illustration: "He even obtained work down at the harbor. "]

"It is a long time since we met, " said Hardy, placing himself in frontof him. 

"Good heavens, " said Jack, regarding him closely, "it's Jemmy Hardy--grown up spick and span like the industrious little boys in theschool-books. I heard you were back here. "

"I came back just before you did, " said Hardy. "Brass band playing you inand all that sort of thing, I suppose, " said the other. "Alas, how thewicked prosper--and you were wicked. Do you remember how you used toknock me about?"

"Come round to my place and have a chat, " said Hardy. 

Jack shook his head. "They're expecting me in to tea, " he said, with anod in the direction of Mr. Kybird's, "and honest waterside labourers whoearn their bread by the sweat of their brow--when the foreman is looking--do not frequent the society of the upper classes. "

"Don't be a fool, " said Hardy, politely. 

"Well, I'm not very tidy, " retorted Mr. Nugent, glancing at his clothes. "I don't mind it myself; I'm a philosopher, and nothing hurts me so longas I have enough to eat and drink; but I don't inflict myself on myfriends, and I must say most of them meet me more than half-way. "

"Imagination, " said Hardy. 

"All except Kate and my aunt, " said Jack, firmly. "Poor Kate; I tried tocut her the other day. "

"Cut her?" echoed Hardy. 

Nugent nodded. "To save her feelings, " he replied; "but she wouldn't becut, bless her, and on the distinct understanding that it wasn't to forma precedent, I let her kiss me behind a waggon. Do you know, I fancyshe's grown up rather good-looking, Jem?"

"You are observant, " said Mr. Hardy, admiringly. 

"Of course, it may be my partiality, " said Mr. Nugent, with judicialfairness. "I was always a bit fond of Kate. I don't suppose anybodyelse would see anything in her. Where are you living now?"

"Fort Road, " said Hardy; "come round any evening you can, if you won'tcome now. "

Nugent promised, and, catching sight of Miss Kybird standing in thedoorway of the shop, bade him good-bye and crossed the road. It wasbecoming quite a regular thing for her to wait and have her tea with himnow, an arrangement which was provocative of many sly remarks on the partof Mrs. Kybird. 

[Illustration: "Miss Kybird standing in the doorway of the shop. "]

"Thought you were never coming, " said Miss Kybird, tartly, as she led theway to the back room and took her seat at the untidy tea-tray. 

"And you've been crying your eyes out, I suppose, " remarked Mr. Nugent, as he groped in the depths of a tall jar for black-currant jam. "Well, you're not the first, and I don't suppose you'll be the last. How'sTeddy?"

"Get your tea, " retorted Miss Kybird, "and don't make that scraping noiseon the bottom of the jar with your knife. It puts my teeth on edge. "

"So it does mine, " said Mr. Nugent, "but there's a black currant downthere, and I mean to have it. 'Waste not, want not. '"

"Make him put that knife down, " said Miss Kybird, as her mother enteredthe room. Mrs. Kybird shook her head at him. "You two are alwaysquarrelling, " she said, archly, "just like a couple of--couple of----"

"Love-birds, " suggested Mr. Nugent. 

Mrs. Kybird in great glee squeezed round to him and smote him playfullywith her large, fat hand, and then, being somewhat out of breath with theexertion, sat down to enjoy the jest in comfort. 

"That's how you encourage him, " said her daughter; "no wonder he doesn'tbehave. No wonder he acts as if the whole place belongs to him. "

The remark was certainly descriptive of Mr. Nugent's behaviour. His easyassurance and affability had already made him a prime favourite with Mrs. Kybird, and had not been without its effect upon her daughter. Theconstrained and severe company manners of Mr. Edward Silk showed up butpoorly beside those of the paying guest, and Miss Kybird had on severaloccasions drawn comparisons which would have rendered both gentlemenuneasy if they had known of them. 

Mr. Nugent carried the same easy good-fellowship with him the followingweek when, neatly attired in a second-hand suit from Mr. Kybird'sextensive stock, he paid a visit to Jem Hardy to talk over old times anddiscuss the future. 

"You ought to make friends with your father, " said the latter; "it onlywants a little common sense and mutual forbearance. "

"That's all, " said Nugent; "sounds easy enough, doesn't it? No, all hewants is for me to clear out of Sunwich, and I'm not going to--until itpleases me, at any rate. It's poison to him for me to be living at theKybirds' and pushing a trolley down on the quay. Talk about lovesweetening toil, that does. "

Hardy changed the subject, and Nugent, nothing loath, discoursed on hiswanderings and took him on a personally conducted tour through thecontinent of Australia. "And I've come back to lay my bones in SunwichChurchyard, " he concluded, pathetically; "that is, when I've done with'em. "

"A lot of things'll happen before then, " said Hardy. 

"I hope so, " rejoined Mr. Nugent, piously; "my desire is to be buried bymy weeping great-grandchildren. In fact, I've left instructions to thateffect in my will--all I have left, by the way. "

"You're not going to keep on at this water-side work, I suppose?" saidHardy, making another effort to give the conversation a serious turn. 

"The foreman doesn't think so, " replied the other, as he helped himselfto some whisky; "he has made several remarks to that effect lately. "

He leaned back in his chair and smoked thoughtfully, by no meansinsensible to the comfort of his surroundings. He had not been in suchcomfortable quarters since he left home seven years before. He thoughtof the untidy litter of the Kybirds' back parlour, with the forlorn viewof the yard in the rear. Something of his reflections he confided toHardy as he rose to leave. 

"But my market value is about a pound a week, " he concluded, ruefully, "so I must cut my coat to suit my cloth. Good-night. "

He walked home somewhat soberly at first, but the air was cool and freshand a glorious moon was riding in the sky. He whistled cheerfully, andhis spirits rose as various chimerical plans of making money occurred tohim. By the time he reached the High Street, the shops of which were allclosed for the night, he was earning five hundred a year and spending athousand. He turned the handle of the door and, walking in, discoveredMiss Kybird entertaining company in the person of Mr. Edward Silk. 

"Halloa, " he said, airily, as he took a seat. "Don't mind me, youngpeople. Go on just as you would if I were not here. "

Mr. Edward Silk grumbled something under his breath; Miss Kybird, turningto the intruder with a smile of welcome, remarked that she had justthought of going to sleep. 

"Going to sleep?" repeated Mr. Silk, thunder-struck. 

"Yes, " said Miss Kybird, yawning. 

Mr. Silk gazed at her, open-mouthed. "What, with me 'ere?" he inquired, in trembling tones. 

"You're not very lively company, " said Miss Kybird, bending over hersewing. "I don't think you've spoken a word for the last quarter of anhour, and before that you were talking of death-warnings. Made my fleshcreep, you did. "

"Shame!" said Mr. Nugent. 

"You didn't say anything to me about your flesh creeping, " muttered Mr. Silk. 

"You ought to have seen it creep, " interposed Mr. Nugent, severely. 

"I'm not talking to you, " said Mr. Silk, turning on him; "when I want thefavour of remarks from you I'll let you know. "

"Don't you talk to my gentlemen friends like that, Teddy, " said MissKybird, sharply, "because I won't have it. Why don't you try and bebright and cheerful like Mr. Nugent?"

Mr. Silk turned and regarded that gentleman steadfastly; Mr. Nugentmeeting his gaze with a pleasant smile and a low-voiced offer to give himlessons at half a crown an hour. 

"I wouldn't be like 'im for worlds, " said Mr. Silk, with a scornfullaugh. "I'd sooner be like anybody. "

"What have you been saying to him?" inquired Nugent. 

"Nothing, " replied Miss Kybird; "he's often like that. He's got a nasty, miserable, jealous disposition. Not that I mind what he thinks. "

Mr. Silk breathed hard and looked from one to the other. 

"Perhaps he'll grow out of it, " said Nugent, hopefully. "Cheer up, Teddy. You're young yet. "

"Might I arsk, " said the solemnly enraged Mr. Silk, "might I arsk you notto be so free with my Christian name?"

"He doesn't like his name now, " said Nugent, drawing his chair closer toMiss Kybird's, "and I don't wonder at it. What shall we call him? Job?What's that work you're doing? Why don't you get on with that fancywaistcoat you are doing for me?"

Before Miss Kybird could deny all knowledge of the article in questionher sorely tried swain created a diversion by rising. To that simple acthe imparted an emphasis which commanded the attention of both beholders, and, drawing over to Miss Kybird, he stood over her in an attitude atonce terrifying and reproachful. 

"Take your choice, Amelia, " he said, in a thrilling voice. "Me or 'im--which is it to be?"

[Illustration: "Me or 'im--which is it to be?"]

"Here, steady, old man, " cried the startled Nugent. "Go easy. "

"Me or 'im?" repeated Mr. Silk, in stern but broken accents. 

Miss Kybird giggled and, avoiding his gaze, looked pensively at the fadedhearthrug. 

"You're making her blush, " said Mr. Nugent, sternly. "Sit down, Teddy;I'm ashamed of you. We're both ashamed of you. You're confusing usdreadfully proposing to us both in this way. "

Mr. Silk regarded him with a scornful eye, but Miss Kybird, bidding himnot to be foolish, punctuated her remarks with the needle, and astruggle, which Mr. Silk regarded as unseemly in the highest degree, tookplace between them for its possession. 

Mr. Nugent secured it at last, and brandishing it fiercely extortedfeminine screams from Miss Kybird by threatening her with it. Nor washer mind relieved until Mr. Nugent, remarking that he would put it backin the pincushion, placed it in the leg of Mr. Edward Silk. 

Mr. Kybird and his wife, entering through the shop, were just in time towitness a spirited performance on the part of Mr. Silk, the cherishedpurpose of which was to deprive them of a lodger. He drew back as theyentered and, raising his voice above Miss Kybird's, began to explain hisaction. 

"Teddy, I'm ashamed of you, " said Mr. Kybird, shaking his head. "A little joke like that; a little innercent joke. "

"If it 'ad been a darning-needle now--" began Mrs. Kybird. 

"All right, " said the desperate Mr. Silk, "'ave it your own way. Let'Melia marry 'im--I don't care---I give 'er up. "

"Teddy!" said Mr. Kybird, in a shocked voice. "Teddy!"

Mr. Silk thrust him fiercely to one side and passed raging through theshop. The sound of articles falling in all directions attested to hisblind haste, and the force with which he slammed the shop-door wassufficient evidence of his state of mind. 

"Well, upon my word, " said the staring Mr. Kybird; "of all theoutrageyous--"

"Never mind 'im, " said his wife, who was sitting in the easy chair, distributing affectionate smiles between her daughter and the startledMr. Nugent. "Make 'er happy, Jack, that's all I arsk. She's been a goodgal, and she'll make a good wife. I've seen how it was between you forsome time. "

"So 'ave I, " said Mr. Kybird. He shook hands warmly with Mr. Nugent, and, patting that perturbed man on the back, surveyed him with eyesglistening with approval. 

"It's a bit rough on Teddy, isn't it?" inquired Mr. Nugent, anxiously;"besides--"

"Don't you worry about 'im, " said Mr. Kybird, affectionately. "He ain'tworth it. "

"I wasn't, " said Mr. Nugent, truthfully. The situation had developed sorapidly that it had caught him at a disadvantage. He had a dim feelingthat, having been the cause of Miss Kybird's losing one young man, themost elementary notions of chivalry demanded that he should furnish herwith another. And this idea was clearly uppermost in the minds of herparents. He looked over at Amelia and with characteristic philosophyaccepted the position. 

"We shall be the handsomest couple in Sunwich, " he said, simply. 

"Bar none, " said Mr. Kybird, emphatically. 

The stout lady in the chair gazed ax the couple fondly. "It reminds meof our wedding, " she said, softly. "What was it Tom Fletcher said, father? Can you remember?"

"'Arry Smith, you mean, " corrected Mr. Kybird. 

"Tom Fletcher said something, I'm sure, " persisted his wife. 

"He did, " said Mr. Kybird, grimly, "and I pretty near broke 'is 'ead forit. 'Arry Smith is the one you're thinking of. "

Mrs. Kybird after a moment's reflection admitted that he was right, and, the chain of memory being touched, waxed discursive about her own weddingand the somewhat exciting details which accompanied it. After which sheproduced a bottle labelled "Port wine" from the cupboard, and, fillingfour glasses, celebrated the occasion in a befitting but sober fashion. 

"This, " said Mr. Nugent, as he sat on his bed that night to take hisboots off, "this is what comes of trying to make everybody happy andcomfortable with a little fun. I wonder what the governor'll say. "

[Illustration: "I wonder what the governor'll say. "]

CHAPTER IX

The news of his only son's engagement took Captain Nugent's breath away, which, all things considered, was perhaps the best thing it could havedone. He sat at home in silent rage, only exploding when thewell-meaning Mrs. Kingdom sought to minimize his troubles by comparing themwith those of Job. Her reminder that to the best of her remembrance hehad never had a boil in his life put the finishing touch to his patience, and, despairing of drawing-room synonyms for the words which trembled onhis lips, he beat a precipitate retreat to the garden. 

His son bore his new honours bravely. To an appealing and indignantletter from his sister he wrote gravely, reminding her of the differencein their years, and also that he had never interfered in her flirtations, however sorely his brotherly heart might have been wrung by them. Heurged her to forsake such diversions for the future, and to look for analliance with some noble, open-handed man with a large banking accountand a fondness for his wife's relatives. 

To Jem Hardy, who ventured on a delicate re-monstrance one evening, hewas less patient, and displayed a newly acquired dignity which was asource of considerable embarrassment to that well-meaning gentleman. Heeven got up to search for his hat, and was only induced to resume hisseat by the physical exertions of his host. 

"I didn't mean to be offensive, " said the latter. "But you were, " saidthe aggrieved man. Hardy apologized. 

"Talk of that kind is a slight to my future wife, " said Nugent, firmly. "Besides, what business is it of yours?"

Hardy regarded him thoughtfully. It was some time since he had seen MissNugent, and he felt that he was losing valuable time. He had hoped greatthings from the advent of her brother, and now his intimacy seemed worsethan useless. He resolved to take him into his confidence. 

"I spoke from selfish motives, " he said, at last. "I wanted you to makefriends with your father again. "

"What for?" inquired the other, staring. 

"To pave the way for me, " said Hardy, raising his voice as he thought ofhis wrongs; "and now, owing to your confounded matrimonial business, that's all knocked on the head. I wouldn't care whom you married if itdidn't interfere with my affairs so. "

"Do you mean, " inquired the astonished Mr. Nugent, "that you want to beon friendly terms with my father?"

"Yes. "

Mr. Nugent gazed at him round-eyed. "You haven't had a blow on the heador anything of that sort at any time, have you?" he inquired. 

Hardy shook his head impatiently. "You don't seem to suffer from anexcess of intellect yourself, " he retorted. "I don't want to beoffensive again, still, I should think it is pretty plain there is onlyone reason why I should go out of my way to seek the society of yourfather. "

"Say what you like about my intellect, " replied the dutiful son, "but Ican't think of even one--not even a small one. Not--Good gracious! Youdon't mean--you can't mean--"

Hardy looked at him. 

"Not that, " said Mr. Nugent, whose intellect had suddenly becomepainfully acute--"not her?"

"Why not?" inquired the other. 

Mr. Nugent leaned back in his chair and regarded him with an air ofkindly interest. "Well, there's no need for you to worry about my fatherfor that, " he said; "he would raise no objection. "

"Eh?" said Hardy, starting up from his chair. 

"He would welcome it, " said Mr. Nugent, positively. "There is nothingthat he would like better; and I don't mind telling you a secret--shelikes you. "

Hardy reddened. "How do you know?" he stammered. 

"I know it for a fact, " said the other, impressively. "I have heard hersay so. But you've been very plain-spoken about me, Jem, so that I shallsay what I think. "

"Do, " said his bewildered friend. 

"I think you'd be throwing yourself away, " said Nugent; "to my mind it'sa most unsuitable match in every way. She's got no money, no looks, nostyle. Nothing but a good kind heart rather the worse for wear. Isuppose you know she's been married once?"

"_What!_" shouted the other. "_Married?_"

Mr. Nugent nodded. His face was perfectly grave, but the joke wasbeginning to prey upon his vitals in a manner which brooked no delay. 

"I thought everybody knew it, " he said. "We have never disguised thefact. Her husband died twenty years ago last----"

"Twenty" said his suddenly enlightened listener. "Who?--What?"

Mr. Nugent, incapable of reply, put his head on the table and beat theair frantically with his hand, while gasping sobs rent his torturedframe. 

"Dear--aunt, " he choked, "how pleas--pleased she'd be if--she knew. Don't look like that, Hardy. You'll kill me. "

"You seem amused, " said Hardy, between his teeth. 

"And you'll be Kate's uncle, " said Mr. Nugent, sitting up and wiping hiseyes. "Poor little Kate. "

He put his head on the table again. "And mine, " he wailed. "_Unclejemmy!_--will you tip us half-crowns, nunky?"

Mr. Hardy's expression of lofty scorn only served to retard his recovery, but he sat up at last and, giving his eyes a final wipe, beamed kindlyupon his victim. 

"Well, I'll do what I can for you, " he observed, "but I suppose you knowKate's off for a three months' visit to London to-morrow?"

The other observed that he didn't know it, and, taught by his recentexperience, eyed him suspiciously. 

"It's quite true, " said Nugent; "she's going to stay with some relativesof ours. She used to be very fond of one of the boys--her cousinHerbert--so you mustn't be surprised if she comes back engaged. But Idaresay you'll have forgotten all about her in three months. And, anyway, I don't suppose she'd look at you if you were the last man in theworld. If you'll walk part of the way home with me I'll regale you withanecdotes of her chilhood which will probably cause you to change yourviews altogether. "

In Fullalove Alley Mr. Edward Silk, his forebodings fulfilled, receivedthe news of Amelia Kybird's faithlessness in a spirit of' quiet despair, and turned a deaf ear to the voluble sympathy of his neighbours. Similarthings had happened to young men living there before, but their behaviourhad been widely different to Mr. Silk's. Bob Crump, for instance, hadbeen jilted on the very morning he had arranged for his wedding, butinstead of going about in a state of gentle melancholy he went round andfought his beloved's father--merely because it was her father--and woundup an exciting day by selling off his household goods to the highestbidders. Henry Jones in similar circumstances relieved his great griefby walking up and down the alley smashing every window within reach ofhis stick. 

[Illustration: "A spirit of quiet despair. "]

But these were men of spirit; Mr. Silk was cast in a different mould, andhis fair neighbours sympathized heartily with him in his bereavement, while utterly failing to understand any man breaking his heart overAmelia Kybird. 

His mother, a widow of uncertain age, shook her head over him and hinteddarkly at consumption, an idea which was very pleasing to her son, andgave him an increased interest in a slight cold from which he wassuffering. 

"He wants taking out of 'imself, " said Mr. Wilks, who had stepped acrossthe alley to discuss the subject with his neighbour; "cheerful societyand 'obbies--that's what 'e wants. "

"He's got a faithful 'eart, " sighed Mrs. Silk. "It's in the family; 'ecan't 'elp it. "

"But 'e might be lifted out of it, " urged Mr. Wilks. "I 'ad severaldisappointments in my young days. One time I 'ad a fresh gal everyv'y'ge a'most. "

Mrs. Silk sniffed and looked up the alley, whereat two neighbours whohappened to be at their doors glanced up and down casually, and retreatedinside to continue their vigil from the windows. 

"Silk courted me for fifteen years before I would say 'yes, '" she said, severely. 

"Fifteen years!" responded the other. He cast his eyes upwards and hislips twitched. The most casual observer could have seen that he wasengaged in calculations of an abstruse and elusive nature. 

"I was on'y seven when 'e started, " said Mrs. Silk, sharply. 

Mr. Wilks brought his eyes to a level again. "Oh, seven, " he remarked. 

"And we was married two days before my nineteenth birthday, " added Mrs. Silk, whose own arithmetic had always been her weak point. 

"Just so, " said Mr. Wilks. He glanced at the sharp white face andshapeless figure before him. "It's hard to believe you can 'ave a sonTeddy's age, " he added, gallantly. 

"It makes you feel as if you're getting on, " said the widow. 

The ex-steward agreed, and after standing a minute or two in silence madea preliminary motion of withdrawal. 

"Beautiful your plants are looking, " said Mrs. Silk, glancing over at hiswindow; "I can't think what you do to 'em. "

The gratified Mr. Wilks began to explain. It appeared that plants wantedalmost as much looking after as daughters. 

"I should like to see 'em close, " said Mrs. Silk. "Come in and 'ave alook at 'em, " responded her neighbour. 

Mrs. Silk hesitated and displayed a maidenly coyness far in excess of theneeds of the situation. Then she stepped across, and five seconds laterthe two matrons, with consternation writ large upon their faces, appearedat their doors again and, exchanging glances across the alley, met in thecentre. 

They were more surprised an evening or two later to see Mr. Wilks leavehis house to pay a return visit, bearing in his hand a small bunch of hischerished blooms. That they were blooms which would have paid the debtof Nature in a few hours at most in no way detracted from the widow'sexpressions of pleasure at receiving them, and Mr. Wilks, who had beeninvited over to cheer up Mr. Silk, who was in a particularly black mood, sat and smiled like a detected philanthropist as she placed them inwater. 

[Illustration: "A return visit. "]

"Good evenin', Teddy, " he said, breezily, with a side-glance at hishostess. "What a lovely day we've 'ad. "

"So bright, " said Mrs. Silk, nodding with spirit. 

Mr. Wilks sat down and gave vent to such a cheerful laugh that theornaments on the mantelpiece shook with it. "It's good to be alive, "he declared. 

"Ah, you enjoy your life, Mr. Wilks, " said the widow. 

"Enjoy it!" roared Mr. Wilks; "enjoy it! Why shouldn't I? Why shouldn'teverybody enjoy their lives? It was what they was given to us for. "

"So they was, " affirmed Mrs. Silk; "nobody can deny that; not if theytry. "

"Nobody wants to deny it, ma'am, " retorted Mr. Wilks, in the high voicehe kept for cheering-up purposes. "I enjoy every day o' my life. "

He filled his pipe, chuckling serenely, and having lit it sat and enjoyedthat. Mrs. Silk retired for a space, and returning with a jug of alepoured him out a glass and set it by his elbow. 

"Here's your good 'ealth, ma'am, " said Mr. Wilks, raising it. "Here'syours, Teddy--a long life and a 'appy one. "

Mr. Silk turned listlessly. "I don't want a long life, " he remarked. 

His mother and her visitor exchanged glances. 

"That's 'ow 'e goes on, " remarked the former, in an audible whisper. Mr. Wilks nodded, reassuringly. 

"I 'ad them ideas once, " he said, "but they go off. If you could onlylive to see Teddy at the age o' ninety-five, 'e wouldn't want to go then. 'E'd say it was crool hard, being cut off in the flower of 'is youth. "

Mrs. Silk laughed gaily and Mr. Wilks bellowed a gruff accompaniment. Mr. Edward Silk eyed them pityingly. 

"That's the 'ardship of it, " he said, slowly, as he looked round from hisseat by the fireplace; "that's where the 'ollowness of things comes in. That's where I envy Mr. Wilks. "

"Envy me?" said the smiling visitor; "what for?"

"Because you're so near the grave, " said Mr. Silk. 

Mr. Wilks, who was taking another draught of beer, put the glass down andeyed him fixedly. 

"That's why I envy you, " continued the other. 

"I don't want to live, and you do, and yet I dessay I shall be walkingabout forty and fifty years after you're dead and forgotten. "

"Wot d'ye mean--near the grave?" inquired

Mr. Wilks, somewhat shortly. 

"I was referring to your age, " replied the other; "it's strange to see'ow the aged 'ang on to life. You can't 'ave much pleasure at your timeo' life. And you're all alone; the last withered branch left. "

"Withered branch!" began Mr. Wilks; "'ere, look 'ere, Teddy----"

"All the others 'ave gone, " pursued Mr. Silk, "and they're beckoning toyou. "

"Let 'em beckon, " said Mr. Wilks, coldly. "I'm not going yet. "

"You're not young, " said Mr. Silk, gazing meditatively at the grate, "andI envy you that. It can only be a matter of a year or two at most beforeyou are sleeping your last long sleep. "

"Teddy!" protested Mrs. Silk. 

"It's true, mother, " said the melancholy youth. "Mr. Wilks is old. Whyshould 'e mind being told of it? If 'e had 'ad the trouble I've 'ad 'e'dbe glad to go. But he'll 'ave to go, whether 'e likes it or not. Itmight be to-night. Who can tell?"

Mr. Wilks, unasked, poured himself out another glass of ale, and drank itoff with the air of a man who intended to make sure of that. It seemed atrifle more flat than the last. 

"So many men o' your age and thereabouts, " continued Mr. Silk, "thinkthat they're going to live on to eighty or ninety, but there's very fewof 'em do. It's only a short while, Mr. Wilks, and the littlechildren'll be running about over your grave and picking daisies offof it. "

"Ho, will they?" said the irritated Mr. Wilks; "they'd better not let mecatch 'em at it, that's all. "

"He's always talking like that now, " said Mrs. Silk, not without acertain pride in her tones; "that's why I asked you in to cheer 'im up. "

"All your troubles'll be over then, " continued the warning voice, "and ina month or two even your name'll be forgotten. That's the way of theworld. Think 'ow soon the last five years of your life 'ave passed; thenext five'll pass ten times as fast even if you live as long, which ain'tlikely. "

"He talks like a clergyman, " said Mrs. Silk, in a stage whisper. 

Mr. Wilks nodded, and despite his hostess's protests rose to go. Heshook hands with her and, after a short but sharp inward struggle, shookhands with her son. It was late in the evening as he left, but thehouses had not yet been lit up. Dim figures sat in doorways or stoodabout the alley, and there was an air of peace and rest strangely anduncomfortably in keeping with the conversation to which he had just beenlistening. He looked in at his own door; the furniture seemed stifferthan usual and the tick of the clock more deliberate. He closed the dooragain and, taking a deep breath, set off towards the life and bustle ofthe Two Schooners. 

[Illustration: "He set off towards the life and bustle of the TwoSchooners. "]

CHAPTER X

Time failed to soften the captain's ideas concerning his son'sengagement, and all mention of the subject in the house was strictlyforbidden. Occasionally he was favoured with a glimpse of his son andMiss Kybird out together, a sight which imparted such a flavour to histemper and ordinary intercourse that Mrs. Kingdom, in unconsciousimitation of Mr. James Hardy, began to count the days which must elapsebefore her niece's return from London. His ill-temper even infected theother members of the household, and Mrs. Kingdom sat brooding in herbedroom all one afternoon, because Bella had called her an "overbearingdish-pot. "

The finishing touch to his patience was supplied by a littlemisunderstanding between Mr. Kybird and the police. For the second timein his career the shopkeeper appeared before the magistrates to explainthe circumstances in which he had purchased stolen property, and for thesecond time he left the court without a stain on his character, but witha significant magisterial caution not to appear there again. 

[Illustration: "For the second time he left the court without a stain onhis character. "]

Jack Nugent gave evidence in the case, and some of his replies weredeemed worthy of reproduction in the Sunwich Herald, a circumstance whichlost the proprietors a subscriber of many years' standing. 

One by one various schemes for preventing his son's projected alliancewere dismissed as impracticable. A cherished design of confining him inan asylum for the mentally afflicted until such time as he should haveregained his senses was spoilt by the refusal of Dr. Murchison to arrangefor the necessary certificate; a refusal which was like to have beenfraught with serious consequences to that gentleman's hopes of enteringthe captain's family. 

Brooding over his wrongs the captain, a day or two after his daughter'sreturn, strolled slowly down towards the harbour. It was afternoon, andthe short winter day was already drawing towards a close. The shippinglooked cold and desolate in the greyness, but a bustle of work prevailedon the Conqueror, which was nearly ready for sea again. The captain'sgaze wandered from his old craft to the small vessels dotted about theharbour and finally dwelt admiringly on the lines of the whaler Seabird, which had put in a few days before as the result of a slight collisionwith a fishing-boat. She was high out of the water and beautifullyrigged. A dog ran up and down her decks barking, and a couple of squatfigures leaned over the bulwarks gazing stolidly ashore. 

There was something about the vessel which took his fancy, and he stoodfor some time on the edge of the quay, looking at her. In a day or twoshe would sail for a voyage the length of which would depend upon hersuccess; a voyage which would for a long period keep all on board of herout of the mischief which so easily happens ashore. If only Jack----

He started and stared more intently than before. He was not animaginative man, but he had in his mind's eye a sudden vision of his onlyson waving farewells from the deck of the whaler as she emerged from theharbour into the open sea, while Amelia Kybird tore her yellow locksashore. It was a vision to cheer any self-respecting father's heart, andhe brought his mind back with some regret to the reality of the anchoredship. 

He walked home slowly. At the Kybirds' door the proprietor, smoking ashort clay pipe, eyed him with furtive glee as he passed. Farther alongthe road the Hardys, father and son, stepped briskly together. Altogether a trying walk, and calculated to make him more dissatisfiedthan ever with the present state of affairs. When his daughter shook herhead at him and accused him of going off on a solitary frolic his stockof patience gave out entirely. 

[Illustration: "The proprietor eyed him with furtive glee as he passed. "]

A thoughtful night led to a visit to Mr. Wilks the following evening. Itrequired a great deal of deliberation on his part before he could make uphis mind to the step, but he needed his old steward's assistance in alittle plan he had conceived for his son's benefit, and for the firsttime in his life he paid him the supreme honour of a call. 

The honour was so unexpected that Mr. Wilks, coming into the parlour inresponse to the tapping of the captain's stick on the floor, stood for ashort time eyeing him in dismay. Only two minutes before he had takenMr. James Hardy into the kitchen to point out the interior beauties ofan ancient clock, and the situation simply appalled him. The captaingreeted him almost politely and bade him sit down. Mr. Wilks smiledfaintly and caught his breath. 

"Sit down, " repeated the captain. 

"I've left something in the kitchen, sir, " said Mr. Wilks. "I'll be backin half a minute. "

The captain nodded. In the kitchen Mr. Wilks rapidly and incoherentlyexplained the situation to Mr. Hardy. 

"I'll sit here, " said the latter, drawing up a comfortable oak chair tothe stove. 

"You see, he don't know that we know each other, " explained theapologetic steward, "but I don't like leaving you in the kitchen. "

"I'm all right, " said Hardy; "don't you trouble about me. "

He waved him away, and Mr. Wilks, still pale, closed the door behind himand, rejoining the captain, sat down on the extreme edge of a chair andwaited. 

"I've come to see you on a little matter of business, " said his visitor. 

Mr. Wilks smiled; then, feeling that perhaps that was not quite the rightthing to do, looked serious again. 

"I came to see you about my--my son, " continued the captain. 

"Yes, sir, " said Mr. Wilks. "Master Jack, you mean?"

"I've only got one son, " said the other, unpleasantly, "unless you happento know of any more. "

Mr. Wilks almost fell off the edge of the chair in his haste to disclaimany such knowledge. His ideas were in a ferment, and the guiltyknowledge of what he had left in the kitchen added to his confusion. And just at that moment the door opened and Miss Nugent came briskly in. 

Her surprise at seeing her father ensconced in a chair by the fire led toa rapid volley of questions. The captain, in lieu of answering them, asked another. 

"What do you want here?"

"I have come to see Sam, " said Miss Nugent. "Fancy seeing you here! Howare you, Sam?"

"Pretty well, miss, thank'ee, " replied Mr. Wilks, "considering, " headded, truthfully, after a moment's reflection. 

Miss Nugent dropped into a chair and put her feet on the fender. Herfather eyed her restlessly. 

"I came here to speak to Sam about a private matter, " he said, abruptly. 

"Private matter, " said his daughter, looking round in surprise. "Whatabout?"

"A private matter, " repeated Captain Nugent. "Suppose you come in someother time. "

Kate Nugent sighed and took her feet from the fender. "I'll go and waitin the kitchen, " she said, crossing to the door. 

Both men protested. The captain because it ill-assorted with his dignityfor his daughter to sit in the kitchen, and Mr. Wilks because of thevisitor already there. The face of the steward, indeed, took on suchextraordinary expressions in his endeavour to convey private informationto the girl that she gazed at him in silent amazement. Then she turnedthe handle of the door and, passing through, closed it with a bang whichwas final. 

Mr. Wilks stood spellbound, but nothing happened. There was no cry ofsurprise; no hasty reappearance of an indignant Kate Nugent. Hisfeatures working nervously he resumed his seat and gazed dutifully at hissuperior officer. 

"I suppose you've heard that my son is going to get married?" said thelatter. 

"I couldn't help hearing of it, sir, " said the steward in self defence--"nobody could. "

"He's going to marry that yellow-headed Jezebel of Kybird's, " said thecaptain, staring at the fire. 

Mr. Wilks murmured that he couldn't understand anybody liking yellowhair, and, more than that, the general opinion of the ladies in FullaloveAlley was that it was dyed. 

"I'm going to ship him on the Seabird, " continued the captain. "She'llprobably be away for a year or two, and, in the meantime, this girl willprobably marry somebody else. Especially if she doesn't know what hasbecome of him. He can't get into mischief aboard ship. "

"No, sir, " said the wondering Mr. Wilks. "Is Master Jack agreeable togoing, sir?"

"That's nothing to do with it, " said the captain, sharply. 

"No, sir, " said Mr. Wilks, "o' course not. I was only a sort o'wondering how he was going to be persuaded to go if 'e ain't. "

"That's what I came here about, " said the other. "I want you to go andfix it up with Nathan Smith. "

"Do you want 'im to be _crimped, _ sir?" stammered Mr. Wilks. 

"I want him shipped aboard the _Seabird, _" returned the other, "andSmith's the man to do it. "

"It's a very hard thing to do in these days, sir, " said Mr. Wilks, shaking his head. "What with signing on aboard the day before the shipsails, and before the Board o' Trade officers, I'm sure it's a wonderthat anybody goes to sea at all. "

"You leave that to Smith, " said the captain, impatiently. "The Seabirdsails on Friday morning's tide. Tell Smith I'll arrange to meet my sonhere on Thursday night, and that he must have some liquor for us and afly waiting on the beach. "

Mr. Wilks wriggled: "But what about signing on, sir?" he inquired. 

"He won't sign on, " said the captain, "he'll be a stowaway. Smith mustget him smuggled aboard, and bribe the hands to let him lie hidden in thefo'c's'le. The Seabird won't put back to put him ashore. Here is fivepounds; give Smith two or three now, and the remainder when the job isdone. "

The steward took the money reluctantly and, plucking up his courage, looked his old master in the face. 

"It's a 'ard life afore the mast, sir, " he said, slowly. 

"Rubbish!" was the reply. "It'll make a man of him. Besides, what's itgot to do with you?"

"I don't care about the job, sir, " said Mr. Wilks, bravely. 

"What's that got to do with it?" demanded the other, frowning. "You goand fix it up with Nathan Smith as soon as possible. "

Mr. Wilks shuffled his feet and strove to remind himself that he was agentleman of independent means, and could please himself. 

"I've known 'im since he was a baby, " he murmured, defiantly. 

"I don't want to hear anything more from you, Wilks, " said the captain, in a hard voice. "Those are my orders, and you had better see that theyare carried out. My son will be one of the first to thank you later onfor getting him out of such a mess. "

Mr. Wilks's brow cleared somewhat. "I s'pose Miss Kate 'ud be pleasedtoo, " he remarked, hope-fully. 

"Of course she will, " said the captain. "Now I look to you, Wilks, tomanage this thing properly. I wouldn't trust anybody else, and you'venever disappointed me yet. "

The steward gasped and, doubting whether he had heard aright, lookedtowards his old master, but in vain, for the confirmation of furthercompliments. In all his long years of service he had never been praisedby him before. He leaned forward eagerly and began to discuss ways andmeans. 

In the next room conversation was also proceeding, but fitfully. MissNugent's consternation when she closed the door behind her and foundherself face to face with Mr. Hardy was difficult of concealment. Toolate she understood the facial contortions of Mr. Wilks, and, resigningherself to the inevitable, accepted the chair placed for her by thehighly pleased Jem, and sat regarding him calmly from the other side ofthe fender. 

[Illustration: "Miss Nugent's consternation was difficult ofconcealment. "]

"I am waiting here for my father, " she said, in explanation. 

"In deference to Wilks's terrors I am waiting here until he has gone, "said Hardy, with a half smile. 

There was a pause. "I hope that he will not be long, " said the girl. 

"Thank you, " returned Hardy, wilfully misunderstanding, "but I am in nohurry. "

He gazed at her with admiration. The cold air had heightened her colour, and the brightness of her eyes shamed the solitary candle which lit upthe array of burnished metal on the mantelpiece. 

"I hope you enjoyed your visit to London, " he said. 

Before replying Miss Nugent favoured him with a glance designed toexpress surprise at least at his knowledge of her movements. "Very much, thank you, " she said, at last. 

Mr. Hardy, still looking at her with much comfort to himself, felt aninsane desire to tell her how much she had been missed by one person atleast in Sunwich. Saved from this suicidal folly by the little commonsense which had survived the shock of her sudden appearance, he gave theinformation indirectly. 

"Quite a long stay, " he murmured; "three months and three days; no, threemonths and two days. "

A sudden wave of colour swept over the girl's face at the ingenuity ofthis mode of attack. She was used to attention and took compliments asher due, but the significant audacity of this one baffled her. She satwith downcast eyes looking at the fender occasionally glancing from thecorner of her eye to see whether he was preparing to renew the assault. He had certainly changed from the Jem Hardy of olden days. She had afaint idea that his taste had improved. 

"Wilks keeps his house in good order, " said Hardy, looking round. 

"Yes, " said the girl. 

"Wonder why he never married, " said Hardy, musingly; "for my part I can'tunderstand a man remaining single all his life; can you?"

"I never think of such things, " said Miss Nugent, coldly--anduntruthfully. 

"If it was only to have somebody to wait on him and keep his houseclean, " pursued Hardy, with malice. 

Miss Nugent grew restless, and the wrongs of her sex stirred within her. "You have very lofty ideas on the subject, " she said, scornfully, "but Ibelieve they are not uncommon. "

"Still, you have never thought about such things, you know, " he remindedher. 

"And no doubt you have devoted a great deal of time to the subject. "

Hardy admitted it frankly. "But only since I returned to Sunwich, " hesaid. 

"Caused by the spectacle of Sam's forlorn condition, I suppose, " saidMiss Nugent. 

"No, it wasn't that, " he replied. 

Miss Nugent, indignant at having been drawn into such a discussion, lapsed into silence. It was safer and far more dignified, but at thesame time she yearned for an opportunity of teaching this presumptuousyoung man a lesson. So far he had had it all his own way. A way strewnwith ambiguities which a modest maiden had to ignore despite herself. 

"Of course, Wilks may have had a disappointment, " said Hardy, with theair of one willing to make allowances. 

"I believe he had about fifty, " said the girl, carelessly. 

Hardy shook his head in strong disapproval. "No man should have morethan one, " he said, firmly; "a man of any strength of will wouldn't havethat. "

"Strength of will?" repeated the astonished Miss Nugent. 

Their eyes met; hers sparkling with indignation; his full of coldcalculation. If he had had any doubts before, he was quite sure now thathe had gone the right way to work to attract her attention; she wasalmost quivering with excitement. 

"Your ideas will probably change with age--and disappointment, " she said, sweetly. 

"I shall not be disappointed, " said Hardy, coolly. "I'll take care ofthat. "

Miss Nugent eyed him wistfully and racked her brains for an appropriateand crushing rejoinder. In all her experience--and it was considerableconsidering her years--she had never met with such carefully constructedaudacity, and she longed, with a great longing, to lure him into the openand destroy him. She was still considering ways and means of doing thiswhen the door opened and revealed the surprised and angry form of herfather and behind it the pallid countenance of Mr. Wilks. For a momentanger deprived the captain of utterance. 

"Who----" he stammered. "What----"

"What a long time you've been, father, " said Miss Nugent, in a reprovingvoice. "I began to be afraid you were never going. "

"You come home with me, " said the captain, recovering. 

The command was given in his most imperious manner, and his daughterdropped her muff in some resentment as she rose, in order to let him havethe pleasure of seeing Mr. Hardy pick it up. It rolled, however, in hisdirection, and he stooped for it just as Hardy darted forward. Theirheads met with a crash, and Miss Nugent forgot her own consternation inthe joy of beholding the pitiable exhibition which terror made of Mr. Wilks. 

"I'm very sorry, " said Hardy, as he reverently dusted the muff on hiscoat-sleeve before returning it. "I'm afraid it was my fault. "

"It was, " said the infuriated captain, as he held the door open for hisdaughter. "Now, Kate. "

Miss Nugent passed through, followed by her father, and escorted to thefront door by the steward, whose faint "Good-night" was utterly ignoredby his injured commander. He stood at the door until they had turned thecorner, and, returning to the kitchen, found his remaining guest holdinghis aching head beneath the tap. 

[Illustration: "He found his remaining guest holding his aching headbeneath the tap. "]

"And now, " said the captain, sternly, to his daughter, "how dare you sitand talk to that young cub? Eh? How dare you?"

"He was there when I went in, " said his daughter. "Why didn't you comeout, then?" demanded her father. 

"I was afraid of disturbing you and Sam, " said Miss Nugent. "Besides, why shouldn't I speak to him?"

"Why?" shouted the captain. "Why? Because I won't have it. "

"I thought you liked him, " said Miss Nugent, in affected surprise. "Youpatted him on the head. "

The captain, hardly able to believe his ears, came to an impressive stopin the roadway, but Miss Nugent walked on. She felt instinctively thatthe joke was thrown away on him, and, in the absence of any otheraudience, wanted to enjoy it without interruption. Convulsive andhalf-suppressed sounds, which she ascribed to a slight cold caught whilewaiting in the kitchen, escaped her at intervals for the remainder of thejourney home. 

CHAPTER XI

Jack Nugent's first idea on seeing a letter from his father asking him tomeet him at Samson Wilks's was to send as impolite a refusal as a strongsense of undutifulness and a not inapt pen could arrange, but the unitedremonstrances of the Kybird family made him waver. 

"You go, " said Mr. Kybird, solemnly; "take the advice of a man wot's seenlife, and go. Who knows but wot he's a thinking of doing something foryou?"

"Startin' of you in business or somethin', " said Mrs. Kybird. "But if 'etries to break it off between you and 'Melia I hope you know what tosay. "

"He won't do that, " said her husband. 

"If he wants to see me, " said Mr. Nugent, "let him come here. "

"I wouldn't 'ave 'im in my house, " retorted Mr. Kybird, quickly. "AnEnglishman's 'ouse is his castle, and I won't 'ave him in mine. "

"Why not, Dan'l, " asked his wife, "if the two families is to beconnected?"

Mr. Kybird shook his head, and, catching her eye, winked at her with muchsignificance. 

"'Ave it your own way, " said Mrs. Kybird, who was always inclined to makeconcessions in minor matters. "'Ave it your own way, but don't blame me, that's all I ask. "

Urged on by his friends Mr. Nugent at last consented, and, in a reply tohis father, agreed to meet him at the house of Mr. Wilks on Thursdayevening. He was not free him-self from a slight curiosity as to thereasons which had made the captain unbend in so unusual a fashion. 

Mr. Nathan Smith put in an appearance at six o'clock on the fatalevening. He was a short, slight man, with a clean-shaven face mapped withtiny wrinkles, and a pair of colourless eyes the blankness of whoseexpression defied research. In conversation, especially conversation ofa diplomatic nature, Mr. Smith seemed to be looking through his opponentat something beyond, an uncomfortable habit which was a source of muchdiscomfort to his victims. 

"Here we are, then, Mr. Wilks, " he said, putting his head in the door andsmiling at the agitated steward. 

"Come in, " said Mr. Wilks, shortly. 

Mr. Smith obliged. "Nice night outside, " he said, taking a chair; "clearover'ead. Wot a morning it 'ud be for a sail if we was only youngenough. Is that terbacker in that canister there?"

The other pushed it towards him. 

"If I was only young enough--and silly enough, " said the boarding-housemaster, producing a pipe with an unusually large bowl and slowly fillingit, "there's nothing I should enjoy more than a three years' cruise. Nothing to do and everything of the best. "

"'Ave you made all the arrangements?" inquired Mr. Wilks, in a tone ofcold superiority. 

Mr. Smith glanced affectionately at a fish-bag of bulky appearance whichstood on the floor between his feet. "All ready, " he said, cheerfully, "an' if you'd like a v'y'ge yourself I can manage it for you in two twos. You've on'y got to say the word. "

"I don't want one, " said the steward, fiercely; "don't you try none o'your larks on me, Nathan Smith, cos I won't have it. "

[Illustration: "Mr. Nathan Smith. "]

"Lord love your 'art, " said the boarding-master, "I wouldn't 'urt you. I'm on'y acting under your orders now; yours and the captin's. It ain'tin my reg'lar way o' business at all, but I'm so good-natured I can't say'no. '"

"Can't say 'no' to five pounds, you mean, " retorted Mr. Wilks, who by nomeans relished these remarks. 

"If I was getting as much out of it as you are I'd be a 'appy man, "sighed Mr. Smith. 

"Me!" cried the other; "do you think I'd take money for this--why, I'dsooner starve, I'd sooner. Wot are you a-tapping your nose for?"

"Was I tapping it?" demanded Mr. Smith, in surprise. "Well, I didn'tknow it. I'm glad you told me. "

"You're quite welcome, " said the steward, sharply. "Crimping ain't in myline; I'd sooner sweep the roads. "

"'Ear, 'ear, " exclaimed Mr. Smith, approvingly. "Ah! wot a thing it isto come acrost an honest man. Wot a good thing it is for the eyesight. "

He stared stonily somewhere in the direction of Mr. Wilks, and thenblinking rapidly shielded his eyes with his hand as though overcome bythe sight of so much goodness. The steward's wrath rose at theperformance, and he glowered back at him until his eyes watered. 

"Twenty past six, " said Mr. Smith, suddenly, as he fumbled in hiswaistcoat-pocket and drew out a small folded paper. "It's time I made astart. I s'pose you've got some salt in the house?"

"Plenty, " said Mr. Wilks. 

"And beer?" inquired the other. 

"Yes, there is some beer, " said the steward. 

"Bring me a quart of it, " said the boarding-master, slowly andimpressively. "I want it drawed in a china mug, with a nice foaming 'eadon it. "

"Wot do you want it for?" inquired Mr. Wilks, eyeing him very closely. 

"Bisness purposes, " said Mr. Smith. "If you're very good you shall see'ow I do it. "

Still the steward made no move. "I thought you brought the stuff withyou, " he remarked. 

Mr. Smith looked at him with mild reproach. "Are you managing thisaffair or am I?" he inquired. 

The steward went out reluctantly, and drawing a quart mug of beer set itdown on the table and stood watching his visitor. 

"And now I want a spoonful o' sugar, a spoonful o' salt, and a spoonfulo' vinegar, " said Mr. Smith. "Make haste afore the 'ead goes off of it. "

Mr. Wilks withdrew grumbling, and came back in a wonderfully short spaceof time considering, with the articles required. 

"Thankee, " said the other; "you 'ave been quick. I wish I could move asquick as you do. But you can take 'em back now, I find I can do without'em. "

"Where's the beer?" demanded the incensed Mr. Wilks; "where's the beer, you underhanded swab?"

"I altered my mind, " said Mr. Smith, "and not liking waste, and seeing byyour manner that you've 'ad more than enough already to-night, I drunkit. There isn't another man in Sunwich I could ha' played that trick on, no, nor a boy neither. "

Mr. Wilks was about to speak, but, thinking better of it, threw the threespoons in the kitchen, and resuming his seat by the fire sat with hisback half turned to his visitor. 

"Bright, cheerful young chap, 'e is, " said Mr. Smith; "you've knowed 'imever since he was a baby, haven't you?"

Mr. Wilks made no reply. 

"The Conqueror's sailing to-morrow morning, too, " continued histormentor; "his father's old ship. 'Ow strange it'll seem to 'imfollowing it out aboard a whaler. Life is full o' surprises, Mr. Wilks, and wot a big surprise it would be to you if you could 'ear wot he saysabout you when he comes to 'is senses. "

"I'm obeying orders, " growled the other. 

"Quite right, " said Mr. Smith, approvingly, as he drew a bottle of whiskyfrom his bag and placed it on the table. "Two glasses and there we are. We don't want any salt and vinegar this time. "

Mr. Wilks turned a deaf ear. "But 'ow are you going to manage so as tomake one silly and not the other?" he inquired. 

"It's a trade secret, " said the other; "but I don't mind telling you Isent the cap'n something to take afore he comes, and I shall be in yourkitchen looking arter things. "

"I s'pose you know wot you're about?" said Mr. Wilks, doubtfully. 

"I s'pose so, " rejoined the other. "Young Nu-gent trusts you, and, ofcourse, he'll take anything from your 'ouse. That's the beauty of 'avinga character, Mr. Wilks; a good character and a face like a baby with greywhiskers. "

Mr. Wilks bent down and, taking up a small brush, carefully tidied up thehearth. 

"Like as not, if my part in it gets to be known, " pursued Mr. Smith, mournfully, "I'll 'ave that gal of Kybird's scratching my eyes out orp'r'aps sticking a hat-pin into me. I had that once; the longest hat-pinthat ever was made, I should think. "

He shook his head over the perils of his calling, and then, after anotherglance at the clock, withdrew to the kitchen with his bag, leaving Mr. Wilks waiting in a state of intense nervousness for the arrival of theothers. 

Captain Nugent was the first to put in an appearance, and by way ofsetting a good example poured a little of the whisky in his glass and satthere waiting. Then Jack Nugent came in, fresh and glowing, and Mr. Wilks, after standing about helplessly for a few moments, obeyed thecaptain's significant nod and joined Mr. Smith in the kitchen. 

"You'd better go for a walk, " said that gentle-man, regarding him kindly;"that's wot the cap'n thought. "

Mr. Wilks acquiesced eagerly, and tapping at the door passed through theroom again into the street. A glance as he went through showed him thatJack Nugent was drinking, and he set off in a panic to get away from thescene which he had contrived. 

He slackened after a time and began to pace the streets at a rate whichwas less noticeable. As he passed the Kybirds' he shivered, and it wasnot until he had consumed a pint or two of the strongest brew procurableat the _Two Schooners_ that he began to regain some of his oldself-esteem. He felt almost maudlin at the sacrifice of character he wasenduring for the sake of his old master, and the fact that he could notnarrate it to sympathetic friends was not the least of his troubles. 

[Illustration: "It was not until he had consumed a pint or two of thestrongest brew that he began to regain some of his old self-esteem. "]

The shops had closed by the time he got into the street again, and hewalked down and watched with much solemnity the reflection of the quaylamps in the dark water of the harbour. The air was keen and the variouscraft distinct in the starlight. Perfect quiet reigned aboard theSeabird, and after a vain attempt to screw up his courage to see thevictim taken aboard he gave it up and walked back along the beach. 

By the time he turned his steps homewards it was nearly eleven o'clock. Fullalove Alley was quiet, and after listening for some time at hiswindow he turned the handle of the door and passed in. The nearly emptybottle stood on the table, and an over-turned tumbler accounted for alarge, dark patch on the table-cloth. As he entered the room the kitchendoor opened and Mr. Nathan Smith, with a broad smile on his face, steppedbriskly in. 

"All over, " he said, rubbing his hands; "he went off like a lamb, notrouble nor fighting. He was a example to all of us. "

"Did the cap'n see 'im aboard?" inquired Mr. Wilks. 

"Certainly not, " said the other. "As a matter o' fact the cap'n took alittle more than I told 'im to take, and I 'ad to help 'im up to yourbed. Accidents will 'appen, but he'll be all right in the morning ifnobody goes near 'im. Leave 'im perfectly quiet, and when 'e comesdownstairs give 'im a strong cup o' tea. "

"In my bed?" repeated the staring Mr. Wilks. 

"He's as right as rain, " said the boarding master. "I brought down apillow and blankets for you and put 'em in the kitchen. And now I'lltake the other two pound ten and be getting off 'ome. It ought to be tenpounds really with the trouble I've 'ad. "

Mr. Wilks laid the desired amount on the table, and Mr. Nathan Smithplacing it in his pocket rose to go. 

"Don't disturb 'im till he's 'ad 'is sleep out, mind, " he said, pausingat the door, "else I can't answer for the consequences. If 'e should getup in the night and come down raving mad, try and soothe 'im. Good-nightand pleasant dreams. "

He closed the door after him quietly, and the horrified steward, afterfetching the bed-clothes on tiptoe from the kitchen, locked the doorwhich led to the staircase, and after making up a bed on the floor laydown in his clothes and tried to get to sleep. 

He dozed off at last, but woke up several times during the night with thecold. The lamp burnt itself out, and in the dark he listened intentlyfor any sounds of life in the room above. Then he fell asleep again, until at about half-past seven in the morning a loud crash overhead awokehim with a start. 

In a moment he was sitting up with every faculty on the alert. Footstepsblundered about in the room above, and a large and rapidly widening patchof damp showed on the ceiling. It was evident that the sleeper, in hishaste to quench an abnormal thirst, had broken the water jug. 

Mr. Wilks, shivering with dread, sprang to his feet and stood irresolute. Judging by the noise, the captain was evidently in a fine temper, and Mr. Smith's remarks about insanity occurred to him with redoubled interest. Then he heard a hoarse shout, the latch of the bedroom door clicked, andthe prisoner stumbled heavily downstairs and began to fumble at thehandle of the door at the bottom. Trembling with excitement Mr. Wilksdashed forward and turned the key, and then retreating to the street doorprepared for instant flight. 

He opened the door so suddenly that the man on the other side, with asudden cry, fell on all fours into the room, and raising his face staredstupidly at the steward. Mr. Wilks's hands dropped to his sides and histongue refused its office, for in some strange fashion, quite in keepingwith the lawless proceedings of the previous night, Captain Nugent hadchanged into a most excellent likeness of his own son. 

[Illustration: "The man on the other side fell on all fours into theroom. "]

CHAPTER XII

For some time Mr. Wilks stood gazing at this unexpected apparition andtrying to collect his scattered senses. Its face was pale and flabby, while its glassy eyes, set in rims of red eyelids, were beginning toexpress unmistakable signs of suspicion and wrath. The shock was sosudden that the steward could not even think coherently. Was the captainupstairs? And if so, what was his condition? Where was Nathan Smith?And where was the five pounds?

A voice, a husky and discordant voice, broke in upon his meditations;Jack Nugent was also curious. 

"What does all this mean?" he demanded, angrily. "How did I get here?"

"You--you came downstairs, " stammered Mr. Wilks, still racking his brainsin the vain effort to discover how matters stood. 

Mr. Nugent was about to speak, but, thinking better of it, turned andblundered into the kitchen. Sounds of splashing and puffing ensued, andthe steward going to the door saw him with his head under the tap. Hefollowed him in and at the right time handed him a towel. Despite thedisordered appearance of his hair the improvement in Mr. Nugent'scondition was so manifest that the steward, hoping for similar results, turned the tap on again and followed his example. 

"Your head wants cooling, I should think, " said the young man, returninghim the towel. "What's it all about?"

Mr. Wilks hesitated; a bright thought occurred to him, and murmuringsomething about a dry towel he sped up the narrow stairs to his bedroom. The captain was not there. He pushed open the small lattice window andpeered out into the alley; no sign of either the captain or the ingeniousMr. Nathan Smith. With a heavy heart he descended the stairs again. 

[Illustration: "He pushed open the small lattice window and peered outinto the alley. "]

"Now, " said Mr. Nugent, who was sitting down with his hands in hispockets, "perhaps you'll be good enough to explain what all this means. "

"You were 'ere last night, " said Mr. Wilks, "you and the cap'n. "

"I know that, " said Nugent. "How is it I didn't go home? I didn'tunderstand that it was an all-night invitation. Where is my father?"

The steward shook his head helplessly. "He was 'ere when I went outlast night, " he said, slowly. "When I came back the room was empty and Iwas told as 'e was upstairs in my bed. "

"Told he was in your bed?" repeated the other. "Who told you?"

He pushed open the small lattice window and peered out into the alley. 

Mr. Wilks caught his breath. "I mean I told myself 'e was in my bed, " hestammered, "because when I came in I see these bed-clothes on the floor, an' I thought as the cap'n 'ad put them there for me and taken my bed'imself. "

Mr. Nugent regarded the litter of bed-clothes as though hoping that theywould throw a little light on the affair, and then shot a puzzled glanceat Mr. Wilks. 

"Why should you think my father wanted your bed?" he inquired. 

"I don't know, " was the reply. "I thought p'r'aps 'e'd maybe taken alittle more than 'e ought to have taken. But it's all a myst'ry to me. I'm more astonished than wot you are. "

"Well, I can't make head or tail of it, " said Nugent, rising and pacingthe room. "I came here to meet my father. So far as I remember I hadone drink of whisky--your whisky--and then I woke up in your bedroom witha splitting headache and a tongue like a piece of leather. Can youaccount for it?"

Mr. Wilks shook his head again. "I wasn't here, " he said, plucking upcourage. "Why not go an' see your father? Seems to me 'e is the onethat would know most about it. "

Mr. Nugent stood for a minute considering, and then raising the latch ofthe door opened it slowly and inhaled the cold morning air. A subtle anddelicate aroma of coffee and herrings which had escaped from neighbouringbreakfast-tables invaded the room and reminded him of an appetite. Heturned to go, but had barely quitted the step before he saw Mrs. Kingdomand his sister enter the alley. 

Mr. Wilks saw them too, and, turning if anything a shade paler, supportedhimself by the door-pest. Kate Nugent quickened her pace as she sawthem, and, after a surprised greeting to her brother, breathlesslyinformed him that the captain was missing. 

"Hasn't been home all night, " panted Mrs. Kingdom, joining them. "Idon't know what to think. "

They formed an excited little group round the steward's door, and Mr. Wilks, with an instinctive feeling that the matter was one to bediscussed in private, led the way indoors. He began to apologize for thedisordered condition of the room, but Jack Nugent, interrupting himbrusquely, began to relate his own adventures of the past few hours. 

Mrs. Kingdom listened to the narrative with unexpected calmness. Sheknew the cause of her nephew's discomfiture. It was the glass of whiskyacting on a system unaccustomed to alcohol, and she gave a vivid andmoving account of the effects of a stiff glass of hot rum which she hadonce taken for a cold. It was quite clear to her that the captain hadput his son to bed; the thing to discover now was where he had puthimself. 

"Sam knows something about it, " said her nephew, darkly; "there'ssomething wrong. "

"I know no more than a babe unborn, " declared Mr. Wilks. "The last I seeof the cap'n 'e was a-sitting at this table opposite you. "

"Sam wouldn't hurt a fly, " said Miss Nugent, with a kind glance at herfavourite. 

"Well, where is the governor, then?" inquired her brother. "Why didn'the go home last night? He has never stayed out before. "

"Yes, he has, " said Mrs. Kingdom, folding her hands in her lap. "Whenyou were children. He came home at half-past eleven next morning, andwhen I asked him where he'd been he nearly bit my head off. I'd beenwalking the floor all night, and I shall never forget his remarks when heopened the door to the police, who'd come to say they couldn't find him. Never. "

A ghostly grin flitted across the features of Mr. Wilks, but he passedthe back of his hand across his mouth and became serious again as hethought of his position. He was almost dancing with anxiety to get awayto Mr. Nathan Smith and ask for an explanation of the proceedings of thenight before. 

"I'll go and have a look round for the cap'n, " he said, eagerly; "hecan't be far. "

"I'll come with you, " said Nugent. "I should like to see him too. Thereare one or two little things that want explaining. You take aunt home, Kate, and I'll follow on as soon as there is any news. "

As he spoke the door opened a little way and a head appeared, only to beinstantly withdrawn at the sight of so many people. Mr. Wilks steppedforward hastily, and throwing the door wide open revealed the interestingfeatures of Mr. Nathan Smith. 

"How do you do, Mr. Wilks?" said that gentleman, softly. "I just walkedround to see whether you was in. I've got a message for you. I didn'tknow you'd got company. "

He stepped into the room and, tapping the steward on the chest with aconfidential finger, backed him into a corner, and having got him theregave an expressive wink with one eye and gazed into space with the other. 

[Illustration: "Tapping the steward on the chest with a confidentialfinger, he backed him into a corner. "]

"I thought you'd be alone, " he said, looking round, "but p'r'aps it'sjust as well as it is. They've got to know, so they may as well know nowas later on. "

"Know what?" inquired Jack Nugent, abruptly. "What are you making thatface for, Sam?"

Mr. Wilks mumbled something about a decayed tooth, and to give colour tothe statement continued a series of contortions which made his face ache. 

"You should take something for that tooth, " said the boarding-master, with great solicitude. "Wot do you say to a glass o' whisky?"

He motioned to the fatal bottle, which still stood on the table; thesteward caught his breath, and then, rising to the occasion, said that hehad already had a couple of glasses, and they had done no good. 

"What's your message?" inquired Jack Nugent, impatiently. 

"I'm just going to tell you, " said Mr. Smith. "I was out early thismorning, strolling down by the harbour to get a little appetite forbreakfast, when who should I see coming along, looking as though 'e 'adjust come from a funeral, but Cap'n Nugent! I was going to pass 'im, buthe stopped me and asked me to take a message from 'im to 'is old andfaithful steward, Mr. Wilks. "

"Why, has he gone away?" exclaimed Mrs. Kingdom. 

"His old and faithful steward, " repeated Mr. Smith, motioning her tosilence. "'Tell 'im, ' he says, 'that I am heartily ashamed of myself forwot took place last night--and him, too. Tell 'im that, after myfather's 'art proved too much for me, I walked the streets all night, andnow I can't face may injured son and family yet awhile, and I'm off toLondon till it has blown over. '"

"But what's it all about?" demanded Nugent. "Why don't you get to thepoint?"

"So far as I could make out, " replied Mr. Smith, with the studious careof one who desires to give exact information, "Cap'n Nugent and Mr. Wilks'ad a little plan for giving you a sea blow. "

"Me?" interrupted the unfortunate steward. "Now, look 'ere, NathanSmith----"

"Them was the cap'n's words, " said the boarding-master, giving him aglance of great significance; "are you going to take away or add to wotthe cap'n says?"

Mr. Wilks collapsed, and avoiding the indignant eyes of the Nugent familytried to think out his position. 

"It seems from wot the cap'n told me, " continued Mr. Smith, "that therewas some objection to your marrying old--Mr. Kybird's gal, so 'e and Mr. Wilks, after putting their 'eads together, decided to get you 'ere andafter giving you a little whisky that Mr. Wilks knows the trick of--"

"Me?" interrupted the unfortunate steward, again. 

"Them was the cap'n's words, " said Mr. Smith, coldly. "After you'd 'adit they was going to stow you away in the Seabird, which sailed thismorning. However, when the cap'n see you overcome, his 'art melted, andinstead o' putting you aboard the whaler he took your feet and Mr. Wilksyour 'ead, and after a great deal o' trouble got you upstairs and put youto bed. "

"You miserable scoundrel, " said the astonished Mr. Nugent, addressing theshrinking steward; "you infernal old reprobate--you--you--I didn't thinkyou'd got it in you. "

"So far as I could make out, " said Mr. Smith, kindly, "Mr. Wilks was onlyobeying orders. It was the cap'n's plan, and Mr. Wilks was aboard shipwith 'im for a very long time. O' course, he oughtn't to ha' done it, but the cap'n's a masterful man, an' I can quite understand Mr. Wilksgivin' way; I dessay I should myself if I'd been in 'is place--he's all'art, is Mr. Wilks--no 'ead. "

"It's a good job for you you're an old man, Sam, " said Mr. Nugent. 

"I can hardly believe it of you, Sam, " said Miss Nugent. "I can hardlythink you could have been so deceitful. Why, we've trusted you all ourlives. "

The unfortunate steward quailed beneath the severity of her glance. Evenif he gave a full account of the affair it would not make his positionbetter. It was he who had made all the arrangements with Mr. Smith, andafter an indignant glance at that gentleman he lowered his gaze andremained silent. 

"It is rather odd that my father should take you into his confidence, "said Miss Nugent, turning to the boarding-master. 

"Just wot I thought, miss, " said the complaisant Mr. Smith; "but I s'posethere was nobody else, and he wanted 'is message to go for fear youshould get worrying the police about 'im or something. He wants it kep'quiet, and 'is last words to me as 'e left me was, 'If this affair getsknown I shall never come back. Tell 'em to keep it quiet. '"

"I don't think anybody will want to go bragging about it, " said JackNugent, rising, "unless it is Sam Wilks. Come along, Kate. "

Miss Nugent followed him obediently, only pausing at the door to give alast glance of mingled surprise and reproach at Mr. Wilks. Then theywere outside and the door closed behind them. 

"Well, that's all right, " said Mr. Smith, easily. 

"All right!" vociferated the steward. "Wot did you put it all on to mefor? Why didn't you tell 'em your part in it?"

"Wouldn't ha' done any good, " said Mr. Smith; "wouldn't ha' done you anygood. Besides, I did just wot the cap'n told me. "

"When's he coming back?" inquired the steward. 

Mr. Smith shook his head. "Couldn't say, " he returned. "He couldn't say'imself. Between you an' me, I expect 'e's gone up to have a reg'larfair spree. "

"Why did you tell me last night he was up-stairs?" inquired the other. 

"Cap'n's orders, " repeated Mr. Smith, with relish. "Ask 'im, not me. Asa matter o' fact, he spent the night at my place and went off thismorning. "

"An' wot about the five pounds?" inquired Mr. Wilks, spitefully. "Youain't earned it. "

"I know I ain't, " said Mr. Smith, mournfully. "That's wot's worrying me. It's like a gnawing pain in my side. D'you think it's conscience bitingof me? I never felt it before. Or d'ye think it's sorrow to think thatI've done the whole job too cheap You think it out and let me know lateron. So long. "

He waved his hand cheerily to the steward and departed. Mr. Wilks threwhimself into a chair and, ignoring the cold and the general air ofdesolation of his best room, gave way to a fit of melancholy which wouldhave made Mr. Edward Silk green with envy. 

CHAPTER XIII

Days passed, but no word came from the missing captain, and only thedetermined opposition of Kate Nugent kept her aunt from advertising inthe "Agony" columns of the London Press. Miss Nugent was quite asdesirous of secrecy in the affair as her father, and it was a source ofgreat annoyance to her when, in some mysterious manner, it leaked out. In a very short time the news was common property, and Mr. Wilks, appearing to his neighbours in an entirely new character, was besiegedfor information. 

His own friends were the most tiresome, their open admiration of hislawlessness and their readiness to trace other mysterious disappearancesto his agency being particularly galling to a man whose respectabilityformed his most cherished possession. Other people regarded the affairas a joke, and he sat gazing round-eyed one evening at the Two Schoonersat the insensible figures of three men who had each had a modesthalf-pint at his expense. It was a pretty conceit and well played, butthe steward, owing to the frenzied efforts of one of the sleeper whom hehad awakened with a quart pot, did not stay to admire it. He finishedup the evening at the Chequers, and after getting wet through on the wayhome fell asleep in his wet clothes before the dying fire. 

[Illustration: "He finished up the evening at the Chequers. "]

He awoke with a bad cold and pains in the limbs. A headache was notunexpected, but the other symptoms were. With trembling hands he managedto light a fire and prepare a breakfast, which he left untouched. Thislast symptom was the most alarming of all, and going to the door hebribed a small boy with a penny to go for Dr. Murchison, and sat coweringover the fire until he came. 

"Well, you've got a bad cold, " said the doctor, after examining him. "You'd better get to bed for the present. You'll be safe there. "

"Is it dangerous?" faltered the steward. 

"And keep yourself warm, " said the doctor, who was not in the habit oftaking his patients into his confidence. "I'll send round somemedicine. "

"I should like Miss Nugent to know I'm bad, " said Mr. Wilks, in a weakvoice. 

"She knows that, " replied Murchison. "She was telling me about you theother day. "

He put his hand up to his neat black moustache to hide a smile, and metthe steward's indignant gaze without flinching. 

"I mean ill, " said the latter, sharply. 

"Oh, yes, " said the other. "Well, you get to bed now. Good morning. "

He took up his hat and stick and departed. Mr. Wilks sat for a littlewhile over the fire, and then, rising, hobbled slowly upstairs to bed andforgot his troubles in sleep. 

He slept until the afternoon, and then, raising himself in bed, listenedto the sounds of stealthy sweeping in the room below. Chairs were beingmoved about, and the tinkle of ornaments on the mantelpiece announcedthat dusting operations were in progress. He lay down again with asatisfied smile; it was like a tale in a story-book: the faithful oldservant and his master's daughter. He closed his eyes as he heard hercoming upstairs. 

"Ah, pore dear, " said a voice. 

Mr. Wilks opened his eyes sharply and beheld the meagre figure of Mrs. Silk. In one hand she held a medicine-bottle and a glass and in theother paper and firewood. 

[Illustration: "The meagre figure of Mrs. Silk. "]

"I only 'eard of it half an hour ago, " she said, reproachfully. "I sawthe doctor's boy, and I left my work and came over at once. Why didn'tyou let me know?"

Mr. Wilks muttered that he didn't know, and lay crossly regarding hisattentive neighbour as she knelt down and daintily lit the fire. Thistask finished, she proceeded to make the room tidy, and then set aboutmaking beef-tea in a little saucepan. 

"You lay still and get well, " she remarked, with tender playfulness. "That's all you've got to do. Me and Teddy'll look after you. "

"I couldn't think of troubling you, " said the steward, earnestly. 

"It's no trouble, " was the reply. "You don't think I'd leave you herealone helpless, do you?"

"I was going to send for old Mrs. Jackson if I didn't get well to-day, "said Mr. Wilks. 

Mrs. Silk shook her head at him, and, after punching up his pillow, tookan easy chair by the fire and sat there musing. Mr. Edward Silk came into tea, and, after remarking that Mr. Wilks was very flushed and had gota nasty look about the eyes and a cough which he didn't like, fell todiscoursing on death-beds. 

"Good nursing is the principal thing, " said his mother. "I nursed mypore dear 'usband all through his last illness. He couldn't bear me tobe out of the room. I nursed my mother right up to the last, and yourpore Aunt Jane went off in my arms. "

Mr. Wilks raised himself on his elbow and his eyes shone feverishly inthe lamplight. "I think I'll get a 'ospital nurse to-morrow, " he said, decidedly. 

"Nonsense, " said Mrs. Silk. "It's no trouble to me at all. I likenursing; always did. "

Mr. Wilks lay back again and, closing his eyes, determined to ask thedoctor to provide a duly qualified nurse on the morrow. To hisdisappointment, however, the doctor failed to come, and although he feltmuch better Mrs. Silk sternly negatived a desire on his part to get up. 

"Not till the doctor's been, " she said, firmly. "I couldn't think ofit. "

"I don't believe there's anything the matter with me now, " he declared. 

"'Ow odd--'ow very odd that you should say that!" said Mrs. Silk, clasping her hands. 

"Odd!" repeated the steward, somewhat crustily. "How do you mean--odd?"

"They was the very last words my Uncle Benjamin ever uttered in thislife, " said Mrs. Silk, with dramatic impressiveness. 

The steward was silent, then, with the ominous precedent of UncleBenjamin before him, he began to talk until scores of words stood betweenhimself and a similar ending. 

"Teddy asked to be remembered to you as 'e went off this morning, " saidMrs. Silk, pausing in her labours at the grate. 

"I'm much obliged, " muttered the invalid. 

"He didn't 'ave time to come in, " pursued the widow. "You can 'ardlybelieve what a lot 'e thinks of you, Mr. Wilks. The last words he saidto me was, 'Let me know at once if there's any change. '"

Mr. Wilks distinctly felt a cold, clammy sensation down his spine andlittle quivering thrills ran up and down his legs. He glared indignantlyat the back of the industrious Mrs. Silk. 

"Teddy's very fond of you, " continued the unconscious woman. "I s'poseit's not 'aving a father, but he seems to me to think more of you thanany-body else in the wide, wide world. I get quite jealous sometimes. Only the other day I said to 'im, joking like, 'Well, you'd better go andlive with 'im if you're so fond of 'im, ' I said. "

"Ha, ha!" laughed Mr. Wilks, uneasily. 

"You'll never guess what 'e said then, " said Mrs. Silk dropping herdustpan and brush and gazing at the hearth. 

"Said 'e couldn't leave you, I s'pose, " guessed the steward, gruffly. 

"Well, now, " exclaimed Mrs. Silk, clapping her hands, "if you 'aven'tnearly guessed it. Well, there! I never did! I wouldn't 'ave told youfor anything if you 'adn't said that. The exact words what 'e did saywas, 'Not without you, mother. '"

Mr. Wilks closed his eyes with a snap and his heart turned to water. Heheld his breath and ran-sacked his brain in vain for a reply which shouldignore the inner meaning of the fatal words. Something careless andjocular he wanted, combined with a voice which should be perfectly undercontrol. Failing these things, he kept his eyes closed, and, verywide-awake indeed, feigned sleep. He slept straight away from eleveno'clock in the morning until Edward Silk came in at seven o'clock in theevening. 

"I feel like a new man, " he said, rubbing his eyes and yawning. 

"I don't see no change in your appearance, " said the comforting youth. 

"'E's much better, " declared his mother. "That's what comes o' goodnursing; some nurses would 'ave woke 'im up to take food, but I just let'im sleep on. People don't feel hunger while they're asleep. "

She busied herself over the preparation of a basin of arrowroot, and thesteward, despite his distaste for this dish, devoured it in a twinkling. Beef-tea and a glass of milk in addition failed to take more than theedge off his appetite. 

"We shall pull 'im through, " said Mrs. Silk, smiling, as she put down theempty glass. "In a fortnight he'll be on 'is feet. "

It is a matter of history that Mr. Wilks was on his feet at five o'clockthe next morning, and not only on his feet but dressed and ready for ajourney after such a breakfast as he had not made for many a day. Thediscourtesy involved in the disregard of the doctor's instructions didnot trouble him, and he smirked with some satisfaction as he noiselesslyclosed his door behind him and looked at the drawn blinds opposite. Thestars were paling as he quitted the alley and made his way to the railwaystation. A note on his tumbled pillow, after thanking Mrs. Silk for hercare of him, informed her that he was quite well and had gone to Londonin search of the missing captain. 

Hardy, who had heard from Edward Silk of the steward's indisposition andhad been intending to pay him a visit, learnt of his departure later onin the morning, and, being ignorant of the particulars, discoursedsomewhat eloquently to his partner on the old man's devotion. 

"H'm, may be, " said Swann, taking off his glasses and looking at him. "But you don't think Captain Nugent is in London, do you?"

"Why not?" inquired Hardy, somewhat startled. "If what Wilks told you istrue, Nathan Smith knows, " said the other. "I'll ask him. "

"You don't expect to get the truth out of him, do you?" inquired Hardy, superciliously. 

"I do, " said his partner, serenely; "and when I've got it I shall go andtell them at Equator Lodge. It will be doing those two poor ladies aservice to let them know what has really happened to the captain. "

"I'll walk round to Nathan Smith's with you, " said Hardy. "I should liketo hear what the fellow has to say. "

"No, I'll go alone, " said his partner; "Smith's a very shy man--painfullyshy. I've run across him once or twice before. He's almost as bashfuland retiring as you are. "

Hardy grunted. "If the captain isn't in London, where is he?" heinquired. 

The other shook his head. "I've got an idea, " he replied, "but I want tomake sure. Kybird and Smith are old friends, as Nugent might have known, only he was always too high and mighty to take any interest in hisinferiors. There's something for you to go on. "

He bent over his desk again and worked steadily until one o'clock--hishour for lunching. Then he put on his hat and coat, and after acomfortable meal sallied out in search of Mr. Smith. 

[Illustration: "In search of Mr. Smith. "]

The boarding-house, an old and dilapidated building, was in a bystreetconvenient to the harbour. The front door stood open, and a couple ofseamen lounging on the broken steps made way for him civilly as heentered and rapped on the bare boards with his stick. Mr. Smith, clattering down the stairs in response, had some difficulty in concealinghis surprise at the visit, but entered genially into a conversation aboutthe weather, a subject in which he was much interested. When theship-broker began to discuss the object of his visit he led him to asmall sitting-room at the back of the house and repeated the informationhe had given to Mr. Wilks. 

"That's all there is to tell, " he concluded, artlessly; "the cap'n wasthat ashamed of hisself, he's laying low for a bit. We all make mistakessometimes; I do myself. "

"I am much obliged to you, " said Mr. Swann, gratefully. 

"You're quite welcome, sir, " said the boarding-master. 

"And now, " said the visitor, musingly--"now for the police. "

"Police!" repeated Mr. Smith, almost hastily. "What for?"

"Why, to find the captain, " said Mr. Swann, in a surprised voice. 

Mr. Smith shook his head. "You'll offend the cap'n bitter if you go tothe police about 'im, sir, " he declared. "His last words to me was, 'Smith, 'ave this kept quiet. '"

"It'll be a little job for the police, " urged the shipbroker. "Theydon't have much to do down here; they'll be as pleased as possible. "

"They'll worry your life out of you, sir, " said the other. "You don'tknow what they are. "

"I like a little excitement, " returned Mr. Swann. "I don't supposethey'll trouble me much, but they'll turn your place topsy-turvy, Iexpect. Still, that can't be helped. You know what fools the policeare; they'll think you've murdered the captain and hidden his body underthe boards. They'll have all the floors up. Ha, ha, ha!"

"'Aving floors up don't seem to me to be so amusing as wot it does toyou, " remarked Mr. Smith, coldly. 

"They may find all sorts of treasure for you, " continued his visitor. "It's a very old house, Smith, and there may be bags of guineas hiddenaway under the flooring. You may be able to retire. "

"You're a gentleman as is fond of his joke, Mr. Swann, " returned theboarding-master, lugubriously. "I wish I'd got that 'appy way of lookingat things you 'ave. "

"I'm not joking, Smith, " said the other, quietly. 

Mr. Smith pondered and, stealing a side-glance at him, stood scraping hisfoot along the floor. 

"There ain't nothing much to tell, " he grumbled, "and, mind, the worstfavour you could do to the cap'n would be to put it about how he wasdone. He's gone for a little trip instead of 'is son, that's all. "

"Little trip!" repeated the other; "you call a whaling cruise a littletrip?"

"No, no, sir, " said Mr. Smith, in a shocked voice, "I ain't so bad asthat; I've got some 'art, I hope. He's just gone for a little trip with'is old pal Hardy on the _Conqueror_. Kybird's idea it was. "

"Don't you know it's punishable?" demanded the shipbroker, recovering. 

Mr. Smith shook his head and became serious. "The cap'n fell into 'isown trap, " he said, slowly. "There's no lor for 'im! He'd only getlaughed at. The idea of trying to get me to put little Amelia Kybird'syoung man away. Why, I was 'er god-father. "

Mr. Swann stared at him, and then with a friendly "good morning"departed. Half-way along the passage he stopped, and retracing his stepsproduced his cigar-case and offered the astonished boarding-master acigar. 

"I s'pose, " said that gentleman as he watched the other's retreatingfigure and dubiously smelt the cigar; "I s'pose it's all right; but he'sa larky sort, and I 'ave heard of 'em exploding. I'll give it to Kybird, in case. "

[Illustration: "I 'ave heard of 'em exploding. "]

To Mr. Smith's great surprise his visitor sat down suddenly and began tolaugh. Tears of honest mirth suffused his eyes and dimmed his glasses. Mr. Smith, regarding him with an air of kindly interest, began to laughto keep him company. 

CHAPTER XIV

Captain Nugent awoke the morning after his attempt to crimp his son witha bad headache. Not an ordinary headache, to disappear with a littlecold water and fresh air; but a splitting, racking affair, which made himfeel all head and dulness. Weights pressed upon his eye-lids and theback of his head seemed glued to his pillow. 

He groaned faintly and, raising himself upon his elbow, opened his eyesand sat up with a sharp exclamation. His bed was higher from the floorthan usual and, moreover, the floor was different. In the dim light hedistinctly saw a ship's forecastle, untidy bunks with frouzy bedclothes, and shiny oil-skins hanging from the bulkhead. 

For a few moments he stared about in mystification; he was certainly ill, and no doubt the forecastle was an hallucination. It was a strangesymptom, and the odd part of it was that everything was so distinct. Even the smell. He stared harder, in the hope that his surroundingswould give place to the usual ones, and, leaning a little bit more on hiselbow, nearly rolled out of the bunk. Resolved to probe this mystery tothe bottom he lowered himself to the floor and felt distinctly the motionof a ship at sea. 

There was no doubt about it. He staggered to the door and, holding bythe side, looked on to the deck. The steamer was rolling in a fresh seaand a sweet strong wind blew refreshingly into his face. Funnels, bridge, and masts swung with a rhythmical motion; loose gear rattled, andevery now and then a distant tinkle sounded faintly from the steward'spantry. 

He stood bewildered, trying to piece together the events of the precedingnight, and to try and understand by what miracle he was back on board hisold ship the _Conqueror_. There was no doubt as to her identity. Heknew every inch of her, and any further confirmation that might berequired was fully supplied by the appearance of the long, lean figure ofCaptain Hardy on the bridge. 

Captain Nugent took his breath sharply and began to realize thesituation. He stepped to the side and looked over; the harbour was onlya little way astern, and Sunwich itself, looking cold and cheerlessbeyond the dirty, tumbling seas, little more than a mile distant. 

At the sight his spirits revived, and with a hoarse cry he ran shoutingtowards the bridge. Captain Hardy turned sharply at the noise, andrecognizing the intruder stood peering down at him in undisguisedamazement. 

[Illustration: "He stepped to the side and looked over. "]

"Put back, " cried Nugent, waving up at him. "Put back. "

"What on earth are you doing on my ship?" inquired the astonished Hardy. 

"Put me ashore, " cried Nugent, imperiously; "don't waste time talking. D'ye hear? Put me ashore. "

The amazement died out of Hardy's face and gave way to an expression ofanger. For a time he regarded the red and threatening visage of CaptainNugent in silence, then he turned to the second officer. 

"This man is not one of the crew, Mr. Prowle?" he said, in a puzzledvoice. 

"No, sir, " said Mr. Prowle. 

"How did he get aboard here?"

Captain Nugent answered the question himself. "I was crimped by you andyour drunken bullies, " he said, sternly. 

"How did this man get aboard here? repeated Captain Hardy, ignoring him. 

"He must have concealed 'imself somewhere, sir, " said the mate; "this isthe first I've seen of him. "

"A stowaway?" said the captain, bending his brows. "He must have gotsome of the crew to hide him aboard. You'd better make a clean breast ofit, my lad. Who are your confederates?"

Captain Nugent shook with fury. The second mate had turned away, withhis hand over his mouth and a suspicious hunching of his shoulders, whilethe steward, who had been standing by, beat a hasty retreat and collapsedbehind the chart-room. 

"If you don't put me ashore, " said Nugent, restraining his passion by astrong effort, "I'll take proceedings against you for crimping me, themoment I reach port. Get a boat out and put me aboard that smack. "

He pointed as he spoke to a smack which was just on their beam, makingslowly for the harbour. 

"When you've done issuing orders, " said the captain, in an indifferentvoice, "perhaps you'll explain what you are doing aboard my crag. "

Captain Nugent gazed at the stern of the fast-receding smack; Sunwich wasgetting dim in the distance and there was no other sail near. He beganto realize that he was in for a long voyage. 

"I awoke this morning and found myself in a bunk in vow fo'c's'le, " hesaid, regarding Hardy steadily. "However I got there is probably bestknown to yourself. I hold you responsible for the affair. "

"Look here my lad, " said Captain Hardy, in patronizing tones, "I don'tknow how you got aboard my ship and I don't care. I am willing tobelieve that it was not intentional on your part, but either the outcomeof a drunken freak or else a means of escaping from some scrape you havegot into ashore. That being so, I shall take a merciful view of it, andif you behave yourself and make yourself useful you will not hearanything more of it. He has something the look of a seafaring man, Mr. Prowle. See what you can make of him. "

"Come along with me, my lad, " said the grinning Mr. Prowle, tapping himon the shoulder. 

The captain turned with a snarl, and, clenching his huge, horny fist, letdrive full in the other's face and knocked him off his feet. 

"Take that man for'ard, " cried Captain Hardy, sharply. "Take himfor'ard. "

Half-a-dozen willing men sprang forward. Captain Nugent's viewsconcerning sailormen were well known in Sunwich, and two of the menpresent had served under him. He went forward, the centre of anattentive and rotating circle, and, sadly out of breath, was bestowed inthe forecastle and urged to listen to reason. 

For the remainder of the morning he made no sign. The land was almostout of sight, and he sat down quietly to consider his course of actionfor the next few weeks. Dinner-time found him still engrossed inthought, and the way in which he received an intimation from agood-natured seaman that his dinner was getting cold showed that hisspirits were still unquelled. 

By the time afternoon came he was faint with hunger, and, havingdetermined upon his course of action, he sent a fairly polite message toCaptain Hardy and asked for an interview. 

The captain, who was resting from his labours in the chart-room, receivedhim with the same air of cold severity which had so endeared CaptainNugent himself to his subordinates. 

"You have come to explain your extraordinary behaviour of this morning, Isuppose?" he said, curtly. 

"I have come to secure a berth aft, " said Captain Nugent. "I will pay asmall deposit now, and you will, of course, have the balance as soon aswe get back. This is without prejudice to any action I may bring againstyou later on. "

"Oh, indeed, " said the other, raising his eyebrows. "We don't takepassengers. "

"I am here against my will, " said Captain Nu-gent, "and I demand thetreatment due to my position. "

"If I had treated you properly, " said Captain Hardy, "I should have putyou in irons for knocking down my second officer. I know nothing aboutyou or your position. You're a stowaway, and you must do the best youcan in the circumstances. "

"Are you going to give me a cabin?" demanded the other, menacingly. 

"Certainly not, " said Captain Hardy. "I have been making inquiries, andI find that you have only yourself to thank for the position in which youfind yourself. I am sorry to be harsh with you. "

"Harsh?" repeated the other, hardly able to believe his ears. "You--harsh to me?"

"But it is for your own good, " pursued Captain Hardy; "it is no pleasureto me to punish you. I shall keep an eye on you while you're aboard, andif I see that your conduct is improving you will find that I am not ahard man to get on with. "

Captain Nugent stared at him with his lips parted. Three times heessayed to speak and failed; then he turned sharply and, gaining the openair, stood for some time trying to regain his composure before goingforward again. The first mate, who was on the bridge, regarded himcuriously, and then, with an insufferable air of authority, ordered himaway. 

The captain obeyed mechanically and, turning a deaf ear to the inquiriesof the men, prepared to make the best of an intolerable situation, andbegan to cleanse his bunk. First of all he took out the bedding andshook it thoroughly, and then, pro-curing soap and a bucket of water, began to scrub with a will. Hostile comments followed the action. 

"We ain't clean enough for 'im, " said one voice. 

"Partikler old party, ain't he, Bill?" said another. 

"You leave 'im alone, " said the man addressed, surveying the captain'sefforts with a smile of approval. "You keep on, Nugent, don't you mind'im. There's a little bit there you ain't done. "

[Illustration: "You keep on, Nugent, don't you mind 'im. "]

"Keep your head out of the way, unless you want it knocked off, " said theincensed captain. 

"Ho!" said the aggrieved Bill. "Ho, indeed! D'ye 'ear that, mates? Aman musn't look at 'is own bunk now. "

The captain turned as though he had been stung. "This is my bunk, " hesaid, sharply. 

"Ho, is it?" said Bill. "Beggin' of your pardon, an' apologizing fora-contradictin' of you, but it's mine. You haven't got no bunk. "

"I slept in it last night, " said the captain, conclusively. 

"I know you did, " said Bill, "but that was all my kind-'artedness. "

"And 'arf a quid, Bill, " a voice reminded him. 

"And 'arf a quid, " assented Bill, graciously, "and I'm very much obligedto you, mate, for the careful and tidy way in which you've cleaned uparter your-self. "

The captain eyed him. Many years of command at sea had given him a finemanner, and force of habit was for a moment almost too much for Bill andhis friends. But only for a moment. 

"I'm going to keep this bunk, " said the captain, deliberately. 

"No, you ain't, mate, " said Bill, shaking his head, "don't you believeit. You're nobody down here; not even a ordinary seaman. I'm afraidyou'll 'ave to clean a place for yourself on the carpet. There's a nicecorner over there. "

"When I get back, " said the furious captain, "some of you will go to gaolfor last night's work. "

"Don't be hard on us, " said a mocking voice, "we did our best. It ain'tour fault that you look so ridikerlously young, that we took you for yourown son. "

"And you was in that state that you couldn't contradict us, " said anotherman. 

"If it is your bunk, " said the captain, sternly, "I suppose you have aright to it. But perhaps you'll sell it to me? How much?"

"Now you're talking bisness, " said the highly gratified Bill, turningwith a threatening gesture upon a speculator opposite. "Wot do you sayto a couple o' pounds?"

The captain nodded. 

"Couple o' pounds, money down, " said Bill, holding out his hand. 

The captain examined the contents of his pocket, and after considerablefriction bought the bunk for a pound cash and an I O U for the balance. 

A more humane man would have shown a little concern as to hisbenefactor's sleeping-place; but the captain never gave the matter athought. In fact, it was not until three days later that he discoveredthere was a spare bunk in the forecastle, and that the unscrupulousseaman was occupying it. 

It was only one of many annoyances, but the captain realizing hisimpotence made no sign. From certain remarks let fall in his hearing hehad no difficulty in connecting Mr. Kybird with his discomfiture and, ofhis own desire, he freely included the unfortunate Mr. Wilks. 

He passed his time in devising schemes of vengeance, and when CaptainHardy, relenting, offered him a cabin aft, he sent back such a messageof refusal that the steward spent half an hour preparing a paraphrase. The offer was not repeated, and the captain, despite the strongrepresentations of Bill and his friends, continued to eat the bread ofidleness before the mast. 

CHAPTER XV

Mr. Adolphus Swann spent a very agreeable afternoon after his interviewwith Nathan Smith in refusing to satisfy what he termed the idlecuriosity of his partner. The secret of Captain Nugent's whereabouts, he declared, was not to be told to everybody, but was to be confided by aman of insinuating address and appearance--here he looked at himself in ahand-glass--to Miss Nugent. To be broken to her by a man with noulterior motives for his visit; a man in the prime of life, but not tooold for a little tender sympathy. 

"I had hoped to have gone this afternoon, " he said, with a glance at theclock; "but I'm afraid I can't get away. Have you got much to do, Hardy?"

"No, " said his partner, briskly. "I've finished. "

"Then perhaps you wouldn't mind doing my work for me, so that I can go?"said Mr. Swann, mildly. 

Hardy played with his pen. The senior partner had been amusing himselfat his expense for some time, and in the hope of a favour at his hands hehad endured it with unusual patience. 

"Four o'clock, " murmured the senior partner; "hadn't you better see aboutmaking yourself presentable, Hardy?"

[Illustration: "Hadn't you better see about making yourself presentable, Hardy?"]

"Thanks, " said the other, with alacrity, as he took off his coat andcrossed over to the little washstand. In five minutes he had finishedhis toilet and, giving his partner a little friendly pat on the shoulder, locked up his desk. 

"Well?" he said, at last. 

"Well?" repeated Mr. Swann, with a little surprise. 

"What am I to tell them?" inquired Hardy, struggling to keep his temper. 

"Tell them?" repeated the innocent Swann. "Lor' bless my soul, how youdo jump at conclusions, Hardy. I only asked you to tidy yourself for mysake. I have an artistic eye. I thought you had done it to please me. "

"When you're tired of this nonsense, " said the indignant Hardy, "I shallbe glad. "

Mr. Swann looked him over carefully and, coming to the conclusion thathis patience was exhausted, told him the result of his inquiries. Hisimmediate reward was the utter incredulity of Mr. Hardy, together withsome pungent criticisms of his veracity. When the young man did realizeat last that he was speaking the truth he fell to wondering blankly whatwas happening aboard the _Conqueror_. 

"Never mind about that, " said the older man. "For a few weeks you havegot a clear field. It is quite a bond between you: both your fathers onthe same ship. But whatever you do, don't remind her of the fate of theKilkenny cats. Draw a fancy picture of the two fathers sitting withtheir arms about each other's waists and wondering whether theirchildren----"

Hardy left hurriedly, in fear that his indignation at such frivolityshould overcome his gratitude, and he regretted as he walked brisklyalong that the diffidence peculiar to young men in his circumstances hadprevented him from acquainting his father with the state of his feelingstowards Kate Nugent. 

The idea of taking advantage of the captain's enforced absence hadoccurred to other people besides Mr. James Hardy. Dr. Murchison, who hadfound the captain, despite his bias in his favour, a particularlytiresome third, was taking the fullest advantage of it; and Mrs. Kybirdhad also judged it an admirable opportunity for paying a first call. Mr. Kybird, who had not taken her into his confidence in the affair, protested in vain; the lady was determined, and, moreover, had the warmsupport of her daughter. 

"I know what I'm doing, Dan'l, " she said to her husband. 

Mr. Kybird doubted it, but held his peace; and the objections of JackNugent, who found to his dismay that he was to be of the party, weredeemed too trivial to be worthy of serious consideration. 

They started shortly after Jem Hardy had left his office, despite thefact that Mrs. Kybird, who was troubled with asthma, was suffering untoldagonies in a black satin dress which had been originally made for a muchsmaller woman, and had come into her husband's hands in the way ofbusiness. It got into hers in what the defrauded Mr. Kybird consideredan extremely unbusinesslike manner, and it was not without a certainamount of satisfaction that he regarded her discomfiture as the partysallied out. 

[Illustration: "It was not without a certain amount of satisfaction thathe regarded her discomfiture. "]

Mr. Nugent was not happy. Mrs. Kybird in the snug seclusion of the backparlour was one thing; Mrs. Kybird in black satin at its utmost tensionand a circular hat set with sable ostrich plumes nodding in the breezewas another. He felt that the public eye was upon them and that ittwinkled. His gaze wandered from mother to daughter. 

"What are you staring at?" demanded Miss Kybird, pertly. 

"I was thinking how well you are looking, " was the reply. 

Miss Kybird smiled. She had hoisted some daring colours, but she was ofa bold type and carried them fairly well. 

"If I 'ad the woman what made this dress 'ere, " gasped Mrs. Kybird, asshe stopped with her hand on her side, "I'd give her a bit o' my mind. "

"I never saw you look so well in anything before, ma, " said her daughter. 

Mrs. Kybird smiled faintly and continued her pilgrimage. Jem Hardycoming up rapidly behind composed his amused features and stepped intothe road to pass. 

"Halloa, Hardy, " said Nugent. "Going home?"

"I am calling on your sister, " said Hardy, bowing. 

"By Jove, so are we, " said Nugent, relieved to find this friend in need. "We'll go together. You know Mrs. Kybird and Miss Kybird? That is Mrs. Kybird. "

Mrs. Kybird bade him "Go along, do, " and acknowledged the introductionwith as stately a bow as the black satin would permit, and before thedazed Jem quite knew how it all happened he was leading the way with Mrs. Kybird, while the young people, as she called them, followed behind. 

"We ain't looking at you, " she said, playfully, over her shoulder. 

"And we're trying to shut our eyes to your goings on, " retorted Nugent. 

Mrs. Kybird stopped and, with a half-turn, play-fully reached for himwith her umbrella. The exertion and the joke combined took the remnantof her breath away, and she stood still, panting. 

"You had better take Hardy's arm, I think, " said Nugent, with affectedsolicitude. 

"It's my breath, " explained Mrs. Kybird, turning to the fuming young manby her side. "I can 'ardly get along for it--I'm much obliged to you, I'm sure. "

Mr. Hardy, with a vain attempt to catch Jack Nugent's eye, resignedhimself to his fate, and with his fair burden on his arm walked withpainful slowness towards Equator Lodge. A ribald voice from the otherside of the road, addressing his companion as "Mother Kybird, " told hernot to hug the man, and a small boy whom they met loudly asseverated hisfirm intention of going straight off to tell Mr. Kybird. 

[Illustration: "Mr. Hardy resigned himself to his fate. "]

By the time they reached the house Mr. Hardy entertained views onhomicide which would have appeared impossible to him half an hour before. He flushed crimson as he saw the astonished face of Kate Nugent at thewindow, and, pausing at the gate to wait for the others, discovered thatthey had disappeared. A rooted dislike to scenes of any kind, togetherwith a keen eye for the ludicrous, had prompted Jack Nugent to suggest apleasant stroll to Amelia and put in an appearance later on. 

"We won't wait for 'im, " said Mrs. Kybird, with decision; "if I don't geta sit down soon I shall drop. "

Still clinging to the reluctant Hardy she walked up the path; fartherback in the darkness of the room the unfortunate young gentleman saw thefaces of Dr. Murchison and Mrs. Kingdom. 

"And 'ow are you, Bella?" inquired Mrs. Kybird with kindly condescension. "Is Mrs. Kingdom at 'ome?"

She pushed her way past the astonished Bella and, followed by Mr. Hardy, entered the room. Mrs. Kingdom, with a red spot on each cheek, rose toreceive them. 

"I ought to 'ave come before, " said Mrs. Kybird, subsiding thankfullyinto a chair, "but I'm such a bad walker. I 'ope I see you well. "

"We are very well, thank you, " said Mrs. Kingdom, stiffly. 

"That's right, " said her visitor, cordially; "what a blessing 'ealth is. What should we do without it, I wonder?"

She leaned back in her chair and shook her head at the prospect. Therewas an awkward lull, and in the offended gaze of Miss Nugent Mr. Hardysaw only too plainly that he was held responsible for the appearance ofthe unwelcome visitor. 

"I was coming to see you, " he said, leaving his chair and taking one nearher, "I met your brother coming along, and he introduced me to Mrs. Kybird and her daughter and suggested we should come together. "

Miss Nugent received the information with a civil bow, and renewedher conversation with Dr. Murchison, whose face showed such a keenappreciation of the situation that Hardy had some difficulty in maskinghis feelings. 

"They're a long time a-coming, " said Mrs. Kybird, smiling archly; "butthere, when young people are keeping company they forget everything andeverybody. They didn't trouble about me; if it 'adn't been for Mr. 'Ardygiving me 'is arm I should never 'ave got here. "

There was a prolonged silence. Dr. Murchison gave a whimsical glance atMiss Nugent, and meeting no response in that lady's indignant eyes, stroked his moustache and awaited events. 

"It looks as though your brother is not coming, " said Hardy to MissNugent. 

"He'll turn up by-and-by, " interposed Mrs. Kybird, looking somewhatmorosely at the company. "They don't notice 'ow the time flies, that'sall. "

"Time does go, " murmured Mrs. Kingdom, with a glance at the clock. 

Mrs. Kybird started. "Ah, and we notice it too, ma'am, at our age, " shesaid, sweetly, as she settled herself in her chair and clasped her handsin her lap "I can't 'elp looking at you, my dear, " she continued, lookingover at Miss Nugent. "There's such a wonderful likeness between Jack andyou. Don't you think so, ma'am?"

Mrs. Kingdom in a freezing voice said that she had not noticed it. 

"Of course, " said Mrs. Kybird, glancing at her from the corner of hereye, "Jack has 'ad to rough it, pore feller, and that's left its mark on'im. I'm sure, when we took 'im in, he was quite done up, so to speak. He'd only got what 'e stood up in, and the only pair of socks he'd got tohis feet was in such a state of 'oles that they had to be throwed away. I throwed 'em away myself. "

"Dear me, " said Mrs. Kingdom. 

"He don't look like the same feller now, " continued the amiable Mrs. Kybird; "good living and good clothes 'ave worked wonders in 'im. I'msure if he'd been my own son I couldn't 'ave done more for 'im, and, asfor Kybird, he's like a father to him. "

"Dear me, " said Mrs. Kingdom, again. 

Mrs. Kybird looked at her. It was on the tip of her tongue to call her apoll parrot. She was a free-spoken woman as a rule, and it was terribleto have to sit still and waste all the good things she could have said toher in favour of unsatisfying pin-pricks. She sat smouldering. 

"I s'pose you miss the capt'in very much?" she said, at last. 

"Very much, " was the reply. 

"And I should think 'e misses you, " retorted Mrs. Kybird, unable torestrain herself; "'e must miss your conversation and what I might callyour liveliness. "

Mrs. Kingdom turned and regarded her, and the red stole back to hercheeks again. She smoothed down her dress and her hands trembled. Bothladies were now regarding each other in a fashion which caused seriousapprehension to the rest of the company. 

"I am not a great talker, but I am very careful whom I converse with, "said Mrs. Kingdom, in her most stately manner. 

"I knew a lady like that once, " said Mrs. Kybird; "leastways, she wasn'ta lady, " she added, meditatively. 

Mrs. Kingdom fidgeted, and looked over piteously at her niece; Mrs. Kybird, with a satisfied sniff, sat bolt upright and meditated furtherassaults. There were at least a score of things she could have saidabout her adversary's cap alone: plain, straightforward remarks whichwould have torn it to shreds. The cap fascinated her, and her fingersitched as she gazed at it. In more congenial surroundings she might havesnatched at it, but, being a woman of strong character, she suppressedher natural instincts, and confined herself to more polite methods ofattack. 

"Your nephew don't seem to be in no hurry, " she remarked, at length;"but, there, direckly 'e gets along o' my daughter 'e forgits everythingand everybody. "

"I really don't think he is coming, " said Hardy, moved to speech by theglances of Miss Nugent. 

"I shall give him a little longer, " said Mrs. Kybird. "I only came 'ereto please 'im, and to get 'ome alone is more than I can do. "

Miss Nugent looked at Mr. Hardy, and her eyes were soft and expressive. As plainly as eyes could speak they asked him to take Mrs. Kybird home, lest worse things should happen. 

"Would it be far out of your way?" she asked, in a low voice. 

"Quite the opposite direction, " returned Mr. Hardy, firmly. 

"How I got 'ere I don't know, " said Mrs. Kybird, addressing the room ingeneral; "it's a wonder to me. Well, once is enough in a lifetime. "

"Mr. Hardy, " said Kate Nugent, again, in a low voice, "I should be somuch obliged if you would take Mrs. Kybird away. She seems bent onquarrelling with my aunt. It is very awkward. "

It was difficult to resist the entreaty, but Mr. Hardy had a very fairidea of the duration of Miss Nugent's gratitude; and, besides that, Murchison was only too plainly enjoying his discomfiture. 

"She can get home alone all right, " he whispered. 

Miss Nugent drew herself up disdainfully; Dr. Murchison, lookingscandalized at his brusqueness, hastened to the rescue. 

"As a medical man, " he said, with a considerable appearance of gravity, "I don't think that Mrs. Kybird ought to go home alone. "

"Think not?" inquired Hardy, grimly. 

"Certain of it, " breathed the doctor. 

"Well, why don't you take her?" retorted Hardy; "it's all on your way. I have some news for Miss Nugent. "

Miss Nugent looked from one to the other, and mischievous lights appearedin her eyes as she gazed at the carefully groomed and fastidiousMurchison. From them she looked to the other side of the room, whereMrs. Kybird was stolidly eyeing Mrs. Kingdom, who was trying in vain toappear ignorant of the fact. 

[Illustration: "The carefully groomed and fastidious Murchison. "]

"Thank you very much, " said Miss Nugent, turning to the doctor. 

"I'm sorry, " began Murchison, with an indignant glance at his rival. 

"Oh, as you please, " said the girl, coldly. "Pray forgive me for askingyou. "

"If you really wish it, " said the doctor, rising. Miss Nugent smiledupon him, and Hardy also gave him a smile of kindly encouragement, butthis he ignored. He crossed the room and bade Mrs. Kingdom good-bye; andthen in a few disjointed words asked Mrs. Kybird whether he could be ofany assistance in seeing her home. 

"I'm sure I'm much obliged to you, " said that lady, as she rose. "Itdon't seem much use for me waiting for my future son-in-law. I wish yougood afternoon, ma'am. I can understand now why Jack didn't come. "

With this parting shot she quitted the room and, leaning on the doctor'sarm, sailed majestically down the path to the gate, every feather on herhat trembling in response to the excitement below. 

"Good-natured of him, " said Hardy, glancing from the window, with atriumphant smile. 

"Very, " said Miss Nugent, coldly, as she took a seat by her aunt. "Whatis the news to which you referred just now? Is it about my father?"

CHAPTER XVI

The two ladies received Mr. Hardy's information with something akin toconsternation, the idea of the autocrat of Equator Lodge as a stowaway onboard the ship of his ancient enemy proving too serious for ordinarycomment. Mrs. Kingdom's usual expressions of surprise, "Well, I neverdid!" and "Good gracious alive!" died on her lips, and she sat gazinghelpless and round-eyed at her niece. 

"I wonder what he said, " she gasped, at last. 

Miss Nugent, who was trying to imagine her father in his new role aboardthe Conqueror, paid no heed. It was not a pleasant idea, and her eyesflashed with temper as she thought of it. Sooner or later the wholeaffair would be public property. 

"I had an idea all along that he wasn't in London, " murmured Mrs. Kingdom. "Fancy that Nathan Smith standing in Sam's room telling usfalsehoods like that! He never even blushed. "

"But you said that you kept picturing father walking about the streets ofLondon, wrestling with his pride and trying to make up his mind to comehome again, " said her niece, maliciously. 

Mrs. Kingdom fidgeted, but before she could think of a satisfactory replyBella came to the door and asked to speak to her for a moment. Profitingby her absence, Mr. Hardy leaned towards Miss Nugent, and in a low voiceexpressed his sorrow at the mishap to her father and his firm convictionthat everything that could be thought of for that unfortunate mariner'scomfort would be done. "Our fathers will probably come back goodfriends, " he concluded. "There is nothing would give me more pleasurethan that, and I think that we had better begin and set them a goodexample. "

"It is no good setting an example to people who are hundreds of milesaway, " said the matter-of-fact Miss Nugent. "Besides, if they have madefriends, they don't want an example set them. "

"But in that case they have set us an example which we ought to follow, "urged Hardy. 

Miss Nugent raised her eyes to his. "Why do you wish to be on friendlyterms?" she asked, with disconcerting composure. 

[Illustration: "'Why do you wish to be on friendly terms?' she asked. "]

"I should like to know your father, " returned Hardy, with perfectgravity; "and Mrs. Kingdom--and you. "

He eyed her steadily as he spoke, and Miss Nugent, despite her utmostefforts, realized with some indignation that a faint tinge of colour wascreeping into her cheeks. She remembered his covert challenge at theirlast interview at Mr. Wilks's, and the necessity of reading thispersistent young man a stern lesson came to her with all the force of apublic duty. 

"Why?" she inquired, softly, as she lowered her eyes and assumed apensive expression. 

"I admire him, for one thing, as a fine seaman, " said Hardy. 

"Yes, " said Miss Nugent, "and--"

"And I've always had a great liking for Mrs. Kingdom, " he continued; "shewas very good-natured to me when I was a very small boy, I remember. Sheis very kind and amiable. "

The baffled Miss Nugent stole a glance at him. "And--" she said again, very softly. 

"And very motherly, " said Hardy, without moving a muscle. 

Miss Nugent pondered and stole another glance at him. The expression ofhis face was ingenuous, not to say simple. She resolved to risk it. Sofar he had always won in their brief encounters, and monotony was alwaysdistasteful to her, especially monotony of that kind. 

"And what about me?" she said, with a friendly smile. 

"You, " said Hardy, with a gravity of voice belied by the amusement in hiseye; "you are the daughter of the fine seaman and the niece of thegood-natured and motherly Mrs. Kingdom. "

Miss Nugent looked down again hastily, and all the shrew within herclamoured for vengeance. It was the same masterful Jem Hardy that hadforced his way into their seat at church as a boy. If he went on inthis way he would become unbearable; she resolved, at the cost of muchpersonal inconvenience, to give him a much-needed fall. But she realizedquite clearly that it would be a matter of time. 

"Of course, you and Jack are already good friends?" she said, softly. 

"Very, " assented Hardy. "Such good friends that I have been devoting alot of time lately to considering ways and means of getting him out ofthe snares of the Kybirds. "

"I should have thought that that was his affair, " said Miss Nugent, haughtily. 

"Mine, too, " said Hardy. "I don't want him to marry Miss Kybird. "

For the first time since the engagement Miss Nugent almost approved ofit. "Why not let him know your wishes?" she said, gently. "Surely thatwould be sufficient. "

"But you don't want them to marry?" said Hardy, ignoring the remark. 

"I don't want my brother to do anything shabby, " replied the girl; "but Ishouldn't be sorry, of course, if they did not. "

"Very good, " said Hardy. "Armed with your consent I shall leave no stoneunturned. Nugent was let in for this, and I am going to get him out if Ican. All's fair in love and war. You don't mind my doing anythingshabby?"

"Not in the least, " replied Miss Nugent, promptly. 

The reappearance of Mrs. Kingdom at this moment saved Mr. Hardy thenecessity of a reply. 

Conversation reverted to the missing captain, and Hardy and Mrs. Kingdomtogether drew such a picture of the two captains fraternizing that MissNugent felt that the millennium itself could have no surprises for her. 

"He has improved very much, " said Mrs. Kingdom, after the door had closedbehind their visitor; "so thoughtful. "

"He's thoughtful enough, " agreed her niece. 

"He is what I call extremely considerate, " pursued the elder lady, "butI'm afraid he is weak; anybody could turn him round their little finger. "

"I believe they could, " said Miss Nugent, gazing at her with admiration, "if he wanted to be turned. "

The ice thus broken, Mr. Hardy spent the following day or two in devisingplausible reasons for another visit. He found one in the person of Mr. Wilks, who, having been unsuccessful in finding his beloved master at asmall tavern down by the London docks, had returned to Sunwich, by nomeans benefited by his change of air, to learn the terrible truth as tohis disappearance from Hardy. 

"I wish they'd Shanghaid me instead, " he said to that sympatheticlistener, "or Mrs. Silk. "

"Eh?" said the other, staring. 

"Wot'll be the end of it I don't know, " said Mr. Wilks, laying a hand, which still trembled, on the other' knee. "It's got about that she savedmy life by 'er careful nussing, and the way she shakes 'er 'ead at me forrisking my valuable life, as she calls it, going up to London, gives methe shivers. "

"Nonsense, " said Hardy; "she can't marry you against your will. Just bedistantly civil to her. "

"'Ow can you be distantly civil when she lives just opposite?" inquiredthe steward, querulously. "She sent Teddy over at ten o'clock last nightto rub my chest with a bottle o' liniment, and it's no good me saying I'mall right when she's been spending eighteen-pence o' good money over thestuff. "

"She can't marry you unless you ask her, " said the comforter. 

Mr. Wilks shook his head. "People in the alley are beginning to talk, "he said, dolefully. "Just as I came in this afternoon old George Leescrewed up one eye at two or three women wot was gossiping near, and whenI asked 'im wot 'e'd got to wink about he said that a bit o' wedding-cake'ad blowed in his eye as I passed. It sent them silly creeturs into fitsa'most. "

[Illustration: "He said that a bit o' wedding-cake 'ad blowed in hiseye. "]

"They'll soon get tired of it, " said Hardy. 

Mr. Wilks, still gloomy, ventured to doubt it, but cheered up and becamealmost bright when his visitor announced his intention of trying tosmooth over matters for him at Equator Lodge. He became quite voluble inhis defence, and attached much importance to the fact that he had nursedMiss Nugent when she was in long clothes and had taught her to whistlelike an angel at the age of five. 

"I've felt being cut adrift by her more than anything, " he said, brokenly. "Nine-an'-twenty years I sailed with the cap'n and served 'imfaithful, and this is my reward. "

Hardy pleaded his case next day. Miss Nugent was alone when he called, and, moved by the vivid picture he drew of the old man's loneliness, accorded her full forgiveness, and decided to pay him a visit at once. The fact that Hardy had not been in the house five minutes she appearedto have overlooked. 

"I'll go upstairs and put my hat and jacket on and go now, " she said, brightly. 

"That's very kind of you, " said Hardy. His voice expressed admiringgratitude; but he made no sign of leaving his seat. 

"You don't mind?" said Miss Nugent, pausing in front of him and slightlyextending her hand. 

"Not in the least, " was the reply; "but I want to see Wilks myself. Perhaps you'll let me walk down with you?"

The request was so unexpected that the girl had no refusal ready. Shehesitated and was lost. Finally, she expressed a fear that she mightkeep him waiting too long while she got ready--a fear which he politelydeclined to consider. 

"Well, we'll see, " said the marvelling Miss Nugent to herself as she wentslowly upstairs. "He's got impudence enough for forty. "

She commenced her preparations for seeing Mr. Wilks by wrapping a shawlround her shoulders and reclining in an easy-chair with a novel. It wasa good story, but the room was very cold, and even the pleasure ofsnubbing an intrusive young man did not make amends for the lack ofwarmth. She read and shivered for an hour, and then with chilled fingerslit the gas and proceeded to array herself for the journey. 

Her temper was not improved by seeing Mr. Hardy sitting in the dark overa good fire when she got downstairs. 

"I'm afraid I've kept you waiting, " she said, crisply. 

"Not at all, " said Hardy. "I've been very comfortable. "

Miss Nugent repressed a shiver and, crossing to the fire, thoughtlesslyextended her fingers over the blaze. 

"I'm afraid you're cold, " said Hardy. 

The girl looked round sharply. His face, or as much of it as she couldsee in the firelight, bore a look of honest concern somewhat at variancewith the quality of his voice. If it had not been for the absurdity ofaltering her plans on his account she would have postponed her visit tothe steward until another day. 

The walk to Fullalove Alley was all too short for Jem Hardy. Miss Nugentstepped along with the air of a martyr anxious to get to the stake andhave it over, and she answered in monosyllables when her companionpointed out the beauties of the night. 

A bitter east wind blew up the road and set her yearning for the joys ofMr. Wilks's best room. "It's very cold, " she said, shivering. 

Hardy assented, and reluctantly quickened his pace to keep step withhers. Miss Nugent with her chin sunk in a fur boa looked neither to theright nor the left, and turning briskly into the alley, turned the handleof Mr. Wilks's door and walked in, leaving her companion to follow. 

The steward, who was smoking a long pipe over the fire, looked round inalarm. Then his expression changed, and he rose and stammered out awelcome. Two minutes later Miss Nugent, enthroned in the best chair withher toes on the fender, gave her faithful subject a free pardon and fullpermission to make hot coffee. 

"And don't you ever try and deceive me again, Sam, " she said, as shesipped the comforting beverage. 

"No, miss, " said the steward, humbly. "I've 'ad a lesson. I'll nevertry and Shanghai anybody else agin as long as I live. "

After this virtuous sentiment he sat and smoked placidly, with occasionalcurious glances divided between his two visitors. An idle and ridiculousidea, which occurred to him in connection with them, was dismissed atonce as too preposterous for a sensible steward to entertain. 

"Mrs. Kingdom well?" he inquired. 

"Quite well, " said the girl. "If you take me home, Sam, you shall seeher, and be forgiven by her, too. "

"Thankee, miss, " said the gratified steward. 

"And what about your foot, Wilks?" said Hardy, somewhat taken aback bythis arrangement. 

"Foot, sir?" said the unconscious Mr. Wilks; "wot foot?"

"Why, the bad one, " said Hardy, with a significant glance. 

"Ho, that one?" said Mr. Wilks, beating time and waiting furtherrevelations. 

"Do you think you ought to use it much?" inquired Hardy. 

Mr. Wilks looked at it, or, to be more exact, looked at both of them, andsmiled weakly. His previous idea recurred to him with renewed force now, and several things in the young man's behaviour, hitherto disregarded, became suddenly charged with significance. Miss Nugent looked on with anair of cynical interest. 

"Better not run any risk, " said Hardy, gravely. "I shall be very pleasedto see Miss Nugent home, if she will allow me. "

"What is the matter with it?" inquired Miss Nugent, looking him full inthe face. 

Hardy hesitated. Diplomacy, he told himself, was one thing; lyinganother. He passed the question on to the rather badly used Mr. Wilks. 

"Matter with it?" repeated that gentleman, glaring at him reproachfully. "It's got shootin' pains right up it. I suppose it was walking miles andmiles every day in London, looking for the cap'n, was too much for it. "

"Is it too bad for you to take me home, Sam?" inquired Miss Nugent, softly. 

The perturbed Mr. Wilks looked from one to the other. As a sportsman hissympathies were with Hardy, but his duty lay with the girl. 

"I'll do my best, miss, " he said; and got up and limped, very well indeedfor a first attempt, round the room. 

Then Miss Nugent did a thing which was a puzzle to herself for some timeafterwards. Having won the victory she deliberately threw away thefruits of it, and declining to allow the steward to run any risks, accepted Hardy's escort home. Mr. Wilks watched them from the door, andwith his head in a whirl caused by the night's proceedings mixed himselfa stiff glass of grog to set it right, and drank to the health of both ofthem. 

[Illustration: "Mr. Wilks drank to the health of both of them. "]

The wind had abated somewhat in violence as they walked home, and, moreover, they had their backs to it. The walk was slower and moreenjoyable in many respects than the walk out. In an unusually soft moodshe replied to his remarks and stole little critical glances up at him. When they reached the house she stood a little while at the gate gazingat the starry sky and listening to the crash of the sea on the beach. 

"It is a fine night, " she said, as she shook hands. 

"The best I have ever known, " said Hardy. "Good-bye. "

CHAPTER XVII

The weeks passed all too quickly for James Hardy. He saw Kate Nugent ather own home; met her, thanks to the able and hearty assistance of Mr. Wilks, at Fullalove Alley, and on several occasions had the agreeabletask of escorting her back home. 

He cabled to his father for news of the illustrious stowaway immediatelythe _Conqueror_ was notified as having reached Port Elizabeth. Thereply--"Left ship"--confirmed his worst fears, but he cheerfully acceptedMrs. Kingdom's view that the captain, in order to relieve the naturalanxiety of his family, had secured a passage on the first vessel homewardbound. 

Captain Hardy was the first to reach home. In the early hours of a fineApril morning the _Conqueror_ steamed slowly into Sunwich Harbour, and ina very short time the town was revelling in a description of CaptainNugent's first voyage before the mast from lips which were never tired ofrepeating it. Down by the waterside Mr. Nathan Smith found that he hadsuddenly attained the rank of a popular hero, and his modesty took alarmat the publicity afforded to his action. It was extremely distasteful toa man who ran a quiet business on old-fashioned lines and disbelieved inadvertisement. He lost three lodgers the same day. 

[Illustration: "A popular hero. "]

Jem Hardy was one of the few people in Sunwich for whom the joke had nocharms, and he betrayed such an utter lack of sympathy with his father'srecital that the latter accused him at last of wanting a sense of humour. 

"I don't see anything amusing in it, " said his son, stiffly. 

Captain Hardy recapitulated one or two choice points, and was even atsome pains to explain them. 

"I can't see any fun in it, " repeated his son. "Your behaviour seems tome to have been deplorable. "

"What?" shouted the captain, hardly able to believe his ears. 

"Captain Nugent was your guest, " pursued the other; "he got on your shipby accident, and he should have been treated decently as a saloonpassenger. "

"And been apologized to for coming on board, I suppose?" suggested thecaptain. 

"It wouldn't have been amiss, " was the reply. 

The captain leaned back in his chair and regarded him thoughtfully. "I can't think what's the matter with you, Jem, " he said. 

"Ordinary decent ideas, that's all, " said his son, scathingly. 

"There's something more in it than that, " said the other, positively. "I don't like to see this love-your-enemy business with you, Jem; itain't natural to you. Has your health been all right while I've beenaway?"

"Of course it has, " said his son, curtly. "If you didn't want CaptainNugent aboard with you why didn't you put him ashore? It wouldn't havedelayed you long. Think of the worry and anxiety you've caused poor Mrs. Kingdom. "

"A holiday for her, " growled the captain. 

"It has affected her health, " continued his son; "and besides, think ofhis daughter. She's a high-spirited girl, and all Sunwich is laughingover her father's mishap. "

"Nugent fell into his own trap, " exclaimed the captain, impatiently. "And it won't do that girl of his any harm to be taken down a peg or two. Do her good. Knock some of the nonsense out of her. "

"That's not the way to speak of a lady, " said Jem, hotly. 

The offended captain regarded him somewhat sourly; then his face changed, and he got up from his chair and stood before his son with consternationdepicted on every feature. 

"You don't mean to tell me, " he said, slowly; "you don't mean to tell methat you're thinking anything of Kate Nugent?"

"Why not?" demanded the other, defiantly; "why shouldn't I?"

Captain Hardy, whistling softly, made no reply, but still stood eyeinghim. 

"I thought there was some other reason for your consideration besides'ordinary decent ideas, '" he said, at last. "When did it come on? Howlong have you had it?"

Mr. Hardy, jun. , in a studiously unfilial speech, intimated that thesepleasantries were not to his taste. 

"No, of course not, " said the captain, resuming his seat. "Well, I'msorry if it's serious, Jem, but I never dreamt you had any ideas in thatquarter. If I had I'd have given old Nugent the best bunk on the shipand sung him to sleep myself. Has she given you any encouragement?"

"Don't know, " said Jem, who found the conversation awkward. 

"Extraordinary thing, " said the captain, shaking his head, "extraordinary. Like a play. "

"Play?" said his son, sharply. 

"Play, " repeated his father, firmly. "What is the name of it? I saw itonce at Newcastle. The lovers take poison and die across each other'schests because their people won't let 'em marry. And that reminds me. I saw some phosphor-paste in the kitchen, Jem. Whose is it?"

"I'm glad to be the means of affording you amusement, " said Jem, grindinghis teeth. 

Captain Hardy regarded him affectionately. "Go easy, my lad, " he said, equably; "go easy. If I'd known it before, things would have beendifferent; as I didn't, we must make the best of it. She's a prettygirl, and a good one, too, for all her airs, but I'm afraid she's toofond of her father to overlook this. "

"That's where you've made such a mess of things, " broke in his son. "Why on earth you two old men couldn't--"

"Easy, " said the startled captain. "When you are in the early fifties, my lad, your ideas about age will be more accurate. Besides, Nugent isseven or eight years older than I am. "

"What became of him?" inquired Jem. 

"He was off the moment we berthed, " said his father, suppressing a smile. "I don't mean that he bolted--he'd got enough starch left in him not todo that--but he didn't trespass on our hospitality a moment longer thanwas necessary. I heard that he got a passage home on the Columbus. Heknew the master. She sailed some time before us for London. I thoughthe'd have been home by this. "

It was not until two days later, however, that the gossip in Sunwichreceived a pleasant fillip by the arrival of the injured captain. Hecame down from London by the midday train, and, disdaining the privacyof a cab, prepared to run the gauntlet of his fellow-townsmen. 

A weaker man would have made a detour, but he held a direct course, andwith a curt nod to acquaintances who would have stopped him walkedswiftly in the direction of home. Tradesmen ran to their shop-doors tosee him, and smoking amphibians lounging at street corners broke out intosunny smiles as he passed. He met these annoyances with a set face and acold eye, but his views concerning children were not improved by thecrowd of small creatures which fluttered along the road ahead of him and, hopeful of developments, clustered round the gate as he passed in. 

[Illustration: "He met these annoyances with a set face. "]

It is the pride and privilege of most returned wanderers to hold forthat great length concerning their adventures, but Captain Nugent wascommendably brief. At first he could hardly be induced to speak of themat all, but the necessity of contradicting stories which Bella hadgleaned for Mrs. Kingdom from friends in town proved too strong for him. He ground his teeth with suppressed fury as he listened to some of them. The truth was bad enough, and his daughter, sitting by his side with herhand in his, was trembling with indignation. 

"Poor father, " she said, tenderly; "what a time you must have had. ""It won't bear thinking of, " said Mrs. Kingdom, not to be outdone insympathy. 

"He met these annoyances with a set face. "

"Well, don't think of it, " said the captain, shortly. 

Mrs. Kingdom sighed as though to indicate that her feelings were not tobe suppressed in that simple fashion. 

"The anxiety has been very great, " she said, shaking her head, "buteverybody's been very kind. I'm sure all our friends have been mostsympathetic. I couldn't go outside the house without somebody stoppingme and asking whether there was any news of you. I'd no idea you were sopopular; even the milkman----"

"I'd like some tea, " interrupted the captain, roughly; "that is, when youhave finished your very interesting information. "

Mrs. Kingdom pursed her lips together to suppress the words she wasafraid to utter, and rang the bell. 

"Your master would like some tea, " she said, primly, as Bella appeared. "He has had a long journey. " The captain started and eyed her fiercely;Mrs. Kingdom, her good temper quite restored by this little retort, folded her hands in her lap and gazed at him with renewed sympathy. 

"We all missed you very much, " said Kate, softly. "But we had no fearsonce we knew that you were at sea. "

"And I suppose some of the sailors were kind to you?" suggested theunfortunate Mrs. Kingdom. "They are rough fellows, but I suppose some ofthem have got their hearts in the right place. I daresay they were sorryto see you in such a position. "

The captain's reply was of a nature known to Mrs. Kingdom and her circleas "snapping one's head off. " He drew his chair to the table as Bellabrought in the tray and, accepting a cup of tea, began to discuss withhis daughter the events which had transpired in his absence. 

"There is no news, " interposed Mrs. Kingdom, during an interval. "Mr. Hall's aunt died the other day. "

"Never heard of her, " said the captain. "Neither had I, till then, " saidhis sister. "What a lot of people there are one never hears of, John. "The captain stared at her offensively and went on with his meal. A longsilence ensued. 

"I suppose you didn't get to hear of the cable that was sent?" said Mrs. Kingdom, making another effort to arouse interest. 

"What cable?" inquired her brother. 

"The one Mr. Hardy sent to his father about you, " replied Mrs. Kingdom. 

The captain pushed his chair back and stared her full in the face. "Whatdo you mean?" he demanded. 

His sister explained. 

"Do you mean to tell me that you've been speaking to young Hardy?"exclaimed the captain. 

"I could hardly help doing so, when he came here, " returned his sister, with dignity. "He has been very anxious about you. "

Captain Nugent rose and strode up and down the room. Then he stopped andglanced sharply at his daughter. 

"Were you here when he called?" he demanded. 

"Yes, " was the reply. 

"And you--you spoke to him?" roared the captain. 

"I had to be civil, " said Miss Nugent, calmly; "I'm not a sea-captain. "

Her father walked up and down the room again. Mrs. Kingdom, terrified atthe storm she had evoked, gazed helplessly at her niece. 

"What did he come here for?" said the captain. 

Miss Nugent glanced down at her plate. "I can't imagine, " she said, demurely. "The first time he came to tell us what had become of you. "

The captain stopped in his walk and eyed her sternly. "I am veryfortunate in my children, " he said, slowly. "One is engaged to marry thedaughter of the shadiest rascal in Sunwich, and the other--"

"And the other?" said his daughter, proudly, as he paused. 

"The other, " said the captain, as he came round the table and put hishand on her shoulder, "is my dear and obedient daughter. "

"Yes, " said Miss Nugent; "but that isn't what you were going to say. Youneed not worry about me; I shall not do anything that would displeaseyou. "

CHAPTER XVIII

With a view to avoiding the awkwardness of a chance meeting with anymember of the Nugent family Hardy took the sea road on his way to theoffice the morning after the captain's return. Common sense told himto leave matters for the present to the healing hand of Time, and tocultivate habits of self-effacement by no means agreeable to one of histemperament. 

Despite himself his spirits rose as he walked. It was an ideal springmorning, cool and sunny. The short turf by the side of the road wasfragrant under his heel, and a light wind stirred the blueness of thesea. On the beach below two grizzled men of restful habit wereendeavouring to make an old boat waterproof with red and green paint. 

A long figure approaching slowly from the opposite direction broke into apleasant smile as he drew near and quickened his pace to meet him. 

"You're out early, " said Hardy, as the old man stopped and turned withhim. 

"'Ave to be, sir, " said Mr. Wilks, darkly; "out early and 'ome late, andmore often than not getting my dinner out. That's my life nowadays. "

"Can't you let her see that her attentions are undesirable?" inquiredHardy, gravely. 

"Can't you let her see that her attentions are undesirable?"

[Illustration: "'Can't you let her see that her attentions areundesirable?'"]

"I can't be rude to a woman, " said the steward, with a melancholy smile;"if I could, my life would ha' been very different. She's alwaysstepping across to ask my advice about Teddy, or something o' that sort. All last week she kept borrowing my frying-pan, so at last by way ofletting 'er see I didn't like it I went out and bought 'er one forherself. What's the result? Instead o' being offended she went out andbought me a couple o' neck-ties. When I didn't wear 'em she pretended itwas because I didn't like the colour, and she went and bought two more. I'm wearing one now. "

He shook his head ruefully, and Hardy glanced at a tie which would havepaled the glories of a rainbow. For some time they walked along insilence. 

"I'm going to pay my respects to Cap'n Nugent this afternoon, " said Mr. Wilks, suddenly. 

"Ah, " said the other. 

"I knew what it 'ud be with them two on the same ship, " continued Mr. Wilks. "I didn't say nothing when you was talking to Miss Kate, but Iknew well enough. "

"Ah, " said Hardy again. There was no mistaking the significance of thesteward's remarks, and he found them somewhat galling. It was all verywell to make use of his humble friend, but he had no desire to discusshis matrimonial projects with him. 

"It's a great pity, " pursued the unconscious Mr. Wilks, "just aseverything seemed to be going on smoothly; but while there's life there's'ope. "

"That's a smart barge over there, " said Hardy, pointing it out. 

Mr. Wilks nodded. "I shall keep my eyes open this afternoon, " he saidreassuringly. "And if I get a chance of putting in a word it'll be putin. Twenty-nine years I sailed with the cap'n, and if there's anybodyknows his weak spots it's me. "

He stopped as they reached the town and said "good-bye. " He pressed theyoung man's hand sympathetically, and a wink of intense artfulness gavepoint to his last remark. 

"There's always Sam Wilks's cottage, " he said, in a husky whisper; "andif two of 'is friends _should_ 'appen to meet there, who'd be the wiser?"

He gazed benevolently after the young man's retreating figure andcontinued his stroll, his own troubles partly forgotten in the desire toassist his friends. It would be a notable feat for the humble steward tobe the means of bringing the young people together and thereby bringingto an end the feud of a dozen years. He pictured himself eventually asthe trusted friend and adviser of both families, and in one daring flightof fancy saw himself hobnobbing with the two captains over pipes andwhisky. 

Neatly dressed and carrying a small offering of wallflowers, he set outthat afternoon to call on his old master, giving, as he walked, the lasttouches to a little speech of welcome which he had prepared duringdinner. It was a happy effort, albeit a trifle laboured, but CaptainNugent's speech, the inspiration of the moment, gave it no chance. 

He started the moment the bowing Mr. Wilks entered the room, his voicerising gradually from low, bitter tones to a hurricane note which Bella. Could hear in the kitchen without even leaving her chair. Mr. Wilksstood dazed and speechless before him, holding the wallflowers in onehand and his cap in the other. In this attitude he listened to adescription of his character drawn with the loving skill of an artistwhose whole heart was in his work, and who seemed never tired of fillingin details. 

"If you ever have the hardihood to come to my house again, " he concluded, "I'll break every bone in your misshapen body. Get!"

Mr. Wilks turned and groped his way to the door. Then he went a littleway back with some idea of defending himself, but the door of the roomwas slammed in his face. He walked slowly down the path to the road andstood there for some time in helpless bewilderment. In all his sixtyyears of life his feelings had never been so outraged. His cap was stillin his hand, and, with a helpless gesture, he put it on and scattered hisfloral offering in the road. Then he made a bee-line for the TwoSchooners. 

Though convivial by nature and ever free with his money, he sat theredrinking alone in silent misery. Men came and went, but he still satthere noting with mournful pride the attention caused by his unusualbearing. To casual inquiries he shook his head; to more direct ones heonly sighed heavily and applied himself to his liquor. Curiosityincreased with numbers as the day wore on, and the steward, determined tobe miserable, fought manfully against an ever-increasing cheerfulness dueto the warming properties of the ale within. 

"I 'ope you ain't lost nobody, Sam?" said a discomfited inquirer at last. 

Mr. Wilks shook his head. 

"You look as though you'd lost a shilling and found a ha'penny, " pursuedthe other. 

"Found a what?" inquired Mr. Wilks, wrinkling his forehead. 

"A ha'penny, " said his friend. 

"Who did?" said Mr. Wilks. 

The other attempted to explain and was ably assisted by two friends, but without avail; the impression left on Mr. Wilks's mind being thatsomebody had got a shilling of his. He waxed exceeding bitter, and saidthat he had been missing shillings for a long time. 

"You're labourin' under a mistake, Sam, " said the first speaker. 

Mr. Wilks laughed scornfully and essayed a sneer, while his friends, regarding his contortions with some anxiety, expressed a fear that he wasnot quite himself. To this suggestion the steward deigned no reply, andturning to the landlord bade him replenish his mug. 

"You've 'ad enough, Mr. Wilks, " said that gentleman, who had beenwatching him for some time. 

Mr. Wilks, gazing at him mistily, did not at first understand the fullpurport of this remark; but when he did, his wrath was so majestic andhis remarks about the quality of the brew so libellous that the landlordlost all patience. 

"You get off home, " he said, sharply. 

"Listen t' me, " said Mr. Wilks, impressively. 

"I don't want no words with you, " said the land-lord. "You get off homewhile you can. "

"That's right, Sam, " said one of the company, putting his hand on thesteward's arm. "You take his advice. "

Mr. Wilks shook the hand off and eyed his adviser ferociously. Then hetook a glass from the counter and smashed it on the floor. The nextmoment the bar was in a ferment, and the landlord, gripping Mr. Wilksround the middle, skilfully piloted him to the door and thrust him intothe road. 

[Illustration: "He took a glass from the counter and smashed it on thefloor. "]

The strong air blowing from the sea disordered the steward's facultiesstill further. His treatment inside was forgotten, and, leaning againstthe front of the tavern, he stood open-mouthed, gazing at marvels. Shipsin the harbour suddenly quitted their native element and were drawn upinto the firmament; nobody passed but twins. 

"Evening, Mr. Wilks, " said a voice. 

The steward peered down at the voice. At first he thought it was anothercase of twins, but looking close he saw that it was Mr. Edward Silkalone. He saluted him graciously, and then, with a wave of his handtoward the sky, sought to attract his attention to the ships there. 

"Yes, " said the unconscious Mr. Silk, sign of a fine day to-morrow. "Are you going my way?"

Mr. Wilks smiled, and detaching himself from the tavern with somedifficulty just saved Mr. Silk from a terrible fall by clutching himforcibly round the neck. The ingratitude of Mr. Silk was a rebuff to anature which was at that moment overflowing with good will. For a momentthe steward was half inclined to let him go home alone, but thereflection that he would never get there softened him. 

"Pull yourself t'gether, " he said, gravely, "Now, 'old on me. "

The road, as they walked, rose up in imitation of the shipping, but Mr. Wilks knew now the explanation: Teddy Silk was intoxicated. Very gentlyhe leaned towards the erring youth and wagged his head at him. 

"Are you going to hold up or aren't you?" demanded Mr. Silk, shortly. 

The steward waived the question; he knew from experience the futility ofarguing with men in drink. The great thing was to get Teddy Silk home, not to argue with him. He smiled good-temperedly to himself, and with asudden movement pinned him up against the wall in time to arrest another`fall. 

[Illustration: "The great thing was to get Teddy Silk home. "]

With frequent halts by the way, during which the shortness of Mr. Silk'stemper furnished Mr. Wilks with the texts of several sermons, none ofwhich he finished, they at last reached Fullalove Alley, and the steward, with a brief exhortation to his charge to hold his head up, bore down onMrs. Silk, who was sitting in her doorway. 

"I've brought 'im 'ome, " he said, steadying himself against the doorpost;"brought 'im 'ome. "

"Brought 'im 'ome?" said the bewildered Mrs. Silk. 

"Don' say anything to 'im, " entreated Mr. Wilks, "my sake. Thing might'appen anybody. "

"He's been like that all the way, " said Mr. Silk, regarding the stewardwith much disfavour. "I don't know why I troubled about him, I'm sure. "

"Crowd roun 'im, " pursued the imaginative Mr. Wilks. "'Old up, Teddy. "

"I'm sure it's very kind of you, Mr. Wilks, " said the widow, as sheglanced at a little knot of neighbours standing near. "Will you comeinside for a minute or two?"

She moved the chair to let him pass, and Mr. Wilks, still keeping therestraining hand of age on the shoulder of intemperate youth, passed inand stood, smiling amiably, while Mrs. Silk lit the lamp and placed it inthe centre of the table, which was laid for supper. The light shone on aknuckle of boiled pork, a home-made loaf, and a fresh-cut wedge ofcheese. 

"I suppose you won't stay and pick a bit o' sup-per with us?" said Mrs. Silk. 

"Why not?" inquired Mr. Wilks. 

"I'm sure, if I had known, " said Mrs. Silk, as she piloted him to a seat, "I'd 'ave 'ad something nice. There, now! If I 'aven't been and forgotthe beer. "

She left the table and went into the kitchen, and Mr. Wilks's eyesglistened as she returned with a large brown jug full of foaming ale andfilled his glass. 

"Teddy mustn't 'ave any, " he said, sharply, as she prepared to fill thatgentleman's glass. 

"Just 'alf a glass, " she said, winsomely. 

"Not a drop, " said Mr. Wilks, firmly. 

Mrs. Silk hesitated, and screwing up her forehead glanced significantlyat her son. "'Ave some by-and-by, " she whispered. 

"Give me the jug, " said Mr. Silk, indignantly. "What are you listeningto 'im for? Can't you see what's the matter with 'im?"

"Not to 'ave it, " said Mr. Wilks; "put it 'ere. "

He thumped the table emphatically with his hand, and before her indignantson could interfere Mrs. Silk had obeyed. It was the last straw. Mr. Edward Silk rose to his feet with tremendous effect and, first thrustinghis plate violently away from him, went out into the night, slamming thedoor behind him with such violence that the startled Mr. Wilks was nearlyblown out of his chair. 

"He don't mean nothing, " said Mrs. Silk, turning a rather scared face tothe steward. "'E's a bit jealous of you, I s'pose. "

Mr. Wilks shook his head. Truth to tell, he was rather at a loss to knowexactly what had happened. 

"And then there's 'is love affair, " sighed Mrs. Silk. "He'll never getover the loss of Amelia Kybird. I always know when 'e 'as seen her, he'sthat miserable there's no getting a word out of 'im. "

Mr. Wilks smiled vaguely and went on with his supper, and, the mealfinished, allowed himself to be installed in an easy-chair, while hishostess cleared the table. He sat and smoked in high good humour withhimself, the occasional remarks he made being received with an enthusiasmwhich they seldom provoked elsewhere. 

"I should like t' sit 'ere all night, " he said, at last. 

"I don't believe it, " said Mrs. Silk, playfully. 

"Like t' sit 'ere all night, " repeated Mr. Wilks, somewhat sternly. "Allnex' day, all day after, day after that, day----"

Mrs. Silk eyed him softly. "Why would you like to sit here all thattime?" she inquired, in a low voice. 

"B'cause, " said Mr. Wilks, simply, "b'cause I don't feel's if I canstand. Goo'-night. "

He closed his eyes on the indignant Mrs. Silk and fell fast asleep. Itwas a sound sleep and dreamless, and only troubled by the occasionalineffectual attempts of his hostess to arouse him. She gave up theattempt at last, and taking up a pair of socks sat working thoughtfullythe other side of the fire-place. 

The steward awoke an hour or two later, and after what seemed a terriblestruggle found himself standing at the open door with the cold night airblowing in his face, and a voice which by an effort of memory heidentified as that of Edward Silk inviting him "to go home and lose notime about it. " Then the door slammed behind him and he stood balancinghimself with some difficulty on the step, wondering what had happened. By the time he had walked up and down the deserted alley three or fourtimes light was vouchsafed to him and, shivering slightly, he found hisown door and went to bed. 

CHAPTER XIX

Any hopes which Hardy might have entertained as to the attitude of MissNugent were dispelled the first time he saw her, that dutiful daughter ofa strong-willed sire favouring him with a bow which was exactly half aninch in depth and then promptly bestowing her gaze elsewhere. He passedCaptain Nugent next day, and for a week afterwards he had only to closehis eyes to see in all its appalling virulence the glare with which thatgentleman had acknowledged his attempt at recognition. 

[Illustration: "Captain Nugent. "]

He fared no better in Fullalove Alley, a visit to Mr. Wilks eliciting thefact that that delectable thoroughfare had been put out of bounds forMiss Nugent. Moreover, Mr. Wilks was full of his own troubles andanxious for any comfort and advice that could be given to him. All thealley knew that Mrs. Silk had quarrelled with her son over the steward, and, without knowing the facts, spoke their mind with painful freedomconcerning them. 

"She and Teddy don't speak to each other now, " said Mr. Wilks, gloomily, "and to 'ear people talk you'd think it was my fault. "

Hardy gave him what comfort he could. He even went the length of sayingthat Mrs. Silk was a fine woman. 

"She acts like a suffering martyr, " exclaimed Mr. Wilks. "She comes over'ere dropping hints that people are talking about us, and that they ask'er awkward questions. Pretending to misunderstand 'er every time isenough to send me crazy; and she's so sudden in what she says there's nobeing up to 'er. On'y this morning she asked me if I should be sorry ifshe died. "

"What did you say?" inquired his listener. 

"I said 'yes, '" admitted Mr. Wilks, reluctantly. "I couldn't sayanything else; but I said that she wasn't to let my feelings interferewith 'er in any way. "

Hardy's father sailed a day or two later, and after that nothinghappened. Equator Lodge was an impregnable fortress, and the only memberof the garrison he saw in a fortnight was Bella. 

His depression did not escape the notice of his partner, who, after firstadvising love-philtres and then a visit to a well-known specialist fordiseases of the heart, finally recommended more work, and put a generousportion of his own on to the young man's desk. Hardy, who was in an eviltemper, pitched it on to the floor and, with a few incisive remarks onlevity unbecoming to age, pursued his duties in gloomy silence. 

A short time afterwards, however, he had to grapple with his partner'swork in real earnest. For the first time in his life the genialshipbroker was laid up with a rather serious illness. A chill caughtwhile bathing was going the round of certain unsuspected weak spots, andthe patient, who was of an inquiring turn of mind, was taking a greaterinterest in medical works than his doctor deemed advisable. 

"Most interesting study, " he said, faintly, to Hardy, as the latter satby his bedside one evening and tried to cheer him in the usual way bytelling him that there was nothing the matter with him. "There aredozens of different forms of liver complaint alone, and I've got 'emall. "

"Liver isn't much, " said his visitor, with the confidence of youth. 

"Mine is, " retorted the invalid; "it's twice its proper size and stillgrowing. Base of the left lung is solidifying, or I'm much mistaken; theheart, instead of waltzing as is suitable to my time of life, is doing agalop, and everything else is as wrong as it can be. "

"When are you coming back?" inquired the other. 

"Back?" repeated Swann. "Back? You haven't been listening. I'm awreck. All through violating man's primeval instinct by messing about incold water. What is the news?"

Hardy pondered and shook his head. "Nugent is going to be married inJuly, " he said, at last. 

"He'd better have had that trip on the whaler, " commented Mr. Swann; "butthat is not news. Nathan Smith told it me this morning. "

"Nathan Smith?" repeated the other, in surprise. 

"I've done him a little service, " said the invalid. "Got him out of amess with Garth and Co. He's been here two or three times, and I mustconfess I find him a most alluring rascal. "

"Birds of a feather--" began Hardy, superciliously. 

"Don't flatter me, " said Swann, putting his hand out of the bed-clotheswith a deprecatory gesture. 

"I am not worthy to sit at his feet. He is the most amusing knave on thecoast. He is like a sunbeam in a sick room when you can once get him totalk of his experiences. Have you seen young Nugent lately? Does heseem cheerful?"

"Yes, but he is not, " was the reply. 

"Well, it's natural for the young to marry, " said the other, gravely. "Murchison will be the next to go, I expect. "

"Possibly, " returned Hardy, with affected calmness. 

"Blaikie was saying something about it this morning, " resumed Swann, regarding him from half-closed lids, "but he was punching and tapping meall about the ribs while he was talking, and I didn't catch all he said, but I think it's all arranged. Murchison is there nearly every day, Iunderstand; I suppose you meet him there?"

Mr. Hardy, whistling softly, rose and walked round the room, uncorkingmedicine bottles and sniffing at their contents. A smile of unaffectedpleasure lit up his features as he removed the stopper from oneparticularly pungent mixture. 

[Illustration: "Sniffing at their contents. "]

"Two tablespoonfuls three times a day, " he read, slowly. "When did youhave the last, Swann? Shall I ring for the nurse?"

The invalid shook his head impatiently. "You're an ungrateful dog, " hemuttered, "or you would tell me how your affair is going. Have you gotany chance?"

"You're getting light-headed now, " said Hardy, calmly. "I'd better go. "

"All right, go then, " responded the invalid; "but if you lose that girljust for the want of a little skilled advice from an expert, you'll neverforgive yourself--I'm serious. "

"Well, you must be ill then, " said the younger man, with anxiety. 

"Twice, " said Mr. Swann, lying on his back and apparently addressing theceiling, "twice I have given this young man invaluable assistance, andeach time he has bungled. "

Hardy laughed and, the nurse returning to the room, bade him "good-bye"and departed. After the close atmosphere of the sick room the air wasdelicious, and he walked along slowly, deep in thought. From NathanSmith his thoughts wandered to Jack Nugent and his unfortunateengagement, and from that to Kate Nugent. For months he had beenrevolving impossible schemes in his mind to earn her gratitude, andpossibly that of the captain, by extricating Jack. In the latterconnection he was also reminded of that unhappy victim of unrequitedaffection, Edward Silk. 

It was early to go indoors, and the house was dull. He turned andretraced his steps, and, his thoughts reverting to his sick partner, smiled as he remembered remarks which that irresponsible person had madeat various times concerning the making of his last will and testament. Then he came to a sudden standstill as a wild, forlorn-hope kind of ideasuddenly occurred to him. He stood for some time thinking, then walked alittle way, and then stopped again as various difficulties presentedthemselves for solution. Finally, despite the lateness of the hour, hewalked back in some excitement to the house he had quitted over half anhour before with the intention of speaking to the invalid concerning aduty peculiarly incumbent upon elderly men of means. 

The nurse, who came out of the sick room, gently closing the door afterher, demurred a little to this second visit, but, receiving a promisefrom the visitor not to excite the invalid, left them together. Theodour of the abominable physic was upon the air. 

"Well?" said the invalid. 

"I have been thinking that I was rather uncivil a little while ago, " saidHardy. 

"Ah!" said the other. "What do you want?"

"A little of that skilled assistance you were speaking of. "

Mr. Swann made an alarming noise in his throat. Hardy sprang forward inalarm, but he motioned him back. 

"I was only laughing, " he explained. 

Hardy repressed his annoyance by an effort, and endeavoured, but withscant success, to return the other's smile. 

"Go on, " said the shipbroker, presently. 

"I have thought of a scheme for upsetting Nugent's marriage, " said Hardy, slowly. 

"It is just a forlorn hope which depends for its success on you andNathan Smith. "

"He's a friend of Kybird's, " said the other, drily. 

"That is the most important thing of all, " rejoined Hardy. "That is, next to your shrewdness and tact; everything depends upon you, really, and whether you can fool Smith. It is a great thing in our favour thatyou have been taking him up lately. "

"Are you coming to the point or are you not?" demanded the shipbroker. 

Hardy looked cautiously round the room, and then, drawing his chair closeto the bed, leaned over the prostrate man and spoke rapidly into his ear. 

"What?" cried the astounded Mr. Swann, suddenly sitting up in his bed. "You--you scoundrel!"

"It's to be done, " said Hardy. 

"You ghoul!" said the invalid, glaring at him. "Is that the way to talkto a sick man? You unscrupulous rascal!"

"It'll be amusement for you, " pleaded the other, "and if we aresuccessful it will be the best thing in the end for everybody. Think ofthe good you'll do. "

"Where you get such rascally ideas from, I can't think, " mused theinvalid. "Your father is a straightforward, honest man, and yourpartner's uprightness is the talk of Sunwich. "

"It doesn't take much to make Sunwich talk, " retorted Hardy. 

"A preposterous suggestion to make to a man of my standing, " said theshipbroker, ignoring the remark. "If the affair ever leaked out I shouldnever hear the end of it. "

"It can't leak out, " said Hardy, "and if it does there is no directevidence. They will never really know until you die; they can onlysuspect. "

"Very well, " said the shipbroker, with a half-indulgent, half-humorousglance. "Anything to get rid of you. It's a crack-brained scheme, andcould only originate with a young man whose affections have weakened hishead--I consent. "

"Bravo!" said Hardy and patted him on the back; Mr. Swann referred to thebase of his left lung, and he apologized. 

"I'll have to fix it up with Blaikie, " said the invalid, lying downagain. "Murchison got two of his best patients last week, so that itought to be easy. And besides, he is fond of innocent amusement. "

"I'm awfully obliged to you, " said Hardy. 

"It might be as well if we pretended to quarrel, " said the invalid, reflectively, "especially as you are known to be a friend of Nugent's. We'll have a few words--before my housekeeper if possible, to insurepublicity--and then you had better not come again. Send Silk insteadwith messages. "

Hardy thanked him and whispered a caution as a footstep was heard on thelanding. The door opened and the nurse, followed by the housekeeperbearing a tray, entered the room. 

"And I can't be worried about these things, " said Swann, in anacrimonious voice, as they entered. "If you are not capable of settlinga simple question like that yourself, ask the office-boy to instruct you. 

"It's your work, " retorted Hardy, "and a nice mess it's in. "

"H'sh!" said the nurse, coming forward hastily. "You must leave theroom, sir. I can't have you exciting my patient. "

Hardy bestowed an indignant glance at the invalid. 

"Get out!" said that gentleman, with extraordinary fierceness for one inhis weak condition. "In future, nurse, I won't have this person admittedto my room. "

"Yes, yes; certainly, " said the nurse. "You must go, sir; at once, please. "

"I'm going, " said Hardy, almost losing his gravity at the piteousspectacle afforded by the house-keeper as she stood, still holding thetray and staring open-mouthed at the combatants. "When you're tired ofskulking in bed, perhaps you'll come and do your share of the work. "

Mr. Swann rose to a sitting position, and his demeanour was so alarmingthat the nurse, hastening over to him, entreated him to lie down, andwaved Hardy peremptorily from the room. 

"Puppy!" said the invalid, with great relish. "Blockhead!"

[Illustration: "'Puppy!' said the invalid. "]

He gazed fixedly at the young man as he departed and then, catching sightin his turn of the housekeeper's perplexity, laid himself down and buriedhis face in the bed-clothes. The nurse crossed over to her assistantand, taking the tray from her, told her in a sharp whisper that if sheever admitted Mr. Hardy again she would not be answerable for theconsequences. 

CHAPTER XX

Charmed at the ease with which he had demolished the objections of Mr. Adolphus Swann and won that suffering gentleman over to his plans, Hardybegan to cast longing glances at Equator Lodge. He reminded himself thatthe labourer was worthy of his hire, and it seemed moreover an extremelydesirable thing that Captain Nugent should know that he was labouring inhis vineyard with the full expectation of a bounteous harvest. Heresolved to call. 

Kate Nugent, who heard the gate swing behind him as he entered the frontgarden, looked up and stood spellbound at his audacity. As a fairlycourageous young person she was naturally an admirer of boldness inothers, but this seemed sheer recklessness. Moreover, it wasrecklessness in which, if she stayed where she was, she would have tobear a part or be guilty of rudeness, of which she felt incapable. Shetook a third course, and, raising her eyebrows at the unnecessarily loudknocking with which the young man announced his arrival, retreated ingood order into the garden, where her father, in a somewhat heatedcondition, was laboriously planting geraniums. She had barely reachedhim when Bella, in a state of fearsome glee, came down the garden to tellthe captain of his visitor. 

[Illustration: "Bella, in a state of fearsome glee, came down the gardento tell the captain of his visitor. "]

"Who?" said the latter, sharply, as he straightened his aching back. 

"Young Mr. Hardy, " said Bella, impressively. "I showed 'im in; I didn'task 'im to take a chair, but he took one. "

"Young Hardy to see me!" said the captain to his daughter, after Bellahad returned to the house. "How dare he come to my house? Infernalimpudence! I won't see him. "

"Shall I go in and see him for you?" inquired Kate, with affectedartlessness. 

"You stay where you are, miss, " said her father. "I won't have himspeak to you; I won't have him look at you. I'll----"

He beat his dirty hands together and strode off towards the house. JemHardy rose from his chair as the captain entered the room and, ignoring alook of black inquiry, bade him "Good afternoon. "

"What do you want?" asked the captain, gruffly, as he stared him straightin the eye. 

"I came to see you about your son's marriage, " said the other. "Are youstill desirous of preventing it?"

"I'm sorry you've had the trouble, " said the captain, in a voice ofsuppressed anger; "and now may I ask you to get out of my house?"

Hardy bowed. "I am sorry I have troubled you, " he said, calmly, "but Ihave a plan which I think would get your son out of this affair, and, asa business man, I wanted to make something out of it. "

The captain eyed him scornfully, but he was glad to see thiswell-looking, successful son of his old enemy tainted with such sordidviews. Instead of turning him out he spoke to him almost fairly. 

"How much do you want?" he inquired. 

"All things considered, I am asking a good deal, " was the reply. 

"How much?" repeated the captain, impatiently. 

Hardy hesitated. "In exchange for the service I want permission to visithere when I choose, " he said, at length; "say twice a week. "

Words failed the captain; none with which he was acquainted seemedforcible enough for the occasion. He faced his visitor stuttering withrage, and pointed to the door. 

"Get out of my house, " he roared. 

[Illustration: "'Get out of my house, ' he roared. ]

"I'm sorry to have intruded, " said Hardy, as he crossed the room andpaused at the door; "it is none of my business, of course. I thoughtthat I saw an opportunity of doing your son a good turn--he is a friendof mine--and at the same time paying off old scores against Kybird andNathan Smith. I thought that on that account it might suit you. Goodafternoon. "

He walked out into the hall, and reaching the front door fumbled clumsilywith the catch. The captain watching his efforts in grim silence beganto experience the twin promptings of curiosity and temptation. 

"What is this wonderful plan of yours?" he demanded, with a sneer. 

"Just at present that must remain a secret, " said the other. He camefrom the door and, unbidden, followed the captain into the room again. 

"What do you want to visit at my house for?" inquired the latter, in aforbidding voice. 

"To see your daughter, " said Hardy. 

The captain had a relapse. He had not expected a truthful answer, and, when it came, in the most matter-of-fact tone, it found him quiteunprepared. His first idea was to sacrifice his dignity and forciblyeject his visitor, but more sensible thoughts prevailed. 

"You are quite sure, I suppose, that your visits would be agreeable to mydaughter?" he said, contemptuously. 

Hardy shook his head. "I should come ostensibly to see you, " he said, cheerfully; "to smoke a pipe with you. "

"Smoke!" stuttered the captain, explosively; "smoke a pipe with ME?"

"Why not?" said the other. "I am offering you my services, andanything that is worth having is worth paying for. I suppose we couldboth smoke pipes under pleasanter conditions. What have you got againstme? It isn't my fault that you and my father have quarrelled. "

"I don't want anything more to say to you, " said the captain, sternly. "I've shown you the door once. Am I to take forcible measures?"

Hardy shrugged his broad shoulders. "I am sorry, " he said, moving to thedoor again. 

"So am I, " said the other. 

"It's a pity, " said Hardy, regretfully. "It's the chance of a lifetime. I had set my heart on fooling Kybird and Smith, and now all my trouble iswasted. Nathan Smith would be all the better for a fall. "

The captain hesitated. His visitor seemed to be confident, and he wouldhave given a great deal to prevent his son's marriage and a great deal torepay some portion of his debt to the ingenious Mr. Smith. Moreover, there seemed to be an excellent opportunity of punishing the presumptionof his visitor by taking him at his word. 

"I don't think you'd enjoy your smoking here much, " he said, curtly. 

"I'll take my chance of that, " said the other. "It will only be a matterof a few weeks, and then, if I am unsuccessful, my visits cease. "

"And if you're successful, am I to have the pleasure of your company forthe rest of my life?" demanded the captain. 

"That will be for you to decide, " was the reply. "Is it a bargain?"

The captain looked at him and deliberated. "All right. Mondays andThursdays, " he said, laconically. 

Hardy saw through the ruse, and countered. 

"Now Swann is ill I can't always get away when I wish, " he said, easily. "I'll just drop in when I can. Good day. "

He opened the door and, fearful lest the other should alter his mind atthe last moment, walked briskly down the path to the gate. The captainstood for some time after his departure deep in thought, and thenreturned to the garden to be skilfully catechized by Miss Nugent. 

"And when my young friend comes with his pipe you'll be in another room, "he concluded, warningly. 

Miss Nugent looked up and patted his cheek tenderly. "What a talent fororganization you have, " she remarked, softly. "A place for everythingand everything in its place. The idea of his taking such a fancy toyou!"

The captain coughed and eyed her suspiciously. He had been careful notto tell her Hardy's reasons for coming, but he had a shrewd idea that hiscaution was wasted. 

"Today is Thursday, " said Kate, slowly; "he will be here to-morrow andSaturday. What shall I wear?"

The captain resumed his gardening operations by no means perturbed at theprophecy. Much as he disliked the young man he gave him credit for acertain amount of decency, and his indignation was proportionately greatthe following evening when Bella announced Mr. Hardy. He made a genialremark about Shylock and a pound of flesh, but finding that it was onlyan excellent conversational opening, the subject of Shakespeare's playslapsed into silence. 

It was an absurd situation, but he was host and Hardy allowed him to seepretty plainly that he was a guest. He answered the latter's remarkswith a very ill grace, and took covert stock of him as one of a specieshe had not encountered before. One result of his stock-taking was thathe was spared any feeling of surprise when his visitor came the followingevening. 

"It's the thin end of the wedge, " said Miss Nugent, who came into theroom after Hardy had departed; "you don't know him as well as I do. "

"Eh?" said her father, sharply. 

"I mean that you are not such a judge of character as I am, " said Kate;"and besides, I have made a special study of young men. The only thingthat puzzles me is why you should have such an extraordinary fascinationfor him. "

"You talk too much, miss, " said the captain, drawing the tobacco jartowards him and slowly filling his pipe. 

Miss Nugent sighed, and after striking a match for him took a seat on thearm of his chair and placed her hand on his shoulder. "I can quiteunderstand him liking you, " she said, slowly. 

The captain grunted. 

"And if he is like other sensible people, " continued Miss Nugent, in acoaxing voice, "the more he sees of you the more he'll like you. I dohope he has not come to take you away from me. "

[Illustration: "I do hope he has not come to take you away from me. "]

The indignant captain edged her off the side of his chair; Miss Nugent, quite undisturbed, got on again and sat tapping the floor with her foot. Her arm stole round his neck and she laid her cheek against his head andsmiled wickedly. 

"Nice-looking, isn't he?" she said, in a careless voice. 

"I don't know anything about his looks, " growled her father. 

Miss Nugent gave a little exclamation of surprise. "First thing Inoticed, " she said, with commendable gravity. "He's very good-lookingand very determined. What are you going to give him if he gets poor Jackout of this miserable business?"

"Give him?" said her father, staring. 

"I met Jack yesterday, " said Kate, "and I can see that he is as wretchedas he can be. He wouldn't say so, of course. If Mr. Hardy is successfulyou ought to recognize it. I should suggest one of your new photos in aneighteenpenny frame. "

She slipped off the chair and quitted the room before her father couldthink of a suitable retort, and he sat smoking silently until theentrance of Mrs. Kingdom a few minutes later gave him an opportunity ofworking off a little accumulated gall. 

While the junior partner was thus trying to obtain a footing at EquatorLodge the gravest rumours of the senior partner's health were prevalentin the town. Nathan Smith, who had been to see him again, ostensibly tothank him for his efforts on his behalf, was of opinion that he wasbreaking up, and in conversation with Mr. Kybird shook his head over theidea that there would soon be one open-handed gentleman the less in aworld which was none too full of them. 

"We've all got to go some day, " observed Mr. Kybird, philosophically. "'Ow's that cough o' yours getting on, Nat?"

Mr. Smith met the pleasantry coldly; the ailment referred to was one ofsome standing and had been a continual source of expense in the way ofbalsams and other remedies. 

"He's worried about 'is money, " he said, referring to Mr. Swann. 

"Ah, we sha'n't 'ave that worry, " said Mr. Kybird. 

"Nobody to leave it to, " continued Mr. Smith. "Seems a bit 'ard, don'tit?"

"P'r'aps if 'e 'ad 'ad somebody to leave it to 'e wouldn't 'ave 'ad somuch to leave, " observed Mr. Kybird, sagely; "it's a rum world. "

He shook his head over it and went on with the uncongenial task ofmarking down wares which had suffered by being exposed outside too long. Mr. Smith, who always took an interest in the welfare of his friends, made suggestions. 

"I shouldn't put a ticket marked 'Look at this!' on that coat, " he said, severely. "It oughtn't to be looked at. "

"It's the best out o' three all 'anging together, " said Mr. Kybird, evenly. 

"And look 'ere, " said Mr. Smith. "Look what an out-o'-the-way placeyou've put this ticket. Why not put it higher up on the coat?"

"Becos the moth-hole ain't there, " said Mr. Kybird. 

Mr. Smith apologized and watched his friend without further criticism. 

"Gettin' ready for the wedding, I s'pose?" he said, presently. 

Mr. Kybird assented, and his brow darkened as he spoke of surreptitiousraids on his stores made by Mrs. Kybird and daughter. 

"Their idea of a wedding, " he said, bitterly, "is to dress up and make ashow; my idea is a few real good old pals and plenty of licker. "

"You'll 'ave to 'ave both, " observed Nathan Smith, whose knowledge of thesex was pretty accurate. 

Mr. Kybird nodded gloomily. "'Melia and Jack don't seem to 'ave been'itting it off partikler well lately, " he said, slowly. "He's gettingmore uppish than wot 'e was when 'e come here first. But I got 'im topromise that he'd settle any money that 'e might ever get left him on'Melia. "

Mr. Smith's inscrutable eyes glistened into something as nearlyapproaching a twinkle as they were capable. "That'll settle the five'undred, " he said, warmly. "Are you goin' to send Cap'n Nugent an invitefor the wedding?"

[Illustration: "Are you goin' to send Cap'n Nugent an invite for thewedding?"]

"They'll 'ave to be asked, o' course, " said Mr. Kybird, with an attemptat dignity, rendered necessary by a certain lightness in his friend'smanner. "The old woman don't like the Nugent lot, but she'll do theproper thing. "

"O' course she will, " said Mr. Smith, soothingly. "Come over and 'ave adrink with me, Dan'l it's your turn to stand. "

CHAPTER XXI

Gossip from one or two quarters, which reached Captain Nugent's earsthrough the medium of his sister, concerning the preparations for hisson's marriage, prevented him from altering his mind with regard to thevisits of Jem Hardy and showing that painstaking young man the door. Indeed, the nearness of the approaching nuptials bade fair to eclipse, for the time being, all other grievances, and when Hardy paid his thirdvisit he made a determined but ineffectual attempt to obtain from himsome information as to the methods by which he hoped to attain his ends. His failure made him suspicious, and he hinted pretty plainly that he hadno guarantee that his visitor was not obtaining admittance under falsepretences. 

"Well, I'm not getting much out of it, " returned Hardy, frankly. 

"I wonder you come, " said his hospitable host. 

"I want you to get used to me, " said the other. 

The captain started and eyed him uneasily; the remark seemed fraught withhidden meaning. "And then?" he inquired, raising his bushy eyebrows. 

"Then perhaps I can come oftener. "

The captain gave him up. He sank back in his chair and crossing his legssmoked, with his eyes fixed on the ceiling. It was difficult to knowwhat to do with a young man who was apparently destitute of any feelingsof shame or embarrassment. He bestowed a puzzled glance in his directionand saw that he was lolling in the chair with an appearance of thegreatest ease and enjoyment. Following the direction of his eyes, he sawthat he was gazing with much satisfaction at a photograph of Miss Nugentwhich graced the mantelpiece. With an odd sensation the captain suddenlyidentified it as one which usually stood on the chest of drawers in hisbedroom, and he wondered darkly whether charity or mischief wasresponsible for its appearance there. 

In any case, it disappeared before the occasion of Hardy's next visit, and the visitor sat with his eyes unoccupied, endeavouring to makeconversation with a host who was if anything more discourteous thanusual. It was uphill work, but he persevered, and in fifteen minutes hadranged unchecked from North Pole explorations to poultry farming. It wasa relief to both of them when the door opened and Bella ushered in Dr. Murchison. 

The captain received the new arrival with marked cordiality, and givinghim a chair near his own observed with some interest the curt greeting ofthe young men. The doctor's manner indicated polite surprise at seeingthe other there, then he turned to the captain and began to talk to him. 

For some time they chatted without interruption, and the captain'sreplies, when Hardy at last made an attempt to make the conversationgeneral, enabled the doctor to see, without much difficulty, that thelatter was an unwelcome guest. Charmed with the discovery he followedhis host's lead, and, with a languid air, replied to his rival inmonosyllables. The captain watched with quiet satisfaction, and at eachrebuff his opinion of Murchison improved. It was gratifying to find thatthe interloper had met his match. 

Hardy sat patient. "I am glad to have met you to-night, " he said, aftera long pause, during which the other two were discussing a formersurgical experience of the captain's on one of his crew. 

"Yes?" said Murchison. 

"You are just the man I wanted to see. "

"Yes?" said the doctor, again. 

"Yes, " said the other, nodding. "I've been very busy of late owing to mypartner's illness, and you are attending several people I want to hearabout. "

"Indeed, " said Murchison, with a half-turn towards him. 

"How is Mrs. Paul?" inquired Hardy. 

"Dead!" replied the other, briefly. 

"Dead!" repeated Mr. Hardy. "Good Heavens! I didn't know that there wasmuch the matter with her. "

"There was no hope for her from the first, " said Murchison, somewhatsharply. "It was merely a question of prolonging her life a little while. She lived longer than I deemed possible. She surprised everybody by hervitality. "

"Poor thing, " said Hardy. "How is Joe Banks?"

"Dead, " said Murchison again, biting his lip and eyeing him furiously. 

"Dear me, " said Hardy, shaking his head; "I met him not a month ago. Hewas on his way to see you then. "

"The poor fellow had been an invalid nearly all his life, " saidMurchison, to the captain, casually. "Aye, I remember him, " was thereply. 

"I am almost afraid to ask you, " continued Hardy, "but shut up all day Ihear so little. How is old Miss Ritherdon?"

Murchison reddened with helpless rage; Captain Nugent, gazing at thequestioner with something almost approaching respect, waited breathlesslyfor the invariable answer. 

"She died three weeks ago; I'm surprised that you have not heard of it, "said the doctor, pointedly. 

"Of course she was old, " said Hardy, with the air of one advancingextenuating circumstances. 

"Very old, " replied the doctor, who knew that the other was now at theend of his obituary list. 

"Are there any other of my patients you are anxious to hear about?"

[Illustration: "Are there any other of my patients you are anxious tohear about?"]

"No, thank you, " returned Hardy, with some haste. 

The doctor turned to his host again, but the charm was broken. His talkwas disconnected, owing probably to the fact that he was racking hisbrain for facts relative to the seamy side of shipbroking. And Hardy, without any encouragement whatever, was interrupting with puerileanecdotes concerning the late lamented Joe Banks. The captain came tothe rescue. 

"The ladies are in the garden, " he said to the doctor; "perhaps you'dlike to join them. "

He looked coldly over at Hardy as he spoke to see the effect of hiswords. Their eyes met, and the young man was on his feet as soon as hisrival. 

"Thanks, " he said, coolly; "it is a trifle close indoors. "

Before the dismayed captain could think of any dignified pretext to stayhim he was out of the room. The doctor followed and the perturbedcaptain, left alone, stared blankly at the door and thought of hisdaughter's words concerning the thin end of the wedge. 

He was a proud man and loth to show discomfiture, so that it was notuntil a quarter of an hour later that he followed his guests to thegarden. The four people were in couples, the paths favouring thatformation, although the doctor, to the detriment of the border, had madetwo or three determined attempts to march in fours. With a feeling akinto scorn the captain saw that he was walking with Mrs. Kingdom, whilesome distance in the rear Jem Hardy followed with Kate. 

He stood at the back door for a little while watching; Hardy, upright andelate, was listening with profound attention to Miss Nugent; the doctor, sauntering along beside Mrs. Kingdom, was listening with a languid air toan account of her celebrated escape from measles some forty-three yearsbefore. As a professional man he would have died rather than have owedhis life to the specific she advocated. 

Kate Nugent, catching sight of her father, turned, and as he came slowlytowards them, linked her arm, in his. Her face was slightly flushed andher eyes sparkled. 

"I was just coming in to fetch you, " she observed; "it is so pleasant outhere now. "

"Delightful, " said Hardy. 

"We had to drop behind a little, " said Miss Nugent, raising her voice. "Aunt and Dr. Murchison _will_ talk about their complaints to each other!They have been exchanging prescriptions. "

The captain grunted and eyed her keenly. 

"I want you to come in and give us a little music, " he said, shortly. 

Kate nodded. "What is your favourite music, Mr. Hardy?" she inquired, with a smile. 

"Unfortunately, Mr. Hardy can't stay, " said the captain, in a voice whichthere was no mistaking. 

Hardy pulled out his watch. "No; I must be off, " he said, with awell-affected start. "Thank you for reminding me, Captain Nugent. "

"I am glad to have been of service, " said the other, looking hisgrimmest. 

He acknowledged the young man's farewell with a short nod and, forgettinghis sudden desire for music, continued to pace up and down with hisdaughter. 

"What have you been saying to that--that fellow?" he demanded, turning toher, suddenly. 

Miss Nugent reflected. "I said it was a fine evening, " she replied, atlast. 

"No doubt, " said her father. "What else?"

"I think I asked him whether he was fond of gardening, " said Miss Nugent, slowly. "Yes, I'm sure I did. "

"You had no business to speak to him at all, " said the fuming captain. 

"I don't quite see how I could help doing so, " said his daughter. "Yousurely don't expect me to be rude to your visitors? Besides, I feelrather sorry for him. "

"Sorry?" repeated the captain, sharply. "What for?"

"Because he hasn't got a nice, kind, soft-spoken father, " said MissNugent, squeezing his arm affectionately. 

The appearance of the other couple at the head of the path saved thecaptain the necessity of a retort. They stood in a little knot talking, but Miss Nugent, contrary to her usual habit, said but little. She washolding her father's arm and gazing absently at the dim fields stretchingaway beyond the garden. 

At the same time Mr. James Hardy, feeling, despite his bold front, somewhat badly snubbed, was sitting on the beach thinking over thesituation. After a quarter of an hour in the company of Kate Nugent allelse seemed sordid and prosaic; his own conduct in his attempt to saveher brother from the consequences of his folly most sordid of all. Hewondered, gloomily, what she would think when she heard of it. 

[Illustration: "He wondered, gloomily, what she would think when sheheard of it. "]

He rose at last and in the pale light of the new moon walked slowly alongtowards the town. In his present state of mind he wanted to talk aboutKate Nugent, and the only person who could be depended upon for doingthat was Samson Wilks. It was a never-tiring subject of the steward's, and since his discovery of the state of Hardy's feelings in that quarterthe slightest allusion was sufficient to let loose a flood ofreminiscences. 

It was dark by the time Hardy reached the alley, and in most of thehouses the lamps were lit behind drawn blinds. The steward's house, however, was in darkness and there was no response when he tapped. Heturned the handle of the door and looked in. A dim figure rose with astart from a chair. 

"I hope you were not asleep?" said Hardy. 

"No, sir, " said the steward, in a relieved voice. "I thought it wassomebody else. "

He placed a chair for his visitor and, having lit the lamp, slowlylowered the blind and took a seat opposite. 

"I've been sitting in the dark to make a certain party think I was out, "he said, slowly. "She keeps making a excuse about Teddy to come over andsee me. Last night 'e talked about making a 'ole in the water tocelebrate 'Melia Kybird's wedding, and she came over and sat in thatchair and cried as if 'er 'art would break. After she'd gone Teddy comesover, fierce as a eagle, and wants to know wot I've been saying to 'ismother to make 'er cry. Between the two of 'em I 'ave a nice life ofit. "

"He is still faithful to Miss Kybird, then?" said Hardy, with a suddensense of relief. 

"Faithful?" said Mr. Wilks. "Faithful ain't no word for it. He's asticker, that's wot 'e is, and it's my misfortune that 'is mother takesafter 'im. I 'ave to go out afore breakfast and stay out till late atnight, and even then like as not she catches me on the doorstep. "

"Well, perhaps she will make a hole in the water, " suggested Hardy. 

Mr. Wilks smiled, but almost instantly became grave again. "She's notthat sort, " he said, bitterly, and went into the kitchen to draw somebeer. 

He drank his in a manner which betokened that the occupation afforded himno enjoyment, and, full of his own troubles, was in no mood to discussanything else. He gave a short biography of Mrs. Silk which would havefurnished abundant material for half-a-dozen libel actions, and alludingto the demise of the late Mr. Silk, spoke of it as though it were thesupreme act of artfulness in a somewhat adventurous career. 

Hardy walked home with a mind more at ease than it had been at any timesince his overtures to Mr. Swann. The only scruple that had troubled himwas now removed, and in place of it he felt that he was acting the partof a guardian angel to Mr. Edward Silk. 

CHAPTER XXII

Mr. Nathan Smith, usually one of the most matter-of-fact men in theworld, came out of Mr. Swann's house in a semi-dazed condition, and forsome time after the front door had closed behind him stood gaping on thenarrow pavement. 

He looked up and down the quiet little street and shook his head sadly. It was a street of staid and substantial old houses; houses which hadmellowed and blackened with age, but whose quaint windows andchance-opened doors afforded glimpses of comfort attesting to theprosperity of those within. In the usual way Mr. Nathan Smith was of toophilosophical a temperament to experience the pangs of envy, but to-daythese things affected him, and he experienced a strange feeling ofdiscontent with his lot in life. 

"Some people 'ave all the luck, " he muttered, and walked slowly down theroad. 

[Illustration: "'Some people 'ave all the luck, ' he muttered. "]

He continued his reflections as he walked through the somewhat squalidstreets of his own quarter. The afternoon was wet and the houses lookeddingier than usual; dirty, inconvenient little places most of them, witha few cheap gimcracks making a brave show as near the window as possible. Mr. Smith observed them with newly opened eyes, and, for perhaps thefirst time in his life, thought of the draw-backs and struggles of thepoor. 

In his own untidy little den at the back of the house he sat for sometime deep in thought over the events of the afternoon. He had beenpermitted a peep at wealth; at wealth, too, which was changing hands, butwas not coming his way. He lit his pipe and, producing a bottle of rumfrom a cupboard, helped himself liberally. The potent fluid softened himsomewhat, and a half-formed intention to keep the news from Mr. Kybirdmelted away beneath its benign influence. 

"After all, we've been pals for pretty near thirty years, " said Mr. Smithto himself. 

He took another draught. "Thirty years is a long time, " he mused. 

He finished the glass. "And if 'e don't give me something out of it I'lldo 'im as much 'arm as I can, " he continued; and, buttoning up his coat, he rose and set out in the direction of the High Street. 

The rain had ceased and the sun was making faint efforts to break throughwatery clouds. Things seemed brighter, and Mr. Smith's heart beat inresponse. He was going to play the part of a benefactor to Mr. Kybird;to offer him access, at any rate, to such wealth as he had never dreamedof. He paused at the shop window, and, observing through a gap in themerchandise that Mr. Kybird was be-hind the counter, walked in andsaluted him. 

"I've got news for you, " he said, slowly; "big news. "

"Oh, " said Mr. Kybird, with indifference. 

"Big news, " repeated Mr. Smith, sinking thoughtlessly into the brokencane-chair and slowly extricating himself. "Something that'll make youreyes start out of your 'ed. "

The small black eyes in question were turned shrewdly in his direction. "I've 'ad news of you afore, Nat, " remarked Mr. Kybird, with simpleseverity. 

The philanthropist was chilled; he fixed his eyes in a stony stare on theopposite wall. Mr. Kybird, who had ever a wholesome dread of falling avictim to his friend's cuteness, regarded him with some uncertainty, andreminded him of one or two pieces of information which had seriouslydepleted his till. 

"Banns up yet for the wedding?" inquired Mr. Smith, still gazing in frontof him with fathomless eyes. 

"They'll be put up next week, " said Mr. Kybird. 

"Ah!" said his friend, with great emphasis. "Well, well!"

"Wot d'ye mean by 'well, well'?" demanded the other, with some heat. 

"I was on'y thinking, " replied Mr. Smith, mildly. "P'r'aps it's all forthe best, and I'd better 'old my tongue. True love is better than money. After all it ain't my bisness, and I shouldn't get much out of it. "

"Out of wot, Nat?" inquired Mr. Kybird, uneasily. 

Mr. Smith, still gazing musingly before him, appeared not to hear thequestion. "Nice after the rain, ain't it?" he said, slowly. 

"It's all right, " said the other, shortly. 

"Everything smells so fresh and sweet, " continued his nature-lovingfriend; "all the little dickey-birds was a-singing as if their little'arts would break as I come along. "

"I don't wonder at it, " said the offended Mr. Kybird. 

"And the banns go up next week, " murmured the boarding-master to himself. "Well, well. "

"'Ave you got anything to say agin it?" demanded Mr. Kybird. 

"Cert'nly not, " replied the other. "On'y don't blame me when it's toolate; that's all. "

Mr. Kybird, staring at him wrathfully, turned this dark saying over inhis mind. "Too late for wot?" he inquired. 

"Ah!" said Nathan Smith, slowly. "Nice and fresh after the rain, ain'tit? As I come along all the little dickey-birds--"

"Drat the little dickey-birds, " interrupted Mr. Kybird, with suddenviolence. "If you've got anything to say, why don't you say it like aman?"

[Illustration: "If you've got anything to say, why don't you say it likea man?"]

The parlour door opened suddenly before the other could reply, andrevealed the face of Mrs. Kybird. "Wot are you two a-quarrelling about?"she demanded. "Why don't you come inside and sit down for a bit?"

Mr. Smith accepted the invitation, and following her into the room foundMiss Kybird busy stitching in the midst of a bewildering assortment ofbrown paper patterns and pieces of cloth. Mrs. Kybird gave him a chair, and, having overheard a portion of his conversation with her husband, made one or two casual inquiries. 

"I've been spending a hour or two at Mr. Swann's, " said Mr. Smith. 

"And 'ow is 'e?" inquired his hostess, with an appearance of amiableinterest. 

The boarding-master shook his head. "'E's slipping 'is cable, " he said, slowly. "'E's been making 'is will, and I was one o' the witnesses. "

Something in Mr. Smith's manner as he uttered this simple statement madehis listeners anxious to hear more. Mr. Kybird, who had just entered theroom and was standing with his back to the door holding the handle, regarded him expectantly. 

"It's been worrying 'im some time, " pursued Mr. Smith. "'E 'asn't gotnobody belonging to 'im, and for a long time 'e couldn't think 'ow toleave it. Wot with 'ouse property and other things it's a matter of overten thousand pounds. "

"Good 'eavens!" said Mr. Kybird, who felt that he was expected to saysomething. 

"Dr. Blaikie was the other witness, " continued Mr. Smith, disregardingthe interruption; "and Mr. Swann made us both promise to keep it a deadsecret till 'e's gone, but out o' friendship to you I thought I'd stepround and let you know. "

The emphasis on the words was unmistakable; Mrs. Kybird dropped her workand sat staring at him, while her husband wriggled with excitement. 

"'E ain't left it to me, I s'pose?" he said, with a feeble attempt atjocularity. 

"Not a brass farden, " replied his friend, cheerfully. "Not to none ofyou. Why should 'e?

"He ain't left it to Jack, I s'pose?" said Miss Kybird, who had suspendedher work to listen. 

"No, my dear, " replied the boarding-master. "E's made 'is will allship-shape and proper, and 'e's left everything--all that 'ouse propertyand other things, amounting to over ten thousand pounds--to a young manbecos 'e was jilt--crossed in love a few months ago, and becos 'e's beena good and faithful servant to 'im for years. "

"Don't tell me, " said Mr. Kybird, desperately; "don't tell me that 'e'sbeen and left all that money to young Teddy Silk. "

"Well, I won't if you don't want me to, " said the accommodating Mr. Smith, "but, mind, it's a dead secret. "

Mr. Kybird wiped his brow, and red patches, due to excitement, lent alittle variety to an otherwise commonplace face; Mrs. Kybird's dazedinquiry. "Wot are we a-coming to?" fell on deaf ears; while Miss Kybird, leaning forward with lips parted, fixed her eyes intently on Mr. Smith'sface. 

"It's a pity 'e didn't leave it to young Nugent, " said that gentleman, noting with much pleasure the effect of his announcement, "but 'e can'tstand 'in: at no price; 'e told me so 'imself. I s'pose young Teddy'llbe quite the gentleman now, and 'e'll be able to marry who 'e likes. "

Mr. Kybird thrust his handkerchief into his tail-pocket, and all thefather awoke within him. "Ho, will 'e?" he said, with fierce sarcasm. "Ho, indeed! And wot about my daughter? I 'ave 'eard of such things asbreach o' promise. Before Mr. Teddy gets married 'e's got to 'ave a fewwords with me. "

"'E's behaved very bad, " said Mrs. Kybird, nodding. 

"'E come 'ere night after night, " said Mr. Kybird, working himself upinto a fury; "'e walked out with my gal for months and months, and then'e takes 'imself off as if we wasn't good enough for'im. "

"The suppers 'e's 'ad 'ere you wouldn't believe, " said Mrs. Kybird, addressing the visitor. 

"Takes 'imself off, " repeated her husband; "takes 'imself off as if wewas dirt beneath 'is feet, and never been back to give a explanation fromthat day to this. "

"I'm not easy surprised, " said Mrs. Kybird, "I never was from a gal, butI must say Teddy's been a surprise to me. If anybody 'ad told me 'e'dha' behaved like that I wouldn't ha' believed it; I couldn't. I've neversaid much about it, becos my pride wouldn't let me. We all 'ave ourfaults, and mine is pride. "

"I shall bring a breach o' promise action agin 'im for five thousandpounds, " said Mr. Kybird, with decision. 

"Talk sense, " said Nathan Smith, shortly. 

"Sense!" cried Mr. Kybird. "Is my gal to be played fast and loose withlike that? Is my gal to be pitched over when 'e likes? Is my gal--"

"Wot's the good o' talking like that to me?" said the indignant Mr. Smith. "The best thing you can do is to get 'er married to Teddy atonce, afore 'e knows of 'is luck. "

"And when'll that be?" inquired his friend, in a calmer voice. 

"Any time, " said the boarding-master, shrugging his shoulders. "The oldgentleman might go out to-night, or again 'e might live on for a week ormore. 'E was so weak 'e couldn't 'ardly sign 'is name. "

"I 'ope 'e 'as signed it all right, " said Mr. Kybird, starting. 

"Safe as 'ouses, " said his friend. 

"Well, why not wait till Teddy 'as got the money?" suggested Mrs. Kybird, with a knowing shake of her head. 

"Becos, " said Mr. Smith, in a grating voice, "be-cos for one thing 'e'dbe a rich man then and could 'ave 'is pick. Teddy Silk on a pound orthereabouts a week and Teddy Silk with ten thousand pounds 'ud be twodifferent people. Besides that 'e'd think she was marrying 'im for 'ismoney. "

"If 'e thought that, " said Mrs. Kybird, firmly, "I'd never forgive 'im. "

"My advice to you, " said Nathan Smith, shaking his forefingerimpressively, "is to get 'em married on the quiet and as soon aspossible. Once they're tied up Teddy can't 'elp 'imself. "

"Why on the quiet?" demanded Mr. Kybird, sharply. 

The boarding-master uttered an impatient exclamation. "Becos if Mr. Swann got to 'ear of it he'd guess I'd been blabbing, for one thing, " hesaid, sharply, "and for another, 'e left it to 'im partly to make up for'is disappointment--he'd been disappointed 'imself in 'is younger days, so 'e told me. "

"Suppose 'e managed to get enough strength to alter 'is will?"

Mr. Kybird shivered. "It takes time to get married, though, " heobjected. 

"Yes, " said Mr. Smith, ironically, "it does. Get round young Teddy, andthen put the banns up. Take your time about it, and be sure and let Mr. Swann know. D'ye think 'e wouldn't understand wot it meant, and spoilit, to say nothing of Teddy seeing through it?

"Well, wot's to be done, then?" inquired the staring Mr. Kybird. 

"Send 'em up to London and 'ave 'em married by special license, " said Mr. Smith, speaking rapidly--"to-morrow, if possible; if not, the day after. Go and pitch a tale to Teddy to-night, and make 'im understand it's to bedone on the strict q. T. "

"Special licenses cost money, " said Mr. Kybird. "I 'ave 'eard it's amatter o' thirty pounds or thereabouts. "

Mr. Nathan Smith rose, and his eyes were almost expressive. He noddedgood-night to the ladies and crossed to the door. Mrs. Kybird suddenlyseized him by the coat and held him. 

[Illustration: "Mrs. Kybird suddenly seized him by the coat. "]

"Don't be in a 'urry, Nat, " she pleaded. "We ain't all as clever as youare. "

"Talk about looking a gift-'orse in the mouth--" began the indignant Mr. Smith. 

"Sit down, " urged Mr. Kybird. "You can't expect us to be as quick inseeing things as wot you are. "

He pushed his partly mollified friend into his chair again, and taking aseat next him began to view the affair with enthusiasm. "'Melia shallturn young Nugent off to-night, " he said, firmly. 

"That's right, " said the other; "go and do a few more silly things likethat and we shall be 'appy. If you'd got a 'ead instead of wot you 'avegot, you wouldn't talk of giving the show away like that. Nobody mustknow or guess about anything until young Teddy is married to 'Melia andgot the money. "

"It seems something like deceitfulness, " said Miss Kybird, who had beenlistening to the plans for her future with admirable composure. 

"It's for Teddy's own sake, " said Nathan Smith. "Everybody knows 'e'shalf crazy after you. "

"I don't know that I don't like 'im best, even without the money, " saidMiss Kybird, calmly. "Nobody could 'ave been more attentive than 'im. I believe that 'e'd marry me if 'e 'ad a hundred thousand, but it looksbetter your way. "

"Better all round, " said Nathan Smith, with at approving nod. "Now, Dan'l, 'op round to Teddy and whistle 'im back, and mind 'e's to keep ita dead secret on account o' trouble with young Nugent. D'ye twig?"

The admiring Mr. Kybird said that he was a wonder, and, in the discussionon ways and means which followed, sat listening with growing respect tothe managing abilities both of his friend and his wife. Difficultieswere only mentioned for the purpose of being satisfactorily solved, andhe noticed with keen appreciation that the prospect of a ten thousandpound son-in-law was already adding to that lady's dignity. She sniffedhaughtily as she spoke of "that Nugent lot"; and the manner in which shepromised Mr. Smith that he should not lose by his services would havegraced a duchess. 

"I didn't expect to lose by it, " said the boarding-master, pointedly. "Come over and 'ave a glass at the Chequers, Dan, and then you can goalong and see Teddy. "

CHAPTER XXIII

The summer evening was well advanced when Mr. Kybird and his old friendparted. The former gentleman was in almost a sentimental mood, and theboarding-master, satisfied that his pupil was in a particularlyappropriate frame of mind for the object of his visit, renewed hisinstructions about binding Mr. Silk to secrecy, and departed on businessof his own. 

[Illustration: "Mr. Kybird and his old friend parted. "]

Mr. Kybird walked slowly towards Fullalove Alley with his head sunk inmeditation. He was anxious to find Mr. Silk alone, as otherwise thedifficulty of his errand would be considerably increased, Mrs. Silk'sintelligence being by no means obscured by any ungovernable affection forthe Kybird family. If she was at home she would have to invent somepretext for luring Teddy into the privacy of the open air. 

The lamp was lit in the front room by the time he reached the house, andthe shadows of geraniums which had won through several winters formed astraggling pattern on the holland blind. Mr. Kybird, first making anunsuccessful attempt to peep round the edges of this decoration, tappedgently on the door, and in response to a command to "Come in, " turned thehandle and looked into the room. To his relief, he saw that Mr. Silk wasalone. 

"Good evening, Teddy, " he said, with a genial smile, as he entered slowlyand closed the door behind him. "I 'ope I see you well?"

"I'm quite well, " returned Mr. Silk, gazing at him with unconcealedsurprise. 

"I'm glad to 'ear it, " said Mr. Kybird, in a somewhat reproachful voice, "for your sake; for every-body's sake, though, p'r'aps, I did expect tofind you looking a little bit down. Ah! it's the wimmen that 'ave the'arts after all. "

Mr. Silk coughed. "What d'ye mean?" he inquired, somewhat puzzled. 

"I came to see you, Teddy, on a very delikit business, " said Mr. Kybird, taking a seat and gazing diffidently at his hat as he swung it betweenhis hands; "though, as man to man, I'm on'y doing of my dooty. But ifyou don't want to 'ear wot I've got to say, say so, and Dan'l Kybird'lldarken your door no more. "

"How can I know whether I want to 'ear it or not when I don't know wot itis?" said Mr. Silk, judiciously. 

Mr. Kybird sat biting his thumb-nail, then he looked up suddenly. "'Melia, " he said, with an outburst of desperate frankness, "'Melia iscrying 'er eyes out. "

Mr. Silk, with a smothered exclamation, started up from his chair andregarded him eagerly. 

"If she knew I'd been 'ere, " pursued Mr. Kybird, "she'd I don't know wotshe wouldn't do. That's 'er pride; but I've got my pride too; the prideof a father's 'art. "

"What--what's she crying about?" inquired Mr. Silk, in an unsteady voice. 

"She's been looking poorly for some time, " continued the veracious Mr. Kybird, "and crying. When I tell you that part o' the wedding-dress wotshe was making 'ad to be taken away from 'er because o' the tears shedropped on it, you may 'ave some idea of wot things are like. She'snever forgot you, Teddy, and it was on'y your quick temper that day thatmade 'er take on with young Nugent. She's got a temper, too, but shegive 'er love once, and, being my daughter, she couldn't give it agin. "

He stole a glance at his listener. Mr. Silk, very pale and upright, wasstanding on the hearthrug, shaking all over with nervous excitement. Twice he tried to speak and failed. 

"That's 'ow it is, Teddy, " sighed Mr. Kybird, rising as though to depart. "I've done my dooty. It was a 'ard thing to do, but I've done it. "

"Do you mean, " said Mr. Silk, recovering his voice at last, "do you meanthat Amelia would marry me after all?"

"Do I mean?" repeated Mr. Kybird, naturally indignant that his veryplain speaking should be deemed capable of any misconstruction. "Am Ispeaking to a stock or a stone, Teddy?"

Mr. Silk took a deep breath, and buttoned up his coat, as thoughpreparing to meet Mr. Nugent there and then in deadly encounter for theperson of Miss Kybird. The colour was back in his cheeks by this time, and his eyes were unusually bright. He took a step towards Mr. Kybirdand, pressing his hand warmly, pushed him back into his seat again. 

"There's 'er pride to consider, Teddy, " said the latter gentleman, withthe whisper of a conspirator. 

"She can't stand being talked about all over the town and pointed at. "

"Let me see anybody a-pointing at 'er, " said the truculent Mr. Silk; "letme see 'em, that's all. "

"That's the way to talk, Teddy, " said Mr. Kybird, gazing at him withadmiration. 

"Talk!" said the heroic Mr. Silk. "I'll do more than talk. " He clenchedhis fists and paced boldly up and down the hearthrug. 

"You leave things to me, " said Mr. Kybird, with a confidential wink. "I'll see that it's all right. All I ask of you is to keep it a deadsecret; even your mother mustn't know. "

"I'll be as secret as the grave, " said the overjoyed Mr. Silk. 

"There's lots o' things to be taken into consideration, " said Mr. Kybird, truthfully; "it might be as well for you to be married immediate. "

"Immediate?" said the astonished Mr. Silk. 

"She 'asn't got the nerve to send young Nugent about 'is business, "explained Mr. Kybird; "she feels sorry for 'im, pore fellow; but 'e's gota loving and affectionate 'art, and she can't bear 'im making love to'er. You can understand what it is, can't you?"

"I can imagine it, " said Mr. Silk, gloomily, and he flushed crimson as thepossibilities suggested by the remark occurred to him. 

"I've been thinking it over for some time, " resumed Mr. Kybird; "twistingit and turning it all ways, and the only thing I can see for it is foryou to be married on the strict q. T. Of course, if you don't like--"

"Like!" repeated the transported Mr. Silk. 

"I'll go and be married now, if you like. "

Mr. Kybird shook his head at such haste, and then softening a littleobserved that it did him credit. He proceeded to improve the occasion byanecdotes of his own courting some thirty years before, and was in themiddle of a thrilling account of the manner in which he had bearded thewhose of his future wife's family, when a quick step outside, whichpaused at the door, brought him to a sudden halt. 

"Mother, " announced Mr. Silk, in a whisper. 

Mr. Kybird nodded, and the heroic appearance of visage which hadaccompanied his tale gave way to an expression of some uneasiness. Hecoughed behind his hand, and sat gazing before him as Mrs. Silk enteredthe room and gave vent to an exclamation of astonishment as she saw thevisitor. She gazed sharply from him to her son. Mr. Kybird's expressionwas now normal, but despite his utmost efforts Mr. Silk could notentirely banish the smile which trembled on his lips. 

"Me and Teddy, " said Mr. Kybird, turning to her with a little bob, whichserved him for a bow, "'ave just been having a little talk about oldtimes. "

"He was just passing, " said Mr. Silk. 

"Just passing, and thought I'd look in, " said Mr. Kybird, with a carelesslittle laugh; "the door was open a bit. "

"Wide open, " corroborated Mr. Silk. 

"So I just came in to say ''Ow d'ye do?'" said Mr. Kybird. 

Mrs. Silk's sharp, white face turned from one to the other. "Ave yousaid it?" she inquired, blandly. 

"I 'ave, " said Mr. Kybird, restraining Mr. Silk's evident intention ofhot speech by a warning glance; "and now I'll just toddle off 'ome. "

"I'll go a bit o' the way with you, " said Edward Silk. "I feel as if abit of a walk would do me good. "

Left alone, the astonished Mrs. Silk took the visitor's vacated chairand, with wrinkled brow, sat putting two and two together until the sumgot beyond her powers of calculation. Mr. Kybird's affability andTeddy's cheerfulness were alike incomprehensible. She mended a hole inher pocket and darned a pair of socks, and at last, anxious for advice, or at least a confidant, resolved to see Mr. Wilks. 

She opened the door and looked across the alley, and saw with somesatisfaction that his blind was illuminated. She closed the door behindher sharply, and then stood gasping on the doorstep. So simultaneouswere the two happenings that it actually appeared as though the closingof the door had blown Mr. Wilks's lamp out. It was a night of surprises, but after a moment's hesitation she stepped over and tried his door. Itwas fast, and there was no answer to her knuckling. She knocked louderand listened. A door slammed violently at the back of the house, adistant clatter of what sounded like saucepans came from beyond, andabove it all a tremulous but harsh voice bellowed industriously throughan interminable chant. By the time the third verse was reached Mr. Wilks's neighbours on both sides were beating madly upon their walls andblood-curdling threats strained through the plaster. 

She stayed no longer, but regaining her own door sat down again to awaitthe return of her son. Mr. Silk was long in coming, and she tried invain to occupy herself with various small jobs as she speculated in vainon the meaning of the events of the night. She got up and stood by theopen door, and as she waited the clock in the church-tower, which roseover the roofs hard by, slowly boomed out the hour of eleven. As theechoes of the last stroke died away the figure of Mr. Silk turned intothe alley. 

"You must 'ave 'ad quite a nice walk, " said his mother, as she drew backinto the room and noted the brightness of his eye. 

"Yes, " was the reply. 

"I s'pose 'e's been and asked you to the wedding?" said the sarcasticMrs. Silk. 

Her son started and, turning his back on her, wound up the clock. "Yes, 'e has, " he said, with a sly grin. 

Mrs. Silk's eyes snapped. "Well, of all the impudence, " she said, breathlessly. 

"Well, 'e has, " said her son, hugging himself over the joke. "And, what's more, I'm going. "

He composed his face sufficiently to bid her "good-night, " and, turninga deaf ear to her remonstrances and inquiries, took up a candle and wereoff whistling. 

[Illustration: "He took up his candle and went off whistling. "]

CHAPTER XXIV

The idea in the mind of Mr. James Hardy when he concocted his infamousplot was that Jack Nugent would be summarily dismissed on some pretext byMiss Kybird, and that steps would at once be taken by her family topublish her banns together with those of Mr. Silk. In thinking thus hehad made no allowance for the workings and fears of such a capable mindas Nathan Smith's, and as days passed and nothing happened he became aprey to despair. 

He watched Mr. Silk keenly, but that gentleman went about his work in hisusual quiet and gloomy fashion, and, after a day's leave for the purposeof arranging the affairs of a sick aunt in Camberwell, came back only alittle less gloomy than before. It was also clear that Mr. Swann'scomplaisance was nearly at an end, and a letter, couched in vigorous, notto say regrettable, terms for a moribund man, expressed such a desire forfresh air and exercise that Hardy was prepared to see him at any moment. 

It was the more unfortunate as he thought that he had of late detecteda slight softening in Captain Nugent's manner towards him. On twooccasions the captain, who was out when he called, had made no commentto find upon his return that the visitor was being entertained by hisdaughter, going so far, indeed, as to permit the conversation to gainvastly in interest by that young person remaining in the room. In faceof this improvement he thought with dismay of having to confess failurein a scheme which apart from success was inexcusable. 

The captain had also unbent in another direction, and Mr. Wilks, to hisgreat satisfaction, was allowed to renew his visits to Equator Lodge andassist his old master in the garden. Here at least the steward was safefrom the designs of Mrs. Silk and the innuendoes of Fullalove Alley. 

It was at this time, too, that the widow stood in most need of hisadvice, the behaviour of Edward Silk being of a nature to causemisgivings in any mother's heart. A strange restlessness possessed him, varied with occasional outbursts of hilarity and good nature. Dark hintsemanated from him at these times concerning a surprise in store for herat no distant date, hints which were at once explained away in a mostunsatisfactory manner when she became too pressing in her inquiries. Hehaunted the High Street, and when the suspicious Mrs. Silk spoke ofAmelia he only laughed and waxed humorous over such unlikely subjects asbroken hearts and broken vows. 

It was a week after Mr. Kybird's visit to the alley that he went, asusual, for a stroll up and down the High Street. The evening wasdeepening, and some of the shops had already lit up, as Mr. Silk, withhis face against the window-pane, tried in vain to penetrate theobscurity of Mr. Kybird's shop. He could just make out a dim figurebehind the counter, which he believed to be Amelia, when a match wasstruck and a gas jet threw a sudden light in the shop and revealed Mr. Jack Nugent standing behind the counter with his hand on the lady'sshoulder. 

[Illustration: "He could just make out a dim figure behind the counter. "]

One glance was sufficient. The next moment there was a sharp cry fromMiss Kybird and a bewildered stare from Nugent as something, onlycomparable to a human cracker, bounced into the shop and commenced toexplode before them. 

"Take your 'and off, " raved Mr. Silk. "Leave 'er alone. 'Ow dare you?D'ye hear me? 'Melia, I won't 'ave it! I won't 'ave it!"

"Don't be silly, Teddy, " remonstrated Mr. Nugent, following up MissKybird, as she edged away from him. 

"Leave 'er alone, d'ye 'ear?" yelled Mr. Silk, thumping the counter withhis small fist. "She's my _wife!_"

"Teddy's mad, " said Mr. Nugent, calmly, "stark, staring, raving mad. Poor Teddy. "

He shook his head sadly, and had just begun to recommend a few remedieswhen the parlour door opened and the figure of Mr. Kybird, with his wifestanding close behind him, appeared in the doorway. 

"Who's making all this noise?" demanded the former, looking from one tothe other. 

"I am, " said Mr. Silk, fiercely. "It's no use your winking at me; I'mnot going to 'ave any more of this nonsense. 'Melia, you go and get your'at on and come straight off 'ome with me. "

Mr. Kybird gave a warning cough. "Go easy, Teddy, " he murmured. 

"And don't you cough at me, " said the irritated Mr. Silk, "because itwon't do no good. "

Mr. Kybird subsided. He was not going to quarrel with a son-in-law whomight at any moment be worth ten thousand pounds. 

"Isn't he mad?" inquired the amazed Mr. Nugent. 

"Cert'nly not, " replied Mr. Kybird, moving aside to let his daughterpass; "no madder than you are. Wot d'ye mean, mad?"

Mr. Nugent looked round in perplexity. "Do you mean to tell me thatTeddy and Amelia are married?" he said, in a voice trembling witheagerness. 

"I do, " said Mr. Kybird. "It seems they've been fond of one another allalong, and they went up all unbeknown last Friday and got a license andgot married. "

"And if I see you putting your 'and on 'er shoulder ag'in" said Mr. Silk, with alarming vagueness. 

"But suppose she asks me to?" said the delighted Mr. Nugent, with muchgravity. 

[Illustration: "'But suppose she asks me to?' said the delightedMr. Nugent, with much gravity. "]

"Look 'ere, we don't want none o' your non-sense, " broke in the irateMrs. Kybird, pushing her way past her husband and confronting thespeaker. 

"I've been deceived, " said Mr. Nugent in a thrilling voice; "you've allbeen deceiving me. Kybird, I blush for you (that will save you a lot oftrouble). Teddy, I wouldn't have believed it of you. I can't stay here;my heart is broken. "

"Well we don't want you to, " retorted the aggressive Mrs. Kybird. "Youcan take yourself off as soon as ever you like. You can't be too quickto please me. "

Mr. Nugent bowed and walked past the counter. "And not even a bit ofwedding-cake for me, " he said, shaking a reproachful head at the heatedMr. Silk. "Why, I'd put you down first on my list. "

He paused at the door, and after a brief intimation that he would sendfor his effects on the following day, provided that his broken heart hadnot proved fatal in the meantime, waved his hand to the company anddeparted. Mr. Kybird followed him to the door as though to see him offthe premises, and gazing after the receding figure swelled withindignation as he noticed that he favoured a mode of progression whichwas something between a walk and a hornpipe. 

Mr. Nugent had not been in such spirits since his return to Sunwich, and, hardly able to believe in his good fortune, he walked on in a state ofgrowing excitement until he was clear of the town. Then he stopped toconsider his next move, and after a little deliberation resolved to pay avisit to Jem Hardy and acquaint him with the joyful tidings. 

That gentleman, however, was out, and Mr. Nugent, somewhat irritated atsuch thoughtlessness, stood in the road wondering where to go next. Itwas absolutely impossible for him to sleep that night without telling thegood news to somebody, and after some thought he selected Mr. Wilks. Itwas true that relations had been somewhat strained between them since thelatter's attempt at crimping him, but he was never one to bear malice, and to-night he was full of the kindliest thoughts to all mankind. 

He burst into Mr. Wilks's front room suddenly and then pulled up short. The steward, with a pitiable look of anxiety on his pallid features, wasleaning awkwardly against the mantelpiece, and opposite him Mrs. Silk satin an easy-chair, dissolved in tears. 

"Busy, Sam?" inquired Mr. Nugent, who had heard of the steward'sdifficulties from Hardy. 

"No, sir, " said Mr. Wilks, hastily; "sit down, sir. "

He pushed forward a chair and, almost pulling his visitor into it, stoodover him attentively and took his hat. 

"Are you quite sure I'm not interrupting you?" inquired the thoughtfulMr. Nugent. 

"Certain sure, sir, " said Mr. Wilks, eagerly. "I was just 'aving a bitof a chat with my neighbour, Mrs. Silk, 'ere, that's all. "

The lady in question removed her handkerchief from her eyes and gazed athim with reproachful tenderness. Mr. Wilks plunged hastily intoconversation. 

"She came over 'ere to tell me a bit o' news, " he said, eyeing the youngman doubtfully. "It seems that Teddy----"

Mr. Nugent fetched a mighty sigh and shook his head; Mrs. Silk gazed athim earnestly. 

"Life is full of surprises, sir, " she remarked. 

"And sadness, " added Mr. Nugent. "I hope that they will be happy. "

"It struck me all of a 'eap, " said Mrs. Silk, rolling her handkerchiefinto a ball and placing it in her lap. "I was doing a bit of ironingwhen in walks Teddy with Amelia Kybird, and says they was married lastFriday. I was that shaken I didn't know what I did or what I said. ThenI came over as soon as I could, because I thought Mr. Wilks ought to knowabout it. "

Mr. Wilks cleared his throat and turned an agonized eye on Mr. Nugent. He would have liked to have asked why Mrs. Silk should think it necessaryto inform him, but the fear of precipitating a crisis stayed his tongue. 

"What I'm to do, I don't know, " continued Mrs. Silk, feebly. "You can't'ave two queens in one 'ouse, so to speak. "

"But she was walking out with Teddy long ago, " urged Mr. Wilks. "It's noworse now than then. "

"But I wouldn't be married by license, " said Mrs. Silk, deftly ignoringthe remark. "If I can't be asked in church in the proper way I won't bemarried at all. "

"Quite right, " said Mr. Nugent; "there's something so sudden about alicense, " he added, with feeling. 

"Me and Mr. Wilks was talking about marriage only the other day, " pursuedMrs. Silk, with a bashfulness which set every nerve in the steward's bodyquivering, "and we both agreed that banns was the proper way. 

"You was talking about it, " corrected Mr. Wilks, in a hoarse voice. "Youbrought up the subject and I agreed with you--not that it matters to me'ow people get married. That's their affair. Banns or license, it's allone to me. "

"I won't be married by license, " said Mrs. Silk, with sudden petulance;"leastways, I'd rather not be, " she added, softening. 

Mr. Wilks took his handkerchief from his pocket and blew his noseviolently. Mrs. Silk's methods of attack left him little opportunity forthe plain speaking which was necessary to dispel illusions. He turned awatery, appealing eye on to Mr. Nugent, and saw to his surprise that thatgentleman was winking at him with great significance and persistence. Itwould have needed a heart of stone to have been unaffected by suchmisery, and to-night Mr. Nugent, thankful for his own escape, was in asingularly merciful mood. 

"All this sounds as though you are going to be married, " he said, turningto Mrs. Silk with a polite smile. 

The widow simpered and looked down, thereby affording Mr. Nugent anopportunity of another signal to the perturbed steward, who sat with sucha look of anxiety on his face lest he should miss his cue that the youngman's composure was tried to the utmost. 

"It's been a understood thing for a long time, " she said, slowly, "but Icouldn't leave my son while 'e was single and nobody to look after 'im. A good mother makes a good wife, so they say. A woman can't always 'ave'er own way in everything, and if it's not to be by banns, then bylicense it must be, I suppose. "

"Well, he'll be a fortunate man, whoever he is, " said Mr. Nugent, withanother warning glance at Mr. Wilks; "and I only hope that he'll make abetter husband than you do, Sam, " he added, in a low but severe voice. 

Mrs. Silk gave a violent start. "Better husband than 'e does?" shecried, sharply. "Mr. Wilks ain't married. "

Mr. Nugent's baseless charge took the steward all aback. He stiffened inhis chair, a picture of consternation, and guilt appeared stamped onevery feature; but he had the presence of mind to look to Mr. Nugent'seye for guidance and sufficient strength of character to accept this lastbid for liberty. 

"That's my business, sir, " he quavered, in offended tones. 

"But you ain't _married?_" screamed Mrs. Silk. 

"Never mind, " said Nugent, pacifically. "Perhaps I ought not to havementioned it; it's a sore subject with Sam. And I daresay there werefaults on both sides. Weren't there, Sam?"

"Yes, sir, " said Mr. Wilks, in a voice which he strove hard to makedistinct; "especially 'ers. "

"You--you never told me you were married, " said Mrs. Silk, breathlessly. 

"I never said I wasn't, " retorted the culprit, defiantly. "If peopleliked to think I was a single man, I don't care; it's got nothing to dowith them. Besides, she lives at Stepney, and I don't 'ear from 'er oncein six months; she don't interfere with me and I don't interfere withher. "

Mrs. Silk got up from her chair and stood confronting him with her handgrasping the back of it. Her cold eyes gleamed and her face worked withspite as she tried in vain to catch his eye. Of Mr. Nugent and hisingenuous surprise at her behaviour she took no notice at all. 

"You're a deceiver, " she gasped; "you've been behaving like a single manand everybody thought you was a single man. "

[Illustration: "'You're a deceiver, ' she gasped. "]

"I hope you haven't been paying attentions to anybody, Sam, " said Mr. Nugent in a shocked voice. 

"A-ah, " said Mrs. Silk, shivering with anger. "Ask 'im; the deceivingvillain. Ask anybody, and see what they'll tell you. Oh, you wickedman, I wonder you can look me in the face!"

Truth to tell, Mr. Wilks was looking in any direction but hers. His eyesmet Nugent's, but there was a look of such stern disdain on thatgentleman's face that he was fain to look away again. 

"Was it a friend of yours?" inquired the artless Mr. Nugent. 

"Never mind, " said Mrs. Silk, recovering herself. "Never mind who itwas. You wait till I go and tell Teddy, " she continued, turning to thetrembling Mr. Wilks. "If 'e's got the 'art of a man in 'im you'll see. "

With this dire threat, and turning occasionally to bestow another fierceglance upon the steward, she walked to the door and, opening it to itsfull extent, closed it behind her with a crash and darted across thealley to her own house. The two men gazed at each other withoutspeaking, and then Mr. Wilks, stepping over to the door, turned the keyin the lock. 

"You're not afraid of Teddy?" said the staring Nugent. 

"Teddy!" said Mr. Wilks, snapping his huge fingers. "I'm not afraid o'fifty Teddies; but she might come back with 'im. If it 'adn't ha' beenfor you, sir, I don't know wot wouldn't 'ave happened. "

"Go and draw some beer and get me a clean pipe, " said Nugent, droppinginto a chair. "We've both been mercifully preserved, Sam, and the bestthing we can do is to drink to our noble selves and be more careful forthe future. "

Mr. Wilks obeyed, and again thanking him warmly for his invaluableservices sat down to compile a few facts about his newly acquired wife, warranted to stand the severest cross-examination which might be broughtto bear upon them, a task interspersed with malicious reminiscences ofMrs. Silk's attacks on his liberty. He also insisted on giving up hisbed to Nugent for the night. 

"I suppose, " he said later on, as Mr. Nugent, after a faint objection ortwo, took his candle--"I suppose this yarn about my being married willget about?"

"I suppose so, " said Nugent, yawning, as he paused with his foot on thestair. "What about it?"

"Nothing, " said Mr. Wilks, in a somewhat dissatisfied voice. "Nothing. "

"What about it?" repeated Mr. Nugent, sternly. 

"Nothing, sir, " said Mr. Wilks, with an insufferable simper. "Nothing, only it'll make things a little hit slow for me, that's all. "

Mr. Nugent eyed him for a space in speechless amazement, and then, with afew strong remarks on ingratitude and senile vanity, mounted the windinglittle stairs and went to bed. 

CHAPTER XXV

The day after Mr. Silk's sudden and unexpected assertion of his maritalrights Mr. Kybird stood in the doorway of his shop, basking in the sun. The High Street was in a state of post-prandial repose, and there was nolikelihood of a customer to interfere with his confidential chat with Mr. Nathan Smith, who was listening with an aspect of great severity to hisexplanations. 

"It ought not to 'ave happened, " he said, sharply. "It was Teddy doneit, " said Mr. Kybird, humbly. 

[Illustration: "'It was Teddy done it, ' said Mr. Kybird, humbly. "]

Mr. Smith shrugged his shoulders. "It wouldn't 'ave happened if I'd beenthere, " he observed, arrogantly. 

"I don't see 'ow" began Mr. Kybird. 

"No, o' course you don't, " said his friend. "Still, it's no use making afuss now. The thing is done. One thing is, I don't suppose it'll makeany diff----"

"Difference, " suggested Mr. Kybird, after waiting for him to finish. 

"Difference, " said Mr. Smith, with an obvious effort. His face had lostits scornful expression and given way to one almost sheepish in itsmildness. Mr. Kybird, staring at him in some surprise, even thought thathe detected a faint shade of pink. 

"We ain't all as clever as wot you are, Nat, " he said, somewhat takenaback at this phenomenon. "It wouldn't do. "

Mr. Smith made a strange noise in his throat and turned on him sharply. Mr. Kybird, still staring in surprise at his unwonted behaviour, drewback a little, and then his lips parted and his eyes grew round as he sawthe cause of his friend's concern. An elderly gentleman with a neatlytrimmed white beard and a yellow rose in his button-hole was just passingon the other side of the road. His tread was elastic, his figure asupright as a boy's, and he swung a light cane in his hand as he walked. As Mr. Kybird gazed he bestowed a brisk nod upon the bewildered Mr. Smith, and crossed the road with the evident intention of speaking tohim. 

"How do, Smith?" he said, in a kindly voice. 

The boarding-master leaned against the shop-window and regarded himdumbly. There was a twinkle in the shipbroker's eyes which irritated himalmost beyond endurance, and in the doorway Mr. Kybird--his face mottledwith the intensity of his emotions--stood an unwelcome and franticwitness of his shame. 

"You're not well, Smith?" said Mr. Swann, shaking his head at him gently. "You look like a man who has been doing too much brain-work lately. You've been getting the better of some-body, I know. "

Mr. Smith gasped and, eyeing him wickedly, strove hard to recover hisself-possession. 

"I'm all right, sir, " he said, in a thin voice. "I'm glad to see you'relooking a trifle better, sir. "

"Oh, I'm quite right, now, " said the other, with a genial smile at thefermenting Mr. Kybird. "I'm as well as ever I was. Illness is a seriousthing, Smith, but it is not without its little amusements. "

Mr. Smith, scratching his smooth-shaven chin and staring blankly in frontof him, said that he was glad to hear it. 

"I've had a long bout of it, " continued the ship-broker, "longer than Iintended at first. By the way, Smith, you've never spoken to anybody ofthat business, of course?"

"Of course not, sir, " said the boarding-master, grinding his teeth. 

"One has fancies when one is ill, " said Mr. Swann, in low tones, as hiseye dwelt with pleasure on the strained features of Mr. Kybird. "I burntthe document five minutes after you had gone. "

"Did you, reely?" said Mr. Smith, mechanically. 

"I'm glad it was only you and the doctor that saw my foolishness, "continued the other, still in a low voice. "Other people might havetalked, but I knew that you were a reliable man, Smith. And you won'ttalk about it in the future, I'm quite certain of that. Good afternoon. "

Mr. Smith managed to say, "Good afternoon, " and stood watching thereceding figure as though it belonged to a species hitherto unknown tohim. Then he turned, in obedience to a passionate tug at his coat sleevefrom Mr. Kybird. 

"Wot 'ave you got to say for yourself?" demanded that injured person, intones of suppressed passion. "Wot do you mean by it? You've made apretty mess of it with your cleverness. "

"Wonderful old gentleman, ain't he?" said the discomfited Mr. Smith. "Fancy 'im getting the better o' me. Fancy me being 'ad. I took it allin as innercent as you please. "

"Ah, you're a clever fellow, you are, " said Mr. Kybird, bitterly. "'Ere's Amelia lost young Nugent and 'is five 'undred all through you. It's a got-up thing between old Swann and the Nugent lot, that's wot itis. "

"Looks like it, " admitted Mr. Smith; "but fancy 'is picking me out for'is games. That's wot gets over me. "

"Wot about all that money I paid for the license?" demanded Mr. Kybird, in a threatening manner. "Wot are you going to do about it?"

"You shall 'ave it, " said the boarding-master, with sudden blandness, "and 'Melia shall 'ave 'er five 'undred. "

"'Ow?" inquired the other, staring. 

"It's as easy as easy, " said Mr. Smith, who had been greatly galled byhis friend's manner. "I'll leave it in my will. That's the cheapest wayo' giving money I know of. And while I'm about it I'll leave you adecent pair o' trousers and a shirt with your own name on it. "

While an ancient friendship was thus being dissolved, Mr. Adolphus Swannwas on the way to his office. He could never remember such a pleasantair from the water and such a vivid enjoyment in the sight of theworkaday world. He gazed with delight at the crowd of miscellaneousshipping in the harbour and the bustling figures on the quay, onlypausing occasionally to answer anxious inquiries concerning his healthfrom seafaring men in tarry trousers, who had waylaid him with greatpains from a distance. 

He reached his office at last, and, having acknowledged the respectfulgreetings of Mr. Silk, passed into the private room, and celebrated hisreturn to work by at once arranging with his partner for a substantialrise in the wages of that useful individual. 

"My conscience is troubling me, " he declared, as he hung up his hat andgazed round the room with much relish. 

"Silk is happy enough, " said Hardy. "It is the best thing that couldhave happened to him. "

"I should like to raise everybody's wages, " said the benevolent Mr. Swann, as he seated himself at his desk. "Everything is like a holidayto me after being cooped up in that bedroom; but the rest has done me alot of good, so Blaikie says. And now what is going to happen to you?"

[Illustration: "Pausing occasionally to answer anxious inquiries. "]

Hardy shook his head. 

"Strike while the iron is hot, " said the ship-broker. "Go and seeCaptain Nugent before he has got used to the situation. And you can givehim to understand, if you like (only be careful how you do it), that Ihave got something in view which may suit his son. If you fail in thisaffair after all I've done for you, I'll enter the lists myself. "

The advice was good, but unnecessary, Mr. Hardy having already fixed onthat evening as a suitable opportunity to disclose to the captain thenature of the efforts he had been making on his behalf. The successwhich had attended them had put him into a highly optimistic mood, and heset off for Equator Lodge with the confident feeling that he had, to saythe least of it, improved his footing there. 

Captain Nugent, called away from his labours in the garden, greeted hisvisitor in his customary short manner as he entered the room. "If you'vecome to tell me about this marriage, I've heard of it, " he said, bluntly. "Murchison told me this afternoon. "

"He didn't tell you how it was brought about, I suppose?" said Hardy. 

The captain shook his head. "I didn't ask him, " he said, with affectedindifference, and sat gazing out at the window as Hardy began hisnarration. Two or three times he thought he saw signs of appreciation inhis listener's face, but the mouth under the heavy moustache was firm andthe eyes steady. Only when he related Swann's interview with NathanSmith and Kybird did the captain's features relax. He gave a chucklingcough and, feeling for his handkerchief, blew his nose violently. Then, with a strange gleam in his eye, he turned to the young man opposite. 

"Very smart, " he said, shortly. 

"It was successful, " said the other, modestly. 

"Very, " said the captain, as he rose and confronted him. "I am muchobliged, of course, for the trouble you have taken in the affairs of myfamily. And now I will remind you of our agreement. "

"Agreement?" repeated the other. 

The captain nodded. "Your visits to me were to cease when this marriagehappened, if I wished it, " he said, slowly. 

"That was the arrangement, " said the dumb-founded Hardy, "but I hadhoped----. Besides, it has all taken place much sooner than I hadanticipated. "

"That was the bargain, " said the captain, stiffly. "And now I'll bid yougood-day. "

"I am sorry that my presence should be so distasteful to you, " said themortified Hardy. 

"Distasteful, sir?" said the captain, sternly. "You have forced yourselfon me for twice a week for some time past. You have insisted upontalking on every subject under the sun, whether I liked it or not. Youhave taken every opportunity of evading my wishes that you should not seemy daughter, and you wonder that I object to you. For absolutebrazenness you beat anything I have ever encountered. "

"I am sorry, " said Hardy, again. 

"Good evening, " said the captain

"Good evening. "

Crestfallen and angry Hardy moved to the door, pausing with his hand onit as the captain spoke again. 

"One word more, " said the older man, gazing at him oddly as he strokedhis grey beard; "if ever you try to come bothering me with your talkagain I'll forbid you the house. "

"Forbid me the house?" repeated the astonished Hardy. 

"That's what I said, " replied the other; "that's plain English, isn'tit?"

Hardy looked at him in bewilderment; then, as the captain's meaningdawned upon him, he stepped forward impulsively and, seizing his hand, began to stammer out incoherent thanks. 

"You'd better clear before I alter my mind, " said Captain Nugent, roughly. "I've had more than enough of you. Try the garden, if youlike. "

He took up a paper from the table and resumed his seat, not withouta grim smile at the promptitude with which the other obeyed hisinstructions. 

Miss Nugent, reclining in a deck-chair at the bottom of the garden, looked up as she heard Hardy's footstep on the gravel. It was asurprising thing to see him walking down the garden; it was still moresurprising to observe the brightness of his eye and the easy confidenceof his bearing. It was evident that he was highly pleased with himself, and she was not satisfied until she had ascertained the reason. Then shesat silent, reflecting bitterly on the clumsy frankness of the male sexin general and fathers in particular. A recent conversation with thecaptain, in which she had put in a casual word or two in Hardy's favour, was suddenly invested with a new significance. 

"I shall never be able to repay your father for his kindness, " saidHardy, meaningly, as he took a chair near her. 

"I expect he was pleased at this marriage, " said Miss Nugent, coldly. "How did it happen?"

Mr. Hardy shifted uneasily in his chair. "There isn't much to tell, " hesaid, reluctantly; "and you--you might not approve of the means by whichthe end was gained. "

"Still, I want to hear about it, " said Miss Nugent. 

For the second time that evening Hardy told his story. It seemed morediscreditable each time he told it, and he scanned the girl's faceanxiously as he proceeded, but, like her father, she sat still and madeno comment until he had finished. Then she expressed a strong feeling ofgratitude that the Nugent family had not been mixed up in it. 

"Why?" inquired Hardy, bluntly. 

"I don't think it was a very nice thing to do, " said Miss Nugent, with asuperior air. 

"It wouldn't have been a very nice thing for you if your brother hadmarried Miss Kybird, " said the indignant Jem. "And you said, if youremember, that you didn't mind what I did. "

"I don't, " said Miss Nugent, noticing with pleasure that the confidentair of a few minutes ago had quite disappeared. 

"You think I have been behaving badly?" pursued Hardy. 

"I would rather not say what I think, " replied Miss Nugent, loftily. "I have no doubt you meant well, and I should be sorry to hurt yourfeelings. "

"Thank you, " said Hardy, and sat gloomily gazing about him. For sometime neither of them spoke. 

"Where is Jack now?" inquired the girl, at last. "He is staying with mefor a few days, " said Hardy. "I sincerely hope that the association willnot be injurious to him. "

"Are you trying to be rude to me?" inquired Miss Nugent, raising herclear eyes to his. 

"I am sorry, " said Hardy, hastily. "You are quite right, of course. Itwas not a nice thing to do, but I would do a thousand times worse toplease you. "

Miss Nugent thanked him warmly; he seemed to understand her so well, shesaid. 

"I mean, " said Hardy, leaning forward and speaking with a vehemence whichmade the girl instinctively avert her head--"I mean that to please youwould be the greatest happiness I could know. I love you. "

Miss Nugent sat silent, and a strong sense of the monstrous unfairness ofsuch a sudden attack possessed her. Such a declaration she felt ought tohave been led up to by numerous delicate gradations of speech, each alittle more daring than the last, but none so daring that they could nothave been checked at any time by the exercise of a little firmness. 

"If you would do anything to please me, " she said at length in a lowvoice, and without turning her head, "would you promise never to try andsee me or speak to me again if I asked you?"

"No, " said Hardy, promptly. 

Miss Nugent sat silent again. She knew that a good woman should be sorryfor a man in such extremity, and should endeavour to spare his feelingsby softening her refusal as much as possible, little as he might deservesuch consideration. But man is impatient and jumps at conclusions. Before she was half-way through the first sentence he leaned forward andtook her hand. 

"Oh, good-bye, " she said, turning to him, with a pleasant smile. 

"I am not going, " said Hardy, quietly; "I am never going, " he added, ashe took her other hand. 

Captain Nugent, anxious for his supper, found them there still debatingthe point some two hours later. Kate Nugent, relieved at the appearanceof her natural protector, clung to him with unusual warmth. Then, in akindly, hospitable fashion, she placed her other arm in that of Hardy, and they walked in grave silence to the house. 

[Illustration: "She placed her other arm in that of Hardy. "]

THE END