AT SUNWICH PORT BY W. W. JACOBS Part 3. ILLUSTRATIONS From Drawings by Will Owen 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?"