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W. Jacobs., Part 3. +</title> +<style type="text/css"> + <!-- + * { font-family: Times; + } + P { text-indent: 1em; + margin: 15%; + margin-top: .75em; + font-size: 14pt; + text-align: justify; + margin-bottom: .75em; } + H1,H2,H3,H4,H5,H6 { text-align: center; } + HR { width: 33%; } + PRE { font-family: Courier, monospaced;} + .toc { margin-left: 15%; font-size: 14pt; margin-bottom: 0em;} + CENTER { padding: 10px;} + // --> +</style> +</head> +<body> + + +<pre> + +The Project Gutenberg EBook of At Sunwich Port, Part 3., by W.W. Jacobs + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: At Sunwich Port, Part 3. + Contents: Chapters 11-15 + +Author: W.W. Jacobs + +Release Date: January 30, 2004 [EBook #10873] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ASCII + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK AT SUNWICH PORT, PART 3. *** + + + + +Produced by David Widger + + + + + +</pre> + + +<h1> + AT SUNWICH PORT +</h1> +<br /> +<h3> + BY +</h3> +<br /> +<h2> + W. W. JACOBS +</h2> +<br /><br /> +<h3> + Drawings by Will Owen +</h3> + + +<br><br> +<center> +<img alt="title (54K)" src="title.jpg" height="699" width="508" /> +</center> +<br><br> + +<h3>Part 3.</h3> + +<br /><br /> +<hr> +<br /><br /> + +<h2>Contents</h2> + +<center> +<table summary=""> +<tr><td> + +<p class="toc"><a href="#2HCH12"> +CHAPTER XI +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2HCH13"> +CHAPTER XII +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2HCH14"> +CHAPTER XIII +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2HCH15"> +CHAPTER XIV +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2HCH16"> +CHAPTER XV +</a></p> + + +</td></tr> +</table> +</center> + + + + + +<br /><br /> +<hr> +<br /><br /> + +<h2>List of Illustrations</h2> + +<center> +<table summary=""> +<tr><td> + + + + +<p class="toc"><a href="#image-31"> +"Mr. Nathan Smith." +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#image-32"> +"It Was Not Until he Had Consumed a Pint Or Two of The +Strongest Brew That he Began to Regain Some of his Old Self-esteem." +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#image-33"> +"The Man on the Other Side Fell On All Fours Into The +Room." +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#image-34"> +"He Pushed Open the Small Lattice Window and Peered Out +Into the Alley." +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#image-35"> +"Tapping the Steward on The Chest With a Confidential +Finger, he Backed Him Into a Corner." +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#image-36"> +"He Finished up the Evening at The Chequers." +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#image-37"> +"The Meagre Figure of Mrs. Silk." +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#image-38"> +"In Search of Mr. Smith." +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#image-39"> +"I 'ave Heard of 'em Exploding." +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#image-40"> +"He Stepped to the Side and Looked Over." +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#image-41"> +"You Keep On, Nugent, Don't You Mind 'im." +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#image-42"> +"Hadn't You Better See About Making Yourself Presentable, +Hardy?" +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#image-43"> +"It Was Not Without a Certain Amount of Satisfaction That +He Regarded Her Discomfiture." +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#image-44"> +"Mr. Hardy Resigned Himself to his Fate." +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#image-45"> +"The Carefully Groomed and Fastidious Murchison." +</a></p> + + + + +</td></tr> +</table> +</center> + +<br /><br /> +<hr> +<br /><br /> + + + +<a name="2HCH12"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<h2> + CHAPTER XI +</h2> +<p> + Jack Nugent's first idea on seeing a letter from his father asking him to + meet him at Samson Wilks's was to send as impolite a refusal as a strong + sense of undutifulness and a not inapt pen could arrange, but the united + remonstrances of the Kybird family made him waver. +</p> +<p> + "You go," said Mr. Kybird, solemnly; "take the advice of a man wot's seen + life, and go. Who knows but wot he's a thinking of doing something for + you?" +</p> +<p> + "Startin' of you in business or somethin'," said Mrs. Kybird. "But if 'e + tries to break it off between you and 'Melia I hope you know what to + say." +</p> +<p> + "He won't do that," said her husband. +</p> +<p> + "If he wants to see me," said Mr. Nugent, "let him come here." +</p> +<p> + "I wouldn't 'ave 'im in my house," retorted Mr. Kybird, quickly. "An + Englishman's 'ouse is his castle, and I won't 'ave him in mine." +</p> +<p> + "Why not, Dan'l," asked his wife, "if the two families is to be + connected?" +</p> +<p> + Mr. Kybird shook his head, and, catching her eye, winked at her with much + significance. +</p> +<p> + "'Ave it your own way," said Mrs. Kybird, who was always inclined to make + concessions in minor matters. "'Ave it your own way, but don't blame me, + that's all I ask." +</p> +<p> + Urged on by his friends Mr. Nugent at last consented, and, in a reply to + his father, agreed to meet him at the house of Mr. Wilks on Thursday + evening. He was not free him-self from a slight curiosity as to the + reasons which had made the captain unbend in so unusual a fashion. +</p> +<p> + Mr. Nathan Smith put in an appearance at six o'clock on the fatal + evening. He was a short, slight man, with a clean-shaven face mapped with + tiny wrinkles, and a pair of colourless eyes the blankness of whose + expression defied research. In conversation, especially conversation of + a diplomatic nature, Mr. Smith seemed to be looking through his opponent + at something beyond, an uncomfortable habit which was a source of much + discomfort to his victims. +</p> +<p> + "Here we are, then, Mr. Wilks," he said, putting his head in the door and + smiling at the agitated steward. +</p> +<p> + "Come in," said Mr. Wilks, shortly. +</p> +<p> + Mr. Smith obliged. "Nice night outside," he said, taking a chair; "clear + over'ead. Wot a morning it 'ud be for a sail if we was only young + enough. Is that terbacker in that canister there?" +</p> +<p> + The other pushed it towards him. +</p> +<p> + "If I was only young enough—and silly enough," said the boarding-house + master, producing a pipe with an unusually large bowl and slowly filling + it, "there's nothing I should enjoy more than a three years' cruise. + Nothing to do and everything of the best." +</p> +<p> + "'Ave you made all the arrangements?" inquired Mr. Wilks, in a tone of + cold superiority. +</p> +<p> + Mr. Smith glanced affectionately at a fish-bag of bulky appearance which + stood 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." +</p> +<p> + "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." +</p> +<a name="image-31"><!--IMG--></a> +<center> +<img src="031.jpg" height="584" width="265" +alt="'mr. Nathan Smith.' +"> +</center> +<!--IMAGE END--> +<p> + "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't + in my reg'lar way o' business at all, but I'm so good-natured I can't say + 'no.'" +</p> +<p> + "Can't say 'no' to five pounds, you mean," retorted Mr. Wilks, who by no + means relished these remarks. +</p> +<p> + "If I was getting as much out of it as you are I'd be a 'appy man," + sighed Mr. Smith. +</p> +<p> + "Me!" cried the other; do you think I'd take money for this—why, I'd + sooner starve, I'd sooner. Wot are you a-tapping your nose for?" +</p> +<p> + "Was I tapping it?" demanded Mr. Smith, in surprise. "Well, I didn't + know it. I'm glad you told me." +</p> +<p> + "You're quite welcome," said the steward, sharply. "Crimping ain't in my + line; I'd sooner sweep the roads." +</p> +<p> + "'Ear, 'ear," exclaimed Mr. Smith, approvingly. "Ah! wot a thing it is + to come acrost an honest man. Wot a good thing it is for the eyesight." +</p> +<p> + He stared stonily somewhere in the direction of Mr. Wilks, and then + blinking rapidly shielded his eyes with his hand as though overcome by + the sight of so much goodness. The steward's wrath rose at the + performance, and he glowered back at him until his eyes watered. +</p> +<p> + "Twenty past six," said Mr. Smith, suddenly, as he fumbled in his + waistcoat-pocket and drew out a small folded paper. "It's time I made a + start. I s'pose you've got some salt in the house?" +</p> +<p> + "Plenty," said Mr. Wilks. +</p> +<p> + "And beer?" inquired the other. +</p> +<p> + "Yes, there is some beer," said the steward. +</p> +<p> + "Bring me a quart of it," said the boarding-master, slowly and + impressively. "I want it drawed in a china mug, with a nice foaming 'ead + on it." +</p> +<p> + "Wot do you want it for?" inquired Mr. Wilks, eyeing him very closely. +</p> +<p> + "Bisness purposes," said Mr. Smith. "If you're very good you shall see + 'ow I do it." +</p> +<p> + Still the steward made no move. "I thought you brought the stuff with + you," he remarked. +</p> +<p> + Mr. Smith looked at him with mild reproach. "Are you managing this + affair or am I?" he inquired. +</p> +<p> + The steward went out reluctantly, and drawing a quart mug of beer set it + down on the table and stood watching his visitor. +</p> +<p> + "And now I want a spoonful o' sugar, a spoonful o' salt, and a spoonful + o' vinegar," said Mr. Smith. "Make haste afore the 'ead goes off of it." +</p> +<p> + Mr. Wilks withdrew grumbling, and came back in a wonderfully short space + of time considering, with the articles required. +</p> +<p> + "Thankee," said the other; "you 'ave been quick. I wish I could move as + quick as you do. But you can take 'em back now, I find I can do without + 'em." +</p> +<p> + "Where's the beer?" demanded the incensed Mr. Wilks; where's the beer, + you underhanded swab?" +</p> +<p> + "I altered my mind," said Mr. Smith, "and not liking waste, and seeing by + your manner that you've 'ad more than enough already to-night, I drunk + it. There isn't another man in Sunwich I could ha' played that trick on, + no, nor a boy neither." +</p> +<p> + Mr. Wilks was about to speak, but, thinking better of it, threw the three + spoons in the kitchen, and resuming his seat by the fire sat with his + back half turned to his visitor. +</p> +<p> + "Bright, cheerful young chap, 'e is," said Mr. Smith; "you've knowed 'im + ever since he was a baby, haven't you?" +</p> +<p> + Mr. Wilks made no reply. +</p> +<p> + "The Conqueror's sailing to-morrow morning, too," continued his + tormentor; "his father's old ship. 'Ow strange it'll seem to 'im + following 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 says + about you when he comes to 'is senses." +</p> +<p> + "I'm obeying orders," growled the other. +</p> +<p> + "Quite right," said Mr. Smith, approvingly, as he drew a bottle of whisky + from his bag and placed it on the table. "Two glasses and there we are. + We don't want any salt and vinegar this time." +</p> +<p> + Mr. Wilks turned a deaf ear. "But 'ow are you going to manage so as to + make one silly and not the other?" he inquired. +</p> +<p> + "It's a trade secret," said the other; "but I don't mind telling you I + sent the cap'n something to take afore he comes, and I shall be in your + kitchen looking arter things." +</p> +<p> + "I s'pose you know wot you're about?" said Mr. Wilks, doubtfully. +</p> +<p> + "I s'pose so," rejoined the other. "Young Nu-gent trusts you, and, of + course, he'll take anything from your 'ouse. That's the beauty of 'aving + a character, Mr. Wilks; a good character and a face like a baby with grey + whiskers." +</p> +<p> + Mr. Wilks bent down and, taking up a small brush, carefully tidied up the + hearth. +</p> +<p> + "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 or + p'r'aps sticking a hat-pin into me. I had that once; the longest hat-pin + that ever was made, I should think." +</p> +<p> + He shook his head over the perils of his calling, and then, after another + glance at the clock, withdrew to the kitchen with his bag, leaving Mr. + Wilks waiting in a state of intense nervousness for the arrival of the + others. +</p> +<p> + Captain Nugent was the first to put in an appearance, and by way of + setting a good example poured a little of the whisky in his glass and sat + there waiting. Then Jack Nugent came in, fresh and glowing, and Mr. + Wilks, after standing about helplessly for a few moments, obeyed the + captain's significant nod and joined Mr. Smith in the kitchen. +</p> +<p> + "You'd better go for a walk," said that gentle-man, regarding him kindly; + "that's wot the cap'n thought." +</p> +<p> + Mr. Wilks acquiesced eagerly, and tapping at the door passed through the + room again into the street. A glance as he went through showed him that + Jack Nugent was drinking, and he set off in a panic to get away from the + scene which he had contrived. +</p> +<p> + He slackened after a time and began to pace the streets at a rate which + was less noticeable. As he passed the Kybirds' he shivered, and it was + not until he had consumed a pint or two of the strongest brew procurable + at the <i>Two Schooners</i> that he began to regain some of his old + self-esteem. He felt almost maudlin at the sacrifice of character he was + enduring for the sake of his old master, and the fact that he could not + narrate it to sympathetic friends was not the least of his troubles. +</p> +<a name="image-32"><!--IMG--></a> +<center> +<img src="032.jpg" height="596" width="613" +alt="'it Was Not Until he Had Consumed a Pint Or Two of The +Strongest Brew That he Began to Regain Some of his Old Self-esteem.' +"> +</center> +<!--IMAGE END--> +<p> + The shops had closed by the time he got into the street again, and he + walked down and watched with much solemnity the reflection of the quay + lamps in the dark water of the harbour. The air was keen and the various + craft distinct in the starlight. Perfect quiet reigned aboard the + Seabird, and after a vain attempt to screw up his courage to see the + victim taken aboard he gave it up and walked back along the beach. +</p> +<p> + 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 his + window he turned the handle of the door and passed in. The nearly empty + bottle stood on the table, and an over-turned tumbler accounted for a + large, dark patch on the table-cloth. As he entered the room the kitchen + door opened and Mr. Nathan Smith, with a broad smile on his face, stepped + briskly in. +</p> +<p> + "All over," he said, rubbing his hands; "he went off like a lamb, no + trouble nor fighting. He was a example to all of us." +</p> +<p> + "Did the cap'n see 'im aboard?" inquired Mr. Wilks. +</p> +<p> + "Certainly not," said the other. "As a matter o' fact the cap'n took a + little more than I told 'im to take, and I 'ad to help 'im up to your + bed. Accidents will 'appen, but he'll be all right in the morning if + nobody goes near 'im. Leave 'im perfectly quiet, and when 'e comes + downstairs give 'im a strong cup o' tea." +</p> +<p> + "In my bed?" repeated the staring Mr. Wilks. +</p> +<p> + "He's as right as rain," said the boarding master. "I brought down a + pillow and blankets for you and put 'em in the kitchen. And now I'll + take the other two pound ten and be getting off 'ome. It ought to be ten + pounds really with the trouble I've 'ad." +</p> +<p> + Mr. Wilks laid the desired amount on the table, and Mr. Nathan Smith + placing it in his pocket rose to go. +</p> +<p> + "Don't disturb 'im till he's 'ad 'is sleep out, mind," he said, pausing + at the door, "else I can't answer for the consequences. If 'e should get + up in the night and come down raving mad, try and soothe 'im. Good-night + and pleasant dreams." +</p> +<p> + He closed the door after him quietly, and the horrified steward, after + fetching the bed-clothes on tiptoe from the kitchen, locked the door + which led to the staircase, and after making up a bed on the floor lay + down in his clothes and tried to get to sleep. +</p> +<p> + He dozed off at last, but woke up several times during the night with the + cold. The lamp burnt itself out, and in the dark he listened intently + for 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 awoke + him with a start. +</p> +<p> + In a moment he was sitting up with every faculty on the alert. Footsteps + blundered about in the room above, and a large and rapidly widening patch + of damp showed on the ceiling. It was evident that the sleeper, in his + haste to quench an abnormal thirst, had broken the water jug. +</p> +<p> + 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, and + the prisoner stumbled heavily downstairs and began to fumble at the + handle of the door at the bottom. Trembling with excitement Mr. Wilks + dashed forward and turned the key, and then retreating to the street door + prepared for instant flight. +</p> +<p> + He opened the door so suddenly that the man on the other side, with a + sudden cry, fell on all fours into the room, and raising his face stared + stupidly at the steward. Mr. Wilks's hands dropped to his sides and his + tongue refused its office, for in some strange fashion, quite in keeping + with the lawless proceedings of the previous night, Captain Nugent had + changed into a most excellent likeness of his own son. +</p> +<a name="image-33"><!--IMG--></a> +<center> +<img src="033.jpg" height="599" width="480" +alt="'the Man on the Other Side Fell On All Fours Into The +Room.' +"> +</center> +<!--IMAGE END--> +<a name="2HCH13"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<h2> + CHAPTER XII +</h2> +<p> + For some time Mr. Wilks stood gazing at this unexpected apparition and + trying to collect his scattered senses. Its face was pale and flabby, + while its glassy eyes, set in rims of red eyelids, were beginning to + express unmistakable signs of suspicion and wrath. The shock was so + sudden that the steward could not even think coherently. Was the captain + upstairs? And if so, what was his condition? Where was Nathan Smith? + And where was the five pounds? +</p> +<p> + A voice, a husky and discordant voice, broke in upon his meditations; + Jack Nugent was also curious. +</p> +<p> + "What does all this mean?" he demanded, angrily. "How did I get here?" +</p> +<p> + "You—you came downstairs," stammered Mr. Wilks, still racking his brains + in the vain effort to discover how matters stood. +</p> +<p> + Mr. Nugent was about to speak, but, thinking better of it, turned and + blundered into the kitchen. Sounds of splashing and puffing ensued, and + the steward going to the door saw him with his head under the tap. He + followed him in and at the right time handed him a towel. Despite the + disordered appearance of his hair the improvement in Mr. Nugent's + condition was so manifest that the steward, hoping for similar results, + turned the tap on again and followed his example. +</p> +<p> + "Your head wants cooling, I should think," said the young man, returning + him the towel. "What's it all about?" +</p> +<p> + Mr. Wilks hesitated; a bright thought occurred to him, and murmuring + something 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 and + peered out into the alley; no sign of either the captain or the ingenious + Mr. Nathan Smith. With a heavy heart he descended the stairs again. +</p> +<a name="image-34"><!--IMG--></a> +<center> +<img src="034.jpg" height="638" width="523" +alt="'he Pushed Open the Small Lattice Window and Peered Out +Into the Alley.' +"> +</center> +<!--IMAGE END--> +<p> + "Now," said Mr. Nugent, who was sitting down with his hands in his + pockets, "perhaps you'll be good enough to explain what all this means." +</p> +<p> + "You were 'ere last night," said Mr. Wilks, "you and the cap'n." +</p> +<p> + "I know that," said Nugent. "How is it I didn't go home? I didn't + understand that it was an all-night invitation. Where is my father?" +</p> +<p> + The steward shook his head helplessly. "He was 'ere when I went out + last night," he said, slowly. "When I came back the room was empty and I + was told as 'e was upstairs in my bed." +</p> +<p> + "Told he was in your bed?" repeated the other. "Who told you?" +</p> +<p> + He pushed open the small lattice window and peered out into the alley. +</p> +<p> + Mr. Wilks caught his breath. "I mean I told myself 'e was in my bed," he + stammered, "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." +</p> +<p> + Mr. Nugent regarded the litter of bed-clothes as though hoping that they + would throw a little light on the affair, and then shot a puzzled glance + at Mr. Wilks. +</p> +<p> + "Why should you think my father wanted your bed?" he inquired. +</p> +<p> + "I don't know," was the reply. "I thought p'r'aps 'e'd maybe taken a + little more than 'e ought to have taken. But it's all a myst'ry to me. + I'm more astonished than wot you are." +</p> +<p> + "Well, I can't make head or tail of it," said Nugent, rising and pacing + the room. "I came here to meet my father. So far as I remember I had + one drink of whisky—your whisky—and then I woke up in your bedroom with + a splitting headache and a tongue like a piece of leather. Can you + account for it?" +</p> +<p> + Mr. Wilks shook his head again. "I wasn't here," he said, plucking up + courage. "Why not go an' see your father? Seems to me 'e is the one + that would know most about it." +</p> +<p> + Mr. Nugent stood for a minute considering, and then raising the latch of + the door opened it slowly and inhaled the cold morning air. A subtle and + delicate aroma of coffee and herrings which had escaped from neighbouring + breakfast-tables invaded the room and reminded him of an appetite. He + turned to go, but had barely quitted the step before he saw Mrs. Kingdom + and his sister enter the alley. +</p> +<p> + Mr. Wilks saw them too, and, turning if anything a shade paler, supported + himself by the door-pest. Kate Nugent quickened her pace as she saw + them, and, after a surprised greeting to her brother, breathlessly + informed him that the captain was missing. +</p> +<p> + "Hasn't been home all night," panted Mrs. Kingdom, joining them. "I + don't know what to think." +</p> +<p> + They formed an excited little group round the steward's door, and Mr. + Wilks, with an instinctive feeling that the matter was one to be + discussed in private, led the way indoors. He began to apologize for the + disordered condition of the room, but Jack Nugent, interrupting him + brusquely, began to relate his own adventures of the past few hours. +</p> +<p> + Mrs. Kingdom listened to the narrative with unexpected calmness. She + knew the cause of her nephew's discomfiture. It was the glass of whisky + acting on a system unaccustomed to alcohol, and she gave a vivid and + moving account of the effects of a stiff glass of hot rum which she had + once taken for a cold. It was quite clear to her that the captain had + put his son to bed; the thing to discover now was where he had put + himself. +</p> +<p> + "Sam knows something about it," said her nephew, darkly; "there's + something wrong." +</p> +<p> + "I know no more than a babe unborn," declared Mr. Wilks. "The last I see + of the cap'n 'e was a-sitting at this table opposite you." +</p> +<p> + "Sam wouldn't hurt a fly," said Miss Nugent, with a kind glance at her + favourite. +</p> +<p> + "Well, where is the governor, then?" inquired her brother. "Why didn't + he go home last night? He has never stayed out before." +</p> +<p> + "Yes, he has," said Mrs. Kingdom, folding her hands in her lap. "When + you were children. He came home at half-past eleven next morning, and + when I asked him where he'd been he nearly bit my head off. I'd been + walking the floor all night, and I shall never forget his remarks when he + opened the door to the police, who'd come to say they couldn't find him. + Never." +</p> +<p> + A ghostly grin flitted across the features of Mr. Wilks, but he passed + the back of his hand across his mouth and became serious again as he + thought of his position. He was almost dancing with anxiety to get away + to Mr. Nathan Smith and ask for an explanation of the proceedings of the + night before. +</p> +<p> + "I'll go and have a look round for the cap'n," he said, eagerly; "he + can't be far." +</p> +<p> + "I'll come with you," said Nugent. "I should like to see him too. There + are 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." +</p> +<p> + As he spoke the door opened a little way and a head appeared, only to be + instantly withdrawn at the sight of so many people. Mr. Wilks stepped + forward hastily, and throwing the door wide open revealed the interesting + features of Mr. Nathan Smith. +</p> +<p> + "How do you do, Mr. Wilks?" said that gentleman, softly. "I just walked + round to see whether you was in. I've got a message for you. I didn't + know you'd got company." +</p> +<p> + He stepped into the room and, tapping the steward on the chest with a + confidential finger, backed him into a corner, and having got him there + gave an expressive wink with one eye and gazed into space with the other. +</p> +<a name="image-35"><!--IMG--></a> +<center> +<img src="035.jpg" height="541" width="617" +alt="'tapping the Steward on The Chest With a Confidential +Finger, he Backed Him Into a Corner.' +"> +</center> +<!--IMAGE END--> +<p> + "I thought you'd be alone," he said, looking round, "but p'r'aps it's + just as well as it is. They've got to know, so they may as well know now + as later on." +</p> +<p> + "Know what?" inquired Jack Nugent, abruptly. "What are you making that + face for, Sam?" +</p> +<p> + Mr. Wilks mumbled something about a decayed tooth, and to give colour to + the statement continued a series of contortions which made his face ache. +</p> +<p> + "You should take something for that tooth," said the boarding-master, + with great solicitude. "Wot do you say to a glass o' whisky?" +</p> +<p> + He motioned to the fatal bottle, which still stood on the table; the + steward caught his breath, and then, rising to the occasion, said that he + had already had a couple of glasses, and they had done no good. +</p> +<p> + "What's your message?" inquired Jack Nugent, impatiently. +</p> +<p> + "I'm just going to tell you," said Mr. Smith. "I was out early this + morning, strolling down by the harbour to get a little appetite for + breakfast, when who should I see coming along, looking as though 'e 'ad + just come from a funeral, but Cap'n Nugent! I was going to pass 'im, but + he stopped me and asked me to take a message from 'im to 'is old and + faithful steward, Mr. Wilks." +</p> +<p> + "Why, has he gone away?" exclaimed Mrs. Kingdom. +</p> +<p> + "His old and faithful steward," repeated Mr. Smith, motioning her to + silence. "'Tell 'im,' he says, 'that I am heartily ashamed of myself for + wot took place last night—and him, too. Tell 'im that, after my + father's 'art proved too much for me, I walked the streets all night, and + now I can't face may injured son and family yet awhile, and I'm off to + London till it has blown over.'" +</p> +<p> + "But what's it all about?" demanded Nugent. Why don't you get to the + point?" +</p> +<p> + "So far as I could make out," replied Mr. Smith, with the studious care + of one who desires to give exact information, "Cap'n Nugent and Mr. Wilks + 'ad a little plan for giving you a sea blow." +</p> +<p> + "Me?" interrupted the unfortunate steward. "Now, look 'ere, Nathan + Smith——" +</p> +<p> + "Them was the cap'n's words," said the boarding-master, giving him a + glance of great significance; "are you going to take away or add to wot + the cap'n says?" +</p> +<p> + Mr. Wilks collapsed, and avoiding the indignant eyes of the Nugent family + tried to think out his position. +</p> +<p> + "It seems from wot the cap'n told me," continued Mr. Smith, "that there + was 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 and + after giving you a little whisky that Mr. Wilks knows the trick of—" +</p> +<p> + "Me?" interrupted the unfortunate steward, again. +</p> +<p> + "Them was the cap'n's words," said Mr. Smith, coldly. "After you'd 'ad + it they was going to stow you away in the Seabird, which sailed this + morning. However, when the cap'n see you overcome, his 'art melted, and + instead o' putting you aboard the whaler he took your feet and Mr. Wilks + your 'ead, and after a great deal o' trouble got you upstairs and put you + to bed." +</p> +<p> + "You miserable scoundrel," said the astonished Mr. Nugent, addressing the + shrinking steward; "you infernal old reprobate—you—you—I didn't think + you'd got it in you." +</p> +<p> + "So far as I could make out," said Mr. Smith, kindly, "Mr. Wilks was only + obeying orders. It was the cap'n's plan, and Mr. Wilks was aboard ship + with '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. Wilks + givin' way; I dessay I should myself if I'd been in 'is place—he's all + 'art, is Mr. Wilks—no 'ead." +</p> +<p> + "It's a good job for you you're an old man, Sam," said Mr. Nugent. +</p> +<p> + "I can hardly believe it of you, Sam," said Miss Nugent. "I can hardly + think you could have been so deceitful. Why, we've trusted you all our + lives." +</p> +<p> + The unfortunate steward quailed beneath the severity of her glance. Even + if he gave a full account of the affair it would not make his position + better. It was he who had made all the arrangements with Mr. Smith, and + after an indignant glance at that gentleman he lowered his gaze and + remained silent. +</p> +<p> + "It is rather odd that my father should take you into his confidence," + said Miss Nugent, turning to the boarding-master. +</p> +<p> + "Just wot I thought, miss," said the complaisant Mr. Smith; "but I s'pose + there was nobody else, and he wanted 'is message to go for fear you + should 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 gets + known I shall never come back. Tell 'em to keep it quiet.'" +</p> +<p> + "I don't think anybody will want to go bragging about it," said Jack + Nugent, rising, "unless it is Sam Wilks. Come along, Kate." +</p> +<p> + Miss Nugent followed him obediently, only pausing at the door to give a + last glance of mingled surprise and reproach at Mr. Wilks. Then they + were outside and the door closed behind them. +</p> +<p> + "Well, that's all right," said Mr. Smith, easily. +</p> +<p> + "All right!" vociferated the steward. "Wot did you put it all on to me + for? Why didn't you tell 'em your part in it?" +</p> +<p> + "Wouldn't ha' done any good," said Mr. Smith; "wouldn't ha' done you any + good. Besides, I did just wot the cap'n told me." +</p> +<p> + "When's he coming back?" inquired the steward. +</p> +<p> + 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'lar + fair spree." +</p> +<p> + "Why did you tell me last night he was up-stairs?" inquired the other. +</p> +<p> + "Cap'n's orders," repeated Mr. Smith, with relish. "Ask 'im, not me. As + a matter o' fact, he spent the night at my place and went off this + morning." +</p> +<p> + "An' wot about the five pounds?" inquired Mr. Wilks, spitefully. "You + ain't earned it." +</p> +<p> + "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 biting + of me? I never felt it before. Or d'ye think it's sorrow to think that + I've done the whole job too cheap You think it out and let me know later + on. So long." +</p> +<p> + He waved his hand cheerily to the steward and departed. Mr. Wilks threw + himself into a chair and, ignoring the cold and the general air of + desolation of his best room, gave way to a fit of melancholy which would + have made Mr. Edward Silk green with envy. +</p> +<a name="2HCH14"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<h2> + CHAPTER XIII +</h2> +<p> + Days passed, but no word came from the missing captain, and only the + determined opposition of Kate Nugent kept her aunt from advertising in + the "Agony" columns of the London Press. Miss Nugent was quite as + desirous of secrecy in the affair as her father, and it was a source of + great 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 besieged + for information. +</p> +<p> + His own friends were the most tiresome, their open admiration of his + lawlessness and their readiness to trace other mysterious disappearances + to his agency being particularly galling to a man whose respectability + formed his most cherished possession. Other people regarded the affair + as a joke, and he sat gazing round-eyed one evening at the Two Schooners + at the insensible figures of three men who had each had a modest + half-pint at his expense. It was a pretty conceit and well played, but + the steward, owing to the frenzied efforts of one of the sleeper whom he + had awakened with a quart pot, did not stay to admire it. He finished + up the evening at the Chequers, and after getting wet through on the way + home fell asleep in his wet clothes before the dying fire. +</p> +<a name="image-36"><!--IMG--></a> +<center> +<img src="036.jpg" height="574" width="576" +alt="'he Finished up the Evening at The Chequers.' +"> +</center> +<!--IMAGE END--> +<p> + He awoke with a bad cold and pains in the limbs. A headache was not + unexpected, but the other symptoms were. With trembling hands he managed + to light a fire and prepare a breakfast, which he left untouched. This + last symptom was the most alarming of all, and going to the door he + bribed a small boy with a penny to go for Dr. Murchison, and sat cowering + over the fire until he came. +</p> +<p> + "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." +</p> +<p> + "Is it dangerous?" faltered the steward. +</p> +<p> + "And keep yourself warm," said the doctor, who was not in the habit of + taking his patients into his confidence. "I'll send round some + medicine." +</p> +<p> + "I should like Miss Nugent to know I'm bad," said Mr. Wilks, in a weak + voice. +</p> +<p> + "She knows that," replied Murchison. "She was telling me about you the + other day." +</p> +<p> + He put his hand up to his neat black moustache to hide a smile, and met + the steward's indignant gaze without flinching. +</p> +<p> + "I mean ill," said the latter, sharply. +</p> +<p> + "Oh, yes," said the other. "Well, you get to bed now. Good morning." +</p> +<p> + He took up his hat and stick and departed. Mr. Wilks sat for a little + while over the fire, and then, rising, hobbled slowly upstairs to bed and + forgot his troubles in sleep. +</p> +<p> + He slept until the afternoon, and then, raising himself in bed, listened + to the sounds of stealthy sweeping in the room below. Chairs were being + moved about, and the tinkle of ornaments on the mantelpiece announced + that dusting operations were in progress. He lay down again with a + satisfied smile; it was like a tale in a story-book: the faithful old + servant and his master's daughter. He closed his eyes as he heard her + coming upstairs. +</p> +<p> + "Ah, pore dear," said a voice. +</p> +<p> + 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 the + other paper and firewood. +</p> +<a name="image-37"><!--IMG--></a> +<center> +<img src="037.jpg" height="583" width="292" +alt="'the Meagre Figure of Mrs. Silk.' +"> +</center> +<!--IMAGE END--> +<p> + "I only 'eard of it half an hour ago," she said, reproachfully. "I saw + the doctor's boy, and I left my work and came over at once. Why didn't + you let me know?" +</p> +<p> + Mr. Wilks muttered that he didn't know, and lay crossly regarding his + attentive neighbour as she knelt down and daintily lit the fire. This + task finished, she proceeded to make the room tidy, and then set about + making beef-tea in a little saucepan. +</p> +<p> + "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." +</p> +<p> + "I couldn't think of troubling you," said the steward, earnestly. +</p> +<p> + "It's no trouble," was the reply. "You don't think I'd leave you here + alone helpless, do you?" +</p> +<p> + "I was going to send for old Mrs. Jackson if I didn't get well to-day," + said Mr. Wilks. +</p> +<p> + Mrs. Silk shook her head at him, and, after punching up his pillow, took + an easy chair by the fire and sat there musing. Mr. Edward Silk came in + to tea, and, after remarking that Mr. Wilks was very flushed and had got + a nasty look about the eyes and a cough which he didn't like, fell to + discoursing on death-beds. +</p> +<p> + "Good nursing is the principal thing," said his mother. "I nursed my + pore dear 'usband all through his last illness. He couldn't bear me to + be out of the room. I nursed my mother right up to the last, and your + pore Aunt Jane went off in my arms." +</p> +<p> + Mr. Wilks raised himself on his elbow and his eyes shone feverishly in + the lamplight. "I think I'll get a 'ospital nurse to-morrow," he said, + decidedly. +</p> +<p> + "Nonsense," said Mrs. Silk. "It's no trouble to me at all. I like + nursing; always did." +</p> +<p> + Mr. Wilks lay back again and, closing his eyes, determined to ask the + doctor to provide a duly qualified nurse on the morrow. To his + disappointment, however, the doctor failed to come, and although he felt + much better Mrs. Silk sternly negatived a desire on his part to get up. +</p> +<p> + "Not till the doctor's been," she said, firmly. "I couldn't think of + it." +</p> +<p> + "I don't believe there's anything the matter with me now," he declared. +</p> +<p> + "'Ow odd—'ow very odd that you should say that!" said Mrs. Silk, + clasping her hands. +</p> +<p> + "Odd!" repeated the steward, somewhat crustily. "How do you mean—odd?" +</p> +<p> + "They was the very last words my Uncle Benjamin ever uttered in this + life," said Mrs. Silk, with dramatic impressiveness. +</p> +<p> + The steward was silent, then, with the ominous precedent of Uncle + Benjamin before him, he began to talk until scores of words stood between + himself and a similar ending. +</p> +<p> + "Teddy asked to be remembered to you as 'e went off this morning," said + Mrs. Silk, pausing in her labours at the grate. +</p> +<p> + "I'm much obliged," muttered the invalid. +</p> +<p> + "He didn't 'ave time to come in," pursued the widow. "You can 'ardly + believe what a lot 'e thinks of you, Mr. Wilks. The last words he said + to me was, 'Let me know at once if there's any change.'" +</p> +<p> + Mr. Wilks distinctly felt a cold, clammy sensation down his spine and + little quivering thrills ran up and down his legs. He glared indignantly + at the back of the industrious Mrs. Silk. +</p> +<p> + "Teddy's very fond of you," continued the unconscious woman. "I s'pose + it's not 'aving a father, but he seems to me to think more of you than + any-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 and + live with 'im if you're so fond of 'im,' I said." +</p> +<p> + "Ha, ha!" laughed Mr. Wilks, uneasily. +</p> +<p> + "You'll never guess what 'e said then," said Mrs. Silk dropping her + dustpan and brush and gazing at the hearth. +</p> +<p> + "Said 'e couldn't leave you, I s'pose," guessed the steward, gruffly. +</p> +<p> + "Well, now," exclaimed Mrs. Silk, clapping her hands, "if you 'aven't + nearly guessed it. Well, there! I never did! I wouldn't 'ave told you + for anything if you 'adn't said that. The exact words what 'e did say + was, 'Not without you, mother.'" +</p> +<p> + Mr. Wilks closed his eyes with a snap and his heart turned to water. He + held his breath and ran-sacked his brain in vain for a reply which should + ignore the inner meaning of the fatal words. Something careless and + jocular he wanted, combined with a voice which should be perfectly under + control. Failing these things, he kept his eyes closed, and, very + wide-awake indeed, feigned sleep. He slept straight away from eleven + o'clock in the morning until Edward Silk came in at seven o'clock in the + evening. +</p> +<p> + "I feel like a new man," he said, rubbing his eyes and yawning. +</p> +<p> + "I don't see no change in your appearance," said the comforting youth. +</p> +<p> + "'E's much better," declared his mother. "That's what comes o' good + nursing; 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." +</p> +<p> + She busied herself over the preparation of a basin of arrowroot, and the + steward, 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 the + edge off his appetite. +</p> +<p> + "We shall pull 'im through," said Mrs. Silk, smiling, as she put down the + empty glass. "In a fortnight he'll be on 'is feet." +</p> +<p> + It is a matter of history that Mr. Wilks was on his feet at five o'clock + the next morning, and not only on his feet but dressed and ready for a + journey after such a breakfast as he had not made for many a day. The + discourtesy involved in the disregard of the doctor's instructions did + not trouble him, and he smirked with some satisfaction as he noiselessly + closed his door behind him and looked at the drawn blinds opposite. The + stars were paling as he quitted the alley and made his way to the railway + station. A note on his tumbled pillow, after thanking Mrs. Silk for her + care of him, informed her that he was quite well and had gone to London + in search of the missing captain. +</p> +<p> + Hardy, who had heard from Edward Silk of the steward's indisposition and + had been intending to pay him a visit, learnt of his departure later on + in the morning, and, being ignorant of the particulars, discoursed + somewhat eloquently to his partner on the old man's devotion. +</p> +<p> + "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?" +</p> +<p> + "Why not?" inquired Hardy, somewhat startled. "If what Wilks told you is + true, Nathan Smith knows," said the other. "I'll ask him." +</p> +<p> + "You don't expect to get the truth out of him, do you?" inquired Hardy, + superciliously. +</p> +<p> + "I do," said his partner, serenely; "and when I've got it I shall go and + tell them at Equator Lodge. It will be doing those two poor ladies a + service to let them know what has really happened to the captain." +</p> +<p> + "I'll walk round to Nathan Smith's with you," said Hardy. "I should like + to hear what the fellow has to say." +</p> +<p> + "No, I'll go alone," said his partner; "Smith's a very shy man—painfully + shy. I've run across him once or twice before. He's almost as bashful + and retiring as you are." +</p> +<p> + Hardy grunted. "If the captain isn't in London, where is he?" he + inquired. +</p> +<p> + The other shook his head. "I've got an idea," he replied, "but I want to + make 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 his + inferiors. There's something for you to go on." +</p> +<p> + He bent over his desk again and worked steadily until one o'clock—his + hour for lunching. Then he put on his hat and coat, and after a + comfortable meal sallied out in search of Mr. Smith. +</p> +<a name="image-38"><!--IMG--></a> +<center> +<img src="038.jpg" height="601" width="516" +alt="'in Search of Mr. Smith.' +"> +</center> +<!--IMAGE END--> +<p> + The boarding-house, an old and dilapidated building, was in a bystreet + convenient to the harbour. The front door stood open, and a couple of + seamen lounging on the broken steps made way for him civilly as he + entered and rapped on the bare boards with his stick. Mr. Smith, + clattering down the stairs in response, had some difficulty in concealing + his surprise at the visit, but entered genially into a conversation about + the weather, a subject in which he was much interested. When the + ship-broker began to discuss the object of his visit he led him to a + small sitting-room at the back of the house and repeated the information + he had given to Mr. Wilks. +</p> +<p> + "That's all there is to tell," he concluded, artlessly; "the cap'n was + that ashamed of hisself, he's laying low for a bit. We all make mistakes + sometimes; I do myself." +</p> +<p> + "I am much obliged to you," said Mr. Swann, gratefully. +</p> +<p> + "You're quite welcome, sir," said the boarding-master. +</p> +<p> + "And now," said the visitor, musingly—"now for the police." +</p> +<p> + "Police!" repeated Mr. Smith, almost hastily. "What for?" +</p> +<p> + "Why, to find the captain," said Mr. Swann, in a surprised voice. +</p> +<p> + Mr. Smith shook his head. "You'll offend the cap'n bitter if you go to + the police about 'im, sir," he declared. "His last words to me was, + 'Smith, 'ave this kept quiet.'" +</p> +<p> + "It'll be a little job for the police," urged the shipbroker. "They + don't have much to do down here; they'll be as pleased as possible." +</p> +<p> + "They'll worry your life out of you, sir," said the other. "You don't + know what they are." +</p> +<p> + "I like a little excitement," returned Mr. Swann. "I don't suppose + they'll trouble me much, but they'll turn your place topsy-turvy, I + expect. Still, that can't be helped. You know what fools the police + are; they'll think you've murdered the captain and hidden his body under + the boards. They'll have all the floors up. Ha, ha, ha!" +</p> +<p> + "'Aving floors up don't seem to me to be so amusing as wot it does to + you," remarked Mr. Smith, coldly. +</p> +<p> + "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 hidden + away under the flooring. You may be able to retire." +</p> +<p> + "You're a gentleman as is fond of his joke, Mr. Swann," returned the + boarding-master, lugubriously. "I wish I'd got that 'appy way of looking + at things you 'ave." +</p> +<p> + "I'm not joking, Smith," said the other, quietly. +</p> +<p> + Mr. Smith pondered and, stealing a side-glance at him, stood scraping his + foot along the floor. +</p> +<p> + "There ain't nothing much to tell," he grumbled, "and, mind, the worst + favour you could do to the cap'n would be to put it about how he was + done. He's gone for a little trip instead of 'is son, that's all." +</p> +<p> + "Little trip!" repeated the other; "you call a whaling cruise a little + trip?" +</p> +<p> + "No, no, sir," said Mr. Smith, in a shocked voice, "I ain't so bad as + that; I've got some 'art, I hope. He's just gone for a little trip with + 'is old pal Hardy on the <i>Conqueror</i>. Kybird's idea it was." +</p> +<p> + "Don't you know it's punishable?" demanded the shipbroker, recovering. +</p> +<p> + Mr. Smith shook his head and became serious. "The cap'n fell into 'is + own trap," he said, slowly. "There's no lor for 'im! He'd only get + laughed at. The idea of trying to get me to put little Amelia Kybird's + young man away. Why, I was 'er god-father." +</p> +<p> + Mr. Swann stared at him, and then with a friendly "good morning" + departed. Half-way along the passage he stopped, and retracing his steps + produced his cigar-case and offered the astonished boarding-master a + cigar. +</p> +<p> + "I s'pose," said that gentleman as he watched the other's retreating + figure and dubiously smelt the cigar; "I s'pose it's all right; but he's + a larky sort, and I 'ave heard of 'em exploding. I'll give it to Kybird, + in case." +</p> +<a name="image-39"><!--IMG--></a> +<center> +<img src="039.jpg" height="644" width="450" +alt="'i 'ave Heard of 'em Exploding.' +"> +</center> +<!--IMAGE END--> +<p> + To Mr. Smith's great surprise his visitor sat down suddenly and began to + laugh. Tears of honest mirth suffused his eyes and dimmed his glasses. + Mr. Smith, regarding him with an air of kindly interest, began to laugh + to keep him company. +</p> +<a name="2HCH15"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<h2> + CHAPTER XIV +</h2> +<p> + Captain Nugent awoke the morning after his attempt to crimp his son with + a bad headache. Not an ordinary headache, to disappear with a little + cold water and fresh air; but a splitting, racking affair, which made him + feel all head and dulness. Weights pressed upon his eye-lids and the + back of his head seemed glued to his pillow. +</p> +<p> + He groaned faintly and, raising himself upon his elbow, opened his eyes + and sat up with a sharp exclamation. His bed was higher from the floor + than usual and, moreover, the floor was different. In the dim light he + distinctly saw a ship's forecastle, untidy bunks with frouzy bedclothes, + and shiny oil-skins hanging from the bulkhead. +</p> +<p> + For a few moments he stared about in mystification; he was certainly ill, + and no doubt the forecastle was an hallucination. It was a strange + symptom, and the odd part of it was that everything was so distinct. + Even the smell. He stared harder, in the hope that his surroundings + would give place to the usual ones, and, leaning a little bit more on his + elbow, nearly rolled out of the bunk. Resolved to probe this mystery to + the bottom he lowered himself to the floor and felt distinctly the motion + of a ship at sea. +</p> +<p> + There was no doubt about it. He staggered to the door and, holding by + the side, looked on to the deck. The steamer was rolling in a fresh sea + and a sweet strong wind blew refreshingly into his face. Funnels, + bridge, and masts swung with a rhythmical motion; loose gear rattled, and + every now and then a distant tinkle sounded faintly from the steward's + pantry. +</p> +<p> + He stood bewildered, trying to piece together the events of the preceding + night, and to try and understand by what miracle he was back on board his + old ship the <i>Conqueror</i>. There was no doubt as to her identity. He + knew every inch of her, and any further confirmation that might be + required was fully supplied by the appearance of the long, lean figure of + Captain Hardy on the bridge. +</p> +<p> + Captain Nugent took his breath sharply and began to realize the + situation. He stepped to the side and looked over; the harbour was only + a little way astern, and Sunwich itself, looking cold and cheerless + beyond the dirty, tumbling seas, little more than a mile distant. +</p> +<p> + At the sight his spirits revived, and with a hoarse cry he ran shouting + towards the bridge. Captain Hardy turned sharply at the noise, and + recognizing the intruder stood peering down at him in undisguised + amazement. +</p> +<a name="image-40"><!--IMG--></a> +<center> +<img src="040.jpg" height="666" width="550" +alt="'he Stepped to the Side and Looked Over.' +"> +</center> +<!--IMAGE END--> +<p> + "Put back," cried Nugent, waving up at him. "Put back." +</p> +<p> + "What on earth are you doing on my ship?" inquired the astonished Hardy. +</p> +<p> + "Put me ashore," cried Nugent, imperiously; "don't waste time talking. + D'ye hear? Put me ashore." +</p> +<p> + The amazement died out of Hardy's face and gave way to an expression of + anger. For a time he regarded the red and threatening visage of Captain + Nugent in silence, then he turned to the second officer. +</p> +<p> + "This man is not one of the crew, Mr. Prowle?" he said, in a puzzled + voice. +</p> +<p> + "No, sir," said Mr. Prowle. +</p> +<p> + "How did he get aboard here?" +</p> +<p> + Captain Nugent answered the question himself. "I was crimped by you and + your drunken bullies," he said, sternly. +</p> +<p> + "How did this man get aboard here? repeated Captain Hardy, ignoring him. +</p> +<p> + "He must have concealed 'imself somewhere, sir," said the mate; "this is + the first I've seen of him." +</p> +<p> + "A stowaway?" said the captain, bending his brows. "He must have got + some of the crew to hide him aboard. You'd better make a clean breast of + it, my lad. Who are your confederates?" +</p> +<p> + Captain Nugent shook with fury. The second mate had turned away, with + his hand over his mouth and a suspicious hunching of his shoulders, while + the steward, who had been standing by, beat a hasty retreat and collapsed + behind the chart-room. +</p> +<p> + "If you don't put me ashore," said Nugent, restraining his passion by a + strong effort, "I'll take proceedings against you for crimping me, the + moment I reach port. Get a boat out and put me aboard that smack." +</p> +<p> + He pointed as he spoke to a smack which was just on their beam, making + slowly for the harbour. +</p> +<p> + "When you've done issuing orders," said the captain, in an indifferent + voice, "perhaps you'll explain what you are doing aboard my crag." +</p> +<p> + Captain Nugent gazed at the stern of the fast-receding smack; Sunwich was + getting dim in the distance and there was no other sail near. He began + to realize that he was in for a long voyage. +</p> +<p> + "I awoke this morning and found myself in a bunk in vow fo'c's'le," he + said, regarding Hardy steadily. "However I got there is probably best + known to yourself. I hold you responsible for the affair." +</p> +<p> + "Look here my lad," said Captain Hardy, in patronizing tones, "I don't + know how you got aboard my ship and I don't care. I am willing to + believe that it was not intentional on your part, but either the outcome + of a drunken freak or else a means of escaping from some scrape you have + got into ashore. That being so, I shall take a merciful view of it, and + if you behave yourself and make yourself useful you will not hear + anything more of it. He has something the look of a seafaring man, Mr. + Prowle. See what you can make of him." +</p> +<p> + "Come along with me, my lad," said the grinning Mr. Prowle, tapping him + on the shoulder. +</p> +<p> + The captain turned with a snarl, and, clenching his huge, horny fist, let + drive full in the other's face and knocked him off his feet. +</p> +<p> + "Take that man for'ard," cried Captain Hardy, sharply. "Take him + for'ard." +</p> +<p> + Half-a-dozen willing men sprang forward. Captain Nugent's views + concerning sailormen were well known in Sunwich, and two of the men + present had served under him. He went forward, the centre of an + attentive and rotating circle, and, sadly out of breath, was bestowed in + the forecastle and urged to listen to reason. +</p> +<p> + For the remainder of the morning he made no sign. The land was almost + out of sight, and he sat down quietly to consider his course of action + for the next few weeks. Dinner-time found him still engrossed in + thought, and the way in which he received an intimation from a + good-natured seaman that his dinner was getting cold showed that his + spirits were still unquelled. +</p> +<p> + By the time afternoon came he was faint with hunger, and, having + determined upon his course of action, he sent a fairly polite message to + Captain Hardy and asked for an interview. +</p> +<p> + The captain, who was resting from his labours in the chart-room, received + him with the same air of cold severity which had so endeared Captain + Nugent himself to his subordinates. +</p> +<p> + "You have come to explain your extraordinary behaviour of this morning, I + suppose?" he said, curtly. +</p> +<p> + "I have come to secure a berth aft," said Captain Nugent. "I will pay a + small deposit now, and you will, of course, have the balance as soon as + we get back. This is without prejudice to any action I may bring against + you later on." +</p> +<p> + "Oh, indeed," said the other, raising his eyebrows. "We don't take + passengers." +</p> +<p> + "I am here against my will," said Captain Nu-gent, "and I demand the + treatment due to my position." +</p> +<p> + "If I had treated you properly," said Captain Hardy, "I should have put + you in irons for knocking down my second officer. I know nothing about + you or your position. You're a stowaway, and you must do the best you + can in the circumstances." +</p> +<p> + "Are you going to give me a cabin?" demanded the other, menacingly. +</p> +<p> + "Certainly not," said Captain Hardy. "I have been making inquiries, and + I find that you have only yourself to thank for the position in which you + find yourself. I am sorry to be harsh with you." +</p> +<p> + "Harsh?" repeated the other, hardly able to believe his ears. "You— + harsh to me?" +</p> +<p> + "But it is for your own good," pursued Captain Hardy; "it is no pleasure + to me to punish you. I shall keep an eye on you while you're aboard, and + if I see that your conduct is improving you will find that I am not a + hard man to get on with." +</p> +<p> + Captain Nugent stared at him with his lips parted. Three times he + essayed to speak and failed; then he turned sharply and, gaining the open + air, stood for some time trying to regain his composure before going + forward again. The first mate, who was on the bridge, regarded him + curiously, and then, with an insufferable air of authority, ordered him + away. +</p> +<p> + The captain obeyed mechanically and, turning a deaf ear to the inquiries + of the men, prepared to make the best of an intolerable situation, and + began to cleanse his bunk. First of all he took out the bedding and + shook it thoroughly, and then, pro-curing soap and a bucket of water, + began to scrub with a will. Hostile comments followed the action. +</p> +<p> + "We ain't clean enough for 'im," said one voice. +</p> +<p> + "Partikler old party, ain't he, Bill?" said another. +</p> +<p> + "You leave 'im alone," said the man addressed, surveying the captain's + efforts with a smile of approval. "You keep on, Nugent, don't you mind + 'im. There's a little bit there you ain't done." +</p> +<a name="image-41"><!--IMG--></a> +<center> +<img src="041.jpg" height="695" width="590" +alt="'you Keep On, Nugent, Don't You Mind 'im.' +"> +</center> +<!--IMAGE END--> +<p> + "Keep your head out of the way, unless you want it knocked off," said the + incensed captain. +</p> +<p> + "Ho!" said the aggrieved Bill. "Ho, indeed! D'ye 'ear that, mates? A + man musn't look at 'is own bunk now." +</p> +<p> + The captain turned as though he had been stung. "This is my bunk," he + said, sharply. +</p> +<p> + "Ho, is it?" said Bill. "Beggin' of your pardon, an' apologizing for + a-contradictin' of you, but it's mine. You haven't got no bunk." +</p> +<p> + "I slept in it last night," said the captain, conclusively. +</p> +<p> + "I know you did," said Bill, "but that was all my kind-'artedness." +</p> +<p> + "And 'arf a quid, Bill," a voice reminded him. +</p> +<p> + "And 'arf a quid," assented Bill, graciously, "and I'm very much obliged + to you, mate, for the careful and tidy way in which you've cleaned up + arter your-self." +</p> +<p> + The captain eyed him. Many years of command at sea had given him a fine + manner, and force of habit was for a moment almost too much for Bill and + his friends. But only for a moment. +</p> +<p> + "I'm going to keep this bunk," said the captain, deliberately. +</p> +<p> + "No, you ain't, mate," said Bill, shaking his head, "don't you believe + it. You're nobody down here; not even a ordinary seaman. I'm afraid + you'll 'ave to clean a place for yourself on the carpet. There's a nice + corner over there." +</p> +<p> + "When I get back," said the furious captain, "some of you will go to gaol + for last night's work." +</p> +<p> + "Don't be hard on us," said a mocking voice, "we did our best. It ain't + our fault that you look so ridikerlously young, that we took you for your + own son." +</p> +<p> + "And you was in that state that you couldn't contradict us," said another + man. +</p> +<p> + "If it is your bunk," said the captain, sternly, "I suppose you have a + right to it. But perhaps you'll sell it to me? How much?" +</p> +<p> + "Now you're talking bisness," said the highly gratified Bill, turning + with a threatening gesture upon a speculator opposite. "Wot do you say + to a couple o' pounds?" +</p> +<p> + The captain nodded. +</p> +<p> + "Couple o' pounds, money down," said Bill, holding out his hand. +</p> +<p> + The captain examined the contents of his pocket, and after considerable + friction bought the bunk for a pound cash and an I O U for the balance. +</p> +<p> + A more humane man would have shown a little concern as to his + benefactor's sleeping-place; but the captain never gave the matter a + thought. In fact, it was not until three days later that he discovered + there was a spare bunk in the forecastle, and that the unscrupulous + seaman was occupying it. +</p> +<p> + It was only one of many annoyances, but the captain realizing his + impotence made no sign. From certain remarks let fall in his hearing he + had no difficulty in connecting Mr. Kybird with his discomfiture and, of + his own desire, he freely included the unfortunate Mr. Wilks. +</p> +<p> + He passed his time in devising schemes of vengeance, and when Captain + Hardy, relenting, offered him a cabin aft, he sent back such a message + of refusal that the steward spent half an hour preparing a paraphrase. + The offer was not repeated, and the captain, despite the strong + representations of Bill and his friends, continued to eat the bread of + idleness before the mast. +</p> +<a name="2HCH16"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<h2> + CHAPTER XV +</h2> +<p> + Mr. Adolphus Swann spent a very agreeable afternoon after his interview + with Nathan Smith in refusing to satisfy what he termed the idle + curiosity 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 a + man of insinuating address and appearance—here he looked at himself in a + hand-glass—to Miss Nugent. To be broken to her by a man with no + ulterior motives for his visit; a man in the prime of life, but not too + old for a little tender sympathy. +</p> +<p> + "I had hoped to have gone this afternoon," he said, with a glance at the + clock; "but I'm afraid I can't get away. Have you got much to do, + Hardy?" +</p> +<p> + "No," said his partner, briskly. "I've finished." +</p> +<p> + "Then perhaps you wouldn't mind doing my work for me, so that I can go?" + said Mr. Swann, mildly. +</p> +<p> + Hardy played with his pen. The senior partner had been amusing himself + at his expense for some time, and in the hope of a favour at his hands he + had endured it with unusual patience. +</p> +<p> + "Four o'clock," murmured the senior partner; "hadn't you better see about + making yourself presentable, Hardy?" +</p> +<a name="image-42"><!--IMG--></a> +<center> +<img src="042.jpg" height="637" width="489" +alt="'hadn't You Better See About Making Yourself Presentable, +Hardy?' +"> +</center> +<!--IMAGE END--> +<p> + "Thanks," said the other, with alacrity, as he took off his coat and + crossed over to the little washstand. In five minutes he had finished + his toilet and, giving his partner a little friendly pat on the shoulder, + locked up his desk. +</p> +<p> + "Well?" he said, at last. +</p> +<p> + "Well?" repeated Mr. Swann, with a little surprise. +</p> +<p> + "What am I to tell them?" inquired Hardy, struggling to keep his temper. +</p> +<p> + "Tell them?" repeated the innocent Swann. "Lor' bless my soul, how you + do jump at conclusions, Hardy. I only asked you to tidy yourself for my + sake. I have an artistic eye. I thought you had done it to please me." +</p> +<p> + "When you're tired of this nonsense," said the indignant Hardy, "I shall + be glad." +</p> +<p> + Mr. Swann looked him over carefully and, coming to the conclusion that + his patience was exhausted, told him the result of his inquiries. His + immediate reward was the utter incredulity of Mr. Hardy, together with + some pungent criticisms of his veracity. When the young man did realize + at last that he was speaking the truth he fell to wondering blankly what + was happening aboard the <i>Conqueror</i>. +</p> +<p> + "Never mind about that," said the older man. "For a few weeks you have + got a clear field. It is quite a bond between you: both your fathers on + the same ship. But whatever you do, don't remind her of the fate of the + Kilkenny cats. Draw a fancy picture of the two fathers sitting with + their arms about each other's waists and wondering whether their + children——" +</p> +<p> + Hardy left hurriedly, in fear that his indignation at such frivolity + should overcome his gratitude, and he regretted as he walked briskly + along that the diffidence peculiar to young men in his circumstances had + prevented him from acquainting his father with the state of his feelings + towards Kate Nugent. +</p> +<p> + The idea of taking advantage of the captain's enforced absence had + occurred to other people besides Mr. James Hardy. Dr. Murchison, who had + found the captain, despite his bias in his favour, a particularly + tiresome third, was taking the fullest advantage of it; and Mrs. Kybird + had 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 warm + support of her daughter. +</p> +<p> + "I know what I'm doing, Dan'l," she said to her husband. +</p> +<p> + Mr. Kybird doubted it, but held his peace; and the objections of Jack + Nugent, who found to his dismay that he was to be of the party, were + deemed too trivial to be worthy of serious consideration. +</p> +<p> + They started shortly after Jem Hardy had left his office, despite the + fact that Mrs. Kybird, who was troubled with asthma, was suffering untold + agonies in a black satin dress which had been originally made for a much + smaller woman, and had come into her husband's hands in the way of + business. It got into hers in what the defrauded Mr. Kybird considered + an extremely unbusinesslike manner, and it was not without a certain + amount of satisfaction that he regarded her discomfiture as the party + sallied out. +</p> +<a name="image-43"><!--IMG--></a> +<center> +<img src="043.jpg" height="573" width="520" +alt="'it Was Not Without a Certain Amount of Satisfaction That +He Regarded Her Discomfiture.' +"> +</center> +<!--IMAGE END--> +<p> + Mr. Nugent was not happy. Mrs. Kybird in the snug seclusion of the back + parlour was one thing; Mrs. Kybird in black satin at its utmost tension + and a circular hat set with sable ostrich plumes nodding in the breeze + was another. He felt that the public eye was upon them and that it + twinkled. His gaze wandered from mother to daughter. +</p> +<p> + "What are you staring at?" demanded Miss Kybird, pertly. +</p> +<p> + "I was thinking how well you are looking," was the reply. +</p> +<p> + Miss Kybird smiled. She had hoisted some daring colours, but she was of + a bold type and carried them fairly well. +</p> +<p> + "If I 'ad the woman what made this dress 'ere," gasped Mrs. Kybird, as + she stopped with her hand on her side, "I'd give her a bit o' my mind." +</p> +<p> + "I never saw you look so well in anything before, ma," said her daughter. +</p> +<p> + Mrs. Kybird smiled faintly and continued her pilgrimage. Jem Hardy + coming up rapidly behind composed his amused features and stepped into + the road to pass. +</p> +<p> + "Halloa, Hardy," said Nugent. "Going home?" +</p> +<p> + "I am calling on your sister," said Hardy, bowing. +</p> +<p> + "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." +</p> +<p> + Mrs. Kybird bade him "Go along, do," and acknowledged the introduction + with as stately a bow as the black satin would permit, and before the + dazed 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. +</p> +<p> + "We ain't looking at you," she said, playfully, over her shoulder. +</p> +<p> + "And we're trying to shut our eyes to your goings on," retorted Nugent. +</p> +<p> + Mrs. Kybird stopped and, with a half-turn, play-fully reached for him + with her umbrella. The exertion and the joke combined took the remnant + of her breath away, and she stood still, panting. +</p> +<p> + "You had better take Hardy's arm, I think," said Nugent, with affected + solicitude. +</p> +<p> + "It's my breath," explained Mrs. Kybird, turning to the fuming young man + by her side. "I can 'ardly get along for it—I'm much obliged to you, + I'm sure." +</p> +<p> + Mr. Hardy, with a vain attempt to catch Jack Nugent's eye, resigned + himself to his fate, and with his fair burden on his arm walked with + painful slowness towards Equator Lodge. A ribald voice from the other + side of the road, addressing his companion as "Mother Kybird," told her + not to hug the man, and a small boy whom they met loudly asseverated his + firm intention of going straight off to tell Mr. Kybird. +</p> +<a name="image-44"><!--IMG--></a> +<center> +<img src="044.jpg" height="563" width="585" +alt="'mr. Hardy Resigned Himself to his Fate.' +"> +</center> +<!--IMAGE END--> +<p> + By the time they reached the house Mr. Hardy entertained views on + homicide which would have appeared impossible to him half an hour before. + He flushed crimson as he saw the astonished face of Kate Nugent at the + window, and, pausing at the gate to wait for the others, discovered that + they had disappeared. A rooted dislike to scenes of any kind, together + with a keen eye for the ludicrous, had prompted Jack Nugent to suggest a + pleasant stroll to Amelia and put in an appearance later on. +</p> +<p> + "We won't wait for 'im," said Mrs. Kybird, with decision; "if I don't get + a sit down soon I shall drop." +</p> +<p> + Still clinging to the reluctant Hardy she walked up the path; farther + back in the darkness of the room the unfortunate young gentleman saw the + faces of Dr. Murchison and Mrs. Kingdom. +</p> +<p> + "And 'ow are you, Bella?" inquired Mrs. Kybird with kindly condescension. + "Is Mrs. Kingdom at 'ome?" +</p> +<p> + 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 to + receive them. +</p> +<p> + "I ought to 'ave come before," said Mrs. Kybird, subsiding thankfully + into a chair, "but I'm such a bad walker. I 'ope I see you well." +</p> +<p> + "We are very well, thank you," said Mrs. Kingdom, stiffly. +</p> +<p> + "That's right," said her visitor, cordially; "what a blessing 'ealth is. + What should we do without it, I wonder?" +</p> +<p> + She leaned back in her chair and shook her head at the prospect. There + was an awkward lull, and in the offended gaze of Miss Nugent Mr. Hardy + saw only too plainly that he was held responsible for the appearance of + the unwelcome visitor. +</p> +<p> + "I was coming to see you," he said, leaving his chair and taking one near + her, "I met your brother coming along, and he introduced me to Mrs. + Kybird and her daughter and suggested we should come together." +</p> +<p> + Miss Nugent received the information with a civil bow, and renewed + her conversation with Dr. Murchison, whose face showed such a keen + appreciation of the situation that Hardy had some difficulty in masking + his feelings. +</p> +<p> + "They're a long time a-coming," said Mrs. Kybird, smiling archly; "but + there, when young people are keeping company they forget everything and + everybody. They didn't trouble about me; if it 'adn't been for Mr. 'Ardy + giving me 'is arm I should never 'ave got here." +</p> +<p> + There was a prolonged silence. Dr. Murchison gave a whimsical glance at + Miss Nugent, and meeting no response in that lady's indignant eyes, + stroked his moustache and awaited events. +</p> +<p> + "It looks as though your brother is not coming," said Hardy to Miss + Nugent. +</p> +<p> + "He'll turn up by-and-by," interposed Mrs. Kybird, looking somewhat + morosely at the company. "They don't notice 'ow the time flies, that's + all." +</p> +<p> + "Time does go," murmured Mrs. Kingdom, with a glance at the clock. +</p> +<p> + Mrs. Kybird started. "Ah, and we notice it too, ma'am, at our age," she + said, sweetly, as she settled herself in her chair and clasped her hands + in her lap "I can't 'elp looking at you, my dear," she continued, looking + over at Miss Nugent. "There's such a wonderful likeness between Jack and + you. Don't you think so, ma'am?" +</p> +<p> + Mrs. Kingdom in a freezing voice said that she had not noticed it. +</p> +<p> + "Of course," said Mrs. Kybird, glancing at her from the corner of her + eye, "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 to + his feet was in such a state of 'oles that they had to be throwed away. + I throwed 'em away myself." +</p> +<p> + "Dear me," said Mrs. Kingdom. +</p> +<p> + "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'm + sure if he'd been my own son I couldn't 'ave done more for 'im, and, as + for Kybird, he's like a father to him." +</p> +<p> + "Dear me," said Mrs. Kingdom, again. +</p> +<p> + Mrs. Kybird looked at her. It was on the tip of her tongue to call her a + poll parrot. She was a free-spoken woman as a rule, and it was terrible + to have to sit still and waste all the good things she could have said to + her in favour of unsatisfying pin-pricks. She sat smouldering. +</p> +<p> + "I s'pose you miss the capt'in very much?" she said, at last. +</p> +<p> + "Very much," was the reply. +</p> +<p> + "And I should think 'e misses you," retorted Mrs. Kybird, unable to + restrain herself; "'e must miss your conversation and what I might call + your liveliness." +</p> +<p> + Mrs. Kingdom turned and regarded her, and the red stole back to her + cheeks again. She smoothed down her dress and her hands trembled. Both + ladies were now regarding each other in a fashion which caused serious + apprehension to the rest of the company. +</p> +<p> + "I am not a great talker, but I am very careful whom I converse with," + said Mrs. Kingdom, in her most stately manner. +</p> +<p> + "I knew a lady like that once," said Mrs. Kybird; "leastways, she wasn't + a lady," she added, meditatively. +</p> +<p> + Mrs. Kingdom fidgeted, and looked over piteously at her niece; Mrs. + Kybird, with a satisfied sniff, sat bolt upright and meditated further + assaults. There were at least a score of things she could have said + about her adversary's cap alone: plain, straightforward remarks which + would have torn it to shreds. The cap fascinated her, and her fingers + itched as she gazed at it. In more congenial surroundings she might have + snatched at it, but, being a woman of strong character, she suppressed + her natural instincts, and confined herself to more polite methods of + attack. +</p> +<p> + "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 everything + and everybody." +</p> +<p> + "I really don't think he is coming," said Hardy, moved to speech by the + glances of Miss Nugent. +</p> +<p> + "I shall give him a little longer," said Mrs. Kybird. "I only came 'ere + to please 'im, and to get 'ome alone is more than I can do." +</p> +<p> + 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. +</p> +<p> + "Would it be far out of your way?" she asked, in a low voice. +</p> +<p> + "Quite the opposite direction," returned Mr. Hardy, firmly. +</p> +<p> + "How I got 'ere I don't know," said Mrs. Kybird, addressing the room in + general; "it's a wonder to me. Well, once is enough in a lifetime." +</p> +<p> + "Mr. Hardy," said Kate Nugent, again, in a low voice, "I should be so + much obliged if you would take Mrs. Kybird away. She seems bent on + quarrelling with my aunt. It is very awkward." +</p> +<p> + It was difficult to resist the entreaty, but Mr. Hardy had a very fair + idea of the duration of Miss Nugent's gratitude; and, besides that, + Murchison was only too plainly enjoying his discomfiture. +</p> +<p> + "She can get home alone all right," he whispered. +</p> +<p> + Miss Nugent drew herself up disdainfully; Dr. Murchison, looking + scandalized at his brusqueness, hastened to the rescue. +</p> +<p> + "As a medical man," he said, with a considerable appearance of gravity, + "I don't think that Mrs. Kybird ought to go home alone." +</p> +<p> + "Think not?" inquired Hardy, grimly. +</p> +<p> + "Certain of it," breathed the doctor. +</p> +<p> + "Well, why don't you take her?" retorted Hardy; "it's all on your way. + I have some news for Miss Nugent." +</p> +<p> + Miss Nugent looked from one to the other, and mischievous lights appeared + in her eyes as she gazed at the carefully groomed and fastidious + Murchison. From them she looked to the other side of the room, where + Mrs. Kybird was stolidly eyeing Mrs. Kingdom, who was trying in vain to + appear ignorant of the fact. +</p> +<a name="image-45"><!--IMG--></a> +<center> +<img src="045.jpg" height="547" width="255" +alt="'the Carefully Groomed and Fastidious Murchison.' +"> +</center> +<!--IMAGE END--> +<p> + "Thank you very much," said Miss Nugent, turning to the doctor. +</p> +<p> + "I'm sorry," began Murchison, with an indignant glance at his rival. +</p> +<p> + "Oh, as you please," said the girl, coldly. "Pray forgive me for asking + you." +</p> +<p> + "If you really wish it," said the doctor, rising. Miss Nugent smiled + upon him, and Hardy also gave him a smile of kindly encouragement, but + this he ignored. He crossed the room and bade Mrs. Kingdom good-bye; and + then in a few disjointed words asked Mrs. Kybird whether he could be of + any assistance in seeing her home. +</p> +<p> + "I'm sure I'm much obliged to you," said that lady, as she rose. "It + don't seem much use for me waiting for my future son-in-law. I wish you + good afternoon, ma'am. I can understand now why Jack didn't come." +</p> +<p> + With this parting shot she quitted the room and, leaning on the doctor's + arm, sailed majestically down the path to the gate, every feather on her + hat trembling in response to the excitement below. +</p> +<p> + "Good-natured of him," said Hardy, glancing from the window, with a + triumphant smile. +</p> +<p> + "Very," said Miss Nugent, coldly, as she took a seat by her aunt. "What + is the news to which you referred just now? Is it about my father?" +</p> + + + + + + + + + + + + +<pre> + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of At Sunwich Port, Part 3., by W.W. 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