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diff --git a/10874-h/10874-h.htm b/10874-h/10874-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..a2a74dc --- /dev/null +++ b/10874-h/10874-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,2648 @@ +<!DOCTYPE HTML PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.01 Transitional//EN"> +<html> +<head> +<meta http-equiv="Content-Type" + content="text/html; charset=ISO-8859-1"> +<title>The Project Gutenberg eBook of + At Sunwich Port, by W. W. Jacobs., Part 4. +</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 4., 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 4. + Contents: Chapters 16-20 + +Author: W.W. Jacobs + +Release Date: January 30, 2004 [EBook #10874] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ASCII + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK AT SUNWICH PORT, PART 4. *** + + + + +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 4.</h3> + +<br /><br /> +<hr> +<br /><br /> + +<h2>Contents</h2> + +<center> +<table summary=""> +<tr><td> + + +<p class="toc"><a href="#2HCH17"> +CHAPTER XVI +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2HCH18"> +CHAPTER XVII +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2HCH19"> +CHAPTER XVIII +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2HCH20"> +CHAPTER XIX +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2HCH21"> +CHAPTER XX +</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-46"> +"'Why Do You Wish to Be on Friendly Terms?' She Asked." +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#image-47"> +"He Said That a Bit O' Wedding-cake 'ad Blowed in His +Eye." +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#image-48"> +"Mr. Wilks Drank to the Health of Both Of Them." +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#image-49"> +"A Popular Hero." +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#image-50"> +"He Met These Annoyances With a Set Face." +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#image-51"> +"'Can't You Let Her See That Her Attentions Are +Undesirable?'" +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#image-52"> +"He Took a Glass from the Counter and Smashed It on The +Floor." +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#image-53"> +"The Great Thing Was to Get Teddy Silk Home." +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#image-54"> +"Captain Nugent." +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#image-55"> +"Sniffing at Their Contents." +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#image-56"> +"'Puppy!' Said the Invalid." +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#image-57"> +"Bella, in a State of Fearsome Glee, Came Down the Garden +To Tell the Captain of his Visitor." +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#image-58"> +"'Get out of My House,' he Roared. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#image-59"> +"I Do Hope he Has Not Come to Take You Away from Me." +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#image-60"> +"Are You Goin' to Send Cap'n Nugent an Invite for The +Wedding?" +</a></p> + + + + +</td></tr> +</table> +</center> + +<br /><br /> +<hr> +<br /><br /> + + + +<a name="2HCH17"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<h2> + CHAPTER XVI +</h2> +<p> + The two ladies received Mr. Hardy's information with something akin to + consternation, the idea of the autocrat of Equator Lodge as a stowaway on + board the ship of his ancient enemy proving too serious for ordinary + comment. Mrs. Kingdom's usual expressions of surprise, "Well, I never + did!" and "Good gracious alive!" died on her lips, and she sat gazing + helpless and round-eyed at her niece. +</p> +<p> + "I wonder what he said," she gasped, at last. +</p> +<p> + Miss Nugent, who was trying to imagine her father in his new role aboard + the Conqueror, paid no heed. It was not a pleasant idea, and her eyes + flashed with temper as she thought of it. Sooner or later the whole + affair would be public property. +</p> +<p> + "I had an idea all along that he wasn't in London," murmured Mrs. + Kingdom. "Fancy that Nathan Smith standing in Sam's room telling us + falsehoods like that! He never even blushed." +</p> +<p> + "But you said that you kept picturing father walking about the streets of + London, wrestling with his pride and trying to make up his mind to come + home again," said her niece, maliciously. +</p> +<p> + Mrs. Kingdom fidgeted, but before she could think of a satisfactory reply + Bella came to the door and asked to speak to her for a moment. Profiting + by her absence, Mr. Hardy leaned towards Miss Nugent, and in a low voice + expressed his sorrow at the mishap to her father and his firm conviction + that everything that could be thought of for that unfortunate mariner's + comfort would be done. "Our fathers will probably come back good + friends," he concluded. "There is nothing would give me more pleasure + than that, and I think that we had better begin and set them a good + example." +</p> +<p> + "It is no good setting an example to people who are hundreds of miles + away," said the matter-of-fact Miss Nugent. "Besides, if they have made + friends, they don't want an example set them." +</p> +<p> + "But in that case they have set us an example which we ought to follow," + urged Hardy. +</p> +<p> + Miss Nugent raised her eyes to his. "Why do you wish to be on friendly + terms?" she asked, with disconcerting composure. +</p> +<a name="image-46"><!--IMG--></a> +<center> +<img src="046.jpg" height="456" width="608" +alt="''why Do You Wish to Be on Friendly Terms?' She Asked.' +"> +</center> +<!--IMAGE END--> +<p> + "I should like to know your father," returned Hardy, with perfect + gravity; "and Mrs. Kingdom—and you." +</p> +<p> + He eyed her steadily as he spoke, and Miss Nugent, despite her utmost + efforts, realized with some indignation that a faint tinge of colour was + creeping into her cheeks. She remembered his covert challenge at their + last interview at Mr. Wilks's, and the necessity of reading this + persistent young man a stern lesson came to her with all the force of a + public duty. +</p> +<p> + "Why?" she inquired, softly, as she lowered her eyes and assumed a + pensive expression. +</p> +<p> + "I admire him, for one thing, as a fine seaman," said Hardy. +</p> +<p> + "Yes," said Miss Nugent, "and—" +</p> +<p> + "And I've always had a great liking for Mrs. Kingdom," he continued; "she + was very good-natured to me when I was a very small boy, I remember. She + is very kind and amiable." +</p> +<p> + The baffled Miss Nugent stole a glance at him. "And—" she said again, + very softly. +</p> +<p> + "And very motherly," said Hardy, without moving a muscle. +</p> +<p> + Miss Nugent pondered and stole another glance at him. The expression of + his face was ingenuous, not to say simple. She resolved to risk it. So + far he had always won in their brief encounters, and monotony was always + distasteful to her, especially monotony of that kind. +</p> +<p> + "And what about me?" she said, with a friendly smile. +</p> +<p> + "You," said Hardy, with a gravity of voice belied by the amusement in his + eye; "you are the daughter of the fine seaman and the niece of the + good-natured and motherly Mrs. Kingdom." +</p> +<p> + Miss Nugent looked down again hastily, and all the shrew within her + clamoured for vengeance. It was the same masterful Jem Hardy that had + forced his way into their seat at church as a boy. If he went on in + this way he would become unbearable; she resolved, at the cost of much + personal inconvenience, to give him a much-needed fall. But she realized + quite clearly that it would be a matter of time. +</p> +<p> + "Of course, you and Jack are already good friends?" she said, softly. +</p> +<p> + "Very," assented Hardy. "Such good friends that I have been devoting a + lot of time lately to considering ways and means of getting him out of + the snares of the Kybirds." +</p> +<p> + "I should have thought that that was his affair," said Miss Nugent, + haughtily. +</p> +<p> + "Mine, too," said Hardy. "I don't want him to marry Miss Kybird." +</p> +<p> + For the first time since the engagement Miss Nugent almost approved of + it. "Why not let him know your wishes?" she said, gently. "Surely that + would be sufficient." +</p> +<p> + "But you don't want them to marry?" said Hardy, ignoring the remark. +</p> +<p> + "I don't want my brother to do anything shabby," replied the girl; "but I + shouldn't be sorry, of course, if they did not." +</p> +<p> + "Very good," said Hardy. "Armed with your consent I shall leave no stone + unturned. Nugent was let in for this, and I am going to get him out if I + can. All's fair in love and war. You don't mind my doing anything + shabby?" +</p> +<p> + "Not in the least," replied Miss Nugent, promptly. +</p> +<p> + The reappearance of Mrs. Kingdom at this moment saved Mr. Hardy the + necessity of a reply. +</p> +<p> + Conversation reverted to the missing captain, and Hardy and Mrs. Kingdom + together drew such a picture of the two captains fraternizing that Miss + Nugent felt that the millennium itself could have no surprises for her. +</p> +<p> + "He has improved very much," said Mrs. Kingdom, after the door had closed + behind their visitor; "so thoughtful." +</p> +<p> + "He's thoughtful enough," agreed her niece. +</p> +<p> + "He is what I call extremely considerate," pursued the elder lady, "but + I'm afraid he is weak; anybody could turn him round their little finger." +</p> +<p> + "I believe they could," said Miss Nugent, gazing at her with admiration, + "if he wanted to be turned." +</p> +<p> + The ice thus broken, Mr. Hardy spent the following day or two in devising + plausible reasons for another visit. He found one in the person of Mr. + Wilks, who, having been unsuccessful in finding his beloved master at a + small tavern down by the London docks, had returned to Sunwich, by no + means benefited by his change of air, to learn the terrible truth as to + his disappearance from Hardy. +</p> +<p> + "I wish they'd Shanghaid me instead," he said to that sympathetic + listener, "or Mrs. Silk." +</p> +<p> + "Eh?" said the other, staring. +</p> +<p> + "Wot'll be the end of it I don't know," said Mr. Wilks, laying a hand, + which still trembled, on the other' knee. "It's got about that she saved + my life by 'er careful nussing, and the way she shakes 'er 'ead at me for + risking my valuable life, as she calls it, going up to London, gives me + the shivers." +</p> +<p> + "Nonsense," said Hardy; "she can't marry you against your will. Just be + distantly civil to her." +</p> +<p> + "'Ow can you be distantly civil when she lives just opposite?" inquired + the steward, querulously. "She sent Teddy over at ten o'clock last night + to rub my chest with a bottle o' liniment, and it's no good me saying I'm + all right when she's been spending eighteen-pence o' good money over the + stuff." +</p> +<p> + "She can't marry you unless you ask her," said the comforter. +</p> +<p> + Mr. Wilks shook his head. "People in the alley are beginning to talk," + he said, dolefully. "Just as I came in this afternoon old George Lee + screwed up one eye at two or three women wot was gossiping near, and when + I asked 'im wot 'e'd got to wink about he said that a bit o' wedding-cake + 'ad blowed in his eye as I passed. It sent them silly creeturs into fits + a'most." +</p> +<a name="image-47"><!--IMG--></a> +<center> +<img src="047.jpg" height="565" width="617" +alt="'he Said That a Bit O' Wedding-cake 'ad Blowed in His +Eye.' +"> +</center> +<!--IMAGE END--> +<p> + "They'll soon get tired of it," said Hardy. +</p> +<p> + Mr. Wilks, still gloomy, ventured to doubt it, but cheered up and became + almost bright when his visitor announced his intention of trying to + smooth over matters for him at Equator Lodge. He became quite voluble in + his defence, and attached much importance to the fact that he had nursed + Miss Nugent when she was in long clothes and had taught her to whistle + like an angel at the age of five. +</p> +<p> + "I've felt being cut adrift by her more than anything," he said, + brokenly. "Nine-an'-twenty years I sailed with the cap'n and served 'im + faithful, and this is my reward." +</p> +<p> + Hardy pleaded his case next day. Miss Nugent was alone when he called, + and, moved by the vivid picture he drew of the old man's loneliness, + accorded her full forgiveness, and decided to pay him a visit at once. + The fact that Hardy had not been in the house five minutes she appeared + to have overlooked. +</p> +<p> + "I'll go upstairs and put my hat and jacket on and go now," she said, + brightly. +</p> +<p> + "That's very kind of you," said Hardy. His voice expressed admiring + gratitude; but he made no sign of leaving his seat. +</p> +<p> + "You don't mind?" said Miss Nugent, pausing in front of him and slightly + extending her hand. +</p> +<p> + "Not in the least," was the reply; "but I want to see Wilks myself. + Perhaps you'll let me walk down with you?" +</p> +<p> + The request was so unexpected that the girl had no refusal ready. She + hesitated and was lost. Finally, she expressed a fear that she might + keep him waiting too long while she got ready—a fear which he politely + declined to consider. +</p> +<p> + "Well, we'll see," said the marvelling Miss Nugent to herself as she went + slowly upstairs. "He's got impudence enough for forty." +</p> +<p> + She commenced her preparations for seeing Mr. Wilks by wrapping a shawl + round her shoulders and reclining in an easy-chair with a novel. It was + a good story, but the room was very cold, and even the pleasure of + snubbing an intrusive young man did not make amends for the lack of + warmth. She read and shivered for an hour, and then with chilled fingers + lit the gas and proceeded to array herself for the journey. +</p> +<p> + Her temper was not improved by seeing Mr. Hardy sitting in the dark over + a good fire when she got downstairs. +</p> +<p> + "I'm afraid I've kept you waiting," she said, crisply. +</p> +<p> + "Not at all," said Hardy. "I've been very comfortable." +</p> +<p> + Miss Nugent repressed a shiver and, crossing to the fire, thoughtlessly + extended her fingers over the blaze. +</p> +<p> + "I'm afraid you're cold," said Hardy. +</p> +<p> + The girl looked round sharply. His face, or as much of it as she could + see in the firelight, bore a look of honest concern somewhat at variance + with the quality of his voice. If it had not been for the absurdity of + altering her plans on his account she would have postponed her visit to + the steward until another day. +</p> +<p> + The walk to Fullalove Alley was all too short for Jem Hardy. Miss Nugent + stepped along with the air of a martyr anxious to get to the stake and + have it over, and she answered in monosyllables when her companion + pointed out the beauties of the night. +</p> +<p> + A bitter east wind blew up the road and set her yearning for the joys of + Mr. Wilks's best room. "It's very cold," she said, shivering. +</p> +<p> + Hardy assented, and reluctantly quickened his pace to keep step with + hers. Miss Nugent with her chin sunk in a fur boa looked neither to the + right nor the left, and turning briskly into the alley, turned the handle + of Mr. Wilks's door and walked in, leaving her companion to follow. +</p> +<p> + The steward, who was smoking a long pipe over the fire, looked round in + alarm. Then his expression changed, and he rose and stammered out a + welcome. Two minutes later Miss Nugent, enthroned in the best chair with + her toes on the fender, gave her faithful subject a free pardon and full + permission to make hot coffee. +</p> +<p> + "And don't you ever try and deceive me again, Sam," she said, as she + sipped the comforting beverage. +</p> +<p> + "No, miss," said the steward, humbly. "I've 'ad a lesson. I'll never + try and Shanghai anybody else agin as long as I live." +</p> +<p> + After this virtuous sentiment he sat and smoked placidly, with occasional + curious glances divided between his two visitors. An idle and ridiculous + idea, which occurred to him in connection with them, was dismissed at + once as too preposterous for a sensible steward to entertain. +</p> +<p> + "Mrs. Kingdom well?" he inquired. +</p> +<p> + "Quite well," said the girl. "If you take me home, Sam, you shall see + her, and be forgiven by her, too." +</p> +<p> + "Thankee, miss," said the gratified steward. +</p> +<p> + "And what about your foot, Wilks?" said Hardy, somewhat taken aback by + this arrangement. +</p> +<p> + "Foot, sir?" said the unconscious Mr. Wilks; "wot foot?" +</p> +<p> + "Why, the bad one," said Hardy, with a significant glance. +</p> +<p> + "Ho, that one?" said Mr. Wilks, beating time and waiting further + revelations. +</p> +<p> + "Do you think you ought to use it much?" inquired Hardy. +</p> +<p> + Mr. Wilks looked at it, or, to be more exact, looked at both of them, and + smiled weakly. His previous idea recurred to him with renewed force now, + and several things in the young man's behaviour, hitherto disregarded, + became suddenly charged with significance. Miss Nugent looked on with an + air of cynical interest. +</p> +<p> + "Better not run any risk," said Hardy, gravely. "I shall be very pleased + to see Miss Nugent home, if she will allow me." +</p> +<p> + "What is the matter with it?" inquired Miss Nugent, looking him full in + the face. +</p> +<p> + Hardy hesitated. Diplomacy, he told himself, was one thing; lying + another. He passed the question on to the rather badly used Mr. Wilks. +</p> +<p> + "Matter with it?" repeated that gentleman, glaring at him reproachfully. + "It's got shootin' pains right up it. I suppose it was walking miles and + miles every day in London, looking for the cap'n, was too much for it." +</p> +<p> + "Is it too bad for you to take me home, Sam?" inquired Miss Nugent, + softly. +</p> +<p> + The perturbed Mr. Wilks looked from one to the other. As a sportsman his + sympathies were with Hardy, but his duty lay with the girl. +</p> +<p> + "I'll do my best, miss," he said; and got up and limped, very well indeed + for a first attempt, round the room. +</p> +<p> + Then Miss Nugent did a thing which was a puzzle to herself for some time + afterwards. Having won the victory she deliberately threw away the + fruits of it, and declining to allow the steward to run any risks, + accepted Hardy's escort home. Mr. Wilks watched them from the door, and + with his head in a whirl caused by the night's proceedings mixed himself + a stiff glass of grog to set it right, and drank to the health of both of + them. +</p> +<a name="image-48"><!--IMG--></a> +<center> +<img src="048.jpg" height="643" width="373" +alt="'mr. Wilks Drank to the Health of Both Of Them.' +"> +</center> +<!--IMAGE END--> +<p> + The wind had abated somewhat in violence as they walked home, and, + moreover, they had their backs to it. The walk was slower and more + enjoyable in many respects than the walk out. In an unusually soft mood + she replied to his remarks and stole little critical glances up at him. + When they reached the house she stood a little while at the gate gazing + at the starry sky and listening to the crash of the sea on the beach. +</p> +<p> + "It is a fine night," she said, as she shook hands. +</p> +<p> + "The best I have ever known," said Hardy. "Good-bye." +</p> +<a name="2HCH18"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<h2> + CHAPTER XVII +</h2> +<p> + The weeks passed all too quickly for James Hardy. He saw Kate Nugent at + her own home; met her, thanks to the able and hearty assistance of Mr. + Wilks, at Fullalove Alley, and on several occasions had the agreeable + task of escorting her back home. +</p> +<p> + He cabled to his father for news of the illustrious stowaway immediately + the <i>Conqueror</i> was notified as having reached Port Elizabeth. The + reply—"Left ship"—confirmed his worst fears, but he cheerfully accepted + Mrs. Kingdom's view that the captain, in order to relieve the natural + anxiety of his family, had secured a passage on the first vessel homeward + bound. +</p> +<p> + Captain Hardy was the first to reach home. In the early hours of a fine + April morning the <i>Conqueror</i> steamed slowly into Sunwich Harbour, and in + a very short time the town was revelling in a description of Captain + Nugent's first voyage before the mast from lips which were never tired of + repeating it. Down by the waterside Mr. Nathan Smith found that he had + suddenly attained the rank of a popular hero, and his modesty took alarm + at the publicity afforded to his action. It was extremely distasteful to + a man who ran a quiet business on old-fashioned lines and disbelieved in + advertisement. He lost three lodgers the same day. +</p> +<a name="image-49"><!--IMG--></a> +<center> +<img src="049.jpg" height="616" width="593" +alt="'a Popular Hero.' +"> +</center> +<!--IMAGE END--> +<p> + Jem Hardy was one of the few people in Sunwich for whom the joke had no + charms, and he betrayed such an utter lack of sympathy with his father's + recital that the latter accused him at last of wanting a sense of humour. +</p> +<p> + "I don't see anything amusing in it," said his son, stiffly. +</p> +<p> + Captain Hardy recapitulated one or two choice points, and was even at + some pains to explain them. +</p> +<p> + "I can't see any fun in it," repeated his son. "Your behaviour seems to + me to have been deplorable." +</p> +<p> + "What?" shouted the captain, hardly able to believe his ears. +</p> +<p> + "Captain Nugent was your guest," pursued the other; "he got on your ship + by accident, and he should have been treated decently as a saloon + passenger." +</p> +<p> + "And been apologized to for coming on board, I suppose?" suggested the + captain. +</p> +<p> + "It wouldn't have been amiss," was the reply. +</p> +<p> + The captain leaned back in his chair and regarded him thoughtfully. + "I can't think what's the matter with you, Jem," he said. +</p> +<p> + "Ordinary decent ideas, that's all," said his son, scathingly. +</p> +<p> + "There's something more in it than that," said the other, positively. + "I don't like to see this love-your-enemy business with you, Jem; it + ain't natural to you. Has your health been all right while I've been + away?" +</p> +<p> + "Of course it has," said his son, curtly. "If you didn't want Captain + Nugent aboard with you why didn't you put him ashore? It wouldn't have + delayed you long. Think of the worry and anxiety you've caused poor Mrs. + Kingdom." +</p> +<p> + "A holiday for her," growled the captain. +</p> +<p> + "It has affected her health," continued his son; "and besides, think of + his daughter. She's a high-spirited girl, and all Sunwich is laughing + over her father's mishap." +</p> +<p> + "Nugent fell into his own trap," exclaimed the captain, impatiently. + "And it won't do that girl of his any harm to be taken down a peg or two. + Do her good. Knock some of the nonsense out of her." +</p> +<p> + "That's not the way to speak of a lady," said Jem, hotly. +</p> +<p> + The offended captain regarded him somewhat sourly; then his face changed, + and he got up from his chair and stood before his son with consternation + depicted on every feature. +</p> +<p> + "You don't mean to tell me," he said, slowly; "you don't mean to tell me + that you're thinking anything of Kate Nugent?" +</p> +<p> + "Why not?" demanded the other, defiantly; "why shouldn't I?" +</p> +<p> + Captain Hardy, whistling softly, made no reply, but still stood eyeing + him. +</p> +<p> + "I thought there was some other reason for your consideration besides + 'ordinary decent ideas,'" he said, at last. "When did it come on? How + long have you had it?" +</p> +<p> + Mr. Hardy, jun., in a studiously unfilial speech, intimated that these + pleasantries were not to his taste. +</p> +<p> + "No, of course not," said the captain, resuming his seat. "Well, I'm + sorry if it's serious, Jem, but I never dreamt you had any ideas in that + quarter. If I had I'd have given old Nugent the best bunk on the ship + and sung him to sleep myself. Has she given you any encouragement?" +</p> +<p> + "Don't know," said Jem, who found the conversation awkward. +</p> +<p> + "Extraordinary thing," said the captain, shaking his head, + "extraordinary. Like a play." +</p> +<p> + "Play?" said his son, sharply. +</p> +<p> + "Play," repeated his father, firmly. "What is the name of it? I saw it + once at Newcastle. The lovers take poison and die across each other's + chests because their people won't let 'em marry. And that reminds me. + I saw some phosphor-paste in the kitchen, Jem. Whose is it?" +</p> +<p> + "I'm glad to be the means of affording you amusement," said Jem, grinding + his teeth. +</p> +<p> + Captain Hardy regarded him affectionately. "Go easy, my lad," he said, + equably; "go easy. If I'd known it before, things would have been + different; as I didn't, we must make the best of it. She's a pretty + girl, and a good one, too, for all her airs, but I'm afraid she's too + fond of her father to overlook this." +</p> +<p> + "That's where you've made such a mess of things," broke in his son. + "Why on earth you two old men couldn't—" +</p> +<p> + "Easy," said the startled captain. "When you are in the early fifties, + my lad, your ideas about age will be more accurate. Besides, Nugent is + seven or eight years older than I am." +</p> +<p> + "What became of him?" inquired Jem. +</p> +<p> + "He was off the moment we berthed," said his father, suppressing a smile. + "I don't mean that he bolted—he'd got enough starch left in him not to + do that—but he didn't trespass on our hospitality a moment longer than + was necessary. I heard that he got a passage home on the Columbus. He + knew the master. She sailed some time before us for London. I thought + he'd have been home by this." +</p> +<p> + It was not until two days later, however, that the gossip in Sunwich + received a pleasant fillip by the arrival of the injured captain. He + came down from London by the midday train, and, disdaining the privacy + of a cab, prepared to run the gauntlet of his fellow-townsmen. +</p> +<p> + A weaker man would have made a detour, but he held a direct course, and + with a curt nod to acquaintances who would have stopped him walked + swiftly in the direction of home. Tradesmen ran to their shop-doors to + see him, and smoking amphibians lounging at street corners broke out into + sunny smiles as he passed. He met these annoyances with a set face and a + cold eye, but his views concerning children were not improved by the + crowd of small creatures which fluttered along the road ahead of him and, + hopeful of developments, clustered round the gate as he passed in. +</p> +<a name="image-50"><!--IMG--></a> +<center> +<img src="050.jpg" height="615" width="617" +alt="'he Met These Annoyances With a Set Face.' +"> +</center> +<!--IMAGE END--> +<p> + It is the pride and privilege of most returned wanderers to hold forth + at great length concerning their adventures, but Captain Nugent was + commendably brief. At first he could hardly be induced to speak of them + at all, but the necessity of contradicting stories which Bella had + gleaned for Mrs. Kingdom from friends in town proved too strong for him. + He ground his teeth with suppressed fury as he listened to some of them. + The truth was bad enough, and his daughter, sitting by his side with her + hand in his, was trembling with indignation. +</p> +<p> + "Poor father," she said, tenderly; "what a time you must have had." + "It won't bear thinking of," said Mrs. Kingdom, not to be outdone in + sympathy. +</p> +<p> + "He met these annoyances with a set face." +</p> +<p> + "Well, don't think of it," said the captain, shortly. +</p> +<p> + Mrs. Kingdom sighed as though to indicate that her feelings were not to + be suppressed in that simple fashion. +</p> +<p> + "The anxiety has been very great," she said, shaking her head, "but + everybody's been very kind. I'm sure all our friends have been most + sympathetic. I couldn't go outside the house without somebody stopping + me and asking whether there was any news of you. I'd no idea you were so + popular; even the milkman——" +</p> +<p> + "I'd like some tea," interrupted the captain, roughly; "that is, when you + have finished your very interesting information." +</p> +<p> + Mrs. Kingdom pursed her lips together to suppress the words she was + afraid to utter, and rang the bell. +</p> +<p> + "Your master would like some tea," she said, primly, as Bella appeared. + "He has had a long journey." The captain started and eyed her fiercely; + Mrs. Kingdom, her good temper quite restored by this little retort, + folded her hands in her lap and gazed at him with renewed sympathy. +</p> +<p> + "We all missed you very much," said Kate, softly. "But we had no fears + once we knew that you were at sea." +</p> +<p> + "And I suppose some of the sailors were kind to you?" suggested the + unfortunate Mrs. Kingdom. "They are rough fellows, but I suppose some of + them have got their hearts in the right place. I daresay they were sorry + to see you in such a position." +</p> +<p> + The captain's reply was of a nature known to Mrs. Kingdom and her circle + as "snapping one's head off." He drew his chair to the table as Bella + brought in the tray and, accepting a cup of tea, began to discuss with + his daughter the events which had transpired in his absence. +</p> +<p> + "There is no news," interposed Mrs. Kingdom, during an interval. Mr. + Hall's aunt died the other day." +</p> +<p> + "Never heard of her," said the captain. "Neither had I, till then," said + his sister. "What a lot of people there are one never hears of, John." + The captain stared at her offensively and went on with his meal. A long + silence ensued. +</p> +<p> + "I suppose you didn't get to hear of the cable that was sent?" said Mrs. + Kingdom, making another effort to arouse interest. +</p> +<p> + "What cable?" inquired her brother. +</p> +<p> + "The one Mr. Hardy sent to his father about you," replied Mrs. Kingdom. +</p> +<p> + The captain pushed his chair back and stared her full in the face. "What + do you mean?" he demanded. +</p> +<p> + His sister explained. +</p> +<p> + "Do you mean to tell me that you've been speaking to young Hardy?" + exclaimed the captain. +</p> +<p> + "I could hardly help doing so, when he came here," returned his sister, + with dignity. "He has been very anxious about you." +</p> +<p> + Captain Nugent rose and strode up and down the room. Then he stopped and + glanced sharply at his daughter. +</p> +<p> + "Were you here when he called?" he demanded. +</p> +<p> + "Yes," was the reply. +</p> +<p> + "And you—you spoke to him?" roared the captain. +</p> +<p> + "I had to be civil," said Miss Nugent, calmly; "I'm not a sea-captain." +</p> +<p> + Her father walked up and down the room again. Mrs. Kingdom, terrified at + the storm she had evoked, gazed helplessly at her niece. +</p> +<p> + "What did he come here for?" said the captain. +</p> +<p> + Miss Nugent glanced down at her plate. "I can't imagine," she said, + demurely. "The first time he came to tell us what had become of you." +</p> +<p> + The captain stopped in his walk and eyed her sternly. "I am very + fortunate in my children," he said, slowly. "One is engaged to marry the + daughter of the shadiest rascal in Sunwich, and the other—" +</p> +<p> + "And the other?" said his daughter, proudly, as he paused. +</p> +<p> + "The other," said the captain, as he came round the table and put his + hand on her shoulder, "is my dear and obedient daughter." +</p> +<p> + "Yes," said Miss Nugent; "but that isn't what you were going to say. You + need not worry about me; I shall not do anything that would displease + you." +</p> +<a name="2HCH19"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<h2> + CHAPTER XVIII +</h2> +<p> + With a view to avoiding the awkwardness of a chance meeting with any + member of the Nugent family Hardy took the sea road on his way to the + office the morning after the captain's return. Common sense told him + to leave matters for the present to the healing hand of Time, and to + cultivate habits of self-effacement by no means agreeable to one of his + temperament. +</p> +<p> + Despite himself his spirits rose as he walked. It was an ideal spring + morning, cool and sunny. The short turf by the side of the road was + fragrant under his heel, and a light wind stirred the blueness of the + sea. On the beach below two grizzled men of restful habit were + endeavouring to make an old boat waterproof with red and green paint. +</p> +<p> + A long figure approaching slowly from the opposite direction broke into a + pleasant smile as he drew near and quickened his pace to meet him. +</p> +<p> + "You're out early," said Hardy, as the old man stopped and turned with + him. +</p> +<p> + "'Ave to be, sir," said Mr. Wilks, darkly; "out early and 'ome late, and + more often than not getting my dinner out. That's my life nowadays." +</p> +<p> + "Can't you let her see that her attentions are undesirable?" inquired + Hardy, gravely. +</p> +<p> + "Can't you let her see that her attentions are undesirable?" +</p> +<a name="image-51"><!--IMG--></a> +<center> +<img src="051.jpg" height="541" width="583" +alt="''can't You Let Her See That Her Attentions Are +Undesirable?'' +"> +</center> +<!--IMAGE END--> +<p> + "I can't be rude to a woman," said the steward, with a melancholy smile; + "if I could, my life would ha' been very different. She's always + stepping across to ask my advice about Teddy, or something o' that sort. + All last week she kept borrowing my frying-pan, so at last by way of + letting 'er see I didn't like it I went out and bought 'er one for + herself. What's the result? Instead o' being offended she went out and + bought me a couple o' neck-ties. When I didn't wear 'em she pretended it + was because I didn't like the colour, and she went and bought two more. + I'm wearing one now." +</p> +<p> + He shook his head ruefully, and Hardy glanced at a tie which would have + paled the glories of a rainbow. For some time they walked along in + silence. +</p> +<p> + "I'm going to pay my respects to Cap'n Nugent this afternoon," said Mr. + Wilks, suddenly. +</p> +<p> + "Ah," said the other. +</p> +<p> + "I knew what it 'ud be with them two on the same ship," continued Mr. + Wilks. "I didn't say nothing when you was talking to Miss Kate, but I + knew well enough." +</p> +<p> + "Ah," said Hardy again. There was no mistaking the significance of the + steward's remarks, and he found them somewhat galling. It was all very + well to make use of his humble friend, but he had no desire to discuss + his matrimonial projects with him. +</p> +<p> + "It's a great pity," pursued the unconscious Mr. Wilks, "just as + everything seemed to be going on smoothly; but while there's life there's + 'ope." +</p> +<p> + "That's a smart barge over there," said Hardy, pointing it out. +</p> +<p> + Mr. Wilks nodded. "I shall keep my eyes open this afternoon," he said + reassuringly. "And if I get a chance of putting in a word it'll be put + in. Twenty-nine years I sailed with the cap'n, and if there's anybody + knows his weak spots it's me." +</p> +<p> + He stopped as they reached the town and said "good-bye." He pressed the + young man's hand sympathetically, and a wink of intense artfulness gave + point to his last remark. +</p> +<p> + "There's always Sam Wilks's cottage," he said, in a husky whisper; "and + if two of 'is friends <i>should</i> 'appen to meet there, who'd be the wiser?" +</p> +<p> + He gazed benevolently after the young man's retreating figure and + continued his stroll, his own troubles partly forgotten in the desire to + assist his friends. It would be a notable feat for the humble steward to + be the means of bringing the young people together and thereby bringing + to an end the feud of a dozen years. He pictured himself eventually as + the trusted friend and adviser of both families, and in one daring flight + of fancy saw himself hobnobbing with the two captains over pipes and + whisky. +</p> +<p> + Neatly dressed and carrying a small offering of wallflowers, he set out + that afternoon to call on his old master, giving, as he walked, the last + touches to a little speech of welcome which he had prepared during + dinner. It was a happy effort, albeit a trifle laboured, but Captain + Nugent's speech, the inspiration of the moment, gave it no chance. +</p> +<p> + He started the moment the bowing Mr. Wilks entered the room, his voice + rising gradually from low, bitter tones to a hurricane note which Bella. + could hear in the kitchen without even leaving her chair. Mr. Wilks + stood dazed and speechless before him, holding the wallflowers in one + hand and his cap in the other. In this attitude he listened to a + description of his character drawn with the loving skill of an artist + whose whole heart was in his work, and who seemed never tired of filling + in details. +</p> +<p> + "If you ever have the hardihood to come to my house again," he concluded, + "I'll break every bone in your misshapen body. Get!" +</p> +<p> + Mr. Wilks turned and groped his way to the door. Then he went a little + way back with some idea of defending himself, but the door of the room + was slammed in his face. He walked slowly down the path to the road and + stood there for some time in helpless bewilderment. In all his sixty + years of life his feelings had never been so outraged. His cap was still + in his hand, and, with a helpless gesture, he put it on and scattered his + floral offering in the road. Then he made a bee-line for the Two + Schooners. +</p> +<p> + Though convivial by nature and ever free with his money, he sat there + drinking alone in silent misery. Men came and went, but he still sat + there noting with mournful pride the attention caused by his unusual + bearing. To casual inquiries he shook his head; to more direct ones he + only sighed heavily and applied himself to his liquor. Curiosity + increased with numbers as the day wore on, and the steward, determined to + be miserable, fought manfully against an ever-increasing cheerfulness due + to the warming properties of the ale within. +</p> +<p> + "I 'ope you ain't lost nobody, Sam?" said a discomfited inquirer at last. +</p> +<p> + Mr. Wilks shook his head. +</p> +<p> + "You look as though you'd lost a shilling and found a ha'penny," pursued + the other. +</p> +<p> + "Found a what?" inquired Mr. Wilks, wrinkling his forehead. +</p> +<p> + "A ha'penny," said his friend. +</p> +<p> + "Who did?" said Mr. Wilks. +</p> +<p> + The other attempted to explain and was ably assisted by two friends, + but without avail; the impression left on Mr. Wilks's mind being that + somebody had got a shilling of his. He waxed exceeding bitter, and said + that he had been missing shillings for a long time. +</p> +<p> + "You're labourin' under a mistake, Sam," said the first speaker. +</p> +<p> + Mr. Wilks laughed scornfully and essayed a sneer, while his friends, + regarding his contortions with some anxiety, expressed a fear that he was + not quite himself. To this suggestion the steward deigned no reply, and + turning to the landlord bade him replenish his mug. +</p> +<p> + "You've 'ad enough, Mr. Wilks," said that gentleman, who had been + watching him for some time. +</p> +<p> + Mr. Wilks, gazing at him mistily, did not at first understand the full + purport of this remark; but when he did, his wrath was so majestic and + his remarks about the quality of the brew so libellous that the landlord + lost all patience. +</p> +<p> + "You get off home," he said, sharply. +</p> +<p> + "Listen t' me," said Mr. Wilks, impressively. +</p> +<p> + "I don't want no words with you," said the land-lord. "You get off home + while you can." +</p> +<p> + "That's right, Sam," said one of the company, putting his hand on the + steward's arm. "You take his advice." +</p> +<p> + Mr. Wilks shook the hand off and eyed his adviser ferociously. Then he + took a glass from the counter and smashed it on the floor. The next + moment the bar was in a ferment, and the landlord, gripping Mr. Wilks + round the middle, skilfully piloted him to the door and thrust him into + the road. +</p> +<a name="image-52"><!--IMG--></a> +<center> +<img src="052.jpg" height="581" width="603" +alt="'he Took a Glass from the Counter and Smashed It on The +Floor.' +"> +</center> +<!--IMAGE END--> +<p> + The strong air blowing from the sea disordered the steward's faculties + still further. His treatment inside was forgotten, and, leaning against + the front of the tavern, he stood open-mouthed, gazing at marvels. Ships + in the harbour suddenly quitted their native element and were drawn up + into the firmament; nobody passed but twins. +</p> +<p> + "Evening, Mr. Wilks," said a voice. +</p> +<p> + The steward peered down at the voice. At first he thought it was another + case of twins, but looking close he saw that it was Mr. Edward Silk + alone. He saluted him graciously, and then, with a wave of his hand + toward the sky, sought to attract his attention to the ships there. +</p> +<p> + "Yes," said the unconscious Mr. Silk, sign of a fine day to-morrow. + "Are you going my way?" +</p> +<p> + Mr. Wilks smiled, and detaching himself from the tavern with some + difficulty just saved Mr. Silk from a terrible fall by clutching him + forcibly round the neck. The ingratitude of Mr. Silk was a rebuff to a + nature which was at that moment overflowing with good will. For a moment + the steward was half inclined to let him go home alone, but the + reflection that he would never get there softened him. +</p> +<p> + "Pull yourself t'gether," he said, gravely, "Now, 'old on me." +</p> +<p> + The road, as they walked, rose up in imitation of the shipping, but Mr. + Wilks knew now the explanation: Teddy Silk was intoxicated. Very gently + he leaned towards the erring youth and wagged his head at him. +</p> +<p> + "Are you going to hold up or aren't you?" demanded Mr. Silk, shortly. +</p> +<p> + The steward waived the question; he knew from experience the futility of + arguing with men in drink. The great thing was to get Teddy Silk home, + not to argue with him. He smiled good-temperedly to himself, and with a + sudden movement pinned him up against the wall in time to arrest another` + fall. +</p> +<a name="image-53"><!--IMG--></a> +<center> +<img src="053.jpg" height="672" width="527" +alt="'the Great Thing Was to Get Teddy Silk Home.' +"> +</center> +<!--IMAGE END--> +<p> + With frequent halts by the way, during which the shortness of Mr. Silk's + temper furnished Mr. Wilks with the texts of several sermons, none of + which he finished, they at last reached Fullalove Alley, and the steward, + with a brief exhortation to his charge to hold his head up, bore down on + Mrs. Silk, who was sitting in her doorway. +</p> +<p> + "I've brought 'im 'ome," he said, steadying himself against the doorpost; + "brought 'im 'ome." +</p> +<p> + "Brought 'im 'ome?" said the bewildered Mrs. Silk. +</p> +<p> + "Don' say anything to 'im," entreated Mr. Wilks, "my sake. Thing might + 'appen anybody." +</p> +<p> + "He's been like that all the way," said Mr. Silk, regarding the steward + with much disfavour. "I don't know why I troubled about him, I'm sure." +</p> +<p> + "Crowd roun 'im," pursued the imaginative Mr. Wilks. "'Old up, Teddy." +</p> +<p> + "I'm sure it's very kind of you, Mr. Wilks," said the widow, as she + glanced at a little knot of neighbours standing near. "Will you come + inside for a minute or two?" +</p> +<p> + She moved the chair to let him pass, and Mr. Wilks, still keeping the + restraining hand of age on the shoulder of intemperate youth, passed in + and stood, smiling amiably, while Mrs. Silk lit the lamp and placed it in + the centre of the table, which was laid for supper. The light shone on a + knuckle of boiled pork, a home-made loaf, and a fresh-cut wedge of + cheese. +</p> +<p> + "I suppose you won't stay and pick a bit o' sup-per with us?" said Mrs. + Silk. +</p> +<p> + "Why not?" inquired Mr. Wilks. +</p> +<p> + "I'm sure, if I had known," said Mrs. Silk, as she piloted him to a seat, + "I'd 'ave 'ad something nice. There, now! If I 'aven't been and forgot + the beer." +</p> +<p> + She left the table and went into the kitchen, and Mr. Wilks's eyes + glistened as she returned with a large brown jug full of foaming ale and + filled his glass. +</p> +<p> + "Teddy mustn't 'ave any," he said, sharply, as she prepared to fill that + gentleman's glass. +</p> +<p> + "Just 'alf a glass," she said, winsomely. +</p> +<p> + "Not a drop," said Mr. Wilks, firmly. +</p> +<p> + Mrs. Silk hesitated, and screwing up her forehead glanced significantly + at her son. "'Ave some by-and-by," she whispered. +</p> +<p> + "Give me the jug," said Mr. Silk, indignantly. "What are you listening + to 'im for? Can't you see what's the matter with 'im?" +</p> +<p> + "Not to 'ave it," said Mr. Wilks; "put it 'ere." +</p> +<p> + He thumped the table emphatically with his hand, and before her indignant + son could interfere Mrs. Silk had obeyed. It was the last straw. Mr. + Edward Silk rose to his feet with tremendous effect and, first thrusting + his plate violently away from him, went out into the night, slamming the + door behind him with such violence that the startled Mr. Wilks was nearly + blown out of his chair. +</p> +<p> + "He don't mean nothing," said Mrs. Silk, turning a rather scared face to + the steward. "'E's a bit jealous of you, I s'pose." +</p> +<p> + Mr. Wilks shook his head. Truth to tell, he was rather at a loss to know + exactly what had happened. +</p> +<p> + "And then there's 'is love affair," sighed Mrs. Silk. "He'll never get + over the loss of Amelia Kybird. I always know when 'e 'as seen her, he's + that miserable there's no getting a word out of 'im." +</p> +<p> + Mr. Wilks smiled vaguely and went on with his supper, and, the meal + finished, allowed himself to be installed in an easy-chair, while his + hostess cleared the table. He sat and smoked in high good humour with + himself, the occasional remarks he made being received with an enthusiasm + which they seldom provoked elsewhere. +</p> +<p> + "I should like t' sit 'ere all night," he said, at last. +</p> +<p> + "I don't believe it," said Mrs. Silk, playfully. +</p> +<p> + "Like t' sit 'ere all night," repeated Mr. Wilks, somewhat sternly. "All + nex' day, all day after, day after that, day——" +</p> +<p> + Mrs. Silk eyed him softly. "Why would you like to sit here all that + time?" she inquired, in a low voice. +</p> +<p> + "B'cause," said Mr. Wilks, simply, "b'cause I don't feel's if I can + stand. Goo'-night." +</p> +<p> + He closed his eyes on the indignant Mrs. Silk and fell fast asleep. It + was a sound sleep and dreamless, and only troubled by the occasional + ineffectual attempts of his hostess to arouse him. She gave up the + attempt at last, and taking up a pair of socks sat working thoughtfully + the other side of the fire-place. +</p> +<p> + The steward awoke an hour or two later, and after what seemed a terrible + struggle found himself standing at the open door with the cold night air + blowing in his face, and a voice which by an effort of memory he + identified as that of Edward Silk inviting him "to go home and lose no + time about it." Then the door slammed behind him and he stood balancing + himself with some difficulty on the step, wondering what had happened. + By the time he had walked up and down the deserted alley three or four + times light was vouchsafed to him and, shivering slightly, he found his + own door and went to bed. +</p> +<a name="2HCH20"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<h2> + CHAPTER XIX +</h2> +<p> + Any hopes which Hardy might have entertained as to the attitude of Miss + Nugent were dispelled the first time he saw her, that dutiful daughter of + a strong-willed sire favouring him with a bow which was exactly half an + inch in depth and then promptly bestowing her gaze elsewhere. He passed + Captain Nugent next day, and for a week afterwards he had only to close + his eyes to see in all its appalling virulence the glare with which that + gentleman had acknowledged his attempt at recognition. +</p> +<a name="image-54"><!--IMG--></a> +<center> +<img src="054.jpg" height="595" width="289" +alt="'captain Nugent.' +"> +</center> +<!--IMAGE END--> +<p> + He fared no better in Fullalove Alley, a visit to Mr. Wilks eliciting the + fact that that delectable thoroughfare had been put out of bounds for + Miss Nugent. Moreover, Mr. Wilks was full of his own troubles and + anxious for any comfort and advice that could be given to him. All the + alley knew that Mrs. Silk had quarrelled with her son over the steward, + and, without knowing the facts, spoke their mind with painful freedom + concerning them. +</p> +<p> + "She and Teddy don't speak to each other now," said Mr. Wilks, gloomily, + "and to 'ear people talk you'd think it was my fault." +</p> +<p> + Hardy gave him what comfort he could. He even went the length of saying + that Mrs. Silk was a fine woman. +</p> +<p> + "She acts like a suffering martyr," exclaimed Mr. Wilks. "She comes over + 'ere dropping hints that people are talking about us, and that they ask + 'er awkward questions. Pretending to misunderstand 'er every time is + enough to send me crazy; and she's so sudden in what she says there's no + being up to 'er. On'y this morning she asked me if I should be sorry if + she died." +</p> +<p> + "What did you say?" inquired his listener. +</p> +<p> + "I said 'yes,'" admitted Mr. Wilks, reluctantly. "I couldn't say + anything else; but I said that she wasn't to let my feelings interfere + with 'er in any way." +</p> +<p> + Hardy's father sailed a day or two later, and after that nothing + happened. Equator Lodge was an impregnable fortress, and the only member + of the garrison he saw in a fortnight was Bella. +</p> +<p> + His depression did not escape the notice of his partner, who, after first + advising love-philtres and then a visit to a well-known specialist for + diseases of the heart, finally recommended more work, and put a generous + portion of his own on to the young man's desk. Hardy, who was in an evil + temper, pitched it on to the floor and, with a few incisive remarks on + levity unbecoming to age, pursued his duties in gloomy silence. +</p> +<p> + A short time afterwards, however, he had to grapple with his partner's + work in real earnest. For the first time in his life the genial + shipbroker was laid up with a rather serious illness. A chill caught + while bathing was going the round of certain unsuspected weak spots, and + the patient, who was of an inquiring turn of mind, was taking a greater + interest in medical works than his doctor deemed advisable. +</p> +<p> + "Most interesting study," he said, faintly, to Hardy, as the latter sat + by his bedside one evening and tried to cheer him in the usual way by + telling him that there was nothing the matter with him. "There are + dozens of different forms of liver complaint alone, and I've got 'em + all." +</p> +<p> + "Liver isn't much," said his visitor, with the confidence of youth. +</p> +<p> + "Mine is," retorted the invalid; "it's twice its proper size and still + growing. Base of the left lung is solidifying, or I'm much mistaken; the + heart, instead of waltzing as is suitable to my time of life, is doing a + galop, and everything else is as wrong as it can be." +</p> +<p> + "When are you coming back?" inquired the other. +</p> +<p> + "Back?" repeated Swann. "Back? You haven't been listening. I'm a + wreck. All through violating man's primeval instinct by messing about in + cold water. What is the news?" +</p> +<p> + Hardy pondered and shook his head. "Nugent is going to be married in + July," he said, at last. +</p> +<p> + "He'd better have had that trip on the whaler," commented Mr. Swann; "but + that is not news. Nathan Smith told it me this morning." +</p> +<p> + "Nathan Smith?" repeated the other, in surprise. +</p> +<p> + "I've done him a little service," said the invalid. "Got him out of a + mess with Garth and Co. He's been here two or three times, and I must + confess I find him a most alluring rascal." +</p> +<p> + "Birds of a feather—" began Hardy, superciliously. +</p> +<p> + "Don't flatter me," said Swann, putting his hand out of the bed-clothes + with a deprecatory gesture. +</p> +<p> + "I am not worthy to sit at his feet. He is the most amusing knave on the + coast. He is like a sunbeam in a sick room when you can once get him to + talk of his experiences. Have you seen young Nugent lately? Does he + seem cheerful?" +</p> +<p> + "Yes, but he is not," was the reply. +</p> +<p> + "Well, it's natural for the young to marry," said the other, gravely. + "Murchison will be the next to go, I expect." +</p> +<p> + "Possibly," returned Hardy, with affected calmness. +</p> +<p> + "Blaikie was saying something about it this morning," resumed Swann, + regarding him from half-closed lids, "but he was punching and tapping me + all about the ribs while he was talking, and I didn't catch all he said, + but I think it's all arranged. Murchison is there nearly every day, I + understand; I suppose you meet him there?" +</p> +<p> + Mr. Hardy, whistling softly, rose and walked round the room, uncorking + medicine bottles and sniffing at their contents. A smile of unaffected + pleasure lit up his features as he removed the stopper from one + particularly pungent mixture. +</p> +<a name="image-55"><!--IMG--></a> +<center> +<img src="055.jpg" height="642" width="362" +alt="'sniffing at Their Contents.' +"> +</center> +<!--IMAGE END--> +<p> + "Two tablespoonfuls three times a day," he read, slowly. "When did you + have the last, Swann? Shall I ring for the nurse?" +</p> +<p> + The invalid shook his head impatiently. "You're an ungrateful dog," he + muttered, "or you would tell me how your affair is going. Have you got + any chance?" +</p> +<p> + "You're getting light-headed now," said Hardy, calmly. "I'd better go." +</p> +<p> + "All right, go then," responded the invalid; "but if you lose that girl + just for the want of a little skilled advice from an expert, you'll never + forgive yourself—I'm serious." +</p> +<p> + "Well, you must be ill then," said the younger man, with anxiety. +</p> +<p> + "Twice," said Mr. Swann, lying on his back and apparently addressing the + ceiling, "twice I have given this young man invaluable assistance, and + each time he has bungled." +</p> +<p> + Hardy laughed and, the nurse returning to the room, bade him "good-bye" + and departed. After the close atmosphere of the sick room the air was + delicious, and he walked along slowly, deep in thought. From Nathan + Smith his thoughts wandered to Jack Nugent and his unfortunate + engagement, and from that to Kate Nugent. For months he had been + revolving impossible schemes in his mind to earn her gratitude, and + possibly that of the captain, by extricating Jack. In the latter + connection he was also reminded of that unhappy victim of unrequited + affection, Edward Silk. +</p> +<p> + It was early to go indoors, and the house was dull. He turned and + retraced his steps, and, his thoughts reverting to his sick partner, + smiled as he remembered remarks which that irresponsible person had made + at various times concerning the making of his last will and testament. + Then he came to a sudden standstill as a wild, forlorn-hope kind of idea + suddenly occurred to him. He stood for some time thinking, then walked a + little way, and then stopped again as various difficulties presented + themselves for solution. Finally, despite the lateness of the hour, he + walked back in some excitement to the house he had quitted over half an + hour before with the intention of speaking to the invalid concerning a + duty peculiarly incumbent upon elderly men of means. +</p> +<p> + The nurse, who came out of the sick room, gently closing the door after + her, demurred a little to this second visit, but, receiving a promise + from the visitor not to excite the invalid, left them together. The + odour of the abominable physic was upon the air. +</p> +<p> + "Well?" said the invalid. +</p> +<p> + "I have been thinking that I was rather uncivil a little while ago," said + Hardy. +</p> +<p> + "Ah!" said the other. "What do you want?" +</p> +<p> + "A little of that skilled assistance you were speaking of." +</p> +<p> + Mr. Swann made an alarming noise in his throat. Hardy sprang forward in + alarm, but he motioned him back. +</p> +<p> + "I was only laughing," he explained. +</p> +<p> + Hardy repressed his annoyance by an effort, and endeavoured, but with + scant success, to return the other's smile. +</p> +<p> + "Go on," said the shipbroker, presently. +</p> +<p> + "I have thought of a scheme for upsetting Nugent's marriage," said Hardy, + slowly. +</p> +<p> + "It is just a forlorn hope which depends for its success on you and + Nathan Smith." +</p> +<p> + "He's a friend of Kybird's," said the other, drily. +</p> +<p> + "That is the most important thing of all," rejoined Hardy. "That is, + next to your shrewdness and tact; everything depends upon you, really, + and whether you can fool Smith. It is a great thing in our favour that + you have been taking him up lately." +</p> +<p> + "Are you coming to the point or are you not?" demanded the shipbroker. +</p> +<p> + Hardy looked cautiously round the room, and then, drawing his chair close + to the bed, leaned over the prostrate man and spoke rapidly into his ear. +</p> +<p> + "What?" cried the astounded Mr. Swann, suddenly sitting up in his bed. + "You—you scoundrel!" +</p> +<p> + "It's to be done," said Hardy. +</p> +<p> + "You ghoul!" said the invalid, glaring at him. "Is that the way to talk + to a sick man? You unscrupulous rascal!" +</p> +<p> + "It'll be amusement for you," pleaded the other, "and if we are + successful it will be the best thing in the end for everybody. Think of + the good you'll do." +</p> +<p> + "Where you get such rascally ideas from, I can't think," mused the + invalid. "Your father is a straightforward, honest man, and your + partner's uprightness is the talk of Sunwich." +</p> +<p> + "It doesn't take much to make Sunwich talk," retorted Hardy. +</p> +<p> + "A preposterous suggestion to make to a man of my standing," said the + shipbroker, ignoring the remark. "If the affair ever leaked out I should + never hear the end of it." +</p> +<p> + "It can't leak out," said Hardy, "and if it does there is no direct + evidence. They will never really know until you die; they can only + suspect." +</p> +<p> + "Very well," said the shipbroker, with a half-indulgent, half-humorous + glance. "Anything to get rid of you. It's a crack-brained scheme, and + could only originate with a young man whose affections have weakened his + head—I consent." +</p> +<p> + "Bravo!" said Hardy and patted him on the back; Mr. Swann referred to the + base of his left lung, and he apologized. +</p> +<p> + "I'll have to fix it up with Blaikie," said the invalid, lying down + again. "Murchison got two of his best patients last week, so that it + ought to be easy. And besides, he is fond of innocent amusement." +</p> +<p> + "I'm awfully obliged to you," said Hardy. +</p> +<p> + "It might be as well if we pretended to quarrel," said the invalid, + reflectively, "especially as you are known to be a friend of Nugent's. + We'll have a few words—before my housekeeper if possible, to insure + publicity—and then you had better not come again. Send Silk instead + with messages." +</p> +<p> + Hardy thanked him and whispered a caution as a footstep was heard on the + landing. The door opened and the nurse, followed by the housekeeper + bearing a tray, entered the room. +</p> +<p> + "And I can't be worried about these things," said Swann, in an + acrimonious voice, as they entered. "If you are not capable of settling + a simple question like that yourself, ask the office-boy to instruct you. +</p> +<p> + "It's your work," retorted Hardy, "and a nice mess it's in." +</p> +<p> + "H'sh!" said the nurse, coming forward hastily. "You must leave the + room, sir. I can't have you exciting my patient." +</p> +<p> + Hardy bestowed an indignant glance at the invalid. +</p> +<p> + "Get out!" said that gentleman, with extraordinary fierceness for one in + his weak condition. "In future, nurse, I won't have this person admitted + to my room." +</p> +<p> + "Yes, yes; certainly," said the nurse. "You must go, sir; at once, + please." +</p> +<p> + "I'm going," said Hardy, almost losing his gravity at the piteous + spectacle afforded by the house-keeper as she stood, still holding the + tray and staring open-mouthed at the combatants. "When you're tired of + skulking in bed, perhaps you'll come and do your share of the work." +</p> +<p> + Mr. Swann rose to a sitting position, and his demeanour was so alarming + that the nurse, hastening over to him, entreated him to lie down, and + waved Hardy peremptorily from the room. +</p> +<p> + "Puppy!" said the invalid, with great relish. "Blockhead!" +</p> +<a name="image-56"><!--IMG--></a> +<center> +<img src="056.jpg" height="629" width="572" +alt="''puppy!' Said the Invalid.' +"> +</center> +<!--IMAGE END--> +<p> + He gazed fixedly at the young man as he departed and then, catching sight + in his turn of the housekeeper's perplexity, laid himself down and buried + his face in the bed-clothes. The nurse crossed over to her assistant + and, taking the tray from her, told her in a sharp whisper that if she + ever admitted Mr. Hardy again she would not be answerable for the + consequences. +</p> +<a name="2HCH21"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<h2> + CHAPTER XX +</h2> +<p> + Charmed at the ease with which he had demolished the objections of Mr. + Adolphus Swann and won that suffering gentleman over to his plans, Hardy + began to cast longing glances at Equator Lodge. He reminded himself that + the labourer was worthy of his hire, and it seemed moreover an extremely + desirable thing that Captain Nugent should know that he was labouring in + his vineyard with the full expectation of a bounteous harvest. He + resolved to call. +</p> +<p> + Kate Nugent, who heard the gate swing behind him as he entered the front + garden, looked up and stood spellbound at his audacity. As a fairly + courageous young person she was naturally an admirer of boldness in + others, but this seemed sheer recklessness. Moreover, it was + recklessness in which, if she stayed where she was, she would have to + bear a part or be guilty of rudeness, of which she felt incapable. She + took a third course, and, raising her eyebrows at the unnecessarily loud + knocking with which the young man announced his arrival, retreated in + good order into the garden, where her father, in a somewhat heated + condition, was laboriously planting geraniums. She had barely reached + him when Bella, in a state of fearsome glee, came down the garden to tell + the captain of his visitor. +</p> +<a name="image-57"><!--IMG--></a> +<center> +<img src="057.jpg" height="662" width="576" +alt="'bella, in a State of Fearsome Glee, Came Down the Garden +To Tell the Captain of his Visitor.' +"> +</center> +<!--IMAGE END--> +<p> + "Who?" said the latter, sharply, as he straightened his aching back. +</p> +<p> + "Young Mr. Hardy," said Bella, impressively. "I showed 'im in; I didn't + ask 'im to take a chair, but he took one." +</p> +<p> + "Young Hardy to see me!" said the captain to his daughter, after Bella + had returned to the house. "How dare he come to my house? Infernal + impudence! I won't see him." +</p> +<p> + "Shall I go in and see him for you?" inquired Kate, with affected + artlessness. +</p> +<p> + "You stay where you are, miss," said her father. "I won't have him + speak to you; I won't have him look at you. I'll——" +</p> +<p> + He beat his dirty hands together and strode off towards the house. Jem + Hardy rose from his chair as the captain entered the room and, ignoring a + look of black inquiry, bade him "Good afternoon." +</p> +<p> + "What do you want?" asked the captain, gruffly, as he stared him straight + in the eye. +</p> +<p> + "I came to see you about your son's marriage," said the other. "Are you + still desirous of preventing it?" +</p> +<p> + "I'm sorry you've had the trouble," said the captain, in a voice of + suppressed anger; "and now may I ask you to get out of my house?" +</p> +<p> + Hardy bowed. "I am sorry I have troubled you," he said, calmly, "but I + have a plan which I think would get your son out of this affair, and, as + a business man, I wanted to make something out of it." +</p> +<p> + The captain eyed him scornfully, but he was glad to see this + well-looking, successful son of his old enemy tainted with such sordid + views. Instead of turning him out he spoke to him almost fairly. +</p> +<p> + "How much do you want?" he inquired. +</p> +<p> + "All things considered, I am asking a good deal," was the reply. +</p> +<p> + "How much?" repeated the captain, impatiently. +</p> +<p> + Hardy hesitated. "In exchange for the service I want permission to visit + here when I choose," he said, at length; "say twice a week." +</p> +<p> + Words failed the captain; none with which he was acquainted seemed + forcible enough for the occasion. He faced his visitor stuttering with + rage, and pointed to the door. +</p> +<p> + "Get out of my house," he roared. +</p> +<a name="image-58"><!--IMG--></a> +<center> +<img src="058.jpg" height="579" width="544" +alt="''get out of My House,' he Roared. +"> +</center> +<!--IMAGE END--> +<p> + "I'm sorry to have intruded," said Hardy, as he crossed the room and + paused at the door; "it is none of my business, of course. I thought + that I saw an opportunity of doing your son a good turn—he is a friend + of mine—and at the same time paying off old scores against Kybird and + Nathan Smith. I thought that on that account it might suit you. Good + afternoon." +</p> +<p> + He walked out into the hall, and reaching the front door fumbled clumsily + with the catch. The captain watching his efforts in grim silence began + to experience the twin promptings of curiosity and temptation. +</p> +<p> + "What is this wonderful plan of yours?" he demanded, with a sneer. +</p> +<p> + "Just at present that must remain a secret," said the other. He came + from the door and, unbidden, followed the captain into the room again. +</p> +<p> + "What do you want to visit at my house for?" inquired the latter, in a + forbidding voice. +</p> +<p> + "To see your daughter," said Hardy. +</p> +<p> + The captain had a relapse. He had not expected a truthful answer, + and, when it came, in the most matter-of-fact tone, it found him quite + unprepared. His first idea was to sacrifice his dignity and forcibly + eject his visitor, but more sensible thoughts prevailed. +</p> +<p> + "You are quite sure, I suppose, that your visits would be agreeable to my + daughter?" he said, contemptuously. +</p> +<p> + Hardy shook his head. "I should come ostensibly to see you," he said, + cheerfully; "to smoke a pipe with you." +</p> +<p> + "Smoke!" stuttered the captain, explosively; "smoke a pipe with ME?" +</p> +<p> + "Why not?" said the other. "I am offering you my services, and + anything that is worth having is worth paying for. I suppose we could + both smoke pipes under pleasanter conditions. What have you got against + me? It isn't my fault that you and my father have quarrelled." +</p> +<p> + "I don't want anything more to say to you," said the captain, sternly. + "I've shown you the door once. Am I to take forcible measures?" +</p> +<p> + Hardy shrugged his broad shoulders. "I am sorry," he said, moving to the + door again. +</p> +<p> + "So am I," said the other. +</p> +<p> + "It's a pity," said Hardy, regretfully. "It's the chance of a lifetime. + I had set my heart on fooling Kybird and Smith, and now all my trouble is + wasted. Nathan Smith would be all the better for a fall." +</p> +<p> + The captain hesitated. His visitor seemed to be confident, and he would + have given a great deal to prevent his son's marriage and a great deal to + repay some portion of his debt to the ingenious Mr. Smith. Moreover, + there seemed to be an excellent opportunity of punishing the presumption + of his visitor by taking him at his word. +</p> +<p> + "I don't think you'd enjoy your smoking here much," he said, curtly. +</p> +<p> + "I'll take my chance of that," said the other. "It will only be a matter + of a few weeks, and then, if I am unsuccessful, my visits cease." +</p> +<p> + "And if you're successful, am I to have the pleasure of your company for + the rest of my life?" demanded the captain. +</p> +<p> + "That will be for you to decide," was the reply. "Is it a bargain?" +</p> +<p> + The captain looked at him and deliberated. "All right. Mondays and + Thursdays," he said, laconically. +</p> +<p> + Hardy saw through the ruse, and countered. +</p> +<p> + "Now Swann is ill I can't always get away when I wish," he said, easily. + "I'll just drop in when I can. Good day." +</p> +<p> + He opened the door and, fearful lest the other should alter his mind at + the last moment, walked briskly down the path to the gate. The captain + stood for some time after his departure deep in thought, and then + returned to the garden to be skilfully catechized by Miss Nugent. +</p> +<p> + "And when my young friend comes with his pipe you'll be in another room," + he concluded, warningly. +</p> +<p> + Miss Nugent looked up and patted his cheek tenderly. "What a talent for + organization you have," she remarked, softly. "A place for everything + and everything in its place. The idea of his taking such a fancy to + you!" +</p> +<p> + The captain coughed and eyed her suspiciously. He had been careful not + to tell her Hardy's reasons for coming, but he had a shrewd idea that his + caution was wasted. +</p> +<p> + "Today is Thursday," said Kate, slowly; "he will be here to-morrow and + Saturday. What shall I wear?" +</p> +<p> + The captain resumed his gardening operations by no means perturbed at the + prophecy. Much as he disliked the young man he gave him credit for a + certain amount of decency, and his indignation was proportionately great + the following evening when Bella announced Mr. Hardy. He made a genial + remark about Shylock and a pound of flesh, but finding that it was only + an excellent conversational opening, the subject of Shakespeare's plays + lapsed into silence. +</p> +<p> + It was an absurd situation, but he was host and Hardy allowed him to see + pretty plainly that he was a guest. He answered the latter's remarks + with a very ill grace, and took covert stock of him as one of a species + he had not encountered before. One result of his stock-taking was that + he was spared any feeling of surprise when his visitor came the following + evening. +</p> +<p> + "It's the thin end of the wedge," said Miss Nugent, who came into the + room after Hardy had departed; "you don't know him as well as I do." +</p> +<p> + "Eh?" said her father, sharply. +</p> +<p> + "I mean that you are not such a judge of character as I am," said Kate; + "and besides, I have made a special study of young men. The only thing + that puzzles me is why you should have such an extraordinary fascination + for him." +</p> +<p> + "You talk too much, miss," said the captain, drawing the tobacco jar + towards him and slowly filling his pipe. +</p> +<p> + Miss Nugent sighed, and after striking a match for him took a seat on the + arm of his chair and placed her hand on his shoulder. "I can quite + understand him liking you," she said, slowly. +</p> +<p> + The captain grunted. +</p> +<p> + "And if he is like other sensible people," continued Miss Nugent, in a + coaxing voice, "the more he sees of you the more he'll like you. I do + hope he has not come to take you away from me." +</p> +<a name="image-59"><!--IMG--></a> +<center> +<img src="059.jpg" height="642" width="381" +alt="'i Do Hope he Has Not Come to Take You Away from Me.' +"> +</center> +<!--IMAGE END--> +<p> + The indignant captain edged her off the side of his chair; Miss Nugent, + quite undisturbed, got on again and sat tapping the floor with her foot. + Her arm stole round his neck and she laid her cheek against his head and + smiled wickedly. +</p> +<p> + "Nice-looking, isn't he?" she said, in a careless voice. +</p> +<p> + "I don't know anything about his looks," growled her father. +</p> +<p> + Miss Nugent gave a little exclamation of surprise. "First thing I + noticed," she said, with commendable gravity. "He's very good-looking + and very determined. What are you going to give him if he gets poor Jack + out of this miserable business?" +</p> +<p> + "Give him?" said her father, staring. +</p> +<p> + "I met Jack yesterday," said Kate, "and I can see that he is as wretched + as he can be. He wouldn't say so, of course. If Mr. Hardy is successful + you ought to recognize it. I should suggest one of your new photos in an + eighteenpenny frame." +</p> +<p> + She slipped off the chair and quitted the room before her father could + think of a suitable retort, and he sat smoking silently until the + entrance of Mrs. Kingdom a few minutes later gave him an opportunity of + working off a little accumulated gall. +</p> +<p> + While the junior partner was thus trying to obtain a footing at Equator + Lodge the gravest rumours of the senior partner's health were prevalent + in the town. Nathan Smith, who had been to see him again, ostensibly to + thank him for his efforts on his behalf, was of opinion that he was + breaking up, and in conversation with Mr. Kybird shook his head over the + idea that there would soon be one open-handed gentleman the less in a + world which was none too full of them. +</p> +<p> + "We've all got to go some day," observed Mr. Kybird, philosophically. + "'Ow's that cough o' yours getting on, Nat?" +</p> +<p> + Mr. Smith met the pleasantry coldly; the ailment referred to was one of + some standing and had been a continual source of expense in the way of + balsams and other remedies. +</p> +<p> + "He's worried about 'is money," he said, referring to Mr. Swann. +</p> +<p> + "Ah, we sha'n't 'ave that worry," said Mr. Kybird. +</p> +<p> + "Nobody to leave it to," continued Mr. Smith. "Seems a bit 'ard, don't + it?" +</p> +<p> + "P'r'aps if 'e 'ad 'ad somebody to leave it to 'e wouldn't 'ave 'ad so + much to leave," observed Mr. Kybird, sagely; "it's a rum world." +</p> +<p> + He shook his head over it and went on with the uncongenial task of + marking down wares which had suffered by being exposed outside too long. + Mr. Smith, who always took an interest in the welfare of his friends, + made suggestions. +</p> +<p> + "I shouldn't put a ticket marked 'Look at this!' on that coat," he said, + severely. "It oughtn't to be looked at." +</p> +<p> + "It's the best out o' three all 'anging together," said Mr. Kybird, + evenly. +</p> +<p> + "And look 'ere," said Mr. Smith. "Look what an out-o'-the-way place + you've put this ticket. Why not put it higher up on the coat?" +</p> +<p> + "Becos the moth-hole ain't there," said Mr. Kybird. +</p> +<p> + Mr. Smith apologized and watched his friend without further criticism. +</p> +<p> + "Gettin' ready for the wedding, I s'pose?" he said, presently. +</p> +<p> + Mr. Kybird assented, and his brow darkened as he spoke of surreptitious + raids on his stores made by Mrs. Kybird and daughter. +</p> +<p> + "Their idea of a wedding," he said, bitterly, "is to dress up and make a + show; my idea is a few real good old pals and plenty of licker." +</p> +<p> + "You'll 'ave to 'ave both," observed Nathan Smith, whose knowledge of the + sex was pretty accurate. +</p> +<p> + Mr. Kybird nodded gloomily. "'Melia and Jack don't seem to 'ave been + 'itting it off partikler well lately," he said, slowly. "He's getting + more uppish than wot 'e was when 'e come here first. But I got 'im to + promise that he'd settle any money that 'e might ever get left him on + 'Melia." +</p> +<p> + Mr. Smith's inscrutable eyes glistened into something as nearly + approaching a twinkle as they were capable. "That'll settle the five + 'undred," he said, warmly. "Are you goin' to send Cap'n Nugent an invite + for the wedding?" +</p> +<a name="image-60"><!--IMG--></a> +<center> +<img src="060.jpg" height="633" width="526" +alt="'are You Goin' to Send Cap'n Nugent an Invite for The +Wedding?' +"> +</center> +<!--IMAGE END--> +<p> + "They'll 'ave to be asked, o' course," said Mr. Kybird, with an attempt + at dignity, rendered necessary by a certain lightness in his friend's + manner. "The old woman don't like the Nugent lot, but she'll do the + proper thing." +</p> +<p> + "O' course she will," said Mr. Smith, soothingly. "Come over and 'ave a + drink with me, Dan'l it's your turn to stand." +</p> + + + + + + + + + + + + + +<pre> + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of At Sunwich Port, Part 4., by W.W. Jacobs + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK AT SUNWICH PORT, PART 4. *** + +***** This file should be named 10874-h.htm or 10874-h.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + https://www.gutenberg.org/1/0/8/7/10874/ + +Produced by David Widger + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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