"
"Well, well, the affair seems to need some explanation, but doubtless
admits of a very good one. It is none of my business, and I do not
ask you to satisfy me. But I cannot help thinking that Roderick Salt
will be hardly more astonished to find that his son is a man of large
estates than disposed to make inquiries."
"What do you mean, my lord?"
"I mean that, as father and son happen at this moment to lie aboard
the same vessel, the _Good Intent_--"
The chair which Captain Barker had been grasping and tilting
impatiently fell to the floor with a crash.
"--I foresee a scene of happy recognition and mutual explanations.
We will suppose the father to learn the truth before to-morrow's
punishment is inflicted. We will picture his feelings"--the Earl
paused, and fired a shot more or less at a venture--"when he becomes
aware that, though by law enabled to buy his son off from military
service, he has by chicanery been rendered powerless. We will
imagine him an enforced spectator, wincing as each stroke draws
blood."
"You will do this thing! You will tell him!"
"My dear sirs, I shall hate to do it. In proof that I speak
sincerely, let me say that my offer still remains open. May I now
count on your accepting it?"
"No!" thundered the little man, springing forward in a fury.
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