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Rh place into which the country road had led. Stranleigh conducted his companion to Mother Simpson's, where he himself lodged when he was ashore.

"Aye, Tom, here ye be again, large as life and twice as handsome," greeted the old woman with a laugh. She always accosted him thus, and seemed to regard the phrase as a witticism of the first order.

"Yes, Mother Simpson, and I've brought you a lodger. Are his two rooms ready?"

"To be sure, Tom."

"Have any boxes arrived?"

"No, Tom, they haven't."

"Ah, well, Marlow, they'll be here to-morrow. The carrier will leave them at your door. Meanwhile, whatever you want for to-night you'll have to borrow from me. What time's high tide, Mrs. Simpson?"

"Twenty-three minutes after four o'clock."

"Very well, we'll enjoy an early tea, and go down afterwards to the beach and see the lads bring in the boats. The Laughing Jane, I hope, is all right, Mrs. Simpson?"

"Oh, yes, Tom, and doing better than ever this season. She's a-waiting for ye."

"There, you see, Professor, in spite of what we were saying yesterday about women, there's one awaiting me, and her name's Laughing Jane, Any news, Mrs. Simpson? Everybody well?"