Page:Guy Boothby--A Bid for Fortune.djvu/91

Rh "But they are such good men!"

"That may be. But still, as I say, we don't somehow cotton. All the same I'd like to set my eyes upon your tutor."

"Well, you will. I think I see him on the beach now. I expect he'll be wondering what has become of me. I've never been out so long before."

"Well, you're close home now, and as safe as eggs in a basket."

Another minute brought us into as shallow water as I cared to go. Accordingly, heaving to, I brought the dinghy alongside and we got into her. Then casting off, I pulled my lord ashore. A small, clean-shaven, parsonish-looking man, with the regulation white choker, stood on the shore waiting for us. As I beached the boat he came forward and said:

"My lord, we have been very anxious about you. We feared you had met with an accident."

"I have been very nearly drowned, Mr. Baxter. Had it not been for this gentleman's prompt assistance I should never have reached home again."

"You should really be more careful, my lord. I have warned you before. Your father has been nearly beside himself with anxiety."

"Eh?" said I to myself. "This does not sound quite right. Anyhow, Mr. Baxter, I've seen your figurehead somewhere before—but you were not a missionary then, I'll take my affidavit."

Turning to me, my young lord held out his hand.

"You have never told me your name," he said almost reproachfully.

"Dick Hatteras," I answered, "and very much at your service."

"Mr. Hatteras, I shall never forget what you have