"You will see in a moment. I am not wrong, perhaps, in supposing that lady to have been the wife of Roderick Salt, sometime my comrade in the Foot Guards. He married in Harwich, I remember; and in many respects the resemblance which this lad bears to him is remarkable."
"There is no likeness in their characters, my lord."
"I daresay not; indeed, I hope not. But suppose now I inform you that Roderick Salt is still alive—"
The Earl broke off and looked at the two captains narrowly.
"Did you know that?" he asked.
There was no answer.
"I seem to remember an expression which you, Captain Runacles, let fall this afternoon. You told his Majesty that Tristram Salt owned large estates. Is the boy's father aware of this?"
Again he paused for an answer, but none came.
"These estates are administered under trust, I presume. Who are the legal trustees?"
"I am," Captain Jemmy replied, with a sudden effort.