As if in answer to his unspoken wish, he heard footsteps approaching and, with a glad cry of welcome, he grasped the hands of Hal and Reg. They, in their turn, noticed his altered appearance, and asked if anything had happened.
"I called on her to-day, and was given to understand I was not wanted," he said in a sad voice.
"We'll fix that all right, Mr. Goodchild," said Hal in his hearty way. And then he told him all that had happened during their trip to Port Arthur.
"Do you think he was referring to May when he spoke of a young lady joining him?" asked Goody when Hal had finished.
"I do, sir."
"And what conclusion do you draw from that?"
"Only the worst, sir, I am afraid."
"And you have no idea where he has gone now?"
"None, whatever. We called at the telegraph office and asked the shipping agent, but without result."
"I hope the scoundrel will be drowned."