“How and when has this happened?”
Temple proceeded to repeat what he had learned at the prefecture of the police, and read out the words of the telegram.
“Let us see,” said Lord Culduff, seating himself in a well-cushioned chair. “Let us see what new turn this will give the affair. He may be recaptured, or he may be, most probably is, drowned. We then come in for compensation. They must indemnify. There are few claims so thoroughly chronic in their character as those for an indemnity. You first discuss the right, and you then higgle over the arithmetic. I don't want to go back to town this season. See to it then, Temple, that we reserve this question entirely to ourselves. Let Blagden refer everything to us.”
“They have sent the news home already.”
“Oh! they have. Very sharp practice. Not peculiar for any extreme delicacy either. But I cannot dine with Blagden, for all that. This escape gives a curious turn to the whole affair. Let us look into it a little. I take it the fellow must have gone down—eh?”
“Most probably.”
“Or he might have been picked up by some passing steamer or by a fishing-boat. Suppose him to have got free, he 'll get back to England, and make capital out of the adventure. These fellows understand all that nowadays.”
Temple, seeing a reply was expected, assented.
“So that we must not be precipitate, Temple,” said Lord Culduff, slowly. “It's a case for caution.”
These words, and the keen look that accompanied them, were perfect puzzles to Temple, and he did not dare to speak.