"I'm afraid so."
"But isn't it just possible that Beekman may be one of those six men who survived?"
"We should have heard from him in that event."
"Right, but isn't it just possible that the other boat may turn up or its men may have landed on some Pacific island?"
"It's possible," said Harnash, "but not likely."
"It's generally the unlikely thing that happens in life," said Maynard, coolly, staring hard at the unfortunate young man to whom confession was obviously difficult. "For instance, the most unlikely thing that I could think of is that I should be sitting here quietly listening to you confess this treacherous and dastardly crime without being able to determine whether I shall hand you over to the authorities or give you my daughter as a wife."
"I don't think the disposition of your daughter's hand rests with you now."
"Does it rest with you?"
"No. She has told me that she would never even allow me to speak to you or consent to marry me until she had been released by you and Beekman."
Maynard thought deeply. He was, as he had said, in a state of indecision most unusual and extraordinary with him. To be unable to settle upon his course was most annoying to him.