"No, not personally; we have heard of him, though. Sit still, Brudenell, I have got something to tell you. We have met some old acquaintances also since you left us," said the judge.
"Ah, who are they? The Tourneysees, I presume."
"We have met the Tourneysees of course; but we have met others."
"Then you will have to tell me, judge, for I should never be able to guess among your thousands of friends and acquaintances who were the individuals encountered here."
"What would you say to me if I should tell you that Ishmael met our old Katie in the street and brought her hither?"
"I should say that you or I were mad or dreaming," said Mr.
Brudenell, staring at the judge.
"And yet I tell you the sober truth. That infamous villain, Malcolm, Lord Vincent, taking advantage of the opportunities afforded by his residence on a remote part of the sea coast, and his connection with a crew of smugglers, actually succeeded in kidnaping Lady Vincent's three servants and selling them to the trader, who brought them to this island and sold them again."
"Am I awake?" exclaimed Mr. Brudenell, in amazement.
"As much as any of us, I suppose. There are times when I fancy myself in a strange dream."
"What could have been the man's motive for such a crime?"