"On the authority of the letter, which Captain Kyles showed to Maud, and about which Maud spoke to me--yes."
"Then my cousin must have a shrewd idea that Kyles is guilty," said Herries. "However, we can talk of the ethics of Maud later. Where is Captain Kyles now? At the Hall?"
"No. He is at the 'Marsh Inn,' stopping there, in fact. He wrote to Maud saying that he was putting up there for a week."
"Did he explain his reason?"
"No. He simply said that he was there, and would see her before he returned to the 'Tarabacca,' which is still at Pierside."
"With Señora Guzman on board?"
"I suppose so. But I want you, Mr. Herries, to have Captain Kyles arrested and his guilt proved. Then you can give Maud a sum of money, and I'll take her to the Colonies, there to begin a new life."
"I shall certainly see Kyles, and have him arrested if possible," said Herries, "but I am not quite certain about giving Maud money. In the first place I am penniless myself----"
"You will be rich when Captain Kyles is condemned."
"Not sufficiently so to pay Maud an income for behaving in so wicked a way. I wonder you have the face to ask me, Mrs. Mountford."