"Then ye kidnapped me wi' intention?"
Captain Kyles nodded carelessly, produced a cigarette and swung back in his chair as he lighted it.
"From what you hinted at the inn, I saw that you were poking your nose into matters which do not concern you."
"Aye, but ma son-in-law----"
"Quite so, Mr. Gowrie. You are playing his hand, and I am swinging on my own hook. When I left the tap-room on business promising to return, I intended to bring the motor-launch up the creek, and collar you. She was lying in the river on the other side of the station, having brought me from this ship."
"And am I at Pierside near the wharf?" asked Gowrie, thinking he could escape if he was in touch with Mother Earth.
"No. You are on board my yacht, and she is swinging at anchor off Tarhaven. If you go on deck you'll be able to see the lights of the town a quarter of a mile away."
"I'll gie the alarrum," and Gowrie rose unsteadily. Kyles made a long arm and pushed him back on to the divan.
"Sit tight," said Kyles, "and drink your whisky. You'll need it before I've done with you."
"Ye mean tae do an auld mon harrum?"