"Your cousin!" said Kyles in tones of dismay.
By this time Maud had scrambled on deck, and was holding out her hand.
"Good evening, Captain Kyles," she said ceremoniously, "you have been quite a stranger of late."
"Why--why do you come--come here?" stammered the Captain who was considerably taken aback.
Maud laughed in an amused manner.
"To say good-bye," said she, carelessly.
"Humph! I believe that," he retorted and she could hear him grit his teeth at her unwelcome presence. At that ominous sound, the girl, who, unfortunately for herself, really did love him, turned pale, and laid her hand on her heart, as though she there felt a cruel pain, as no doubt she did. Kyles stared at her frowning and then turned away with a grunt of satisfaction as a wooden box was hoisted on board by the two boatmen and a couple of his own sailors.
"You've got it," he said, in a thankful tone.
Herries nodded.
"And this is my solicitor, Mr. Ritson, who advanced the cash and has come to see it paid over,--on conditions," added the young man significantly.