"I never gave it another thought," retorted Prelice brusquely. "Pray do not apologise again. You did so last night."
"Thank you," said Jadby, smiling all over his smooth, feline face. "I am glad that you take it in such a spirit. By the way, I never knew that you were acquainted with Dr. Horace."
Prelice stared at this impertinent remark. "Very probably," he said stiffly, "but then you know nothing about me."
"I know that you went to Easter Island, Lord Prelice. I heard of your visit when I went there myself."
"Oh," said Prelice alertly, "then you visited the Island also."
"I have just said so," rejoined Jadby coolly, "but I did not bring away any of the herb, if that is what you mean."
"It is not what I mean," said the other, wondering why Jadby should say such a thing. "I don't accuse you of murdering Sir Oliver, even though you inherit the property."
He was thus pointed and rude to get rid of the smiling man before him, as he felt the same antipathy to Jadby as he would have done to a cat, the one animal which Prelice could not endure. But the sailor was not at all annoyed, or if he was, did not show it. Rather did he smile in a very satisfied way. "Yes, I do inherit the property," he remarked, "and there is a good reason why I should."
"Really," observed Prelice, considering what the reason might be, but unwilling to ask.
"Yes, really," retorted the captain, still smiling; "of course, I am sorry for Miss Chent, but when she marries me all will be well."