"Never mind," said Berry. "He's dead now, and the scheme's up a tree."
"I suppose Miss Starth's cut up?" said Denham to Eustace.
"Naturally. Her only brother."
"I guess she needs a heap of consolation," went on the young man artlessly. "It's just in my mind to go down and see her."
Jarman was not at all pleased at this proposition, and was inclined to reply in the negative. But a bright thought struck him--a very daring thought of the nature of bluff. Denham was a fool, and not at all observant. It might be that if he came down and saw Mr. Desmond O'Neil he might be able to dispel any suspicions which might afterwards take shape in the minds of Fan and her uncle. With this idea he gave Natty an invitation.
"Come and stop with me," he said cordially. "There is no one with me but my secretary, an Irish chap called O'Neil. You'd get on well with him."
Natty seemed inclined to accept, but looked at Berry for instruction.
The skipper nodded. "Go by all means, and have a good time."
"You never ask me," said Fan, reproachfully, to her old lover.
"I'm afraid a bachelor establishment is not quite a paradise to ladies," said Eustace, laughing; "but if you will spend the day I'll be very pleased. When will you come down?" he asked Denham.