“Peregrine,” interrupted the Earl, “do you know where to find Evans?”
“Why, he will be on board the Seamew, I suppose.”
“No,” said the Earl. “At the present moment he is somewhere in the town. Possibly at the Crown and Anchor, or, failing that, the Greyhound. I am sure you will be able to find him if you search Brighton carefully. And when you do find him, give him a message from me that I shall be obliged to him if he will kidnap you again, and take you for a long, long cruise.”
“Oh,” said Peregrine, with a grin, “he would not have to kidnap me, I can tell you! But can I have a yacht?”
“You can have a dozen yachts,” replied the Earl, “if only you will go away!”
“I was sure you would agree!” declared Peregrine radiantly. “I could not conceive of any reason why you should not! And do you think Evans’s cousin—”
“Yes,” said the Earl. “I am persuaded Evans’s cousin will be the very man for you. You had better go and talk it over with Evans before he leaves Brighton.”
Peregrine was a good deal struck by this suggestion. “Upon my word, that is a capital notion! I believe I will do it at once, if you don’t mind my leaving you?”
“I can bear it,” said the Earl. “Let me advise you not to lose any time in setting out.”
“Well, I think I had best be off at once,” said Peregrine. “And when I have talked it over with Evans I will come and tell you all about it.”