“Not he, sir. I should say that the squire had been taken in by Mr Falcon in one way and the doctor in another without their knowing it.”
“That’s not a bad idea, Lucy, and in return for it I must tell you, as I have already hinted to Tom, that I shall very soon make known here who we are.”
“I am glad to hear you say so, sir.”
“Talking about burglars, Lucy, I thought I heard someone moving about just now.”
“It is your friend, sir, coming down,” said the girl, as she looked towards the stairs.
“Come in, captain; I am getting the early news,” whispered his friend Harry, whilst Lucy left the room.
“And how is the wound?” asked the mariner.
“It is healing like a dog’s!”
“By Jove! You would have been done for if the balloon had not been hauled down just at the right moment.”
“Yes, I’ve no doubt my life was attempted, but the sudden dip saved me. Had we remained stationary a second longer, I don’t suppose I should have been talking to you now.”