CHAPTER XIV.
A SNARE.
A smart, sailor-like fellow, wearing an Oxford jacket and naval cap, and who seemed to be in authority, as he was overlooking the riggers, who were swaying up and fidding the topmast, now turned and gave him a glance of inquiry, as much as to say, 'Now, who are you, and what do you want?'
'This is the Firefly, Lord Cadbury's yacht?'
'It is.'
'You had an accident at sea—a collision; did anything else happen, were any lives lost?' asked Goring, impetuously and nervously.
'May I ask who is inquiring?' said the other.
'Captain Goring, of the Rifle Brigade.'
'Oh, a friend of his lordship's, I presume?'
'No, though I have met him. And you?'