"I'm afraid I don't know much about them; sir," said a touch of the old Jim.
"And as to the tangle," continued the old man, very well satisfied with his work, "it may be considerably more involved than you imagine. Supposing, for instance, that your father was actually married to the other girl before he married Lady Susan! Where do you find yourselves then? It is by no means impossible--such very strange things were done in those times. I could tell you of infinitely stranger things than that."
"I have hardly thought of it in that light," said Jim.
"Take my advice and think no more of your tangle. Just go ahead with the work you have in hand, and when your chance comes, as it will, make the most of it."
"You have done me good, sir. May I ask you about another matter?"
"Surely, my boy. Another tangle?"
And Jim told him briefly about Kattie, and old Seth's visit and impossible quest.
"He's a fine old fellow, and young Seth saved my life twice. I'd like to help him if I could, but I don't know what I can do. Besides, Kattie was a nice girl. She used to play with us all on the sands, you know."
"You don't know, for certain, that she has come to London?"
"Old Seth seems sure of it."