Colonel Baskerville smiled, and then said:
"Lord Bellingham wishes to see you in his own room, and," he added, with a smile, "I wish he had asked me to be present at the meeting. It will be rare sport."
"Do you think so, sir?" answered Archy, airily, and flushed with his achievement regarding the picture.
"I know it. He has never been defied in his life. I did not defy him. I simply went my own way as a younger half-brother with little to hope or fear from him. But you are his natural heir, and, although he can keep you out of the property, he can't keep you out of the title if you want it."
"But I don't want it, and can't use it, sir; and as to his keeping me out of the property, some of that would be precious little use to me. What would I do with a castle? I am a sailor, sir, and I would rather have a seventy-four than all the castles in England. So here goes."
And Archy marched off to meet Lord Bellingham, not wholly unprepared what to say and do.
CHAPTER IV
As Archy entered a room adjoining the library corridor, Lord Bellingham rose to receive him.