“‘I think you’re a confidence man, Yasmar; a swindler, a ——’
“Like lightning, his hand, which had been thrust into his pocket and stealthily withdrawn, shot toward my temple.
“The hand was armed with a set of murderous knuckles, and the blow laid me half over the rail, silent and motionless.
“I was as nearly unconscious as I ever want to be, but I still had some feeling left, and I, as I hung there, half over the boat, I can remember Yasmar looking round to see if the coast was clear.
“Quickly he lifted me and pushed me over the rail.”
CHAPTER II.
TO THE CREDIT OF THE CATBOAT.
“The moment I struck the cool water it brought all my senses back with a rush.
“I kept myself afloat, and was picked up by two young men in a catboat. These young men were members of a fishing club that had a boathouse on the Sound, and were out for an all-night sail.
“They were close at hand when the steamer passed, and I was hurled into the water.”
“I see. You do not want your uncle to invest your money in the mine, and he is determined to do it.”