"The Ben Nevis is no humbug?"
"No; I bought her and two other steamers on the Clyde, in Scotland. The Ben Nevis was captured, but my friends bought her after she was condemned. As there had been a great deal said about her in the newspapers, I used her because it was probable you had heard of her."
"I had."
"Everything works as I intended."
"Not exactly," thought Somers.
"The captain of the coaster that pounded you that night was Langdon," laughed Pillgrim.
"Why was that done?"
"That I might take you back to the hotel, and be your friend. We did not intend to hurt you much. It was important that you should think well of me. You do—don't you?"
"Of course."
"All right now; remember you are mine, Somers," said Pillgrim, as he left the room.