"The rascal is a regular butcher, and we must all follow the American fashion of carrying a revolver."
"I see just how it was: we had to run in at the side of this pier, so that a steamer that had occasion to stop here could make a landing at the end of the wharf."
"Is that the reason why that villain wanted to stab somebody?" asked Owen, with a wondering stare.
"Well, not exactly. The crew of the Sylvania were on the forecastle, under the awning, for I saw them rushing aft when I heard the woman scream," I continued.
"Then it was because the crew were on the forecastle?" inquired my cousin, with open mouth.
"When Griffin landed from that steamer, he probably saw Chloe on the quarter-deck, or if he did not, he went into the cabin and found her. The crew being forward of the deck-house did not see him. She refused to leave the steamer with him, and he undertook to take her away by force," I explained.
"And you think that makes it all right, Alick?" asked Owen.
"I think not. If I had thought of such a thing as Griffin's coming on board, I should have set a watch to prevent him from doing so. I shall take this precaution in future."
"Does that mean that you will set a watch in the future?" asked Owen, seriously.
"That is just what it means: and one is lucky when the dull brain of a Briton catches the idea," I replied.