"Fourteen years, ten months and nine days," corrected the lawyer. "I am always most exact on the subject of dates. The last time we met was in my office, and the circumstances were—er—somewhat painful."
"Yes," answered the Captain, "they were. Still, Vayne, you behaved like a brick; you were the only person who believed in me."
"Pah! Nonsense!" exclaimed the other. "But you've altered," he went on, "altered most remarkably."
"Yes," said Calamity grimly, "I have altered, as you say. Strange you should turn up at this juncture, because I'm in trouble once more."
"Dear me, dear me," murmured the lawyer in a tone of concern.
"Yes, I've been arrested on a charge of piracy, if I'm not mistaken."
"Pi——" began the other, and then, stopping short on the first syllable, hastily adjusted a pair of pinc-nez on his nose and regarded the Captain through them. "Piracy, did you say?" he went on.
"Yes, that's my latest crime. Last time we met it was forgery."
"Tut, tut," said the lawyer in a peevish tone, "you mustn't put it like that. But, my dear John, piracy! Surely you are joking?"
"Ask that gentleman," answered Calamity, indicating the Lieutenant, who had moved a little distance away.