Thereupon John narrates what the boatman said to him off Malta, concerning a broken plank in the bottom of the little craft, which of course astonishes the young girl.
She shows some indignation at the thought of his imperiling her life.
"The joke of the whole thing lies in the fact that it was you who saved the would-be hero of the occasion," remarks John, and this fact induces both of them to laugh.
On the whole they feel so happy that it is hard to bear a grudge even against the veteran who has been baffled by fate.
Lady Ruth cannot forget that Sir Lionel gave many evidences of being in love with her, and a woman is apt to forgive even a fault in a man who professes to have sinned for her, to have even given up honor in the hope of winning her favor.
"I have arranged a little scheme whereby I hope to pay Sir Lionel back in his own coin," says the young Chicagoan, grimly.
"Why, John, I thought you said just now that you could forgive him. Now you pretend to be quite blood-thirsty."
"Oh, no; not that. I'm looking out for the poor fellow. He's gone it alone quite long enough, and I want to see him caught."
"Caught? Explain, please. Perhaps I'm a little obtuse, but really, under the circumstances—"
"Yes, I know. It's all excusable, my dear girl. In plain English I want to see the veteran married."