Instantly he remembered that Cleo had been close by a short time before, and his first act was to turn his head and look for her.
The ladies had however quietly withdrawn, doubtless finding Roderic very unsociable, and leaving him to the solace of his old pipe.
Which was a very sensible thing for them to do, considering his rudeness, he concluded.
At any rate it left the coast clear, and all minor things had to give way when this major passion that filled his heart, was concerned.
"That is what I have been waiting to hear, Captain. Show me the boat you mean?" he said, as quietly as the bounding of blood through his veins would allow.
"Step this way, sir."
Captain Beven knew why Roderic was so deeply interested in the Sterling Castle, and as a man who had a family at home in some quiet little English cathedral town he could respect these feelings of the ardent lover.
All the world feels an interest in the course of true love, and every decent man stands ready to lend a hand if by so doing he may assist in the anticipated happy outcome.
In another minute they were leaning over the port quarter.