He stepped up lightly out of the boat, and shook my hand with a grip that certainly lacked nothing in heartiness.
"I spotted you from my barge," he went on, "so I thought I would come over and introduce myself. I have been looking forward to meeting you for some little while."
"I was half-expecting to hear from you in London," I said. "Mr. Drayton told me that he had given you my address." I paused. "Let me introduce you to a brother professional," I added. "Dr. Ross, of the Neptune."
I saw his glance travel swiftly and keenly over my companion.
"Delighted to meet you," he said. "I was a ship's surgeon myself at one time." He turned back to me. "I should have run down to look you up at the docks, only I couldn't quite fit things in. Besides, I thought we were certain to come across each other here before long."
"Suppose we go up to the house and have a drink," I suggested.
"That's not a bad idea," he returned cheerfully. "I must just fasten up the boat first, though."
He bent down, and with a couple of quick turns hitched the painter to the ring. I was on the verge of speaking rather sharply to Bascomb, who, still standing sullenly in the background, had made no effort to come forward and assist him. For the moment, however, I thought it best to let the matter pass, and side by side we all three started up the path towards the front door.
"There's no need for ceremony," I said, as I led the way into the hall. "You probably know the house better than I do."
"Well, I was here for several days," he answered, "but most of the time I was up in your uncle's bedroom."