"And he shan't have me," he said, returning her gaze with interest.
Miss Pilbeam stood in silent thought. She was a strong, well-grown girl, but she realized fully that she was no match for the villain who stood before her, twisting his moustache and adjusting his neck-tie. And her father would not be off duty until nine.
"I suppose you would like to wait here until it is dark?" she said at last.
"I would sooner wait here than anywhere," said the skipper, with respectful ardor.
"Perhaps you would like to come in and sit down?" said the girl.
Captain Bligh thanked her, and removing his cap followed her into a small parlor in the front of the house.
"Father is out," she said, as she motioned him to an easy-chair, "but I'm sure he'll be pleased to see you when he comes in."
"And I shall be pleased to see him," said the innocent skipper.
Miss Pilbeam kept her doubts to herself and sat in a brown study, wondering how the capture was to be effected. She had a strong presentiment that the appearance of her father at the front door would be the signal for her visitor's departure at the back. For a time there was an awkward silence.
"Lucky thing for me I upset that policeman," said the skipper, at last.