'There's some fine weather here for landing, I suppose?'
'If there wasn't,' said Mr. Bruton, 'how should I be now worth my fourteen thousand pounds, two 'ouses, not counting this one, and a comfortable lugger for my diversion, if I hadn't snicked it all off the revenue?'
'Good, come up,' cried Captain Jackman, with excitement. 'Let your gains be mine, and I'll bless your name.'
'Will you buy the house?' said the man.
'Yes,' answered the captain, 'and return with you to the town, where you'll recommend me to people who'll clean and furnish it comfortably whilst I am away on business elsewhere.'
'That shall be done, sir, and under my superintendence,' said Bruton, as they emerged, followed by the distant hollow roar of the sea.
* * * * *
Commander Conway strode impatiently about his little parlour. It was breakfast time, and there was a smell of fried fish in the house. Putting his head out he caught sight of Mrs. Dove at the end of the passage, and cried—
'Why does Miss Ada keep me waiting? Go and let her know that breakfast is ready, and tell her to come down, dressed or undressed.'