‘Had we not better go on deck?’ said I. ‘It might be useful to hear what the master of the barque has to say.’
‘Inch by inch, Charles. There is no hurry. I have my man safe,’ pointing at the vessel. ‘Let us briefly debate a course of action—or rather, let me leave myself in your hands. We want no “scene,” as women call it, or as little as possible. There are many grinning, merely curious spectators, and Lady Monson is still my wife. What do you advise?’
‘First of all, my dear Wilfrid, what do you want?’ I exclaimed, rather puzzled and not at all relishing the responsibility of offering suggestions. ‘You intend, of course, that Lady Monson shall come on board the “Bride.” But the Colonel?’
‘Oh,’ cried he, sharply and fiercely, ‘I shall want him here too!’
‘Then you don’t mean to separate them?’
‘Yes, I do,’ he answered; ‘as effectually as a bullet can manage it for me.’
‘Ha!’ said I, and I was silent a little and then said: ‘If I were you, I should leave Crimp’s brother to sail away with the rascal. The separation will be as complete as——’
He silenced me with a passionate gesture, but said, nevertheless, calmly, ‘I want them both on board my yacht.’
‘Will they come if they are fetched, think you?’
He walked impatiently to the door. ‘I must plan for myself, I see,’ he exclaimed. He grasped the handle and turned to me with his hand still upon it. ‘I see how it is with you, Charles,’ he said, almost gently; ‘you object to my fighting Colonel Hope-Kennedy.’