The water was cold, shockingly cold. He struck out swiftly for the yacht. Fortunately the accommodation ladder had not yet been taken up; in another moment he was clinging, a limp and dripping spectacle, to the rail of the _Lileth_. Happily that side of the deck was just then deserted. A row of outside cabin doors in the bow met Minot's eye. Stealthily he swished toward them. And, in the last analysis, the only thing between him and them proved to be a large commanding gentleman, whose silhouette was particularly militant and whose whole bearing was unfavorable. "Mr. Wall, I presume," said Minot through noisy teeth. "Correct," said the gentleman. His voice was sharp, unfriendly. But the moonlight, falling on his face, revealed it as soft, genial, pudgy--the inviting sort of countenance to which, under the melting influence of Scotch and soda, one feels like relating the sad story of one's wasted life. Though soaked and quaking, Mr. Minot aimed at nonchalance. "Well," he said, "you might be good enough to tell Lord Harrowby that I've arrived." "Who are you? What do you want?" "I'm a friend of his lordship. He'll be delighted, I'm sure. Just tell him, if you'll be so kind." "Did he invite you aboard?" "Not exactly. But he'll be glad to see me. Especially if you mention just one word to him." "What word?" Mr. Minot leaned airily against the rail. "Lloyds," he said An expression of mingled rage and dismay came into the pudgy face. It purpled in the moonlight. Its huge owner came threateningly toward the dripping Minot. "Back into the river for yours," he said savagely. Almost lovingly--so it might have seemed to the casual observer--he wound his thick arms about the dripping Minot. Up and down the deck they turkey-trotted. "Over the rail and into the river," breathed Mr. Wall on Minot's damp neck. Two large and capable sailormen came at sound of the struggle. "Here, boys," Wall shouted. "Help me toss this guy over." Willing hands seized Minot at opposite poles. "One--two--" counted the sailormen. "Well, good night, Mr. Wall," remarked Minot. "Three!" A splash, and he was ingloriously in the cold river again. He turned to the accommodation ladder, but quick hands drew it up. Evidently there was nothing to do but return once more to little old New York. He rested for a moment, treading water, seeing dimly the tall homes of the cave dwellers, and over them the yellow glare of Broadway. Then he struck out. When he reached the shore, and turned, the _Lileth_ was already under way, moving slowly down the silver path of the moon. An old man was launching the padlocked rowboat. "Great night for a swim," he remarked sarcastically. "L-lovely," chattered Minot. "Say, do you know anything about the yacht that's just steamed out?"