"That's about all a fellow has to do on a farm, isn't it?" "That and die, I believe." "And get married?" "Naturally, in order to think more. A man has to think for two after he's married, you see." "Quite sarcastic that. You don't think much of women, I fancy." "Not in the plural." Captain Shadburn was nearing them on the way from the chart-house, and the young men accosted him, Veath inquiring: "Captain, who is the tall old gentleman you were talking to forward awhile ago?" "That is Lord Huntingford, going over to straighten out some complications for the Crown. He is a diplomat of the first water." "Where are these complications, may I ask?" "Oh, in China, I think. He is hurrying across as fast as possible. He leaves the ship at Hong Kong, and nobody knows just what his mission is; that's between him and the prime minister, of course. But, good-evening, gentlemen. I have a game of cribbage after dinner with his Lordship." The captain hurried below. "A real live lord," said Veath. "The first I've seen." "China," Hugh repeated. "I hope we may get to know them." CHAPTER IX MR. RIDGEWAY'S AMAZEMENT At dinner Hugh was strangely exuberant, jesting gaily and exchanging rare witticisms with Veath, who also appeared immensely satisfied. As they left the saloon he said: "Let's take a turn on deck, Grace." "Won't you include me?" asked Veath. "Certainly," answered Grace promptly. "Be delighted," echoed Hugh, swallowing as if it were an effort. "I must get a wrap," said Grace. "I won't delay you more than five minutes." "I'll get my overcoat and some cigars," added Hugh. "And I'll write a short letter to post at Malta," said Veath, and they separated. A short while later, a steward passed Hugh's stateroom, and he called to him to step to the next door and tell Miss Ridge that he was ready. "Miss Ridge just went up with her gentleman--" the man responded; but Hugh interrupted, slamming the door. For several minutes he stood glaring at the upper corner of his berth; then he said something strong. Every vestige of his exuberance disappeared, his brow clouded and his heart seemed to swell painfully within its narrow confines. As he was about to ascend the steps of the companionway, he heard the swish of skirts and then a sharp scream. In an instant he was half way up, his arms extended. Lord Huntingford's daughter plunged into them, and he literally carried her to the foot. She was pale and trembling and he was flushed. He had looked up in time to see her falling forward, vainly striving to reach the hand rail. "Are you hurt?" he asked anxiously. The young lady sat down upon the second step before answering, a delightful pink stealing over her face. "I--I don't believe I am," she said. "My heel caught on a step and I fell. It was so clumsy of me. I might have been badly hurt if you had not caught me as you did."