"He is talking the most absolute nonsense," exclaimed Guy indignantly. "Bugg and I were waiting on the quay--we had come ashore with the Captain to fetch him--and of course when we saw them being attacked we naturally came to their help. Tony had already knocked down about three people, so there was practically nothing left for us to do. I am afraid I did shoot one of the policemen with a revolver that I happened to have with me, but I am thankful to say that he was only wounded in the shoulder." "He's ashamed of himself," said Tony mercilessly; "that's what's the matter. Why he came up the beach like a roaring tiger, and if it hadn't----" There was a knock at the door, and almost simultaneously Ellen presented herself on the threshold. "If you please, M'lady, Mr. Henry Conway has called." "Henry!" repeated Tony; "what a joke. It just needed Henry to make the party perfect." Lady Jocelyn looked round her with an exclamation of dismay. "Oh dear!" she exclaimed. "I quite forgot to tell you I was expecting him. He rang up early this morning and left a message that he was coming round. I think he wants to know where you are, Tony." "I am not quite sure myself yet," said Tony; "but I shall be delighted to give him all the information I have." He got up from the sofa. "Besides," he added, "it will be a good opportunity to introduce him to Isabel." "Are you serious?" demanded Guy. "Do you really mean you want to see him?" "Certainly I do," replied Tony. "I think people ought to meet their new relations as soon as possible." "Very well," said Lady Jocelyn. "Show him up, Ellen." Then she turned to Tony. "Are you going to tell him everything?" "Of course not," said Tony. "We must keep Isabel's past an absolute secret between ourselves. I have given my word to Da Freitas about that." "But you know what Henry is," objected Guy. "He is sure to ask all sorts of questions right away." "Well, if he does," said Tony, "we must give him an evasive answer--like the sailor." Before Guy had recovered from this reply, footsteps were heard ascending the stairs, and the next moment Henry was ushered into the room. As he caught sight of its occupants he paused dramatically on the threshold; his naturally stolid face expanding into an expression of the utmost surprise. "You here!" he exclaimed, addressing himself to Tony. "Why I have been hunting London for you the last twenty-four hours." "I hope you had good sport," said Tony. "I wish you wouldn't disappear like that and not leave any address behind," proceeded Henry in an aggrieved voice, "I had some very important business I wished to see you about." "I am so sorry," replied Tony; "but as a matter of fact I had some very important business too." He took Isabel's hand, and assisted her up from the sofa. "I have been getting engaged to be married." For a moment Henry stared at him in dumb amazement. "Is--is this a fact?" he stammered.