"I understand this--that I'm going to move heaven and earth to get that cash of Wyke's which ought to come to you," said Lemby, sullenly; "and whether I get it or not, I've got to get out of this country, and you too." "Why have you to get out?" asked Claudia, stuck by the queer expression on her father's florid face. Lemby shuffled and twisted, evading a direct answer. "I ain't got any dibs, for one thing. I told you so." "But if you get this money of Sir Hector's?" asked the girl, trying to arrive at his meaning, for she saw that there was something behind his speech. "I'll go, all the same." Lemby looked at the carpet and scowled. "But why?" "Because I choose to. That's why," he burst out furiously. "Now, dad"--Claudia held up a warning hand--"we have had one scene, so don't let us have another. You won't succeed in getting your way with me." "You are an ungrateful minx!" "Oh" Claudia sat down with a careless shrug--"call me as many names as you like. That matters little. But don't go too far." "What will you do if--" "If you go too far," interrupted the girl, her breast heaving with passion, and her eyes flashing, "I'll tell you what I'll do. I'll leave this flat and go out to find a situation." "Nobody will take you," said Lemby, uneasily, for he knew, what she was capable of when her temper was aroused, as it certainly was at present. "That's my business, dad." The buccaneer walked towards the door, halted there irresolutely, and then looked round the room cautiously. After a long pause, he stole forward lightly to bend down and whisper in his daughter's ear. "If you don't come with me and light out straight, you'll see me in trouble." "What kind of trouble asked Claudia, shrinking back. "Trouble of the worst. I've risked a lot to get that cash of Sir Hector's." "Risked what?" Claudia shivered and faltered. "My good name, my liberty, my life." "Dad!" She sprang up with a cry. "My life," repeated Lemby, emphatically, and walked out of the room. CHAPTER VII. When her father left the room after giving his ominous hint, the girl throw herself full-length on the sofa and covered her face.