"Oh, I think she had," rejoined Craver, equably. "Claudia knows that I love her and am her true friend. You have caused her much distress by your hints that you are in danger, so it is right that she should seek comfort from me. And as you are her father, it is not likely that I will jeopardise your freedom." "I am in no danger of losing my freedom," was the angry reply. "Then why did you use those words to Claudia?" "To make her do what I want." "Well, Mr. Lemby"--Edwin rose with an air of finality--"you know your own business best. I came here to offer my services on condition that you allow me to marry your daughter. But as you refuse to listen to sense you must be content to risk the suspicions of Purse. I apologise for having troubled you." "Here"--Lemby stopped the young man as he moved towards the door--"don't be in a hurry. I expect to see Mr. Sandal every moment, but we can talk for a few minutes. Are you honest?" "Yes, I, am, and you know that I am." "Well, then, leave matters as they are for a day or so until we can have a long and exhaustive talk. I have come here, to see if Wyke has left his money to Claudia, which he should do, considering how badly he treated her. If he has acted fairly and squarely Claudia and I will be in clover; if not, I may require your assistance." "I am willing to give it if you will promise to remain in England." "For the time being I shall remain," said the pirate, grudgingly. "I have no reason to run away in spite of my speech to my daughter of which you have made such clever use, dash you." "Then I take it that you have nothing to do with the murder?" "Yes, you can take it that way; I am perfectly innocent." "Then why do you accept my assistance?" asked Edwin, calmly. "I shall explain that when we have our talk later. Meanwhile, as I have to see Sandal and arrange about the money, perhaps you will clear out. It is necessary for me to think over matters before interviewing the sharp." "I should have thought you would have arranged matters by this time," commented Craver, sarcastically. "However. I will go. Remember you have promised to remain in London for the time being." "Yes," growled Lemby, savagely, "you've got the whip-hand of me." "If you mean that I am likely to use the information supplied by Claudia, to prevent your leaving, Mr. Lemby, I have not got the whip-hand of you. I am not so mean as to employ tactics of a dishonourable nature. All I say is that if you will stay in England I am willing to help you in every way." "Well, we'll leave it at that," said Lemby, ungraciously. "But, mind, I don't say that you will marry Claudia." "I am content to wait," replied Craver, coolly, and passed through the door of the waiting-room at the same moment that a clerk opened it to say that Mr. Sandal was ready to see Mr. Oliver Lemby.