“I don’t know,” replied Ross, who seemed to feel no interest in this part of this business. “I heard them talking.” “Did you hear what they said?” demanded the doctor, sharply. “I did hear something that was said, but not much. I didn’t expect the villain was on the island then. I was going over to the Port to find him. I got into my boat, and pulled out a little way; then I saw a boat on the beach, and went back. I took the path over to the bluff, walking on the grass, so as not to make a noise. When I got to the rocks above the beach, I heard them talking.” “What did they say?” asked the doctor, eagerly. “I heard Buckstone say he intended to marry her, at first, and then he did not. I didn’t want to hear any more. I went after a club then; I found one; and when I came back, they were talking about a consideration for marrying my sister. My God! how my blood boiled! I moved forward then; Buckstone ran, and I followed him. I finished him, and pitched him over into the channel.” “But who was this other man?” asked the doctor, nervously. “I don’t know.” “Did you see him?” “Yes; but it was dark.” “Couldn’t you tell anything about him?” “No; he was a man about your size.” Dr. Bilks was startled. “What did he wear?” “He wore an overcoat; it was too dark to see anything.” “What did he do?” “Nothing. I saw him go down to the boat. I don’t know where he went.” “Ross, did you let this man go without finding out who or what he was?” demanded Dr. Bilks, impressively. “I did not care anything about him.” “Where did he go?” “I don’t know; after I had done my work, I went back to the house, and didn’t even think of the other man.” “You say this man was hiring Buckstone to marry your sister.” “I didn’t say so.” “Yes, you did; you spoke of a consideration.” “I don’t know who offered it, or what it meant. It was all Greek to me.” “Perhaps it was Mr. Hungerford,” suggested Dr. Bilks. “No, it was not!” replied Ross, decidedly. “How do you know?” “Do you think he would bribe Buckstone to marry my sister?” “He has plenty of money.” “He wouldn’t do that.” “Perhaps he would. In my opinion, Ross, Mr. Hungerford was the man.” “It was not! He is taller than this man.” “It might have been Mr. Birch, acting for Hungerford.” “It might have been; but I don’t believe it was.” “I am satisfied that it was Mr. Birch. In fact, he told me that, as soon as Mr. Hungerford came home, he should compel Buckstone to make your sister an honest woman.” “He told you so?” “Yes; he acts from the best of motives, Ross. His only object was to save your sister from disgrace.” The boat had touched at the Port, and the conversation was interrupted. Dr. Bilks seemed to be entirely satisfied that he had given a correct solution of the problem in regard to the stranger on the island. Ross was still sceptical. As the doctor walked up the street towards his office, the boatman pulled back to the island.