Herries winced. Kyles was extremely unscrupulous, and in a boat of great speed, might not hesitate to keep him a prisoner until much more than four thousand was paid over. He had only to get up steam and slip away in the darkness for South America, and it would be difficult to catch him. However, the adventure was begun and had to be finished, and Herries, believing that his luck had changed with marriage, hoped for the best. Shortly the boat was longside the yacht, swinging up and down on the tide. Kyles was expecting them, and a rope ladder was lowered. Up this swarmed Herries who was well used to the sea. Ritson came next, but was in a state of terror the whole time owing to the swaying of the rope ladder. Lastly, the boatmen assisted Maud up the steep black side of the yacht. Kyles, who had made no observation when the two men ascended, uttered an exclamation when he saw a woman appear. "Have you brought your wife, Herries?" he asked, much vexed. "It's my cousin." "Your cousin!" said Kyles in tones of dismay. By this time Maud had scrambled on deck, and was holding out her hand. "Good evening, Captain Kyles," she said ceremoniously, "you have been quite a stranger of late." "Why--why do you come--come here?" stammered the Captain who was considerably taken aback. Maud laughed in an amused manner. "To say good-bye," said she, carelessly. "Humph! I believe that," he retorted and she could hear him grit his teeth at her unwelcome presence. At that ominous sound, the girl, who, unfortunately for herself, really did love him, turned pale, and laid her hand on her heart, as though she there felt a cruel pain, as no doubt she did. Kyles stared at her frowning and then turned away with a grunt of satisfaction as a wooden box was hoisted on board by the two boatmen and a couple of his own sailors. "You've got it," he said, in a thankful tone. Herries nodded. "And this is my solicitor, Mr. Ritson, who advanced the cash and has come to see it paid over,--on conditions," added the young man significantly. "Oh, I'll keep my word," said Kyles, looking over the side, "you two men below can remain where you are!" Then he turned to three truculent-looking sailors, "Don't let them come on board. You know what to do when the launch returns." After giving his orders, he asked the company to come below, and two sailors carried the box between them down the brass-bound steps which led to the state-room. Herries was surprised at the splendour of the cabin, but still more surprised when he saw, seated at the head of the long table, a well-known figure sipping whisky and smoking vigorously. "Aye!" said the voice of the missing sage, "it's me, ma ain sel, Angus, taken awa frae a useful existence tae herd wi' tarry men, the which ca' themsels sailors, but who are nae mair nor the scum o' the arth. But I'll hae an action for false detention if there's law to be had, and I chairge you, laddie, tae pay ma fees."