Lemby was on the point of losing his temper, according to his usual fashion; but Craver did not mind. The hotter Lemby got the cooler was the young man, and the more composed was his speech. "I have come to see after your business, Mr. Lemby," he said, significantly. "I shan't allow you to meddle with that," snapped the angry pirate. "It is better that I should meddle with it than that the police----" "Here"--Lemby jumped up in a violent hurry--"drop it! You are going too far, Craver. What the deuce have the police to do with me?" "This much. They want to know exactly what took place at Maranatha while you were in the house." Lemby winced but still kept up his defiance. "I told all that I knew at the inquest," he blustered, "and Sergeant Purse was quite satisfied." "Ah, so you think," hinted Craver, bluffing boldly; "but he may have his suspicious of you. If he takes action----" "Takes action." Lemby rose up, and sat down with a positive look of terror on his face. "I don't know what you mean," he ended, doggedly. "I mean that you want money, and that you risked reputation, liberty and life to, get it." Craver looked significantly at his proposed father-in-law. Lemby recognised his own speech to Claudia. "You have been listening to the conversation between me and my daughter," he said, fiercely. "No, I have not. But after you left the flat I saw Claudia, and she sought my counsel." "It's none of your business, Craver, and Claudia is a minx for talking to you about my affairs." "It is my business," insisted the young man, firmly. "I hear that you want Claudia to go with you to Australia, and I don't intend her to go." "Oh! don't you," sneered the other, "And how do you intend to stop her going?" "Ah! that remains to be seen." "You're a confounded scoundrel!" "Gently, Mr. Lemby," said Edwin, resolutely, keeping his temper. "If I were what you call me, I could easily stop your projected journey to Australia by informing Sergeant Purse what you said to Claudia. But I don't intend to do that. I followed you here as your friend to offer my services." "I don't want them," vociferated the pirate, looking uneasy. "Think again, Mr. Lemby. You are in a difficult position, and notwithstanding your frankness at the inquest. Sergeant Purse may have suspicions that you did not reveal all. You need a friend, and I am willing to be that friend." "At a price, I suppose?" "Naturally. I wish you to consent to my marriage with Claudia if I succeed in getting you out of this trouble." Lemby rose again, and began to walk up and down the room like a caged beast. "I am in no trouble," he raged fiercely. "No, not now; but you may be. And your words to Claudia hint that you expect some sort of trouble." "She had no right to speak to you."