Prelice did not feel inclined to re-enter the Court, and sat outside in the vestibule, smoking a cigarette. Here he was joined by Captain Jadby, which rather surprised the young man, as he thought that the sailor's love for Mona Chent would have kept him in the Court. Also, Prelice was surprised when Jadby approached him in quite a friendly way, and with an apology. "I hope you have forgiven me for my rudeness last night, Lord Prelice," was his ingratiating remark. "I never gave it another thought," retorted Prelice brusquely. "Pray do not apologise again. You did so last night." "Thank you," said Jadby, smiling all over his smooth, feline face. "I am glad that you take it in such a spirit. By the way, I never knew that you were acquainted with Dr. Horace." Prelice stared at this impertinent remark. "Very probably," he said stiffly, "but then you know nothing about me." "I know that you went to Easter Island, Lord Prelice. I heard of your visit when I went there myself." "Oh," said Prelice alertly, "then you visited the Island also." "I have just said so," rejoined Jadby coolly, "but I did not bring away any of the herb, if that is what you mean." "It is _not_ what I mean," said the other, wondering why Jadby should say such a thing. "I don't accuse you of murdering Sir Oliver, even though you inherit the property." He was thus pointed and rude to get rid of the smiling man before him, as he felt the same antipathy to Jadby as he would have done to a cat, the one animal which Prelice could not endure. But the sailor was not at all annoyed, or if he was, did not show it. Rather did he smile in a very satisfied way. "Yes, I do inherit the property," he remarked, "and there is a good reason why I should." "Really," observed Prelice, considering what the reason might be, but unwilling to ask. "Yes, really," retorted the captain, still smiling; "of course, I am sorry for Miss Chent, but when she marries me all will be well." "You forget, sir. She marries Mr. Shepworth." "They are engaged," replied Jadby, with a shrug, "but I do not think that they will ever be married. Mrs. Rover----" Prelice interrupted imperiously. "What do you mean by mentioning Mrs. Rover's name in this connection?" he demanded, flushing. "Oh," said Jadby, with his hateful smile, "I understood that you and Mr. Shepworth were intimate friends. Good-day!" And before Prelice could stop him, Captain Jadby had vanished amidst the crowd, leaving, like the wasp he was, a sting behind him.