“We are now in a foreign port. If Scoble should claim his wife, and resort to legal measures to obtain her, he could give us a great deal of trouble,” replied the captain. “I am not a lawyer, and I don’t know what he might do. Of course you all wish to see these beautiful islands; but this is not the right season to visit them.” “Then I am in favor of going back to New York, and coming again at a more suitable time,” replied Louis. “We have had no chance to enjoy this magnificent steam-yacht, and I should rather be sailing in her than wandering about on shore, even in the beautiful regions we can see from the deck.” “We will leave that an open question for the present. I will go on deck now, and attend to the landing of the shipwrecked party,” added the commander as he ascended the grand staircase, followed by the owner. The second cutter had already been lowered into the water, and the gangway had been rigged on the quarter. Scoble, Frinks, and the three men forward were sent for. The captain and mate of the Maud were escorted to the deck by Bangs and Williams. “I intend to land you and your men at the nearest shore, Captain Scoble,” said the commander. “Do you intend to land my wife with me, Captain Ringgold?” demanded the late captain of the Maud. “I do not.” “Then I shall soon be on English soil, and I will ascertain whether or not a man’s wife can be taken from him by force,” growled Scoble. “That is simply absurd; no force whatever has been used. If Mrs. Belgrave wishes to land here with you, no one will prevent her from doing so; but she absolutely refuses even to see you, much more to go with you. You propose to resort to legal measures?” “Certainly I do. I have been hunted and hounded by that boy, who has prejudiced his mother against me, and I shall pursue him to the ends of the earth!” stormed Scoble, with fury in his looks as well as in his tones. Defeated and overwhelmed in his purpose, the late captain of the Maud went over the side, carrying with him the heavy package he had brought from the wreck, which probably contained all his money and other valuables. He was followed by all his men. Kimpton was still lame in his wounded arm, and he had kept out of sight as much as possible since he came on board of the Guardian-Mother. He acted as though he feared that vengeance might be in store for him for his treachery at “Dolphin Bay;” but Louis did not even speak to him.