“It would take something more than the law of that old porpoise you call Uncle Moses to undo what was done according to the law of God and man,” said Scoble with a heavy sneer. “You were never my husband in reality, for you cheated me. You pretended to be a person you were not.” “I supposed the marriage was legal; and I certainly intended that it should be so,” replied the captain, resuming his argumentative manner. “Then you were an idiot!” exclaimed Mrs. Belgrave. “I am no lawyer, as your son is, and the church pronounced us man and wife,” retorted the captain with one of his heaviest sneers. “If you are ignorant, I will enlighten you out of pity. The name of the man I married was Wade Farrongate, as he gave it himself, as he was known in the community, and as you will find it on the church register. You are not that man.” “I beg your pardon, Maud, I am that man,” persisted Scoble. “It was a false name, and therefore the marriage was a fraud. I did not consent to marry John Scoble, deserter from the British army, and without consent there could be no marriage.” “I see that old lobster has posted you thoroughly in your lesson,” said the captain furiously. “If necessary, I shall bring suit in the courts to have the marriage, if there was any, annulled for fraud. You can defend yourself then,” added Mrs. Belgrave more calmly. “You know very well, Maud, that I am not at present in condition to defend a suit in a New Jersey court,” said Scoble in a rather feeble tone. “Why not? You have money enough, since your uncle left you ten thousand pounds. You could even sell your hotel if you came short.” “You seem to know all about my affairs,” replied the captain, puzzled at the knowledge of him the lady betrayed. “I have money enough; more than you have now, Maud.” “Then you can defend your rights, if you have any, in court.” “Do not persist in misunderstanding me, Maud. You know very well I cannot show myself on shore without being arrested; but I have never been convicted of a crime.” “The arrest usually precedes the conviction,” added Louis. “I am not addressing my conversation to you, young man,” said Scoble savagely. “But I desire the assistance of my son in this matter, and if he cannot speak, I have nothing more to say, Captain Scoble,” interposed Mrs. Belgrave with freezing dignity. “Do not call me Scoble, Maud; my name is Farrongate.” “Do not stoop to a lie, even to defend a bad case, John Scoble, for that is your name. Under that name you deserted from your regiment, and under that name you were arrested for it. More than this, you told me that was your real name.” “No, Maud; you are mistaken.” “I heard you say it,” protested Louis. “And your mate called you so a dozen times before you noticed it.”