Smith, and
after an indignant glance at that gentleman he lowered his gaze and
remained silent.
"It is rather odd that my father should take you into his confidence,"
said Miss Nugent, turning to the boarding-master.
"Just wot I thought, miss," said the complaisant Mr. Smith; "but I s'pose
there was nobody else, and he wanted 'is message to go for fear you
should get worrying the police about 'im or something. He wants it kep'
quiet, and 'is last words to me as 'e left me was, 'If this affair gets
known I shall never come back. Tell 'em to keep it quiet.'"
"I don't think anybody will want to go bragging about it," said Jack
Nugent, rising, "unless it is Sam Wilks. Come along, Kate."
Miss Nugent followed him obediently, only pausing at the door to give a
last glance of mingled surprise and reproach at Mr. Wilks. Then they
were outside and the door closed behind them.
"Well, that's all right," said Mr. Smith, easily.
"All right!" vociferated the steward. "Wot did you put it all on to me
for? Why didn't you tell 'em your part in it?"
"Wouldn't ha' done any good," said Mr. Smith; "wouldn't ha' done you any
good. Besides, I did just wot the cap'n told me."
"When's he coming back?" inquired the steward.
Mr. Smith shook his head. "Couldn't say," he returned. "He couldn't say
'imself.
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