e had so often derived
its encouragement and wrongdoing its reproof? Was this the figure
the ladies of Troy had been wont to follow with all but idolatrous
gaze? Nay, who was this man--unshaven, unkempt, unbewigged, smeared
with mud from head to foot, and from scalp to jaw with commingling
bloodstains? The Major groaned incredulous, horrified; gazed,
shuddered, and groaned again.

"Mind you," said Mr. Sturge reassuringly, "I'm not calling the truth
of your story into question for a moment. But under the
circumstances you'll allow it was a trifle stiff."

"It is true to the last particular," insisted the Major, recovering
his dignity.

"But come, now! Without a penny in your pocket, or so much as a
scrap of paper to identify you, you'll admit it was stiff?
Look here," he went on with a change of tone, slipping his arm
amicably within the Major's, "I've an idea. Comrades in adversity,
you know, and all that sort of thing. I've taken a liking to you,
and can do you a good turn. Drop that yarn of yours--'yarn,'
seafaring expression; odd how one catches the _colour_, so to speak.
Drop that yarn of yours. You're one of _us_, understand? The
Captain'll believe that; indeed, he believes it already--called you a
damned low-comedy man in my hearing. Very well; soon as we anchor
off Spithead, he outs with a boat and lands us ashore. I have his
solemn promise. Leave me to square that bos'n fellow--Jope, or
whatever he calls himself--and the job's as good as done."

"And do you seriously propose," interrupted the Major, folding his
arms, "that I should pass myself off for a play-actor? Never, sir;
never!"

"Why not?" asked Mr. Sturge easily.

"I forbear, sir, to wound your feelings by explaining why your
suggestion is repugnant to me. Let it suffice that I detest deceit,
subterfuge, equivocation; or, if that suffice not, let me ask if you
do not propose, on reaching shore, to institute legal proceedings
against this petty tyrant?"

"Probably."

"Why, then, and how much more reparation does he not owe _me_, a
Justice of the Peace? Nay, sir, he shall pay me damages for this
kidnapping; but he has not stopped short there. He has used language
to me which can only be wiped out in blood. My first business on
stepping ashore will be to seek someone through whom I can convey my
demand for satisfaction. With what face, think you, could I present
this cartel if my own behaviour had been other than correct?"

"