Charles Rex

sh, with sudden decision. "I'm tired of t

h the faint glimmer of a smile behind his beard, which wa

o," said Saltash, flashin

ng speech unnecessary. All time spe

bsolute repose. It was said that there was a strain of royal blood in Saltash, and in the days before he had succeeded to the title when he had been merely Charles Burchester, he had borne the nickname of "the merry monarch." Certain wild deeds in a youth that had not been beyond reproach had seemed to warrant this, but of later years a friend had bestowed a more gracious title upon him, and to

unless invited to do so by his employer. He never criticized by word or look. Saltash was wont to say that if he decided to turn pirate he believed that Larpent would continue at his post without the s

. He was thoroughly tired of the endless spring sunshine and of the chattering, fashionable crowds that Saltash was wont to assemble on the yacht. He was waiting with an iron patience for the word that should send them forth over the great Atlantic rolle

boredom. He declared that for him it was the root of all evil. He was never really wick

nless-" he turned his head and threw a merry grin at his companion-"unless Fortune ha

ey eyes staring out to the vivid sky-lin

art as soon as you come

or-more probably-very early. Leave the gangw

ir. No two people could have formed a stronger contrast-the yacht's captain, fair-bearded, with the features of a Viking-the yacht's owner, d

Fate plays? You for instance-you, the captain of a private yacht when you ought to b

ough a cloud of smoke.

f it," said Saltash. "Always pr

ting too much,

s wise to be too easily satisfied." His look became sud

ilt some cigar-ash on his coat. He sat up deliberately and

?" he

ffing forth a thick cloud of

, I've had the disease scores of times, and

he sparkling blue of the water beyond the rail.

ou apparently took

of it," said L

ady did!" sugg

slowly upwards to the mocking eyes above them.

ns, Larpent! And you've had indigestion eve

at," said

should like to see the woman who

I," said La

n't exist, my good fellow! But if she

y. "It wouldn't be large en

, I'm going ashore to-night. Who knows

re with a sort of stony humour. "I

ey-like spring that was curiously characteristic of him.

ng sunset. The dome of its Casino gleamed opalescent in its centre-a place for wonder-a place for dreams. Yet Saltash's expression as he landed on the quay

said to himself with

ix-and-thirty. He had had the world

and fairy-lights. It was getting late in the season, and it would probably be the last. Saltash surveyed the prepa

ubber of bridge if he felt so inclined. Or there was the Casino itself if the gambling mood should take him. But he did not feel much like ga

over the wonderful sea that was changing every moment with the changing glow of the sunset. Yes, it was certainly a place

wine of the gods had evidently been too strong a brew for h

el. The sea had the pearly tint shot with rose of the inside of an oyster-shell. The sky-line was reced

ood and listened with sentimental eyes and quizzically twitching mouth. E

ess. It was a cry-a sharp, wrung cry from the garden close to him, the garden of the hotel,

ang for a narrow wooden door in th

rbour that looked out to the sea. It was in this arbour that the scuffle was taking place, a

gain furiously. "What are you

and raining merciless blows upon his uncovered head. He turned, sharply straightening himself, at Saltash'

into a corner and faced his patron, breathing

and bowed punctiliously though he was still sha

ide all ceremony. "What are you hammering that unfortunat

s worthless!" he declared. "I give him a trial-bueno, but he is worthless. Milord

rous lift of the brows. "But you needn't murder him f

tested with nervous vehemence. "I have only punish

gure in the corner. "It's medicine, is it? But a bit strong fo

im-so-and wring his neck!" His laugh became a snarl as he turne

o,-not even the smallest and weakest of them. Let's have a look at this specimen-with you

laid a hand upon the quivering shoulde

ed him," he said, bendi

! Don't be afraid

only sank down a littl

y. "A dog's name, milord, and it fits him we

attention to him. He was bendin

n. "No one is going to hurt you

n the shrinking form.

of a wild animal for freedom, and as effectual. With a gasping effort the boy wrenched himself fr

little devil!"

deed, milord! And I will have no more of him.

said Saltash lightly. "Being the e

ips with relish. "Ah, pro