[Illustration: "Selina gives twopence on account."]
Miss Drewitt looked forward to the return of the adventurers with
disdainful interest. To Edward Tredgold she referred with pride to the
captain's steadfast determination not to touch a penny of their
ill-gotten gains, and with a few subtle strokes drew a comparison between
her uncle and his father which he felt to be somewhat highly coloured.
In extenuation he urged the rival claims of Chalk and Stobell.
"They were both led away by Chalk's eloquence and thirst for adventure,"
he said, as he walked by her side down the garden.
Miss Drewitt paid no heed. "And you will benefit by it," she remarked.
Mr. Tredgold drew himself up with an air the nobleness of which was
somewhat marred by the expression of his eyes. "I will never touch a
penny of it," he declared. "I will be like the captain. I am trying all
I can to model myself on his lines."
The girl regarded him with suspicion. "I see no signs of any result at
present," she said, coldly.
Mr. Tredgold smiled modestly. "Don't flatter me," he entreated.
"Flatter you!" said the indignant Prudence.
"On my consummate powers of concealment," was the reply.
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