what way I should employ
myself until the time arrived for me to board the yacht, when I heard a
carriage roll up to the door. On looking out I discovered a gorgeous
landau, drawn by a pair of fine thoroughbreds, and resplendent with much
gilded and crested harness, standing before the steps. A footman had
already opened the door, and I was at the window just in time to see a
tall, soldierly man alight from it. To my astonishment, two minutes
later a waiter entered my room and announced "His Grace the Duke of
Glenbarth." It was the owner of the carriage and the father of my young
friend, if by such a title I might designate the Marquis of Beckenham.

"Mr. Hatteras, I presume?" said he.

"Yes, that is my name. I am honoured by your visit. Won't you sit down?"

"Thank you."

He paused for a moment, and then continued:

"Mr. Hatteras, I have to offer you an apology. I should have called upon
you yesterday to express the gratitude I feel to you for having saved
the life of my son, but I was unavoidably prevented."

"I beg you will not mention it," I said. "His lordship thanked me
sufficiently himself. And after all, when you look at it, it was not
very much to do. I would, however, venture one little suggestion. Is it
wise to let him swim so far unaccompanied by a boat? The same thing
might happen to him on another occasion, and no one be near enough to
render him any assistance."

"He will not attempt so much again. He has learned a lesson from this
experience. And now, Mr. Hatteras, I trust you will forgive what I am
about to say. My son has told me that you have just arrived in England
from Australia. Is there any way I can be of service to you? If there
is, and you will acquaint me with it, you will be conferring a great
favour upon me."

"I thank your Grace," I replied--I hope with some little touch of
dignity--"it is very kind of you, but I could not think of such a thing.
But, stay, there is one service, perhaps you _could_ do me."

"I am delighted to hear it, sir. And what may it be?"

"Your son's tutor, Mr. Baxter! His face is strangely familiar to me. I
have seen him somewhere before, but I cannot recall where. Could you
tell me anything of his history?"

"Very little, I fear, save that he seems a worthy and painstaking man,
an excellent scholar, and very capable in his management of young men. I
received excellent references with him, but of his past history I know
very little. I believe, however, t