ess Mr Trunnion desires me,
I shall decline at present stating where, as I believe, I last saw you."

Mr Trunnion was silent for a minute, and seemed lost in thought.
Suddenly looking up he said--

"You have been suffering from fever, Mr Magor, and your recollection of
events, very naturally, is somewhat clouded. A few weeks' quiet and
rest will restore your health. I would advise you not to repeat what
you have just said. I'll send on board and relieve you of charge of the
brig as soon as possible, and you can go to your friends in the
country."

Mr Magor, making a nautical bow to Mr Trunnion, and giving another
glance towards Captain Roderick, left the room.

"Westerton," continued my employer, turning to me, "you have heard all
that has been said, and if it were repeated, although the poor man is
under an hallucination, it might be the cause of disagreeable reports.
You are discreet, I can trust you. Let not a word on the subject escape
your lips. You can now go and finish those letters at your own desk."

I did as I was ordered, and gathering up the papers, followed the mate
out of the room, leaving the two brothers together. What followed, I of
course cannot say. For an hour or more they were closeted together. At
last Captain Roderick came out, and returned to the inn where he had put
up his horse. All I know is, that Mr Trunnion did not invite him to
his house. It seemed to me suspicious, and I could not help thinking
about the matter, and wished that I could have consulted Harry
Bracewell. Two evenings afterwards we went to a party at the house of
Mr Crank. Shortly after we arrived, who should walk in but Captain
Roderick. By the way Mr Crank and Lucy received him, I felt convinced
that Mr Trunnion had said nothing to prejudice the senior partner
against him. He made himself at home as usual, treating Miss Lucy with
great deference, and it seemed to me that he was gaining ground in her
good graces.

His appearance was greatly improved since the day I had seen him in the
counting-house. His face was carefully shaved, and his dress was such
as to set off his well-made active figure. His aim was evidently to
play the agreeable, not only to the young lady of the house, but to all
the ladies present, and with some--especially with the dowagers--he
appeared to be as successful as he could desire. He cast an indifferent
glance now and then at me, as if he had never set eyes on me before, and
app