se I want is that whatever happens to you,--however much I kick
you or bash you or generally ill-use you--you'll never jump overboard or
do anything silly of that kind. Is it done?"

Toby was standing before him, facing him with straight, candid eyes. He
did not seem surprised at the suggestion so coolly made. Saltash noted
that it certainly did not shock him.

"All right, sir," he said, after a moment.

"It's a promise, is it?" said Saltash.

Toby nodded. "Yes, sir."

"Good!" said Saltash. He stretched out a hand and took him by one skinny
arm. "Better now?" he asked.

"Yes, sir. Yes, my lord. Thank you, my lord." Toby's eyes smiling into
his.

"Very well. I'll keep you," Saltash said. "Did anyone see you come
aboard?"

"No, my lord."

"Then you came with me, see? I brought you--if anyone wants to know."

"Very good, my lord. Thank you, my lord."

Saltash made a humorous grimace. "You can call me 'sir' if you like," he
said. "It makes no difference."

"Thank you, sir," said Toby with a responsive grin.

"And your name is Toby, is it? Toby what?"

"Toby Wright, sir." Very promptly the answer came.

Saltash's eyes scrutinized him with half derisive amusement. "I hope it's
a good fit," he remarked. "Well, look here, Toby, you must go to bed. Did
you bring any luggage on board?"

"No, sir. 'Fraid not, sir. Very sorry, sir. I came away in a hurry,"
explained Toby rather nervously.

"And stole the hotel livery," said Saltash.

"No, sir. Borrowed it," said Toby.

"Ho! You're going to pay for it, are you?" questioned Saltash.

"Yes, sir, some day. First money I get, sir. Don't want to have anything
belonging to that damn' Italian cur," said Toby, with much emphasis.

"Naughty! Naughty!" said Saltash, pinching his arm. "Well, come along,
and I'll show you where you can sleep. There's a small cabin out of my
dressing-room you can have for the present. I haven't got my valet on
board."

"Very good, sir, thank you. What time shall I call you, sir?" said Toby
brightly.

"You needn't call me," said Saltash. "You can just lie quiet and take
care of that black eye of yours. I'll let you know when I want you."

"Very good, sir," said Toby, looking crestfallen.

Saltash stood up. "And you'll do as you're told--see?--always! That's
understood, is it?"

Toby smiled again, eagerly, gratefully. "Yes, sir. Always, sir!" he said
promptly. "Shall I take off your boots before I go, sir?"

"No. Look after your