"

"This is very silly and very unprofitable," said Maitland, with a
ghastly attempt at a smile. "There ought not, there cannot be, any
quarrel between you and me. Though it is no fault of yours that this
blunder has occurred, the mistake has its unpleasant side, and may
lead to some embarrassment, the more as this old sea-captain is sure
to remember you if you meet again. There 's only one thing for it,
therefore,--get away as fast as you can. I 'll supply the pretext, and
show Sir Arthur in confidence how the whole affair occurred."

M'Caskey shook his head dubiously. "This is not to my liking, sir; it
smacks of a very ignominious mode of retreat. I am to leave myself to
be discussed by a number of perhaps not over-favorable critics, and
defended by one who even shrinks from saying he knows me. No, no; I
can't do this."

"But remember you are not the person to whom these people meant to offer
their hospitality."

"I am Major Miles M'Caskey," said he, drawing himself up to the full
height of his five feet four inches; "and there is no mistake whatever
in any consideration that is shown to the man who owns that name."

"Yes, but why are you here,--how have you come?"

"I came by the host's invitation, and I look to you to explain how the
blunder occurred, and to recognize me afterwards. That is what I expect,
and what I insist on."

"And if your old friend the Commodore, whose memory for ugly anecdotes
seems inexhaustible, comes out with any unpleasant reminiscences of West
Indian life--"

"Leave that to me, Mr. Norman Maitland. I 'll take care to see my
friend, as you call him, and I 'll offer you a trifling wager he 'll not
be a whit more anxious to claim my acquaintance than you are."

"You appear to have no small reliance on your powers of intimidation,
Major," said Maitland, with a sneering smile.

"They have never failed me, for I have always backed them with a very
steady hand and a correct eye, both of which are much at your service."

Maitland lifted his hat and bowed an acknowledgment.

"I think we are losing our time, each of us, Major M'Caskey. There need
be no question of etiquette here. You are, if I understand the matter
aright, under my orders. Well, sir, these orders are, that you now start
for Castle Durrow, and be prepared by Tuesday next to make me a full
report of your proceedings, and produce for me, if necessary, the men
you have engaged."

The change effected in the Major's manner