I saw that my companions had indeed succeeded in their unlikely design; and that I was supposed to have accompanied and perished along with them by shipwreck--a most probable ending to their enterprise.

If they thought me at the bottom of the North Sea, I need not fear much vigilance on the streets of Edinburgh.
Champdivers was wanted: what was to connect him with St.Ives?
Major Chevenix would recognise me if he met me; that was beyond bargaining: he had seen me so often, his interest had been kindled to so high a point, that I could hope to deceive him by no stratagem of disguise.

Well, even so; he would have a competition of testimony before him: he knew Clausel, he knew me, and I was sure he would decide for honour.

At the same time the image of Flora shot up in my mind's eye with such a radiancy as fairly overwhelmed all other considerations; the blood sprang to every corner of my body, and I vowed I would see and win her, if it cost my neck.
'Very annoying, no doubt,' said I, as I returned the paper to Mr.
Romaine.
'Is annoying your word for it ?' said he.
'Exasperating, if you like,' I admitted.
'And true ?' he inquired.
'Well, true in a sense,' said I.

'But perhaps I had better answer that question by putting you in possession of the facts ?' 'I think so, indeed,' said he.
I narrated to him as much as seemed necessary of the quarrel, the duel, the death of Goguelat, and the character of Clausel.