But for what reason?
Who was the merry-faced girl whose picture had aroused such jealousy or revenge?
I purposely led the conversation to Hornby's family, and learned from him that he had no children.
"You'll get the repairs to your engines done at Orlando's, I suppose ?" I remarked, naming the great shipbuilding firm of Leghorn.
"Yes.

I've already given the order.

They are contracted to be finished by next Thursday, and then we shall be off to Zante and Chio." For what reason, I wondered, recollecting that formidable armory on board.

Already I had seen quite sufficient to convince me that the _Lola_, although outwardly a pleasure yacht, was built of steel, armored in its most vulnerable parts, and capable of resisting a very sharp fire.
The hours passed, and beneath the brilliant moon we smoked long into the night, for after the blazing sunshine of that Tuscan town the cool sea-wind at night is very refreshing.

From where we sat we commanded a view of the whole of the sea-front of Leghorn and Ardenza, with its bright open-air cafe-concerts and restaurants in full swing--all the life and gayety of that popular watering-place.
Presently, when Hornby had risen to call a steward and left me alone with Hylton Chater, the latter whispered to me in confidence-- "If you find my friend Hornby a little bit strange in his manner, Mr.
Gregg, you must take no notice.