With a heavy heart he descended the stairs again.
[Illustration: "He pushed open the small lattice window and peered out into the alley."] "Now," said Mr.Nugent, who was sitting down with his hands in his pockets, "perhaps you'll be good enough to explain what all this means." "You were 'ere last night," said Mr.Wilks, "you and the cap'n." "I know that," said Nugent.

"How is it I didn't go home?
I didn't understand that it was an all-night invitation.

Where is my father ?" The steward shook his head helplessly.

"He was 'ere when I went out last night," he said, slowly.

"When I came back the room was empty and I was told as 'e was upstairs in my bed." "Told he was in your bed ?" repeated the other.