Charmed with the discovery he followed his host's lead, and, with a languid air, replied to his rival in monosyllables.

The captain watched with quiet satisfaction, and at each rebuff his opinion of Murchison improved.

It was gratifying to find that the interloper had met his match.
Hardy sat patient.

"I am glad to have met you to-night," he said, after a long pause, during which the other two were discussing a former surgical experience of the captain's on one of his crew.
"Yes ?" said Murchison.
"You are just the man I wanted to see." "Yes ?" said the doctor, again.
"Yes," said the other, nodding.

"I've been very busy of late owing to my partner's illness, and you are attending several people I want to hear about." "Indeed," said Murchison, with a half-turn towards him.
"How is Mrs.Paul ?" inquired Hardy.
"Dead!" replied the other, briefly.
"Dead!" repeated Mr.Hardy.