"But--but--" She broke off on the verge of tears, and Dick considerately transferred his attention to his friend.
"Let's see the damage, old fellow!" "It is nothing," said Jacques, still faintly smiling.

"Yes, you may see it if you like, if only to prove that I speak the truth." He thrust out one hand and displayed a scorched and blistered palm.
"Call that nothing!" began Dick.
Fletcher suddenly pushed forward with an oath that startled them all.
"I should know that hand anywhere!" he exclaimed.

"You infernal, lying impostor!" There was an elaborate tattoo of the American flag on the extended wrist, to which he pointed with a furious laugh.
"Deny it if you can!" he said.
Jacques looked at him gravely, without the smallest sign of agitation.
"You certainly have good reason to know that hand rather well," he said after a moment, speaking with extreme deliberation, "considering that it has had the privilege of giving you the finest thrashing of your life." Fletcher turned purple.

He looked as if he were going to strike the speaker on the mouth.

But before he could raise his hand Hilary suddenly forced herself between them.
"Mr.Fletcher," she said, her voice quivering with anger, "go instantly! There is your boat.