CHAPTER FOUR.
ACQUAINTANCES NEW AND OLD.
Roger's projected jaunt in London did not turn out as satisfactorily as he had anticipated, as he caught a heavy cold on the first day, which kept him a prisoner in his hotel.

Mr Armstrong needed all his authority to restrain the invalid within bounds; and it was only by threatening to convey him bodily home that the boy consented to nurse himself.

Even so, it was as much as he could do to shake off his cold sufficiently on the morning of the arrival of the "Oriana" to accompany his tutor to the Dock to greet his unknown kinsfolk.
As he shouldered his way on board over the crowded gangway, he found himself speculating somewhat nervously as to which of the numerous passengers standing about the deck was his new guardian.

Was it the ferocious man with the great black beard who was swearing at his Indian servant in a voice loud enough to be heard all over the ship?
Or was it the dissipated-looking fellow who walked unsteadily across the motionless ship, and finally clung for support to the deck railings?
Or was it the discontented-looking little person who scowled at the company at large from the bridge?
Or was it the complacent man with the expansive presence and leonine head, who smoked a big cigar and was exchanging a few effusive farewells with a small group of fellow- voyagers?
Roger accosted one of the stewards-- "Will you please tell Captain Oliphant that Mr Roger Ingleton is on board, with Mr Armstrong, and would like to see him ?" The man gave a look up and down and went straight to the expansive person before mentioned.
The visitors could see the gentleman start a little as the steward delivered his message, and pitch his cigar away as, with a serious face, he walked in their direction.
"My poor dear boy," said he, taking Roger's hand, "this _is_ good of you--very good.

How glad I am to see you! How is your dear mamma ?" "Mother is very well.