Of course there was Random, whom he had heard casually had returned from his yachting cruise, and was now back again at the Fort.

But Random was in love with Lucy, and would probably only give or lend the money on condition that the Professor helped him with his wooing.

In that case, since Lucy was engaged to Hope, there would be some difficulty in altering present conditions.

But having arrived at this point of his somewhat angry meditations, Braddock sent Cockatoo with a message to his step-daughter, saying that he wished to see her.
"I'll see if she really loves Hope," thought the Professor, rubbing his plump hands.

"If she doesn't, there may be a chance of her throwing him over to become Lady Random.