"
Raffles Haw still stood cold and motionless. He was stunned, benumbed,
by what he saw and heard. Laura drew away from Hector, and tried to
free her hand from his grasp.
"Didn't you get my letter at Gibraltar?" she asked.
"Never went to Gibraltar. Were ordered home by wire from Madeira.
Those chaps at the Admiralty never know their own minds for two hours
together. But what matter about a letter, Laura, so long as I can see
you and speak with you? You have not introduced me to your friend
here."
"One word, sir," cried Raffles Haw in a quivering voice. "Do I entirely
understand you? Let me be sure that there is no mistake. You say that
you are engaged to be married to Miss McIntyre?"
"Of course I am. I've just come back from a four months' cruise, and I
am going to be married before I drag my anchor again."
"Four months!" gasped Haw. "Why, it is just four months since I came
here. And one last question, sir. Does Robert McIntyre know of your
engagement?"
"Does Bob know? Of course he knows. Why, it was to his care I left
Laura when I started. But what is the meaning of all this? What is the
matter with you, Laura? Why are you so white and silent? And--hallo!
Hold up, sir! The man is fainting!"
"It is all right!" gasped Haw, steadying himself against the edge of the
door.
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