De Poincilit
ran, and fell on his knees. So did a skunk of an Italian, and I did
not want to waste cartridges. They were tied back to back until we
sailed to-day."
"And the fifth?"
"The fifth was a woman."
"Huh!" Boyle reached out for a bottle of wine and refilled his glass.
For a little while there was silence. Then Courtenay muttered:
"Poor devil of a Count! 'She gave me of the tree and I did eat.' Did
he blame the woman?"
"Well, yes. But it was a mean business, any how."
"Better sponge it off the slate, eh?"
"I agree heartily. Drink up, Boyle, and pass the buck. I have a five
years' thirst."
They talked until day-break; then Courtenay turned in. He did not
appear on deck again until noon. By that time the _Kansas_ had lost
all marks of the fight excepting the smashed windows, and a sailor who
understood the glazier's art was replacing the broken glass. Making
the round of the ship, the captain found Elsie sitting with Isobel and
Mrs. Somerville on the promenade deck. She was binding Joey's foot,
and he knew then why the dog had scampered off on three legs as soon as
the cabin door was opened.
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