“I do not yet know what has happened,” said Lancy, holding out his hand to the soldier, “but I thank you very heartily for your kindness.  Jump into the cab with us, as far as your way lies, and tell me what this is all about.”

As they took their seats, Lancy turned to Dexie, who had almost recovered her composure, saying: 

“You have not yet introduced me to your friend.  How shall I call him?”

Dexie held up the card she had in her hand, saying:  “I do not know myself, and it is too dark to read.”

“I am Lieutenant Wilbur, at your service, and I feel happy in being the means of rescuing the ‘American Warbler’ from a very unpleasant situation.”

“I am Launcelot Gurney.  Now, will one of you tell me what has happened?  You have not been capsized, Dexie, for your clothes are not wet; but you have been gone since early afternoon, and return in unexpected company.  I am bewildered by the thoughts and suggestions that crowd into my mind.”

“Let me tell the story briefly, and she can relate the details later on.  Here it is:  Your fair warbler finds herself afloat, and unintentionally alone with a desperate lover, who demands her heart and hand at the point of a revolver, with the alternative of a death in his arms.  Choosing neither, said American warbler skilfully guides the boat to a vessel anchored near, hoping to find a rescuer.  This failing her, she takes advantage of a moment when the aforesaid lover’s back is turned, and escapes to the vessel by aid of a rope ladder, and effectually keeps at bay the aforesaid lover by a judicious use of the revolver, which had previously been turned against herself.  Then finding himself worsted, the afore-mentioned desperate lover hies himself away, and your humble servant turns up in the nick of time, and rescues the almost despairing warbler, and returns her to the arms of—­well—­a waiting friend; quite a romance, my wife will say.”

Lancy listened to the story with amazement.

“Dexie, is this possible? or is the lieutenant only joking?”

“It has been no joke to me, Lancy; I can say that,” was the reply in a quivering voice.  “I was not off the vessel ten minutes, before we met the vessel’s crew going towards her.  I can’t bear to think of it.”

“But the revolver; surely that is an exaggeration!”

“It is here,” and the lieutenant held it towards Lancy, who drew back with a shudder.

“Heavens! is it possible?  I can hardly realize how Hugh was capable of such an act.”

“You had better take this Mr. Gurney, and give it to the owner,” said the lieutenant, still holding out the weapon.

“No!” said Dexie quickly, “he shall not have it back!  If you will not keep it, Lieutenant Wilbur, I will throw it into the harbor the first chance I get!”

“I will keep it then, fair warbler,” and he replaced it in his pocket.

“Does he not know your name?” said Lancy, in a low tone.