"Of course. I said at the start that it only carried two."

"Then what in the name of aerostation do you mean by saying that there
were three persons on board?" shouted Mr. Stubbs.

"Who said there were three?"

"You have told us that Parker, your uncle, and your nephew went up on
this blessed flying-machine."

"That's right."

"And the thing would only carry two!"

"Right again."

"Wilson, I have known you for some time as a truthful man and a
temperate man," said Mr. Stubbs, solemnly. "But I am afraid since you
took up that new line of goods you have overworked yourself."

"Half a minute, Stubbs," interposed Mr. Waterson. "I see clearly where
we all slipped a cog. Of course, Wilson, you meant us to understand that
Parker is either your uncle or your nephew. Now we shall be all right if
you will just tell us whether Parker is your uncle or nephew."

"He is no relation to me whatever."

The three men sighed and looked anxiously at one another. Mr. Stubbs got
up from his chair to reach the matches, Mr. Packhurst proceeded to wind
up his watch, and Mr. Waterson took up the poker to attend to the fire.