The Imp sat for a moment half frightened at his handiwork, then rose
to his feet, cutlass in hand, but I punted him gently back into his
seat with my foot.

"Really," I began, "I'm awfully sorry, you know - er - "

"May I inquire," said Mr. Selwyn cuttingly, as he surveyed his
dripping hat - "may I inquire how it all happened?"

"A most deplorable accident, I assure you. If I can tow you back
I shall be delighted, and as for the damage

"The damage is trifling, thanks," he returned icily; "it is the
delay that I find annoying."

"You have my very humblest apologies," I said meekly. "If I can
be of any service - " Mr. Selwyn stopped me with a wave of his
hand.

"Thank you, I think I can manage," he said; "but I should rather
like to know how it happened. You are unused to rowing, I presume?"

"Sir," I answered, "it was chiefly owing to the hot-headedness of
Scarlet Sam, the Scourge of the South Seas,"

"I beg your pardon?" said Mr. Selwyn with raised brows.

"Sir," I went on, "at this moment you probably believe yourself to
be Mr. Se1wvn of Selwyn Park. Allow me to dispel that illusion; you