morning."

"So soon?" said Herbert, in dismay.

"Yes. At first he wished you to set off with him this afternoon; but I
told him decidedly you could not be ready."

"Quite impossible," said Mrs. Kent. "Some of Herbert's clothes are in
the wash, and I can't have them ready till evening."

"You had better come into the other room, Herbert," said the doctor. "I
will introduce you to your new employer."

Herbert followed the doctor into the sitting-room. His first glance
rested on Captain Ross, whom he knew. He went up and shook hands with
him. Next he turned to Mr. Holden, and to his inexpressible
astonishment, recognized his opponent of the morning.

"Mr. Holden, Herbert," introduced the doctor. "Mr. Holden, this is the
boy we have been speaking of."

"I have seen Mr. Holden before," said Herbert, coldly.

"Yes," said Mr. Holden, writhing his disagreeable features into an
unpleasant smile. "We have met before."

Dr. Kent looked from one to the other in surprise, as if seeking an
explanation.

"Our acquaintance doesn't date very far back," said Mr. Holden. "We met