anything for this young fellow. You will find the Marquis anxious
to be up and doing at once. You go so slowly in Farlingford,
Captain. The world is hurrying on and this chance will be gone past
before we are ready. Let us get these small proofs of identity
collected together as soon as possible. Let us find that locket.
But do not force it open. Give it to me as it is. Let us find the
papers."

"There are no papers," interrupted Captain Clubbe, with a calm
deliberation quite untouched by his companion's hurry.

"No papers?"

"No; for Frenchman burnt them before my eyes."

Dormer Colville meditated for a moment in silence. Although his
manner was quick, he was perhaps as deliberate in his choice of a
question as was Captain Clubbe in answering it.

"Why did he do that? Did he know who he was? Did he ever say
anything to you about his former life--his childhood--his
recollections of France?"

"He was not a man to say much," answered Clubbe, himself no man to
repeat much.

Colville had been trying for some time to study the sailor's face,
quietly through his cigar smoke.

"Look here, Captain," he said, after a pause. "Let us understand