The only thing I regret
in connection with him," the gentleman concluded, with a twinkle in his
eye, "is that I cannot have the pleasure of witnessing his astonishment
and dismay when he makes the discovery that his bird has flown. Now,
ladies, make yourselves comfortable, then come and join me on deck."
He left them together to get settled for their voyage, and went up stairs
for a smoke and to keep his eye upon the shore, for he fully expected to
see Louis Hamblin come tearing down to the boat at any moment. The reader
has, of course, recognized in Justin Cutler the gentleman who, at the
opening of our story, was made the victim of the accomplished sharper,
Mrs. Bently, in the diamond crescent affair. It will be remembered also
that he came on to New York at the time of the arrest of Mrs. Vanderheck,
and that he informed Detective Rider of his intention of going to Cuba to
meet his invalid sister and accompany her home, and thus we find him
acting as Mona's escort and protector also.
While the three voyagers were settling themselves and waiting for the
steamer to sail, we will see how Louis Hamblin bore the discovery of
Mona's escape.
He did not rise until eight o'clock, and after having his bath and a cup
of coffee in his own room, he went to Mona's door and knocked.
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