The first purpose which he set himself to accomplish was an interview
with Marian's father. He wanted to grapple his enemy somehow--to
ascertain the nature of the game that was being played against him. He
had kept himself very quiet for this purpose, wishing to take Percival
Nowell by surprise; and on this last day but one of the voyage, when he
was able for the first time to rise from his berth, no one but the
steward and the surgeon knew that he intended so to rise.
He had taken the steward in some measure into his confidence; and that
official, after helping him to dress, left him seated in the cabin, while
he went to ascertain the whereabouts of Mr. Nowell. Mr. Martin, the
steward, came back after about five minutes.
"He's in the saloon, sir, reading, quite alone. You couldn't have a
better opportunity of speaking to him."
"That's a good fellow. Then I'll go at once."
"You'd better take my arm, sir; you're as weak as a baby, and the ship
lurches a good deal to-day."
"I'm not very strong, certainly. I begin to think I never shall be strong
again. Do you know, Martin, I was once stroke in a university eight. Not
much vigour in my biceps now, eh?"
It was only a few paces from one cabin to the other; but Mr. Saltram
could scarcely have gone so far without the steward's supporting arm.
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