and tore out of it a page. Then, by the light from the hall window, he scribbled on it a few lines in pencil.
"Sir! You are a scoundrel. You bully your wife. You rob, and attempt to murder those who are shipwrecked.
Zachary Menaida."
"There," said the old man, "that will draw him, and I shall see him, and have it out with him."
He had wafers in his pocket-book. He wetted and sealed the note. Then he considered that he had not said enough, so he opened the page again, and added: "I shall tell all the world what I know about you." Then he fastened the note again, and directed it. But as it suddenly occurred to him that Captain Coppinger might refuse to open the letter, he added on the outside, "The contents I know by heart, and shall proclaim them on the house-tops." He thrust the note into Miss Trevisa's hand, and turned his back on the house, and walked home snorting and muttering. On reaching Polzeath, however, he had cooled, and thought that possibly he had done a very foolish thing, and that most certainly he had in no way helped himself to what he desired, to see Judith again. Moreover, with a qualm, he became aware that Oliver, on his return from Bristol, would in all probability greatly disapprove of this fiery outburst of temper. To what would it lead? Could he fight Captain Coppinger? If it came to that, he was ready. With all his faults Mr. Menaida was no coward.
On entering his house he found Oliver there, just arrived from Camelford. He at once told him what he had done. Oliver did not reproach him; he merely said, "A declaration of war, father! and a declaration before we are quite prepared."
"Well—I suppose so. I could not help myself. I was so incensed."
"The thing we have to consider," said Oliver, "is what Judith wishes, and how it is to be carried out. Some communication must be opened with her. If she desires to leave the house of that fellow, we must get her away. If, however, she elects to remain, our hands are tied: we can do nothing."
"It is very unfortunate that Jamie is no longer here; we could have sent her a letter through him."
