The _burnoose_ is safe." John prepares for business.
He remembers that on the previous occasion he had need of weapons--that they came very near an encounter with the natives--and hence arms himself.
Before quitting the hotel he feels it incumbent upon himself to see Lady Ruth, and tell her where he is going.

Nothing like beginning early, you know.

She has already commenced to control his destiny.
Lady Ruth has a headache, and is bathing her brow with cologne in the privacy of her little boudoir parlor, but readily consents to see the young man.
"You'll think me a fright, John, with my hair brushed back like this"-- John stops this in a thrice as any ardent lover might, taking advantage of the professor's absence, and the fact that Aunt Gwen has gone back in the second room for another chair--"but once in a great while I have a headache that will only succumb to a certain process.

You will excuse me ?" "Indeed, I sympathize with you; have had the same splitting headache myself more than a few times.

I wouldn't have intruded--" "You know it's no intrusion, John," with reproach in her eyes.
"Kind of you to say so, my dear, but to the point I have heard from Ben Taleb." "Oh! your face tells me it is good news." "I am to visit him at ten." "To-night ?" "Yes." "But John, the danger.