He had no amends to make, but he could at least simplify the labours of those whose business it was to expose and punish him.

With which poor spark of resolution he turned dismally to go back to Maxfield.
As he did so he became aware of footsteps close at hand on the cliff- path.

Whoever the passenger might be--at such an hour and place it was not likely to be any one but a coastguard or a fisherman--Captain Oliphant was in no mood for company.

He therefore stepped off the path and sat down on a seat on the edge of the cliff till the intruder had passed.
It was not so dark but that the latter perceived the movement, and halting suddenly, said-- "Who's that ?" The voice was that of Mr Ratman.

What brought him here at this moment, to extinguish, perhaps, the little gleam of courage that flickered in the breast of his wretched dupe?
For a moment the captain was tempted to run like a thief from a policeman; but his very desperation came to his rescue.
"What do you want here, Ratman ?" "Hullo, it's Oliphant! Here's a piece of luck.