As though transported into the room by magic, the American skipper appeared, not through the floor, but by the door.

A female domestic admitted him and announced his name, then fled to avoid the anger of her master, seeing she had violated the sacred precincts of the museum.
Captain Hervey, amused by the surprise visible on every face, sauntered forward, hat on head and cheroot in mouth as usual.

But when he saw Lucy he removed both with a politeness scarcely to be expected from so rude and ready and rough a mariner.
"I beg pardon for coming here uninvited," said Hervey awkwardly, "but I've been chasing the Don all over Pierside and through this village.
They told me at the police office that you"-- he spoke to De Gayangos "had doubled on your trail, so here I am for a little private conversation." The Peruvian looked gravely at Hervey's face, which was clearly revealed in the powerful light of the many lamps with which the museum was filled, and rose to bow.
"I am glad to see you, sir," he said politely, and with a still more searching glance.

"With the permission of our host I shall ask you to take a chair," and he turned to Braddock.
"Certainly! certainly!" said the Professor fussily.

"Cockatoo ?" "Pardon, allow me," said De Gayangos, and brought forward a chair, still keeping his eyes on the skipper, who was rather confused by the courtesy.