C. N. Williamson and A. M. Williamson

“ You'll go what my cook calls 'balmy on the crumpet' if you keep fancying every queer human being you meet in Milsom Street is a detective on your track. The best thing for you is not to have a track! And the way to manage that is to be at sea.”
I was at sea, figuratively, until Mrs. Carstairs explained more. She recalled to my mind what she had said in our first chat about my career: how she had suggested my “taking the helm” to steer Roger Fane into the social sea. ”

“ In other days, when a man stared or turned to gaze after me, I had attributed the attention to my looks; now I jumped to the conviction that he was a detective. And, in fact, I began to jump at anything. ”

“ Barlow, even at the risk of meeting my tenant engaged in the same task. But to do this would have meant delaying the trip and disappointing every one, most of all Shelagh and Roger Fane; so, advised by Mrs. Carstairs, I sent a telegram, instead, picked up Shelagh and her uncle, and took the Plymouth train. This was the easier to do because the wonderful old lady offered to go herself to the Abbey on a mission of consolation. ”

“ I haven't been idle, meanwhile, I assure you, for I like Roger Fane as much as you like Shelagh Leigh. And between us two we'll marry them over the Pollens' snobby heads.”
In short, Mr. Carstairs had a client who had a yacht at Plymouth. The client's name was Lord Verrington. The yacht's name was Naiad, and Lord Verrington wished to rent her for an absurdly large sum. Roger Fane didn't mind paying this sum. It was the right time of year for a yachting trip. If I would lend éclat to such a trip by virtue of my social position, the Pollens would permit their precious Shelagh to go. Mr. ”

“ It was a “sure-enough” coffin, and, it seemed, an unusually large one!
It had to be placed on deck, for the moment, but Roger had the dark shape instantly covered with tarpaulins. An appeal from his clouded eyes made me suggest adjourning indoors for tea.
“Let's not talk any more about the business!” Roger exclaimed, when Shelagh's uncle seemed inclined to mix the subject with tea. “I wish it hadn't happened, as the men are foolishly upset. But it can't be helped, and we must do our best. The—er—it shan't stop on deck. That would be to keep Jonah under our eyes. ”