He, too, resolved to vary his visits, and,
starting with a basis of two a week, sat trying to solve the mathematical
chances of selecting the same as Kate Nugent; calculations which were not
facilitated by a long-winded account from Mr. Wilks of certain
interesting amours of his youthful prime.
Before he saw Kate Nugent again, however, another old acquaintance turned
up safe and sound in Sunwich. Captain Nugent walking into the town saw
him first: a tall, well-knit young man in shabby clothing, whose bearing
even in the distance was oddly familiar. As he came closer the captain's
misgivings were confirmed, and in the sunburnt fellow in tattered clothes
who advanced upon him with out-stretched hand he reluctantly recognized
his son.
"What have you come home for?" he inquired, ignoring the hand and eyeing
him from head to foot.
"Change," said Jack Nugent, laconically, as the smile left his face.
The captain shrugged his shoulders and stood silent. His son looked
first up the road and then down.
"All well at home?" he inquired.
"Yes."
Jack Nugent looked up the road again.
"Not much change in the town," he said, at length.
"No," said his father.
"Well, I'm glad to have seen you," said his son. "Good-bye."
"Good-bye," said the captain.
His son nodded and, turning on his heel, walked back towards the town.
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