Wilders, still
utilising the _Arcadia_, started for England.
The yacht, a fast sailer, made good progress, and was already at
anchor in Gibraltar Bay on the morning that McKay arrived.
"Shall I go on board and tax her with her misdeeds?" McKay asked
himself. "No; she can wait. I have more pressing and more pleasant
business on hand."
His first visit was to the Convent. "You shall have every assistance
from us," said the Governor, Sir Thomas Drummond. "But what do you
propose to do, and how can I help?"
"My object, sir, is to collect all the animals I can in the shortest
possible time. I propose, first, to set the purchase going here--under
your auspices, if you agree--then visit Alicante, Valencia, Barcelona,
and ship off all I can secure."
"An excellent plan. Well, you shall have my hearty co-operation. If
there is anything else--"
An aide-de-camp came in at this moment and whispered a few words in
his general's ear.
"What! on shore? Here in the Convent, too? Poor soul! of course we
will see her. Let some one tell Lady Drummond. Forgive me, Mr. McKay:
a lady has just called whom I am bound by every principle of courtesy,
consideration, and compassion to see at once. Perhaps you will return
later?"
McKay bowed and passed out into the antechamber. On the threshold he
met Mrs.
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