I
The man folded his arms and gazed down at the boy, mildly amused.
"Not on board?" gasped Kit faintly. "Where is he, then?"
The moon was out again and shining serenely.
"Why, where I'd like to be—with his best gurl."
He took out a tooth-pick, and began to clean his teeth with gusto.
Kit hardly heard. Desperately he clutched the sliding side. It seemed to him as though the world was slipping away from him. If he let go all was lost.
"Mr. Dark!" twanged a nasal voice from the deck.
The giant leapt round.
"My lord."
"What's that boat doing under my quarter?"
"A Deal hovel, my lord, asking for brandy."
Feet came towards the side.
"First time I ever heard of a hovel stopping a King's ship to ask for brandy."
"That's what I told him, my lord," came the firm reply.
"You didn't!" screamed Kit from far below. "You didn't. Heave to! Heave to! or—"
"You'll sink me, I suppose, young gentleman!"
Kit looked up.
A one-eyed little man was twinkling down at him.