“I’ve a great respect for the Law,” continued the Pilot. “I always had, but that don’t make me feel less anxious to help a friend o’ mine that’s got into its clutches.”
The Judge continued to smile at the Pilot from behind his gold-rimmed spectacles. “I can quite believe it,” he said.
“Cap’n Sartoris,” said the Pilot, in his gruffest manner. “Stand up, sir!”
Sartoris stood.
“Scarlett was your shipmate, Cap’n?” continued the Pilot.
“Certainly he was,” answered Sartoris.
“And he was my very good friend, sir,” added Summerhayes, turning to the Judge.
“So you have said,” said the Judge.
“Well, we’ve come to bail him out,” said the Pilot; “that’s what has brought us here. How much will it take, Judge?”
“A—really—this is very sudden,” replied the Judge. “Er—this is—ah—most unusual. In fact, I might say that this is quite an unparalleled case.”