“The harvest truly is great, but the labourers be few,” remarked Shedlock.
“I know not if he be a runaway,” said Craftall; “but worthy Master Chatter, who is reported to be well informed on such matters, so named him to me.”
“Master Chatter named him aright,” observed Shedlock. “Moreover, he is of an able body, and, in all things fitting, well endowed.”
“We will have him aboard at once,” said Sir Walter. “I purpose to despatch my own ship with the morrow, and she may tarry for the other, which is a hired one, at Carolina.”
Shedlock’s small eyes, which hitherto had been bent on the table, were raised up at this moment, and emitted a gleam of intense satisfaction.
“Verily, ’tis the resolve of wisdom,” he said, as if to himself.
“Well, I will leave it to thee, Master Shedlock,” remarked Sir Walter, “to see that the knave be handed over to my captain. And let it be done this even, Sir Sheriff, an’ it please thee.”
“This even, or to-morrow, as thou wilt,” answered Shedlock. “He is in Topsham Gaol, near the Quay; and thy two ships, methinks, lie in Topsham Harbour; so he may be moved at thy convenience.”
“Be it this even, then,” said Sir Walter.
“Verily, I will give thee a note to the gaoler,” returned Shedlock, “directing him, on the receipt thereof, to deliver the knave into thy charge at once.”