"You did not mean to take my offer?"
"Since I am a gentleman, I did not."
"I also am accounted a gentleman, sir."
"Nay, I took you for a prince," said I.
He made me no answer, but, looking round him again, observed:
"The ship must be near. But for this cursed fog she would be in sight."
"It's well for us she isn't," I said.
"Why, sir?" he asked brusquely.
"If she were, there's the pistol for the lady, and this sword here for you and me," said I coolly. For a man may contrive to speak coolly, though his bearing be a lie and his heart beat quick.
"You daren't," he cried in amazement.