"And we'll have the law of you for it," promised the man in the pearl buttons from amidships, but in a weakening voice.
Captain Suckling was what they call an officer and a gentleman. He drew himself up at once.
"In my absence my officers appear to have made a small mistake. But I hope your Excellency may not be disappointed after all. I have never set eyes on either of these men before, but if that naked man be the Dustman I will put up a hundred pounds upon him, here and now; or on the other if that runs counter to your Excellency's fancy—"
"Jem Clark's my man," said Sir John. "I'll match your stake, sir."
"—And liberty for all if they show a decent fight, and a boat to set them ashore," went on Captain Suckling. "Is that a fair offer, my men?"
The man in the pearl buttons raised his head to answer for the two pugilists, who by this time were totally incapable of answering for themselves. He showed pluck, too; for his face shone with the colour of pale marble.
"A hundred pounds! Oh, go to blazes with your hundred pounds! When I tell you the Prince Regent himself had five hundred on it.… Oh! prop 'em up, somebody! and let the fools see what they've done to poor Jem, that I'd a-trained to a hair. And the money of half the fancy depending on his condition.…"
"Prop 'em up, some of you!" echoed Captain Suckling. "Eh? God bless my soul—"
He paused, staring from the yellow faces of the pugilists to the battered and contused features of his own seamen.
"God bless my soul!" repeated Captain Suckling. "Mr. Fraser!"