"God bless you, Jack!" muttered his friend. The Earl's brow did not even flush at the rebuff. Throughout his career this extraordinary man was able to overlook the contempt of others as easily as he disregarded their sufferings. Probably, as Captain Runacles had said, he lacked a gift.
On this occasion he picked up his hat and cloak without a trace of discomposure.
"I understand you to refuse my offer?" he said.
"Yes."
"You prefer that the young man should receive six dozen lashes to-morrow morning."
Captain Barker winced and his mouth contracted painfully.
"My lord, I took that boy from his dead mother when he was a few hours old. Never in his life has a hand been laid upon him in anger. He will hardly understand what it means. But he has been taught to know honour and to cherish it. I choose as he would choose, were he here."
"Are you going, my lord?" added Captain Jemmy. "You have your answer."
"Not quite yet, I fancy. Captain Barker, you told me you took this lad from his dead mother. She was a Mistress Salt, I believe."
"Excuse me if I fail to see—"