"Yes."
"That is remarkable. How did you get hold of it then?"
"I raised it," said Christian.
"He raised it. Quite right. Now I begin to see," said the bailiff, turning to Christian's father. "But," he resumed, after rubbing his nose with the spoon handle, "I do not understand why he sank the boat when he took the cargo."
"The skipper! The skipper!" broke in Christian's father, who was quite absorbed in the adventure.
"The skipper! Yes, that is quite right! He is a sharp youngster! It is a serious case, but finely managed."
Christian had had time to make his plan. He drew back to the door and asked, "Can I go now?"
The bailiff asked himself, "Can he go now?" Then he said, "Wait a moment! Did you not take up the skipper too?"
"No, I did not," said Christian, "but if the bailiff wishes it I will."
Then he disappeared through the door, with the sheep-skin on his shoulder and the gimlet in his hand, indicating his intention to save the skipper, and leaving those present to their reflections and discussions.