"What was it?"
"It is not worth repeating," replied this modest Gallic tar. "All I know is, that Monsieur Harkaway made such a fuss about it that he would insist upon my going on board with him to drink their health."
"And you went?"
"Yes; and we swam in good wine. And when I came away, it was with pockets full of cigars and money to stand treat to you all round."
"What a splendid fellow this Monsieur Harkaway is."
"Aye, that he is."
And amidst these words of praise Hunston slunk away, gnashing his teeth in rage and bitterness.
"Hang him!" he muttered; "his old brag and ostentation have caught these fools! I wonder where his vessel is? If I could fire a torpedo under it and send them all where young Jack and the other boy have gone to, I shouldn't have a dull moment for the rest of my life."
And the ruffian chuckled to himself maliciously.
"Ah, but I was one with them," he muttered, "when I had their precious boy and that Harry Girdwood shot like dogs that they were. Ah! that was grand. Those were crumbs of comfort."