"He thought that it was to sell him. In fact, he made sure as you had overheard us grumbling together about the skipper, and that you was a-trying it on only to tell Mr. Harkaway all about it."
"Did he say so?"
"Yes."
"Then undeceive him immediately."
"I have done so."
"As for this," added Hunston, pointing to his discoloured eye and cheek, "I think nothing of it. All I'll ask of him is that he shall do as much for Harkaway."
"That he will," said Joe, with sham heartiness. "And now how soon shall the ship be ours?"
Hunston glanced anxiously towards the door.
"There's no fear," said Joe, answering his look; "they are all too busy for'ard, talking about them poor devils in irons."
"Brutes!"