"I'll tell them," said Job, quietly.
"Any news from sea?"
"About Maester Leicester?" asked Job, looking at the ground with a sudden change of manner.
"Hush, no names," said Mr. Murpoint, cautiously.
"No, no news," replied Job. "He's dead by this time, p'r'aps."
"All the better," said Mr. Murpoint. "Dead or alive, he's safe."
"Ay," said Job, and, touching his forehead, he departed.
The captain leaned back in his chair and gave himself up to thought.
"Leicester Dodson is dead, or buried alive. Violet's money is in my hands; the earl and all his clan are in my power; I am master of thousands, some say millions; and the world calls me one of its greatest men. Who says that honesty is the best policy?"
And as he concluded with the momentous question, he laughed with the keenest enjoyment and insolence.