I had but that instant made the discovery, when the sailor who was to put me on shore jumped into the boat and seated himself.
“Wait one instant,” cried I. “Sir Dudley—Sir Dudley Broughton!”
“Well, what's the matter?” said he, leaning over the side.
“This money you gave me—”
“Not enough, of course! I ought to have known that,” said he, scornfully. “Give the whelp a couple of half-crowns, Halkett, and send him adrift.”
“You 're wrong, sir,” cried I, with passionate eagerness; “they are gold pieces,—sovereigns.”
“The devil they are!” cried he, laughing; “the better luck yours. Why did n't you hold your tongue about it?”
“You bid me take some shillings, sir,” answered I.
“How d—d honest you must be! Do you hear that, Halkett? The fellow had scruples about taking his prize-money! Never mind, boy, I must pay for my blunder,—you may keep them now.”
“I have pride, too,” cried I; “and hang me if I touch them.”