“I’m an American.”
“And left behind, eh?” demanded the captain. “We sail at midnight; Norfolk; there’s plenty of room aboard.”
“May I speak confidentially with you, sir?” asked Hal.
“Of course.”
They conversed in low tones by the rail for ten minutes. After that they turned, looking shoreward.
At length, Ramirez appeared. No sooner did he reach the wharf than he struck into a trot that did not slacken until the Cuban reached the Atwood’s deck.
“Your money, senor,” announced the breathless messenger.
Diving under his jacket, he produced a bag.
“To my belief it has not been opened. Nevertheless, senor, you will do me a great favor to count the money, and thus acquit me of all suspicion.”
“At your request only I do so,” answered Hal. “Captain, may we use the table in your cabin?”