"Ah, sir, what chance! I know not a word of this horrid Portuguese tongue, and I wish to inquire at the post-office if there is a letter for me. Would you oblige me by interpreting for me?"
"I don't know Portuguese myself; but the clerk in the post-office understands French."
"Thank you, sir. I am a stranger here, you see. I am one of the crew of La Bonne Esperance, the derelict. No doubt you have heard our story?"
"Oh yes, I know all about it. You were very fortunate. But excuse me, my friend; I am in great haste," and he hurried off.
Baptiste returned to the hotel and found Carew. "Captain," he asked, "have you committed some peccadillo in England on account of which they are likely to be hunting after you here?"
"It is almost impossible that any enemies I may have can have traced me here."
"All dead, I suppose," remarked Baptiste coolly. Then he proceeded to explain the reasons that had prompted his questions.
"You are full of foolish fears, Baptiste. I see nothing in all this."
"Ah, sir, I have lived for so many years in the midst of alarms that I perceive the first indications of danger. When I told this Englishman that I was one of your crew, he exhibited no interest. He did not question me about our adventures, and make much of me, and take me into a café to give me drinks, as all the other Englishmen in Pernambuco do when they meet one of us heroes of the hour."
"I do not see anything very alarming in his neglect to make a fuss over you."