Ben did not hesitate.
"What do I mean? Well, I like that. Mean to say you think I'm not goin' to report this and get damages?"
"I wouldn't advise you to," said Pierre simply.
Dare began to get uneasy.
"Oh, aye," said Ben. "Maybe you'll tell me how to get me money back fer the boat? It warn't insured."
"I'll tell you this. You won't get any money at all if you don't drop that tone. Do you know who you're talking to?"
"No, I don't. But I'd like to know—aye, and to have the name of your boat, too."
"You'll get it—perhaps."
Ben, having sufficiently worked upon Pierre's feelings to divert any suspicion there might have been as to their real identity and their object in these waters, began to speak in a milder manner.
"Look here, cap'n. I know I'm a bit hot under the collar, but wouldn't you be if you was in my boots? That there boat had most everything I own in the world on board her, and when you sunk her you very nearly sunk us with her. I'm standin' on me rights, that's all. I'm askin' for a square deal. And I don't want to go to no court if there's a chance of settlin' outside."