When Pierre returned to the cabin he ignored Ben and Dare, while he considered the problem their presence presented.
"Who are you?" he demanded at last. Ben told him. "Me name's Ben Wheeler. This is me nevvy, in a way of speakin'."
"Where do you come from?"
"Me home's wherever there's a honest penny to be turned. The Nancy was me last. I don't know where me next will be."
"Nor I," said Pierre grimly.
Up to this time Dare had been silent, but now he boldly turned on Pierre.
"Why can't you land us at the port you're making for, captain?" he asked.
"Ah, why!" said Pierre sarcastically. "Because I don't choose to."
"That's not much of a reason."
"It's all you'll get."