Captain Pardoe bit his lip, while the stout man turned with a smile and a shrug to his companions, one of whom strolled leisurely forward.
“Perhaps eight hundred tons is more than I require, especially as I could get more on my return,” said the Captain quietly.
“I understand, sir; but that’s a matter of business arrangement with a coal-merchant. You have left England recently?”
“Four days since.”
“Four days—carambo—a quick passage! Then, sir, perhaps you can inform me of the progress of the revolution in Brazil. Have the rebels been beaten?”
“I am afraid I can give you no information about Brazil.”
“And you have not heard of the escape of a torpedo-catcher from the Thames, bound for Rio to help the rebels?”
Captain Pardoe looked astonished.
“You have surely been misinformed, señor. No vessel could get out of the Thames without the wish of the authorities.”
“I assure you, my Captain, the impossible has happened, and, believe me, I first supposed your boat was that same vessel. Ha! ha!”