Drew—[Impatiently.] I’ll shoulder all that risk, man!
Sue—[Earnestly.] No harm will come to any of you, I promise you. This is all my plan, and I’ll tell my father I’m alone to blame.
Horne—[In the tone of one clinching a bargain.] Then we’ll chance it. [Warningly.] But it’s got to be done smart, sir. Ye’d best look lively.
Drew—I’ve got to get my dunnage. I’ll be right back and we’ll tumble aboard. [He goes to the door.] Hold him, Sue, on some excuse if he’s coming. Only a second now and it’ll all be safe. [He goes into the house. She follows him in.]
Cates—[With stupid anger.] This is a hell o’ a mess we’re gettin’ in, if ye axe me.
Horne—And I tell ye it’s a great stroke o’ luck. It couldn’t o’ come out better.
Cates—He’ll be aboard to spy on us.
Horne—Let him! What does he know? He thinks we’re goin’ tradin’, and there’s no one to tell him diff’rent but me.
Cates—He’ll know better afore long. He’ll s’pect—
Horne—’Bout the gold? He ain’t that kind. He’s a soft young swab o’ a lady steamer’s mate. Leave me to fool him. And when the time comes to git rid o’ him, I’ll find a means some way or other. But can’t ye see, ye fool, it’s luck to have him with us till we git clear o’ civilized ports? He kin navigate and he’s got skipper’s papers that’ll come in handy if there’s any trouble. And if anythin’ goes wrong at the start and we’re brung back, him and the girl’ll take the blame.