"It is true that you have said so, my dear captain, but you will change your mind—for many reasons."
"I never go back on my word, monsieur."
"No more do I; but often, and in spite of ourselves, circumstances force—"
"Once again I tell you that I said no, and no it is."
"You said no, I admit! You will say yes, too, my dear captain," responded the ship owner, with an air of profound conviction.
"Enough, M. Verduron, enough!" cried Cloarek, stamping his foot, angrily.
"Don't irritate M. Yvon," Segoffin remarked to the ship owner, sotto voce. "I know him. You'll only bring down a terrific storm upon your head."
"All I ask, my dear captain," persisted M. Verduron, "is that you will give me your attention for five minutes, that is all."
"Go on, then."
"You will see by this clipping from an English newspaper,—and the sources of information seem to be perfectly trustworthy, by the way,—you will see that the British cruiser Vanguard which is convoying the richly laden vessel is commanded by Captain Blake."