"You are very glad, I suppose?"
"Yes, I am very glad; and so is Tolai. You see we are going to our own land, where it is warm and sunny and beautiful--far, far away from these grey mists."
"Well, I guess mists ain't bad at times," struck in Captain Jacob, who was going over the breakfast-table like a locust; "you grow darned tired of a blazin' sun and a sky like a fiery furnace!"
"Oh, you're there, are you, captain?" said Chard, who noted him for the first time. "Got any more cyphers for me to read?"
"Guess I bested you that trip, sonny."
"You did; but you won't best me again in a hurry. I know that cypher now."
"Oh, you won't see me writin' it again, matey! I'm bound for the Islands; and I surmise I'll hum when the barky lifts the Southern Cross. Take the ague out of my bones anyhow.
"Well, if you ask me, I think you are best on the other side of the world," said the inspector, dryly; "the law here ain't just the thing for people of your sort, captain."
"Hullo, matey, what's the jaw?"
"I'm mindful of your attempt to blackmail Mr. Johnson."