“I inquired about the vessel—I did not refer to the spar,” replied Captain Delmar, haughtily.
“And I referred to the spar, which is my business, and not to the vessel, which is no consarn of mine,” replied the American captain. “You see, master, we have both our wants; you want information, I want a spar: I have no objection to a fair swop.”
“Well,” replied Captain Delmar, rather amused, “give me the information and you shall have the spar.”
“That’s agreed.”
“Send for the carpenter, and desire him to get out a small spar, Mr —,” said Captain Delmar to the first lieutenant.
“Well, captain, that looks like business, and so now I’ll go on. The Frenchman is as large as you; may be,” said he, looking round the deck, “he may be a bit larger, but you won’t mind that, I suppose.”
“Did you leave her in port when you sailed?”
“I reckon she was off two days before me.”
“And how many days is it since you sailed?”
“Just four days, I calculate.”