But we disclaimed any such desire. We would like to see Michail, however, and as soon as possible; for if the things were not forthcoming, we must—as Jack expressed it—"get out at Elsinore, and walk!"
So Michail came up for examination.
Did he often volunteer for the duty of closing portholes at night? we asked.
Michail said he did it sometimes; he generally offered to do it because he liked the job; the passengers now and then gave him a small gratuity. On this occasion, Michail added, the gentlemen had given him nothing, but it was not too late should they desire to repair the omission.
"Wait a minute, Michail," said Jack. "The time has not yet arrived to speak of gratuities. What about this portmanteau, here? Have you seen it before?"
"Often," said Michail; "it is the very one I carried ashore on Hogland, for the gentleman with red hair." (My hair is not red, it is a warm yellow; Michail meant me, nevertheless, for Jack's locks are raven black.)
"Yes; but have you been a-fishing in it lately—just an innocent search, you know, for something of interest; not a burglary of course."
Michael started back in horror and surprise. "Do the barins take me for a thief?" he asked with some indignation.
"That was the idea," said Jack, quite coolly. "But you may have been acting for another—for that other Englishman, for instance, Strong."
"Which Englishman is that?" asked Michail innocently; "one of the sailors?"