“What is your name?”
“Tonio,” said the mulatto.
“Well, Tonio, mind this: You are engaged here for good pay. I always see that my men are well supplied in their mess, and, in return, I expect smart work and strict obedience. Do you understand?”
“Yes, captain,” said the man, in a tone half sulky, half-full of humiliation.
“That will do. Now go and help that fellow to take a pull at the jib.”
The man went limping off, but with great alacrity, passing Dutch, who came back looking very stern and angry.
“Captain Studwick, I must ask you to put in at Plymouth. Mr Parkley, she must be set ashore.”
“But, my dear boy, had you not better see her first. I’m—I’m afraid she will object to go without.”
“No,” said Dutch sternly, and he gazed at both in turn. “She must be set ashore as soon as possible.”
Captain Studwick walked forward again, whistling, and then pulling out his glass he took a look at a fast steamer astern.