A pang shot through the breast of Dutch Pugh; but the eyes were raised again to his with so naïve and innocent a look that the pain was assuaged, and he crossed to her side.
“Well, Señor,” said Mr Parkley, “I am to see that you are not imposed upon, so you are in my charge.”
“I know so much of the straightforward honesty of the English, sir, that I am glad to be in your hands.”
“That’s complimentary,” said Mr Parkley.
“It is true, sir,” said the Cuban, bowing.
“Very well, then,” said Mr Parkley, “we’ll begin by trusting one another fully. Well, Rasp, what is it now?”
“Here’s Sam Oakum just come from Barrport.”
“Well, have they got out all the copper?”
“Not a bit of it, for the men won’t go down.”
“Why?”