Dutch nodded.
“Now, then, for’ard there,” cried the captain; “be ready to cast off. Are you ready?”
“Ay, ay,” came in chorus from the smart, well-picked crew.
“Stop!” exclaimed Lauré in a loud voice, and, turning to Mr Parkley, he pointed to Dutch and said, “That is your partner, is it not, Mr Parkley?”
“Yes, certainly.”
“And he will share in the profits of this expedition?”
“Certainly he will, sir.”
“Then, sir, I break our engagement. I shall have nothing to do with the voyage. The matter is entirely off.”
“Confound it all, sir!” cried Mr Parkley, in a passion. “You can’t do that.”
“But, sir, I have done it,” said the Cuban, lighting a cigar.