“And who do you say he is, Mr Roberts?”
“The skipper of the lugger, sir, who guided us up the African river.”
“There,” said the lieutenant; “will that do for you?”
“I guess I don’t know what you are talking about, mister,” said the man sharply. “You said something about a trick. Is this some trick of yours?”
“Why, confound your impudence, sir!” cried the lieutenant hotly. “How dare you speak like this to a King’s officer!”
“Don’t get in a fuss, mister,” said the Yankee coolly. “We don’t deal in King’s officers here, and don’t want to. Here, Mr Allen, you’re an Englishman; these people are more in your way. What do they want?”
“It is the lieutenant of a ship that has cast anchor here, Huggins,” said the gentleman addressed agitatedly. “It is about the slaves.”
“Eh? About the slaves? Our slaves—your slaves? Well, what about ’em?”
“Yes; about the slaves we have here. You understand?”
“Not me! Not a bit. He’s been talking to you, has he?”