“Then I’m on!” cried the man effusively. “But look here, yew’re in this too;” and he stretched out his hand to Murray. “Yew’re a witness to all your chief said.”
“Oh, all right,” said Murray, and he let the long, thin, unpleasantly cold and dank fingers close round his hand, but not without a feeling of disgust which was expressed by the making of a grimace as soon as the American turned to the lieutenant again.
“That’s settled, then,” said the latter, “so go on at once and lead while we follow.”
“What!” said the American, with a look of wonder.
“I say, go on and guide us to the slaver’s nest.”
“What, just alone like this here?”
“Yes, of course. You see we are well-armed and ready to board and take the schooner at once. Fire will destroy the chief’s town.”
“Well, you do ’maze me,” said the American, showing his teeth.
“What do you mean?” said the lieutenant sternly. “Are you going to draw back?”
“Not me, mister. That’s a bargain,” said the man, grinning. “I mean that you ’maze me, you Englishers do, by your cheek. I don’t doubt you a bit. You mean it, and yew’ll dew it. Why, I dessay if yew yewrself wasn’t here this here young shaver of an officer would have a try at it hisself. You would, wouldn’t you, youngster?”