“Too soon, massa. Time not come.”
“Time for what? To give Mr Huggins time to collect his men? He has plenty of black sailors, has he not?”
“Yes, massa. Hundred, two hundred, tree hundred.”
“So I supposed. Well, I do not feel disposed to wait longer than it will take me to get up some more of my men—as many as the captain can spare—and then I shall attack at once.”
“No massa can,” said the black quietly.
“Oh yes, I can, because you who have served us as guide so well, and who want to save your master, will show us the way.”
“No, massa. Caesar no show the way.”
“Why not?” said the lieutenant angrily.
“Massa Bri’sh officer and all men be killed. Massa must wait.”
“And if I say I will not wait?” cried Mr Anderson.