“Allstone has the keys,” said a voice Hilary recognised as that of Sir Henry; “will you go and see him now?”
“Look here, Sir Henry,” was whispered, “you must get him on our side. The boy would be invaluable. With such an ally on board the cutter we need never fear a surprise.”
“You are thinking of your smuggling ventures,” said Sir Henry contemptuously.
“I was thinking as much of your despatches. Why, you could have run them across in safety then. Come, Sir Henry, we won’t quarrel about that. He’ll be useful to both. Shall I go and see him? I’ll wager I’ll soon bully or bribe him into agreement.”
“You don’t know your man,” said Sir Henry.
“Or boy,” laughed the skipper.
“Give me time and I’ll win him,” said Sir Henry.
“That’s what I can’t give you,” was the reply. “It isn’t safe having prisoners here. Suppose the boy escapes. How long should we be before he brings a couple of dozen fellows from the cutter, if they’ve got so many; and then where shall we be?”
“Do you think he could hear what we say?” asked Sir Henry in so low a voice that Hilary had hard work to catch the words.
“Bah! not he. That door’s six inches thick,” said the skipper. “No, Sir Henry, there is no time to lose, and we must win him over, unless you’d rather—”