“I do not quite understand you,” said Sir John.
“No, sir? Well, I take it that what you say is to smooth down that the craft will not quite suit you.”
“You are entirely wrong,” said Sir John; “I think she would suit me admirably, and save me a great deal of labour in preparation.”
“Oh!” cried the captain; “then I was on the wrong tack.”
“Decidedly. Now, Captain Bradleigh, about yourself. I judge you to be a perfectly straightforward, honourable man.”
“Thank you, sir,” said the captain, smiling. “I hope for my own sake that you are a good judge.”
“I hope so too. Now, Captain Bradleigh, between man and man, will you give me your word of honour that this yacht is thoroughly sound, and one that you would advise a man you esteemed to buy?”
“That I will, sir, straight,” cried the captain, holding out his hand, and giving Sir John’s a tremendous grip. “She’s as perfect as the best builders and fitters can make her, out of the best stuff. But you, if you think of buying her, get down a couple of the best men you can to overhaul her, and if they give a straightforward report, buy her you will.”
“I don’t see any need for so doing,” said Sir John quietly. “I would rather have your opinion than any man’s.”
“But you don’t know me, sir.”