“I think that any observant man would know you, Captain Bradleigh, in half-an-hour.”
The captain reddened.
“Well, sir,” he said, “I didn’t know I had my character written on my face.”
“Perhaps not,” said Sir John quietly; “but now about yourself. I don’t wish to spend more money than I can help, and I am not an American millionaire, only a quiet country gentleman rather devoted to natural history and a love of collecting.”
“That’s better than being a millionaire, sir. Money isn’t everything, though it’s very useful.”
“Exactly. Well, if I buy the yacht, will you go with me wherever I wish to sail?”
“That I will, sir, with all my heart, and do my duty by you as a man.”
“Thank you,” said Sir John; “and now about the crew. It is rather a large one.”
“Twice too big in fair weather, sir, but not a man too many in foul.”
“You think them all necessary?”