“Not now. Be off.”
The black darted back to his companions, and the beachcomber turned to Carey.
“Want some more proof?” he said.
Carey was silent.
“Here, you,” said the man, turning to Bostock. “Been in these parts before?”
“Lots o’ times,” said the old sailor.
“Tell him, then.”
“Is it true, Bob?”
“Yes, my lad, it’s true enough,” said Bostock. “They eat their prisoners, their old folks, and the babies and wives, too, when starvation times come.”
“What, do you mean to tell me that such things go on out here in Australia and the islands—now?”