Carey followed him without a word, and, like his companions in adversity, ate the meal in silence.
Chapter Nineteen.
The doctor made no opposition and showed no sign of resentment, for he was biding his time. The beachcomber asked questions and he answered them, about the lading of the vessel; but both Carey and Bostock noticed that he carefully avoided all reference to the bullion that was on board.
Later on in the morning the invader announced his intention of inspecting the stores, and made his prisoners march before him and show him all they could; it was hot and stifling between-decks, and he was soon tired and ordered all on deck, where he had a long look round, and at last caught sight of something on shore.
“Hullo, here!” he cried, turning his fists into a binocular glass without lenses; “who’s been meddling with my pearl-oyster grounds?”
The doctor, being referred to in this question, turned to the man and laughed bitterly.
“Your pearl-oyster grounds!” he said, in a tone full of the contempt he felt.
The man thrust his unpleasant-looking face close to the doctor’s.