“That is what I want,” said Sir Humphrey. “There are plenty of foreign and native skippers that I could engage; but I want a staunch Englishman whom my brother and I can look upon as a trusty friend: one who, if it came to a pinch, would fight for us as we would fight for him: a good sailor, patient, enterprising, but at the same time cautious and thoughtful, while ready to take as well as give advice.”
The captain smiled grimly at the younger man, and gave his head a jerk in the direction of Sir Humphrey.
“He wants a good deal for his money, young gentleman,” he said, “and I’m afraid he won’t get a skipper with all that stuff in him unless he has him made to order. Look here, sir,” he continued, turning upon Sir Humphrey almost fiercely, “I’m a very ordinary sort of man, and I can’t strike a bargain with you, promising all sorts of things of that kind. I’ve got a well-found vessel, and if there’s water enough I can make my crew sail her anywhere; but I’ve got a bit of a temper if people cut up rough with me, and don’t do their duty honest. That’s all I can say, I think. You want a superior sort of skipper altogether, and I don’t like you any the worse for that. We’ve had a very pleasant chat or two, and it’s been a pleasure to me to meet a couple of English gentlemen out here, and there’s no harm done. I wish you and your brother good luck.”
“Stop!” said Sir Humphrey; “let us understand one another. You refuse to enter into an engagement with me?”
“Yes, sir. I couldn’t honestly promise to do all you want. I’m not such a perfect man as you’ve made up your mind to get.”
“And you don’t like the risk of such an expedition as I propose?”
“I never said so, sir,” cried the captain bluffly. “It’s what I should like.”
“Then why not go?”
“Because, sir, I tell you I am not the sort of man you want. I dessay I could do a bit of fighting if I was put to it. Anyhow, I should try if anyone began to meddle with me or those who were with me, but—oh, no, you want too much.”
“Brace,” said Sir Humphrey, turning to his brother, “speak out frankly. It is dangerous to be hasty in choosing one’s companions, but I want to know what you think of Captain Banes.”