“I hope I have an Englishman’s share of humanity towards a fellow-man in distress, sir,” said Sir Humphrey coldly; “but on your own showing you have a goodly supply of necessaries and ample funds for prosecuting your journey.”
“Well, yes, tidy.”
“Then once more good morning. Come, Brace, my lad, I daresay we can get some breakfast now.”
Sir Humphrey bowed to the American and turned away, followed by his brother, after the latter had saluted the stranger, who stood looking after them.
“All right,” he said. “People don’t take to me don’t like my ways, I suppose: I thought I was as polite as a man could be. But if you keep on whittling you’re sure to get through the stick: whether it take a long time or a short time, PFB, my friend, depends upon the blade. Now, is your blade a sharp one, or will it only cut cheese if you put a lot of strength into the stroke? Well, we shall see.”
Before the brothers had finished their meal Captain Banes was ashore, and an earnest conversation ensued about ways and means.
“Let’s see,” said the captain; “what about your luggage and stores? You haven’t much, gentlemen?”
“Indeed, but we have,” said Brace: “tons.”
“Oh, that’s nothing.”
“I think you will say it is something when you see,” said Brace. “We have stores of all kinds to last for a couple of years if necessary.”