“There is my card,” was the reply, and a slip was taken out of a pocket-book and pushed across the table, to be picked up by the captain, who read:
“‘Sir Humphrey Leigh, Pioneers’ Club, Pall Mall.’ Humph! Pall Mall’s in London, isn’t it, sir?”
“Yes.”
“Then now I know your name, sir. But do you know anyone here, sir?”
“The bankers will be my reference, and, what will suit you better, captain, credit your account with any sum you and I agree shall be paid to you for the use of your ship.”
“Yes, sir, that’s all very straightforward and nice; but, you see, before I close with you there’s the what for!”
“What for?”
“Yes, sir; I can’t go blindfold into a bargain like this. I want to know who you are and what you want to do. In plain English, sir, what are you up to?”
“You know who I am, Captain Banes, and you can satisfy yourself at the bankers’ that I am in a position to pay you well and to make your voyage a far more lucrative one than carrying home a cargo of sugar would be.”
“That’s right, sir; but I’m, so to speak, answerable for my brig and for the lives of my crew. Just have the goodness to tell me again what you want me to do.”