“That’s right,” said the captain. “I’m not going to run any risks, for the sake of my men; but ashore you go as soon as it’s light.”
“And what about for the sake of me? I have heard that some of the natives about here are the old Caribs.”
“Yes, sir, regular old-fashioned savages; and you won’t find any hotels, nor captains to worry with questions.”
“I’ve heard too that they’re cannibals, skipper. S’pose they eat me?”
“So much the better for them and the worse for you. But that’s your look-out, not mine.”
“Well, you are a hard nut, skipper,” said the American, leaning back and smoking away.
“I am, sir: too hard for you to crack. You’re not the first loafing, cheating stowaway I’ve had to deal with.”
“Cheating, eh?” said the American, turning his face to Sir Humphrey and Brace in turn. “Hark at him! I don’t want to cheat. I’ll pay my share of all expenses.”
“No, you won’t, sir, for I won’t have your money. This brig’s let to these two gentlemen for as long as they like. You’ve played me a dirty trick after being told that I was engaged, and you’ve got to go ashore. I see through your tricks now. You inveigled my second mate ashore to dinner with you.”
“Asked him, and treated him like a gentleman,” said the American.