"But really, Captain Talbot"--this from Duncan himself--"I don't know what I should have done without Conal. But come into the saloon, sir, such as it is, for we were terribly knocked about."
"Yes, and it surprises me that you have got things so ship-shape again as you have. You've heard from your daddy?"
"Ay, and Florie too, and I'm going to run down for a spell as soon as I can get paid off."
"And I'll go with you, and Frank here as well. Won't you, lad?"
"Like a hundredweight of gunpowder, sir, with a spark put to it."
"And now, sir, sit down; I have half an hour to spare. Steward, bring the wine and biscuits. And how goes the project, Captain Talbot?"
"Getting on splendidly. I've formed a company, and nearly all the shares are sold, but really 'twixt you and me and the binnacle, boys, I've kept the most myself."
"Well," cried Conal laughing, "I and my brother are men of vast wealth now--ahem!--we shall have all that is left."
"No, you mustn't part with all your doubloons. Just half. The other shall be put in a bank as a kind of nest-egg, don't you see?"
"Very well," said Duncan, "we always did take your advice, and so we will now."