"My Colonial!" he replied, and the next moment we stepped ashore.
"Now," I said, "you just toddle away and fix up the papers. I'll be along with the money before you can turn round."
With that we separated, he returning to the hotel where we had met, while I made across the island to the Albino's abode. I found the dwarf at the wash-tub.
"What news?" he shouted, as soon as I approached; "have you talked her over? But there, of course you have, I can see it in your face! Well, what's the result?"
"That I've bought the schooner Mother of Pearl for two hundred pounds."
He eyed me suspiciously for a second, then flicking his fingers to clear them of soap-suds, led the way into the house. Seating himself on the bed, he dried his hands and spoke—
"Bought the Mother of Pearl, have you, and for two hundred pounds? Very good. You'll want another hundred to see you on your way."
Here he took from his drawer a leather bag which he tossed towards me.
"There you are, you'll find it correct, I think. Count it."
Doing as he bade me, I counted the sum out on the rickety little table; three hundred sovereigns in bright gold coin. When I had returned them to their bag, he continued—