“I’m willin’ to follow soot,” replied Sellers.
“Well, then,” said Satan, “follow soot off to the wreck an’ get your workin’ party onto the business like hot nails. I’ll be over to help you soon’s we’ve had breakfast. You’ve no time to waste.”
“How’s that?”
“Cleary’s after you.”
This news seemed to take the wind out of Sellers. He sat for a moment without speaking.
“How do you know that?” asked he at length.
“He put into Palm Island not more’n four hours after you’d gone; said you and Cark had tricked him and he was after your blood. I told him that wasn’t no concern of mine. He asked me had I seen you.”
“What did you say?”
“The truth. Think I’d perjure me soul lyin’ for the likes of you and Cark? Told him I was goin’ to join you.”
“Sufferin’ Moses! You’ve put your hoof in it this time! Go on and don’t stand waggin’ your tail! What’d he say?”