The row ceased in a second, and only Schumer's voice was heard:
"You talk English?"
"Me talk allee right," replied the big man. "Me savvee English me——"
"Shut up and answer my questions! What schooner is this, and where from?"
"She de Sudden Cross."
"The Southern Cross; where from?"
"Sydney long time 'go; lass po't in de Sol'mons. Capen, off'cers, all gone; fish p'ison."
"Fish poisoning, was it? What was your captain's name?"
"Walters, most like," said Schumer. "Well, what are all these men—they aren't the crew?"