"You just bet your life that I ain't a-going there," said Joe, confidently. "But can't I get none of this money?"
"Not out of me, you can't."
"Why, I thought, as Bob's lawyer, you would have something to do with it."
"Well, I can't help you there. When Bob comes home, which will be in the course of a few months, then it will be easy for you—Halloo! What's the matter?"
"I don't see why you always stick to that," said Joe, impatiently.
"Stick to what?" asked the lawyer, a dim suspicion being awakened in his mind.
"About Bob's coming back. He'll be miles under the sea before the time comes for him to come back."
"Why of course he's coming back," said the lawyer. "Haven't you heard about his deserting at Cape Town? Well, he has, and he'll be at home as quick as a clipper-ship can bring him. Don't go."
"I must. If you can't get any of that money for me there's no use of my staying here."
"Come to think of it," replied the lawyer, "I wouldn't advise you to go near the president. He might ask you what has become of Bob, you know."