Warner’s quick brain at once realised the situation, and, taking up a slate and pencil near him, he wrote down these words, handing them to Mr Goodall and the captain,—
“Cut short the palaver by making him a liberal offer in cash.”
Captain Link, however, did not wholly approve of this short off-hand way of proceeding, and said to the Frenchman,—
“If we take you into Cherbourg, skipper, we could—”
But Goodall cut in with,—
“We could there come to terms about arranging an interview with Mr Falcon, but, since time is pressing, can’t you see your way clear to agree at once, skipper, to accept one hundred pounds—ten on account to-day—in consideration of fulfilling our wishes?”
“Oui, oui; I do dat dis moment for I know where Fallcone is located, and can do—vat you call it?”
“Lead him,” suggested Goodall.
“Ah, grand, monsieur. Lead him or pilot him to exchange complements wid you—say if you tink it vel—about tree mile from Cherbourg Harbour.”
“In your lugger, skipper?”