"What are your assurances worth—you, a Chunchuse?"
"A Chunchuse—yes, Captain, but in this case also an Englishman."
"An Englishman!" cried Kargopol with a start of surprise. Borisoff stepped nearer to Jack and peered into his face.
"An Englishman, sir."
"And a Chunchuse?"
"A Chunchuse, by compulsion of your countrymen. But, gentlemen, we waste precious time. In a few seconds the matter will be beyond your discretion—or mine."
The captain stopped and faced the speaker. Borisoff's face wore a look of perplexity.
"You give me your word?" said Kargopol after a moment.
"Yes."
"As an Englishman?"