"But this adventure, and my being taken off to sea, I know not whither——"
"Rio de Janeiro, I told you."
"It ruins my prospects for ever!"
"Sorry to hear you say so; but we'll put you aboard the first homeward-bound craft we overhaul. Till then, you are heartily welcome to swing your hammock in my cabin, and to share our junk and grog."
"Thanks, thanks, old fellow; but a homeward-bound ship will avail me little."
"The deuce!—would you wish to swim or fly?"
"Unless I could be landed near Acton-Rennel, and within a week, it matters not where I am; for Ethel Basset, if she lives—survives my supposed loss—don't laugh in that way, Tom, please—must be, like myself——"
"How—where?"
"Upon the sea."
"Drink this," said Bartelot, handing him a tumbler of wine-and-water; "and now tell me all about this matter, for I own to being rather curious about it."