"Demonio! why don't you speak, and be d——d to you?" roared Pedro, losing his patience, which was never at any time a very extensive commodity. "Have you lost your lying tongue as well as your wits?"
"No, Pedro Barradas, I have lost neither."
"How long it is since I have heard my name on your tongue, companero; not since we were diggers together on the banks of the Feather River. Speak out—presto!"
"What do you want with me, or require of me?"
"I am exceedingly anxious to ascertain something of which the crew have been kept in ignorance for some time past."
"Something—from me?" asked Hawkshaw, with surprise.
"Yes."
"You mean the progress and working of the vessel?"
"Precisely so; her whereabouts upon the sea."
"How should I know?"