"How you should or should not is nothing to me; but, presto, no equivocation," said Pedro, placing his right hand on the haft of his knife.

"Then, for the soul of me, I cannot tell you," replied Hawkshaw, with great earnestness.

"You must have heard it mentioned, casually or otherwise, in the cabin. The latitude and longitude, I mean."

"If so, may I die if I can remember them now."

Pedro's eyes began to gleam dangerously; but he changed his tactics, and asked:

"What does the captain mean to do with you?"

"Do with me?" stammered Hawkshaw.

"Yes, santos! I spoke plain enough."

"But I do not understand," said Hawkshaw, evasively.

"Must I speak more plainly?"