"Perhaps so, sir," said Bolter, giving a covert wink, full of sly wickedness, to Sharkey, who stood near him on deck, unseen by those below, and with his tongue thrust into his cheek.
"Well—speak out!"
"Pedro Barradas is severely wounded, sir; his right elbow is knocked all to splinters."
"Glad to hear it; hope he may slip his cable in the turn of a hand. Which of his precious friends did this for him?"
"Mr. Hawkshaw, who has been knocked on the head and flung overboard, after a bit of a scrimmage for'ard."
"Well—well?" said the captain, impatiently.
"Pedro can't come aft, sir, so he wishes one of the gentlemen below to come for'ard, that we may all toe a line, beg pardon for what's past, and make some terms with you."
"Oho!"
"He says, sir," resumed the Canadian, in a whining voice, "that he would rather have Mr. Basset than anyone else."
"Why?"