"Well," said Mr. Sparhawk, after the visitor had been greeted and had taken a chair. "You are busy making ready, I suppose?"
"The company is aboard," said Anthony. "And we'll drop down the river with the next tide."
Mr. Sparhawk applauded this news with soft pattering hands.
"Brisk work!" praised he. "Oh, excellent!"
"When does the tide turn?" asked Mademoiselle Lafargue.
"At three in the morning," said Anthony.
"You will have time for a few hours' sleep," said Monsieur Lafargue to mademoiselle. "But your baggage had better be sent aboard at once."
Anthony looked from one to the other; then he turned his gaze upon Mr. Sparhawk. The little gentleman spoke in his most persuasive voice.
"I trust," said he, "that the Roebuck is as roomy as she looks, and that you have managed to set apart quarters that will be reasonably comfortable for mademoiselle."
"For mademoiselle!" said Anthony, astonished.