“You are off Rio Medio,” I began anxiously; “and I———-”
“Speaks the truth like a Briton, anyhow,” commented a lazy drawl.
“I would send another man to the pump,” a reflective voice suggested. “To make sure of the force, Mr. Sebright, you know.”
“Certainly, sir.... Another hand to the brakes, bo’sun.”
“I have been held captive on shore,” I said. “I escaped this evening, three hours ago.”
“And found this ship in the fog? You made a good shot at it, didn’t you?”
“It’s no time for trifling, I swear to you,” I continued. “They are out looking for you, in force. I’ve heard them. I was with them when they started.”
“I believe you.”
“They seem to have missed the ship.”
“So you came to have a friendly chat meantime. That’s kind. Beastly weather, aint it?”