"You must question somebody else, for I am not in the humor to give any."
"Do you wish me to suppose that the information is not to your credit?"
"You can think what you like; it is a matter of perfect indifference to me," said the man.
Erik resolved to betray no irritation.
"It would be better for you to tell me what I wish to know of your own free will than to be compelled to do so before a court of justice," he said, coolly.
"A court of justice! They will have to catch me first," answered the other, mockingly.
Here Tudor Brown interposed.
"You see it is not my fault if you have not obtained the information that you desired," said he to Erik. "The best thing is now for us both to resume our course and go where we desire."
"Why should we each go our way?" answered the young captain. "Would it not be better for us to keep together until we reach some civilized country where we can settle these matters."
"I have no business with you, and do not want any one's company," answered Tudor Brown, moving as if he was about to leave the bridge.