'For my sake, Captain Hayes, think of what you are doing! Surely you won't flog a man because he beat you, as you say yourself, in fair fight? No man would do such a thing.'
The Maori's right hand gripped Tom by the wrist, and he uttered a low warning, 'Sh! Not a word more. I'll fool him.'
Hayes turned furiously upon Tom. 'Away out of this, boy, and do not meddle with matters which do not concern you!'
'But this does concern me, sir?' began Tom, when Bill interrupted him.
'I'll give in, captain. I'll do whatever you want, but I don't like leaving Mr. Wallis. And I'm willing to turn-to again this minute. Come, captain, I'm a good sailor-man.'
Hayes's mood changed instantly. 'Very well, Bill, we won't quarrel. But we'll have another talk in the morning. Perhaps I'll keep you on board. Jules, clear out. What are you hanging about here for? Go aft and tell the steward to get Mr. Chester some supper. Tom, I'm going ashore. Do you care to come?'
'No, thank you,' said Tom, bluntly, 'I'll stay and get some supper too.'
Hayes smiled good-naturedly. 'Oh, well, just as you please. Bill, did I hurt you at all?'
Bill tried to look pleased. 'Nearly broke one of my ribs, sir.'
Half an hour later Hayes, old Ned the trader, and the carpenter were on their way ashore, and Tom and the half-caste were having supper and talking in low, whispered tones.