CHAPTER XIV
THE MALOLO SAILS IN SEARCH OF TOM
The following two weeks passed very quickly, Jack and his father and the two brothers being constantly in each other's society. The Malolo, after discharging her cargo, went into dock and came out again a bright shining white, and Mr. Wallis and the captain set about buying trade-goods for her next voyage. The second mate was paid off, and Henry Casalle shipped in his place, much to his satisfaction.
Late one night, after Jack had turned in and his father was about to follow, a hansom drove up to the hotel, and a short stout man, wearing a frock-coat and tall hat, jumped out, and for two or three minutes poured out a torrent of abuse upon the construction of the vehicle and the anatomy of the horse.
'And as for you, my joker,' he said to the cabman, 'you think that I don't know you've brought me by the most circumbendious route you could think of you thundering swab trying the great circle dodge on a poor old sailor.'
'Oh, come now, captain, don't say that. I've driven you a good many times, and hope to do so again.'
'Do you? Well, you won't; what's the figger I have to pay you for betraying me into your crazy old rat-trap?'
'Nothing at all--not to-night, anyway, skipper. You ain't in a good temper. Shall I wait for you?' replied the cabman, who evidently knew his fare.
'No, but come back for me in an hour. And here's five bob.'
Just as Mr. Wallis was ascending the stairs, he heard the stranger's voice, speaking to the hall porter.