"That settles it, then!" said Tad. "All right, mister," he added, turning to Renard, "I don't mind working for you, only what about wages?"
"Ah, mine good friend, we shall talk of dat leetle affairs later. And for de present, will you not fetch your tings from de boat?" suggested Foxy with a leer that showed a line of black, ragged stumps of teeth.
"I've got nothin' save a very few clothes," answered Tad, "but I'll bring 'em at once, and say good-bye to Jeremiah Jackson at the same time."
"Jeremie Jacqueson?" repeated Foxy. "Say you dat he is de man wat sailed you to la France?"
"Yes; what's the matter?" inquired Tad.
"De matter is dat you shall not make your adieu to Jeremie," replied Foxy with a threatening look. "He is enemy of me, and he weel hold you back and not suffer you to come wid me."
"Nonsense, mister," said Tad, "he's got no right to interfere; I can do as I please."
Foxy shook his head.
"Fetch dose tings of your, but say not one leetle word to Jeremie of old Renard; so den all will go well, and when de ship sail, you shall be far from here, and Jeremie, my enemy, finds you not."
Once more Tad hesitated. This secrecy did not please him; and besides, it seemed ungrateful to leave the good skipper without a word of acknowledgment and farewell.