"You have, have you?" said some one outside, with great bitterness, but also in a suppressed tone.
The exclamation was apparently involuntary. I started, and looked round, but saw no one.
"I know nothing of him, as I said before, gentlemen," continued our host.
At this moment I had turned my face from the open window towards Toby, to see how he took all this. A small glass hung on the wall above his head, in which (murder, I grew as cold as an ice-cream!) I had a momentary glimpse of a fierce, sun-burned countenance, the lips apart, and the white teeth set as if in anger, raised just above the window sill. It glanced for an instant in the yellow light, while a clenched hand was held above it, and shaken threateningly at old ***.
I turned suddenly round, but the apparition had as suddenly disappeared. It was clear that *** now wished more than ever to end the conference.
"I know nothing beyond what I have told you, gentlemen—he pays for every thing like a prince—for his wood, and provisions, and all, down to a nail."
I was now noways anxious to prolong the conversation myself.
"I don't doubt it, I don't doubt it. Well, old gentleman, good-night. You will send your people early?"
"Oh yes, you may be sure of that."
And we left the house and proceeded to the beach, as fast, you may be sure, as we decently could, without running. We both noticed a dark figure bustle round the corner of the house, as we stepped out on the small plateau on which it stood.