"He'll tell you when he's aboard," said Brack.
"That won't do for me," said Ben.
"Don't yer trust me?" asked Brack.
"Yes."
"Then, for God's sake, let him aboard or you'll regret it for the rest of your days."
"Come up," said Ben, thinking it passing strange the man did not give his name.
Hector hesitated; Brack urged him on.
"Go, go! Think what I've got to do—row round by the Belle in case he's after us."
Hector hesitated no longer; he could not leave Brack in the lurch, and if Hackler found out they had not rowed to the Belle there would be trouble. He got out of the boat; no sooner was he on the steps than Brack pushed off and shot away. Ben called after him but he did not stop; he was making for the London Belle as fast as he could row.
"Who are you?" again asked Ben as he came on deck.