“I’ll lay you,” Skipper George went on, clapping Archie on the back, “that you’ll not find a fish in the harbours where the Black Eagle goes.”
“You’re ordered home, Skipper George,” said Archie. “I’ve this message from Tilt Cove.”
Skipper George glanced at the telegram. “Well, well!” said he, blandly; “we’re nigh loaded, anyhow.” 263
Archie wondered afterwards why Skipper George had caught his breath and lost some of his colour.
Presently the crew of the Spot Cash, with two stout hands from the Black Eagle, went over the hills with the spare spar. Skipper George and Tommy Bull made haste to the cabin.
“Ordered home,” said the skipper, slapping the message on the counter.
“Forthwith,” Tommy Bull added.
“There’s more here than appears,” the anxious skipper went on. “Tommy,” said he, gravely, “there’s something back o’ this.”
The clerk beat a devil’s tattoo in perturbation.