"Of course he gave it to you. You saw him on board of the Penobscot, the day before I was taken up."
"You had better not say anything more about it, Robert."
"But why should he give you such a pile of money?" persisted the boy.
"I didn't say he gave it to me."
"I know he did."
"Well, the less you say about it, the better."
"If that is the bill which that Slipwing sent in the letter, I should like to know where Colonel Montague got it."
"I don't know anything at all about that," replied Mrs. Taylor.
The conversation was interrupted by the entrance of Ezekiel. He was sober, because he could obtain no liquor. He had spent the day in searching for the contraband cargo. He had been upon Negro Island, and explored North-east Point, and all the surrounding country, but he could find no vestige of the cases. He wanted to talk with Bobtail, and he was very gentle and conciliating in his tones and manner. After beating about the bush for a long time, he so far disregarded the instructions of Captain Chinks, as to ask him what he had done with the cargo of the Skylark.
"I see you have been talking with Captain Chinks," said Bobtail. "When any one claims the boat, I am willing to talk with him, but I can't say a word before that time;" and the young skipper abruptly left the house, and went on board of the yacht.