"Then forget it," returned Trevorrick. "In future and for as long as I think necessary his name's Jones. Got that?"
The bo'sun nodded.
"The skunk has let us down," continued the senior partner in unruffled tones. "You'll remember he agreed to let us recondition R 81 as a salvage craft. After all our trouble, he went back on his word because we would not comply with his demand for a quarter share. He threatened to report the matter. The fool didn't realise what he was up against. The question is, what's to be done with him? Any suggestion, Barnard?"
"Take him with us, sir."
"Smart idea that, Barnard; very smart. Don't you think so, Pengelly? We'll act on it. Cut off and tell the hands of what has occurred. Warn them that we must at all costs weigh and proceed at tide-time."
"Ay, ay, sir; we'll have to fill the fresh-water tank and ship the rest of the dry provisions. I'll tell off a party to swing back the boom."
"And a couple of hands to carry this fellow aboard," added Trevorrick.
"Now pack," he continued, addressing his partner. "We've none too much time. In a way it's as well. It will afford a good excuse to go up Channel instead of proceeding to the mythical wreck of the phantom ship Posidon. We needn't worry ourselves about the newly-christened Jones. The crew will deal with him."
"What are you going to do with him when we get him on board?" asked Pengelly. "Ditch him?"
"Against my principles," laughed the other. "'Sides, there's money to be made out of him. You wait."