"No; you haven't told us how you came to know of our trip, what we were supposed to be after, and when we were starting."
"That's true!" flushed the lad, momentarily losing his composure. Then, partly regaining it: "Is it necessary to answer that question?"
"Absolutely," answered Charlie, beginning to look really serious.
"Because, if you don't mind ... well, I'd just as soon not."
The boy's cheeks were burning with confusion, and he looked more than ever like a girl.
"For that very reason, I want to know. We are out on a more serious business than perhaps you realise, and your answer may mean more to us than you think."
"I'm sure it cannot be of such importance to you. Really it's nothing—a mere accident; and, besides, it's hardly fair for me to tell. I should have to give away a friend, and that, I'm sure you'll agree, is not cricket."
The boy had such a true innocent air, not to speak of his taking ways which had already quite won my heart, that I protested with Charlie on his behalf. But Charlie was adamant. He'd got Tobias so on the brain that there was no reasoning with him, and the very innocent air of the lad seemed to have deepened his suspicions.
"I'm sorry, but I shall have to insist," replied Charlie, looking very grim, and more and more like an Elizabethan sea-rover.
"All right, then," answered the youth, looking him straight in the eyes, "put me ashore."