“You know those chaps who are running that boat?” asked the stranger.
“I reckon I know the Speedwells pretty well,” grunted John.
“Speedwell—eh? Is that their name?”
“Yes, it is.”
“What business have they got over on that island?”
“What business have you got asking me?” returned the old man, freezingly.
“I want to know.”
“Keep wanting. Everything comes ter them that waits, they tell me.”
“You are of a sour temper, I see,” observed the stranger, eyeing Bromley quite calmly.
“Mebbe. But my temper is none of your business. Something else is.”