“Of course, if you are very positive, I should not dream of doubting your word or of interfering,” said the tallest and quietest, who had remained in the background. “We desire to do injustice to no man─”
Johnny, behind us, snorted loudly and derisively.
“If my knowledge of Spanish is of any value in assisting you to a boat, pray command me,” broke in Ward.
The crowd moved off, the boatman with it. I reached out and collared him.
Talbot had turned on Johnny.
“Fairfax,” said he icily, “one of the first things you must learn is not to stir things up again once a victory is gained. Those men were sore; and you took the best method possible of bringing on a real fight.”
Poor Johnny flushed to the roots of his hair.
“You’re right,” said he in a stifled voice.
Talbot Ward thawed completely, and a most winning smile illumined his face.
“Why, that’s what I call handsome, Johnny!” he 36 cried. “It’s pretty hard to admit the wrong. You and Yank certainly looked bold and warlike when he came along. Where’s that confounded mozo? Oh, you have him, Frank. Good boy! Come here, my amiable citizen. I guess you understand English after all, or you couldn’t have bargained so shrewdly with our blackleg friends.”