"Let's have it fair and square—out with it," said the seaman.
"You know the ship is old—fit only to carry supplies," said Booker. "We're chartered to carry one hundred tons of blasting powder with exploders to Colon—enough to blow the whole Canal through. Can you see the point?"
"You don't want the stuff to get there—is that it?" asked James bluntly.
"If you can help us in the matter you shall be treated properly—your past forgotten," said Booker solemnly, eying him with a strangely insistent look.
"How much?" asked the practical navigator in a whisper.
"You'll get a thousand straight—my personal recommendation for any ship you wish. Perhaps in New York you'll find employment. We do a heavy business there——"
"Anything in writing?" asked James, without moving.
"Nothing," said Booker carelessly.
"Is McDuff wise?"