“By gambling?”
“No, sir! By piracy!”
Col. Willoughby gave a real or affected start.
“A grave charge that, sir.” He looked steadily at the landlord. “And one that should not be lightly made.”
“I only report the common talk.”
“If such talk should reach the ears of Captain Allen?” suggested the stranger.
“No great likelihood of its doing so, for I reckon there's no man in S——bold enough to say 'pirate' to his face.”
“What kind of a man is he?”
“A bad specimen in every way.”
“He's no favorite of yours, I see?”