“You don’t believe in me, Mr. Rowan, sir,” he said; “but, for God’s sake, let me speak to you for a few moments.”
“What, to beg, or to tell me some cock-and-bull story, eh?”
“No, sir, it’s life and death to us. It is indeed, sir. For God’s sake, let me speak to you.”
The man’s way was so earnest, that his words made an impression on me, but I only said sternly,
“Go on with your walk, my lad. You’ll be ordered below directly.”
He uttered a deep sigh, and continued his march, with his head down, but as he came round again I said sharply,
“Ninety-seven!”
He gave quite a jump at this, and followed me below, while I caught sight of Bird watching us as he went by.
“For God’s sake let me speak to you.”