'We're as safe here as anywhere,' returned Thomas, in the same sullen tone. 'Now, tell me,' he continued, with some irritation in his voice, 'have you got to pay that boat and the crew out of our profits in this business?'
His companion gave a low chuckle of amusement.
'There is not much that Jean Marie Fargis will not do for me, my friend.'
'That's the skipper, I suppose?'
'It is. He got into an ugly scrape not many years ago, and people have not forgotten it. I pulled him out of it, and started him in another walk of life. He is not like to forget, even if I would let him. So he's useful, you see.'
'I see. All the same, I expect this business will cost a pretty penny if Fargis is afraid of you.'
'You will get your pay, never fear.'
'But if the coastguard sees him fishing in British waters?'
'Then his orders are—cut and run. He can meet us at Havre or Cherbourg.'
'That's where he come from, is it?'