“I know the rock on which you chose to abandon him, Capt. Spike.”
“If so, how could he be living and at the Dry Tortugas? The thing is impossible!”
“The thing is so. You saw Harry Mulford, living and well, and ready to hunt you to the gallows. Beware of him, then; and beware of his handsome wife!”
“Wife! the fellow has no wife—he has always professed to be a single man!”
“The man is married—and I bid you beware of his handsome wife. She, too, will be a witness ag’in you.”
“This will be news, then, for Rose Budd. I shall delight in telling it to her, at least.”
“ ’Twill be no news to Rose Budd. She was present at the wedding, and will not be taken by surprise. Rose loves Harry too well to let him marry, and she not present at the wedding.”
“Jack, you talk strangely! What is the meaning of all this? I am captain of this craft, and will not be trifled with—tell me at once your meaning, fellow.”
“My meaning is simple enough, and easily told. Rose Budd is the wife of Harry Mulford.”
“You’re dreaming, fellow, or are wishing to trifle with me!”