But Ryder shook his head.
"And you've known him for years! He's spending that money in his mind."
"But not on his wife, Will," said Mrs. Ryder. "If we win, I'm to have it."
"I'd give him twenty to let me off," said Ryder.
But Connie Ryder went on board the Battle-Axe to see if she could induce her husband's cousin to forego the advantage he had already gained before sailing. She found him dark and grim and as hard as adamant.
"A bet's a bet and business is business," said Watchett. "We appointed to-morrow, and, bar lying out a gale from the north, with two anchors down and the cables out to the bitter end, I'll sail."
His wife, who was as meek as milk, suggested humbly that it would be more interesting if he waited.
"I ain't in this for interest; I'm in it for capital," said Watchett, grinning gloomily. "The more like a dead certainty it looks the better I shall be pleased."
Mrs. Ryder darkened.
"I don't think you're a sportsman," she said, rather shortly.