“Yes, sir. Speak low.”
“What are you doing here, disguised like that?”
“Captain Mason sent us, sir.”
“What for?”
“To save you, sir. Don’t talk.”
Mr. Vancouver breathed laboredly, and the veins in his forehead bulged.
“Who was sent with you?” he faintly asked.
“Him, sir,” indicating me.
I saw the knot come in the suffering man’s throat as he rolled his bloodshot eyes upon me, half raised himself on his elbow, and stared while his breathing rasped.
“Who is he?” came chokingly, with a clutch on Christopher’s arm.