“Something is going to happen very soon,” Beelo said. “Christopher, what did you say to the native that came to see Mr. Vancouver?”
Christopher wore his stupidest manner Beelo reached round, picked up a stick and threatened him.
“You know what I said. Now answer—quick!”
“Me?”
“Me?” mocked Beelo, and struck him. The nearest that I had ever seen to a smile on Christopher’s face came then as a twinkle in his eyes.
“I’ll tell you,” he answered. “I told him Mr. Vancouver didn’t never want to see him no more.” That was a long speech for Christopher.
“Then what happened?” impatiently demanded Beelo.
“I done this a-way at him.” Christopher crossed his eyes and made a grimace at Beelo. The act was so unexpected and terrifying that Beelo started back in alarm, and then rolled on the ground in laughter.
He sat up. “What did the man do then?”
“This a-way.” Christopher’s face assumed a look of astonishment and fear.