“What sort o’ bigamy?” inquired the master of the brig.
“Oh, two wives,” said Captain Thomsett.
“Yes, yes,” said the other, “but are there any mitigating circumstances in the case, so that you could throw yourself on the mercy o’ the court, I mean?”
“My case!” said Thomsett, glaring. “It ain’t for me.”
“Oh, no, o’ course not,” said Captain Stubbs.
“What do you mean by ‘o’ course not’?” demanded the indignant master of the John Henry.
“Your deal,” said Captain Stubbs, pushing the cards over to him.
“You haven’t answered my question,” said Captain Thomsett, regarding him offensively.
“There’s some questions,” said Stubbs slowly, “as is best left unanswered. When you’ve seen as much law as I have, my lad, you’ll know that one of the first principles of English law is, that nobody is bound to commit themselves.”
“Do you mean to say you think it is me?” bellowed Captain Thomsett.