'The spot you wish to arrive at will have to be pointed out on the chart.'
Up went a second finger, followed by another 'Yaas, sah!'
'We are not to communicate with passing ships?'
'Right, sah!' he added, nodding and smiling, and raising a third finger.
'And then?' said I.
'Den,' said he, 'you swear to do dis and we swear by de Koran to be true, and to serve you, and be your friend.'
'And if we refuse?' said I.
'Do not say it!' he cried, sweeping his hands forward as though to repel the idea.
'There must be other conditions!' said I, talking with an air of resolution which, I fear, was but poorly simulated. 'First as to the accommodation?'
'I do not understand!' said Nakier.