“Me Sangaree Jack, understand all you say, sare; once serve on board English man-of-war. These here fellows say dey hang you up on de trees tomorrow if you no show who you are.”
“Well, Sangaree Jack, that is pleasant information,” observed Higson, “but how can you help us?”
“Me go down to English man-of-war, and tell all dat you say, and dey den send up armed boats to make dese fellows let you go,” answered the negro.
“I shall be very glad to accept your offer,” said Higson, “and the sooner you start the better.”
“All right, massa lieutenant, but me no go for nothing, you sabbe,” answered Sangaree Jack, with a knowing look.
“Well, then, we will give you ten dollars, that will be handsome, won’t it?” said Higson.
Sangaree Jack grinned till his mouth almost pushed back his ears to allow it full expansion, as he answered—
“Ten dollars! oh no! massa, dat not enough.”
“Then suppose we double it,” said Higson.
“Oh no! massa, twenty dollars not enough.”