At last, after a little more bargaining, Sangaree Jack agreed for thirty dollars to go down and carry information as to what had happened, on board the corvette.
“Well, massa lieutenant, where de dollars, though?” asked the black, with a cunning leer.
“The dollars! You will get them when we are set free, my friend,” said Higson.
“I neber do anyting of dat sort on trust, sare,” answered the negro, grinning.
“But suppose we have not got the dollars, you will lose them, and we shall remain in the prison?” observed Higson.
“Oh, Buccra officers always carry dollars,” answered the black. “Just try what the young gentlemens got in dare pockets.”
“Possibly we may have some of the money among us,” said Higson, not willing to trust the fellow altogether. “Suppose you take fifteen dollars, and then we will pay the remainder when the boats come up—come, fair play is a jewel.”
“Massa lieutenant know how to manage tings,” grinned blackie. “Come, I take fifteen dollars, and you see I true man. Honour bright among teves, you know; you trust me and I trust you—he! he! he!” and blackie grinned at his own wit.
The dollars were with some difficulty collected among them.
“Don’t let de people see what you give me,” said blackie, putting his fingers to his thick lips, and looking very wise. “I tell dese rascals that I got a little money to buy some wine, and oder tings. I tell dem too, dat I know you English officers, and dat dey better take care what dey do.”