“We want yer company for a period,” a soft well modulated voice, with a southern accent, was speaking. “Make no trouble, and I will know that you are a wise young man.”
“I do not know you. What do you want?”
“First and foremost the chart you have in your pocket. I will, since your hands are tied, with your kind permission, help myself to that now.”
Needless to say, the speaker sought out and took possession of the desired document, carefully bestowing it in his own pocket.
“Now to introduce ourselves, for you doubtless observed that there are two of us. This is Mate Marion, and I am Captain Beauchamp, at your service.”
“By what right, captain, do you detain me, and take from me my possessions?”
“Oh, all is fair in love or war, is it not so?”
Ignoring the question and recognizing the probability that argument was useless, Jim contented himself with an inquiry:
“What do you propose doing with me?”
“I shall be most pleased to entertain you on board my ship.”