. Now come to the charthouse and take over the
cash."

This formality was speedily accomplished, though not without a further
attempt to reduce the cash payment on the plea that it would endanger
his professional reputation in the eyes of his commercial friends.

"I care nothing for your reputation," murmured the candid sailor.
"What I want is two-thirds freight, so stump it all up, or I will have
it taken from you and then hoist you into your boat."

Whereupon the agent became afflicted with grief at his dear friend's
threatened cruelty.

"Really, my best friend, I must not give way here, but I will shed
tears when I get to my silent home, and speak with myself of the
change that has come to your mind."

"Don't you bother about shedding tears; you see that your friends play
the game," said the inexorable captain. "I will carry out my part;
but, by heavens! if your people don't carry out theirs, you shall all
pay dearly for it."

"You are too excited on this occasion, my dear capitan, and for this I
am sorry, as I like to see you as usual. I tell you if they do not
play the fair way, I will be responsible and be very vexed."

"Shut up, you blatherskite; the cargo is all aboard. Get into your
boat quick, and remember what I have said to you when you can overcome
the effects of your wriggling and dodging. Your cargo can only be
delivered on one condition. Keep in mind what it is. Begone, and never
let me see your evil countenance again."

Thus spoke the enterprising commander, who had begun to realize that
he was having dealings with a gang whom he would have to fight in
order to get his own. The engines were put at full speed, and kept at
that until she was fifty miles north-west of Cape Spartel, when they
were slowed so that she might not arrive before the appointed time. As
the vessel trailed sinuously over the quiet sea, the captain's
thoughts were centred on material things and the reception he was
likely to have on meeting the men his mind's eye pictured as
cut-throat ruffians. He had several conferences with the interpreter,
whose look and speech he regarded as a revelation of villainy. He was
tall and slim, with ricketty legs, dark shifty eyes, a low receding
forehead, and a mouth and chin that indicated the animal. The captain
felt instinctively the approach of trouble, and frankly told the
wretch, who he knew was deceiving him, that every bale of tobacco
would be held until after the freight was paid o