"
"You need not trouble your mind, Captain Scarrow," said the agent.
"Sir Charles is in weak health just now, only clear of a quartan ague,
and it is likely he will keep his cabin most of the voyage.
Dr. Larousse said that he would have sunk had the hanging of Sharkey not
put fresh life into him. He has a great spirit in him, though, and you
must not blame him if he is somewhat short in his speech."
"He may say what he likes, and do what he likes, so long as he does not
come athwart my hawse when I am working the ship," said the captain.
"He is Governor of St. Kitt's, but I am Governor of the _Morning Star_,
and, by his leave, I must weigh with the first tide, for I owe a duty to
my employer, just as he does to King George."
"He can scarce be ready to-night, for he has many things to set in order
before he leaves."
"The early morning tide, then."
"Very good. I shall send his things aboard to-night; and he will follow
them to-morrow early if I can prevail upon him to leave St. Kitt's
without seeing Sharkey do the rogue's hornpipe. His own orders were
instant, so it may be that he will come at once. It is likely that Dr.
Larousse may attend him upon the journey."
Left to themselves, the captain and mate made the best preparations
which they could for their illustrious passenger.
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