They weighed anchor at night, and following morning made you, by
threats, promise to steer them to the island. You told me on the quiet
that you'd die before you betrayed the owners' trust. How did they know
that the island the gentlemen were on wasn't the right one? Because Sam
Betts was standing by when you told me you'd made a mistake in your
reckoning and said we'd better go ashore and tell them."
"That's all right so far, I think," said Brisket, nodding.
"We sailed about and tried island after island just to satisfy the men
and seize our opportunity," continued Mr. Duckett, with a weary air. "At
last, one day, when they were all drunk ashore, we took the map, shipped
these natives, and sailed back to the island to rescue the owners. Found
they'd gone when we got there. Mr. Stobell's boot and an old pair of
braces produced in proof."
"Better wrap it up in a piece o' newspaper," said Brisket, stooping and
producing the relic in question from under the table.
"Shipped four white men at Viti Levu and sailed for home," continued Mr.
Duckett. "Could have had more, but wanted to save owners' pockets, and
worked like A.
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