"
Stump joined Tagg on the bridge. He jerked a thumb after the Baron's
retreating figure.
"That German swab wants me to boot Royson," he muttered.
"Boot Royson? The idee! Wot for?"
"He piled it on thick about wot he called Royson's own interests, but I
knew better'n that. It don't suit his book for our dandy second mate to
be sparkin' the owner's granddaughter abaft the lantern. You take my
tip, Tagg, that other woman, Mrs. Haxton, is as mean as, sin, an' she
blew the gaff to-night when she dropped on 'em after supper."
"I've always thought her a bit of a cat," agreed Tagg.
"An' wot did you say?"
"Say, I tole 'im to do his dirty work hisself. Mark my words, Tagg,
he'll not tackle the job for fear it comes to the gal's ears. You watch
him close up like an oyster."
Stump was a prophet worthy of honor, though Dick did not appreciate the
Baron's friendly solicitude about his affairs until long afterwards.
But he did learn by chance how amply justified Irene was in her fear
that he might be asked to leave the ship.
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