"Splendid cargo, eh ?" "Pretty fair." "Powder in good shape, eh ?" "Dry as tinder." "And balls--lots of balls, and a few guns, eh ?" "Yes, we _have_ a few guns," said Captain Plum.

The old man noted the emphasis, but the darkness that had fast settled about them hid the added meaning that passed in a curious look over the other's face.
"Odd way to come in, though--very odd!" continued the old man, gurgling and shaking as if the thought of it occasioned him great merriment.
"Very cautious.

Level business head.

Want to know that things are on the square, eh ?" "That's it!" exclaimed Captain Plum, catching at the proffered straw.
Inwardly he was wondering when his feet would touch bottom.

Thus far he had succeeded in getting but a single grip on the situation.