"No, I'll look to that. The fellow that acts as steward is a born fool, and if he did see you he wouldn't take notice; and, anyhow, you're on board, and, Hakluyt or no Hakluyt, you are going to sail with me."
He got out the spirits and some cigars, and they sat smoking and talking till the steward came in to light the lamps.
Cardon, at sight of this person, felt no uneasiness; he was of the stupid type of native--"wore his mouth open," to use Cardon's expression, and was afflicted with deafness due to adenoids.
They came up on deck after dark, and sat smoking and watching the lights of Sydney and the harbor all spangled with star reflections and the anchor lights of the shipping.
"Well," said Cardon, "if old man Hakluyt had been intending to come off for the purpose of dumping Luckman on you, I guess he'd have come by this."
"You never know," replied Floyd. "That sort of reptile is pretty cunning, and I don't give up a fear of surprise till I'm outside the Heads. Look! There's a shore boat come off, and it's making for us if I'm not mistaken."
Cardon looked in the direction indicated.
Without another word he turned and dived below.
Floyd, quite sure as to the other's ability to take cover, remained on deck.
He could see the boat now clearly as she drew near across the starlit water.
There were four fellows rowing, and a figure in the stern steering. It was Hakluyt alone and unaccompanied by Luckman.
Hakluyt came on board and gave Floyd good evening, inquired if the crew were all right, and then came below.
Floyd, who preceded him, looked anxiously round, but Cardon had removed all traces of himself, and the door of the captain's cabin was closed.
"Well," said Hakluyt, as he took his seat and a drink, "here's luck to the voyage and a quick return with another cargo of shell, though I expect it is Schumer himself who will come next to Sydney. You will give him my very good respects?"
"Certainly," replied Floyd, "and perhaps the next time I meet you will be on the island. You are sure to pay us another visit."
"Maybe," replied Hakluyt, "and maybe not. I am getting old for sea work, but I shall always be glad to welcome you in Sydney."
He produced a pocketbook, and they went into accounts as to stores, et cetera. This business took them some half hour or so, and then Hakluyt took another cigar and talked on indifferent subjects till it was time to go.