Perhaps he saw that Captain Clubbe did not intend to go much further without some quid pro quo.

"Before we go any further, I think I may take it upon myself to let you into the Marquis's confidence.

It is about an inheritance, Captain.

A great inheritance and--well, that young fellow may well be the man.

He may be born to greater things than a seafaring life, Captain." "I don't want any marquis to tell me that," answered Clubbe, with his slow judicial smile.