"Are they sacred things ?" "Of course," I answered.
"Then here's a compact," he went on, consummate actor.

"If I promise not to lay my hands upon Leach will you promise, in turn, not to attempt to kill me ?" "Oh, not that I'm afraid of you, not that I'm afraid of you," he hastened to add.
I could hardly believe my ears.

What was coming over the man?
"Is it a go ?" he asked impatiently.
"A go," I answered.
His hand went out to mine, and as I shook it heartily I could have sworn I saw the mocking devil shine up for a moment in his eyes.
We strolled across the poop to the lee side.

The boat was close at hand now, and in desperate plight.

Johnson was steering, Leach bailing.