"I told you when we met just now at Mr.Bowmore's cottage that I had something to say to you; and I have not yet said it.

The truth is, I don't feel sure whether I have been long enough your friend to take the liberty of advising you." "Whatever your advice is," Percy answered, "trust me to take it kindly on my side." Thus encouraged, the Captain spoke out.
"You will probably pass much of your time at the cottage," he began, "and you will be thrown a great deal into Mr.Bowmore's society.

I have known him for many years.

Speaking from that knowledge, I most seriously warn you against him as a thoroughly unprincipled and thoroughly dangerous man." This was strong language--and, naturally enough, Percy said so.

The Captain justified his language.
"Without alluding to Mr.Bowmore's politics," he went on, "I can tell you that the motive of everything he says and does is vanity.