I mought starve to def afore I can get a boat." The negro's argument was logical, and Christy admitted its force, and expressed his willingness to pay the price demanded.
"Five dollars for de boat, massa, and ten dollars for tellin' de whole truf," added Quimp.
"All right, my man," added the lieutenant.
"Yes, sar; but I want de money now, sar," said Quimp, extending his hand to receive it; and Christy thought he was very sharp for one in his position.
"I will pay you when you have imparted the information," he replied; and, for some reason he could not explain, he was not satisfied with the conduct of the negro.
He was altogether too shrewd for one who appeared to be so stupid.

The expression of cunning in his face told against him, and perhaps it was this more than anything else that prejudiced the officer.

He took it for granted that he should have to take the boatman off to the Bellevite with him, and that it would be time enough to pay him on board of the ship.
"Dat won't do, massa!" protested Quimp earnestly.

"What you tink?
Suppose dar is a steamer in de bay loaded wid cotton, all ready to quit for somewhar.

Do you tink, massa, I can go on bord of her wid you?
No, sar! Dis nigger lose his head for sartin if dem uns knows I pilot you to dat steamer.