Конец рабства

           ”

           “IfyoutaketoboozingonthetripI’llfireyouout,”Massycried.

           Anobstinatesilencefollowedthatthreat.Massymovedawayperplexed.Onthebanktwofiguresappeared,approachingthegangway.Heheardavoicetingedwithcontempt—

           “Iwouldratherdoubtyourword.ButIshallcertainlyspeaktohimofthis.”

           Theothervoice,Sterne’s,saidwithasortofregretfulformality—

           “Thanks.That’sallIwant.Imustdomyduty.”

           Mr.Massywassurprised.Ashort,dapperfigureleapedlightlyonthedeckandnearlyboundedintohimwherehestoodbeyondthecircleoflightfromthegangwaylamp.Whenithadpassedtowardsthebridge,afterexchangingahurried“Goodevening,”MassysaidsurlilytoSternewhofollowedwithslowsteps—

           “Whatisityou’remakinguptoMr.VanWykfor,now?”

           “Farfromit,Mr.Massy.IamnotgoodenoughforMr.VanWyk.Neitherareyou,sir,inhisopinion,Iamafraid.CaptainWhalleyis,itseems.He’sgonetoaskhimtodineupatthehousethisevening.”

           Thenhemurmuredtohimselfdarkly—

           “Ihopehewilllikeit.”