"Ah! I have a task to fulfil?"
"Decidedly, you have taken the young girl and myself on board; good. You have given up your cabin to Miss Halliburtt; good. You released me from the cat-o'-nine-tails; nothing could be better. You are going to take us straight to Charleston; that's delightful, but it is not all."
"How not all?" cried James Playfair, amazed at Crockston's boldness.
"No, certainly not," replied the latter, with a knowing look, "the father is prisoner there."
"Well, what about that?"
"Well, the father must be rescued."
"Rescue Miss Halliburtt's father?"
"Most certainly, and it is worth risking something for such a noble man and courageous citizen as he."
"Master Crockston," said James Playfair, frowning, "I am not in the humour for your jokes, so have a care what you say."
"You misunderstand me, Captain," said the American. "I am not joking in the least, but speaking quite seriously. What I have proposed may at first seem very absurd to you; when you have thought it over you will see that you cannot do otherwise."
"What, do you mean that I must deliver Mr. Halliburtt?"
"Just so, you can demand his release of General Beauregard, who will not refuse you."
