“I don’t want much,” said the man. “This accusation of yours must not be left half made and half unmade. What was done for the blood-money must be thoroughly undone.”

“Well; but Shipmate⁠—”

“Don’t call me Shipmate,” said the man.

“Captain, then,” urged Mr. Riderhood; “there! You won’t object to Captain. It’s a honourable title, and you fully look it. Captain! Ain’t the man dead? Now I ask you fair. Ain’t Gaffer dead?”

“Well,” returned the other, with impatience, “yes, he is dead. What then?”

“Can words hurt a dead man, Captain? I only ask you fair.”

“They can hurt the memory of a dead man, and they can hurt his living children. How many children had this man?”