Part 20 (2/2)
”I came out on a cruiser as a Naval Reservist, and was afterwards transferred to the gunboat,” answered the fellow.
”When did you leave England?”
”A day or two before war was declared.”
”You were recalled by the German Government?”
”Yes.”
”H'm; and how was your master when you left?”
”He died about three months before I went,” answered the man.
”Died!”
”Yes, sir, he fell from his horse while hunting.”
Calamity was silent for some moments, and then he turned once more to the German.
”Did he ever mention my name in your presence?”
”Not often, but he was always trying to find out if you were dead.”
A grim smile stole over the Captain's face at this. Somehow it seemed to amuse him.
”But, so far as you know, he was never able to find out for certain?”
”I don't think so, but everyone thought you were dead, except Mr.
Vayne.”
”Yes, Vayne was the only friend I had,” muttered the Captain. He turned sharply to the prisoner. ”Did my brother pay you well for a.s.sisting him in his rascality?”
”I--I don't understand,” faltered the German nervously.
”Nevertheless, I should advise you to try,” answered Calamity quietly, ”it may save you considerable discomfort. Now, answer my question.”
”He paid me well enough while I was in his service,” growled the man reluctantly; ”but, as for rascality----”
”I'm referring to the forged cheque,” broke in the Captain.
The prisoner started and shot a keen glance at him.
”Forged cheque?” he repeated as if puzzled.
”I am perfectly aware of the part you played in that little affair, so don't risk your neck by trying to prevaricate. As it is, I'm half inclined to hang you here and now, but you shall a.s.suredly swing, my lad, if you utter a single lie.”
The ex-valet turned deathly pale, for he realised that the threat was no empty one. He s.h.i.+fted uneasily from one foot to another, glanced furtively round the cabin as if considering the possibilities of escape, and finally let his gaze rest on the Captain.
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