Part 23 (1/2)

”About three dollars, sir, if you don't think that is too much,”

answered the boatman.

”That is very reasonable for the time you have been out; and there is a sovereign,” added the pa.s.senger, as he handed him the gold coin.

”I don't think I can change this piece, sir.”

”You need not change it; keep the whole of it.”

”Oh, thank you, sir! You are very generous, and I thank you with all my heart. I don't often earn that much money in a whole day.”

”All right, David; I am satisfied if you are.”

”I am more than satisfied, sir. But where shall I land you?”

”I don't know the names of all the streets, but go to the eastward of the public wharf.”

”I can land you at the foot of Union Street.”

”How will I get to the Royal Victoria Hotel?”

The boatman directed him so that he could find his destination. He was somewhat afraid that Percy Pierson might be on the lookout for the Dinah; but by this time it was so dark that he could hardly make her out. David landed him at the place indicated, and he followed the directions given him, which brought him to the east end of the hotel.

It was too early to meet Mr. Gilfleur, and he found the guests were at dinner. He had eaten nothing since the lunch on board of the Eleuthera; and, after he had looked in the faces of all the men at the table, he took his place with them, and did full justice to the fare set before him.

He did not venture to remain in the hotel. He desired to see the detective, for he had decided not to remain another day in Na.s.sau. As long as Percy Pierson was in the town, it was not a safe place for him.

He had decided to make his way across the island to the nook where the Eleuthera was concealed, and remain on board of her until the detective returned. But he desired to see him, and report his intention to him, so that he need not be concerned about him.

[Ill.u.s.tration: ”Two men sprang upon him.” Page 233.]

Christy was entirely satisfied that he had correctly interpreted the purpose of Percy to betray him into the hands of Captain f.l.a.n.g.er. As he was not on the public wharf at half-past four, doubtless he had been on the lookout for him. He knew David, and his first step would be to find him. The boatman would be likely to tell him that his fellow-pa.s.senger in the Dinah had gone to the hotel. He visited the place arranged for his meeting with Mr. Gilfleur; but it was in advance of the time, and he was not there. He walked about the hotel grounds, careful to avoid every person who came in his way.

In the darkness he saw a man approaching him, and he turned about, walking away in the opposite direction. But presently this person moved off towards the hotel, and he started again for the rendezvous with the detective. He had gone but a short distance before two men sprang upon him, one of them taking him in the rear, and hugging him so that he could not move his arms. He began a mighty struggle; but two more men came out of their hiding-place, and a pair of handcuffs were slipped upon his wrists.

Then he attempted to call for a.s.sistance, but a handkerchief was promptly stuffed into his mouth, and the ruffians hurried him out through a narrow gateway to an unfrequented street, where a carriage appeared to be in waiting for them.

”Drive to the beach back of Fort Montague,” said one of them.

It was the voice of Captain f.l.a.n.g.er.

CHAPTER XXI

A QUESTION OF NEUTRALITY

Even before he heard the voice of his savage enemy, Christy Pa.s.sford realized that he had fallen into the hands of the commander of the Snapper. He was placed on the back seat of the carriage, with a pair of handcuffs on his wrists, and a handkerchief in his mouth to do duty as a gag. Captain f.l.a.n.g.er was at his side, with two other men on the front seat, and one on the box with the driver. Against these four men he was powerless to make any resistance while he was in irons.

The carriage was drawn by two horses, and was considerably larger than the ordinary victoria used in the town. It was quite dark, and though the streets were flanked with many houses, hardly a person appeared to be stirring at this hour. But a vehicle loaded down with the rough visitors of the place could not be an unusual sight, for they were the kind of people who were disposed to make the night hideous, as well as the day.

Christy had struggled with all his might to shake off the ruffians who beset him, and two more had come out from their concealment when he thought he was making some progress in freeing himself from their grasp.