Part 56 (1/2)

”I'll search every s.h.i.+p in the harbour,” he said pa.s.sionately.

”Do,” I said. ”Bring your _Lugarenos_ to the task.”

Upon the whole, I wasn't much afraid. Unless he got definite evidence he couldn't--in the face of the consul's protests, and the presence of the admiral--touch the _Lion_ again. He fixed his eyes intently upon me.

”You came in the American brigantine,” he said. ”It's known you landed in her boat.”

I didn't answer him; it was plain enough that the _drogher's_ arrival had either not been reported to him, or it had been searched in vain.

”In her boat,” he repeated. ”I tell you I know she is not dead; even you, an Englishman, must have a different face if she were.”

”I don't at least ask you for life,” I said, ”to enjoy with her.”

”She's alive,” he said. ”Alive! As for where, it matters little. I'll search every inch of the island, every road, every _hacienda_. You don't realize my power.”

”Then search the bottom of the sea,” I shouted.

”Let's look at the matter in the right light.”

He had mastered his grief, his incert.i.tude. He was himself again, and the smile had returned--as if at the moment he forced his features to their natural lines.

”Send one of your friars to heaven--you'll never go there yourself to meet her.”

”If you will tell me she's alive, I'll save you.”

I made a mute, obstinate gesture.

”If she's alive, and you don't tell me, I can't but find her. And I'll make you know the agonies of suspense--a long way from here.”

I was silent.

”If she's dead, and you'll tell me, I'll save you some trouble. If she's dead and you don't, you'll have your own remorse and the rest, too.”

I said, ”You're too Irish mysterious for me to understand. But you've a choice of four evils for me--choose yourself.”

He continued with a quivering, taut good-humour: ”Prove to me she's dead, and I'll let you die sharply and mercifully.”

”You won't believe!” I said; but he took no notice.

”I tell you plainly,” he smiled. ”If we find... if we find her dear body--and I can't help; but I've men on the watch all along the sh.o.r.es--I'll give you up to your admiral for a pirate. You'll have a long slow agony of a trial; I know what English justice is. And a disgraceful felon's death.”

I was thinking that, in any case, a day or so might be gained, the _Lion_ would be gone; they could not touch her while the flags.h.i.+p remained outside. I certainly didn't want to be given up to the admiral; I might explain the mistaken ident.i.ty. But there was the charge of treason in Jamaica. I said:

”I only ask to be given up; but you daren't do it for your own credit. I can show you up.”

He said, ”Make no mistake! If he gets you, he'll hang you. He's going home in disgrace. Your whole blundering Government will work to hang you.”

”They know pretty well,” I answered, ”that there are queer doings in Havana. I promise you, I'll clear things up. I know too much....”