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Updated: May 25, 2025
"Ay!" came back Estada's voice, swept aside by the wind, yet still audible. "Stand by to fend us off. Call all hands, and break anchor as soon as we are aboard." "Very well, sir. Where is Captain Sanchez?" Estada pointed downward in swift, expressive gesture. "Here at my feet badly hurt, but will recover. Send two men down to help when we make fast.
"Joe Gates, sir." "Gates another damned Englishman! How did you ever get aboard here?" It was the returning LeVere who made explanation before I could reply. "Manuel brought him on board last night. Picked him up drunk ashore." Estada's ugly eyes roved from face to face, as though he failed to fully comprehend. "Well, does he imagine he is going to be a passenger?
As I touched his hand, at Estada's brief introduction, it was as if I fingered a snake, and expected to be greeted with a kiss. Gunsaules hovered about an open door leading forward, and the table had been set for four. As I knew LeVere had eaten alone, before coming to my relief, the only conclusion was that the Portuguese intended that we be joined by the prisoner.
The expression of Estada's face promised an outburst of profanity, but, instead of giving it utterance, he lifted his cap in a sudden pretense at gallantry. "Your pardon, Senorita," he said in a tone of humble mockery. "If you have come to your senses at last, it is well. No one can be happier than I. Leave her alone, men.
It was a relief to get outside, even into that dismal cabin, beyond view of Estada's dead face. The vessel rolled considerably, and LeVere, who had evidently lost his nerve, sank into a chair as though no strength remained in him. "You fear an uprising, a mutiny?" I questioned, "when this is reported?" "What will prevent?" he asked.
Those keen searching eyes of Estada's would note every movement, observe every fleeting expression. He had no present doubt of me, only the caution natural to one leading his life of danger. He believed my story, and nothing thus far had arisen to bring him the slightest doubt.
He has not supposed we would discover the murder so quickly, for he knew nothing of Estada's request that he be called at daylight is this true?" "Si, Senor; it was his last order when he went below." "Good; then we must organize before he can act. We have that one chance left. Whatever his men may know of what has occurred they will make no move until they get his orders.
LeVere rather held back, not noticeably so, perhaps, yet enough to give me the lead, and, with one swift glance about, I led the way directly to Estada's stateroom. Something sinister had occurred during the dark hours of the night. Of that I was convinced, and I believed we were now about to lift the veil hiding the tragedy.
The women! Dorothy! What would become of her? Into whose hands would she fall in that foul division of spoils? Estada's? Good God yes! And I, afloat and helpless in this boat, what could I do? All was black, hopeless; with head buried in my hands I sat on a thwart, dazed and stupefied, seemingly even unable to think clearly.
There was no one in the main cabin, although a cat lay asleep on one of the chairs, and after a moment's hesitancy, I followed the beckoning steward, who rapped with his knuckles on one of the side doors. Estada's voice answered. "Who is it?" "Gunsaules, Senor; I have with me the sailor." "Open the door, and let him in; I would see him here. Come inside, Gates."
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