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Updated: May 20, 2025
Not so much as a speck rewarded my efforts, and I descended the ratlines, shouting to the boatswain to call the port watch. Watkins came aft to the wheel, and I sent the fellow thus relieved down into the cabin to rout out LeVere. The two returned to deck together, the negro glancing about curiously without mounting the ladder. "You call Senor Estada yet?" he questioned.
"To join us at meal," he answered unmoved. "It is better than to remain alone." "Better! You must have a strange opinion of me to believe I would sit with murderers and thieves." "Harsh words, Senorita," and Estada grinned grimly. "Yet I expected them. There are many trades in the world by which men are robbed. We only work at the one we like best; nor will I discuss that with you.
"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.
Frightened, and helpless as she was, yet her very posture seemed to express the detestation she felt for the man. But Estada, apparently pleased with his performance thus far, chose to continue playing the fool. "Thanks, Senorita thanks," he began softly, and again bowing before her, cap in hand. "We greet you with due honor aboard the Namur "
He stared at me across the narrow space separating our bunks, the shadows from the swinging lantern giving his features a strange expression. "A woman! Hell, lad; not the one brought aboard last night?" "Exactly; now listen I'm going to tell you my story, and ask your help. Do you know what Estada went after in the long-boat?" "Well, there's been plenty o' talk.
There was a savage growl of response, a sudden leaning forward of dark figures. "I thought it would. We'll begin on a job tonight. There are fifty thousand pounds for us in that house yonder, and I waive my share. Estada will explain to you the work I want done; see that you do it quietly and well. By daylight we shall be on blue water, with our course set for Porto Grande.
"Oh, it's you! Well, what is it, Gunsaules?" "Senor Estada, sir; he wishes to see a sailor named Gates in the cabin." "Who? Gates? Oh, yes, the new man." He swept his eyes about, until he saw me. "Gates is your name, isn't it?" "Yes, sir." "Follow the steward below; Senor Estada wishes to see you go just as you are." "Very good, sir is this the steward?"
The two must have hung in silence over the rail staring down. I dared not advance my head to look, nor even move a muscle of my body in the water, but both were still standing there when Estada finally gave utterance to an oath. "How know you it was the man?" "Who else could it have been? You have the others."
Besides, these were not men to be easily frightened at sight of a dead body, even that of their own captain. They might hesitate, discuss, but they would never flee in panic. Surely not with that ruffian Estada yet alive to lead them, and the knowledge that fifty thousand pounds was yonder in that unguarded house, with no one to protect the treasure but two old men asleep, and the women.
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