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I suppose I ought to be grateful for your thoughtfulness but can't say I am. I wanted the money because I had a run of wretched luck." "At the casino?" "No," said Jake, shortly. "Then you were at Kenwardine's; I'll own that's what I wanted to prevent. He's a dangerous man and his house is no place for you." "One would hardly expect you to speak against him.
The vessel would soon be in port, and Kenwardine's fate must be decided before they went ashore; but the man looked very cool as he leaned back in his chair, languidly waiting. "Why didn't you tell me this earlier?" Dick asked sternly. "I should have thought my object was plain enough," Kenwardine replied. "I didn't want Clare to marry a badly paid engineer.
In another few minutes Kenwardine's last chance of escape would be gone, because a British ship is British territory, and her captain can enforce his country's laws. Jake threw away his cigarette and took out another when the whistle blew and the windlass began to clank.
Though he had been half-prepared for Clare's refusal, it had hit him hard, and he could find no means of exposing Kenwardine's plots without involving her in his ruin. It would be a relief to get away, but he might be needed at Santa Brigida. Bethune began to talk about the alterations a contractor wished to make, and by and by there was a patter of feet and a hum of voices in the dark.
Point by point he recalled his visit to Kenwardine's house, trying to find something that could be urged in the girl's defense and when he failed seeking excuses for her; but her guilt was obvious. He hated to own it, but the proof was overwhelming. She knew the power of her beauty and had treated him as a confiding fool.
He began a concise account of the discoveries he had made; showing Kenwardine's association with the German, Richter, and giving particulars about the purchase of the Adexe coaling wharf. Jake leaned forward with his elbows on the table, listening eagerly, while Dick sat motionless.
He did not improve with the sea air, as Jake had hoped, and for the most part avoided the few passengers and sat alone in the darkest corner he could find. Now and then he moodily read Kenwardine's letters. He had at first expected much from them.
"You can take ours up," said Don Sebastian, who indicated Kenwardine. "Leave this gentleman's for the present." Kenwardine did not object, but Jake, who was watching him, thought he saw, for the first time, a hint of uneasiness in his look. Then Don Sebastian got up. "I must think over Señor Kenwardine's suggestion, and you may want to talk to him," he said, and went out.
Richter hesitated, and then said deprecatingly: "I cannot be as frank as I wish. Herr Kenwardine's work was most important, but he failed in it. I know this was not his fault and would trust him again, but there are others, of higher rank, who may take a different view. Besides, it will be remembered that he is an Englishman.
The doctor seems to think you might go by the next boat if we take care of you. But I'd better give you Kenwardine's letters. We took them out of your pocket the night you got hurt, and I've been wondering why you haven't asked for them." "Thanks," Dick answered dully. "I don't know that I'll use them now. I'll be glad to get back and dare say I can do my work with one eye."
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