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"I appeal to you, Major Querto," said Le Gallais, roused from his temporary pause, and turning to the major, whom indeed he had brought to the place, and for whose refreshment he was providing. "Appeal me no appeals," said the Major, with a truculent look. "No man shall appeal to Dick Querto till he is purged of such epitaphs." Confusion reigned.
Turning about he beheld the grim face and gaunt form of Major Querto, by no means softened by prison fare and restraint. "I cannot say much in praise of your island, Captain," growled the veteran, "either as regards hospitality or diversion.
"Or, stay" as he caught a look from Querto, in which agony and reproach were mingled "If he prefers it, carry him on board the first ship bound for France. I will answer for his passage money. Handle him as he deserves." To hear was to obey with the angry islanders. Hustled and disarmed, bonnetted and bound with handkerchiefs, Querto was borne off, howling and cursing.
"I am a rough soldier," he muttered, in English, "and little used to address such an august assembly as I see here; least of all in a foreign language." "English, English," cried a dozen voices. But Querto was silent, and looked at the Governor with a scared and anxious gaze. "Since our guest is so modest," resumed Carteret, "it is necessary that I should speak for him. The question is simple.
But, further, take order that there be no more duelling. And now, as touching another of your prisoners, Major Querto?" "The major was arrested among those present at the duel, in which it hath been shown that he was not a participator," said Sir George; "but letters have been found in his possession which hinder his release without further inquiry."
Le Gallais looked about him for a friendly face, and presently saw sympathy on that of a fellow-countryman and brother officer. "Captain Bisson," he said, "you will speak to Mr. Elliot's friend." Elliot flung out of the house, followed by Querto and two or three Royalist officers, Le Gallais, and Bisson in the rear.
A tall swash-buckler, with a red nose and a black patch over his eye, was with him, also seated and conversing with familiar earnestness, as the governor entered. "How now?" asked the King, with some show of energy; "To what are we indebted for the honour of this sudden visit? Were you not told, Sir George, that we were giving private audience to Major Querto?"
There is another from Bulstrode Whitelock, in which the matter assumes a different and a more heinous aspect. According to that paper, Querto had been to London, and there undertaken, on the receipt of two thousand pounds, to aid in the betrayal, not merely of Scilly, but of Jersey.
Striding up to the hearth, and standing with his back to it, the cavalier broke into a forced laugh. "Strange company you keep, gentlemen. I spy one among you whom you had better put forth without delay." "Whom mean you?" asked the patch-wearing Querto. "'May I not take mine ease in mine inn? as the fat fellow says in the play. May not a plain soldier choose his own company?"
"There is no spy here but himself," answered Le Gallais. Do you not know who he is, Maître Le Gros? This is Major Querto, who came here about selling Jersey to the French. "What are you saying in your whoreson lingo?" cried the major. "Let us in." "He wishes to do some mischief here," pursued Le Gallais. "Perhaps to rob the ladies. Will you see Michael Lempriere's wife plundered?"
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