Wolves of the Sea eBook

This eBook from the Gutenberg Project consists of approximately 350 pages of information about Wolves of the Sea.

Wolves of the Sea eBook

This eBook from the Gutenberg Project consists of approximately 350 pages of information about Wolves of the Sea.

“Perhaps not—–­the other may be the greater beast.”

“I know he is; the proof is in those horrid eyes.  What is the man?  Of what race?”

“Portuguese, I am told, but likely a half-breed.”

“Ugh! it makes me shudder to even look at him; and yet you would have me appear friendly?”

“We cannot permit him to feel that either of us are enemies.  He is the power aboard; our lives, everything are in his hands.  If he means to be rid of Sanchez, the man is doomed, for he will find a way to accomplish his purpose at whatever cost; murder means nothing to these men.”

“Of course you are right,” she acknowledged.  “Our case is so desperate we must resort to any weapons.  You believe it will serve the possibility of escape if I permit this monster to imagine that I have some interest in him?”

“To do so might delay the explosion,” I replied gravely, “and just now any delay is welcome.  I know how such an effort will try you, but the end may be well worth the sacrifice.  I doubt if even Estada will resort to force on board; indeed force will be the very last card he will care to play in your case.  He is a brute, and capable of any crime, yet at heart a coward.  There is reason why he will fear to assault you.  You are English and all the practical seamen on board are from northern Europe—­English and Scandinavian.  These men are not pirates from choice—­they are prisoners who have taken on to save their own lives.  With his bullies and cut-throats amidships he can compel them to work, but he dare not go too far.  Once these fellows unite in mutiny they could take the ship.  An assault on you would be dangerous.”

“It is these men you count on?”

“Yes; but for me to gain their confidence and leadership will require time.  I must reach them all secretly and alone.  Not more than half are in my watch, and Watkins must approach the others.  A plan for concerted action will have to be arranged, and every precaution taken.  The slightest slip would mean failure, and merciless punishment.  Even if I succeed in gathering together all these better elements on board, we shall yet be outnumbered two to one, perhaps more, and our only hope rests in surprise.  At best the situation is absolutely desperate—­but I see no other solution.”

“And my service is deceit—­the acting of a part to blind the eyes of Estada?”

“I sincerely believe your greater chance of security lies in this course.  The fellow is a supreme egotist; opposition will anger him, while flattery will make him subservient.  You have the wit and discretion to hold him within certain limits.  It is a dangerous game, I admit, and a disagreeable one, but the case requires desperate remedies.”

She lifted her eyes, searching my face through the dim light.

“Geoffry Carlyle,” she said, at last, a tremor in the low voice, “there is no sacrifice I would not make to preserve my honor.  I hate this man; I dread his touch; I shrink from contact with him, as I would from a snake, but I am not going to refuse to do my part.  If you say this is right, and justified, I will consent.”

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Wolves of the Sea from Project Gutenberg. Public domain.