If I yielded, if I exhibited a
willingness to fit into his plans, well and good. But if I decided
otherwise the jaws of the trap would close. I did not care so much for
myself--it would be a pleasure to defy him--but the memory of the girl
was vivid. What would happen to her, alone on this lawless ship,
surrounded by the gang of wolves with which it was manned? The thought
sickened me. Even already I had imagined a gleam of lust in the eyes
of the fellow when he glanced covertly at her, and distrusted him as I
would a snake. And he was owner and captain, his word on board the
supreme law, even unto death. There was nothing left me but to agree
to his proposition, and thus purchase freedom. Yet I must not appear
too eager.
"I perceive your point," I said at last, facing him. "But what is
there in it for me?"
"A good round sum," he replied. "More than you ever made before, I
warrant, not excepting the promises made you in this Henley will case.
We 'll talk the details over later."
"Who is responsible for my pay?"
"See here, Craig, the case stands like this. The revolutionists down
there asked me to find them a competent drill-master, and they will pay
royally. They 've got the money, too, scads of it. There will be no
trouble on that score.
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