“He says it’s instanta.”
“What kind of a boy?”
“A Frenchy.”
“Achille!” And Chester, thoroughly awake, springing up from his bunk, orders: “Send him down at once!”
It is Achille with a note from Oliver.
“You’re Captain Andrea Blanco?” asks the messenger.
“Yes.”
“Then you’re to read this at once,” says the boy, handing his missive, which bears evidence of being written in great haste and agitation.
It has no address, but is in Oliver’s hand, and reads:
“Fly! Fly quickly—for God’s sake—for your life, and if possible save the boy who brings this. He has been my servant—they’ll torture him for evidence. The hand is descending upon me. I have only time to say God bless you. Good bye.”