"To the best of my knowledge, they are not at this present," my great-uncle answered blandly.
"Then to what cause must we attribute this—this—ah—unwarrantable attack?" demanded O'Donnell.
"I am afraid," replied my great-uncle almost with sorrow, "that I am unable to satisfy your curiosity upon that point."
The Spaniard burst into a declaration of passionate intensity, which Murray interrupted.
"I am so fortunate as to comprehend the noble Spanish tongue," he said. "Would you be so kind, Colonel O'Donnell, as to acquaint your friend with the fact, and to assure him that I regret he must accept the situation as it stands? I am desirous of sparing the lives of those of his people who survive, but at a pinch I will slay them all to compass my intention."
"And what is that?" asked O'Donnell.
"To relieve Don Ascanio of the consignment of treasure he carries," answered my great-uncle. "When it is aboard my ship he shall be at liberty to continue his voyage."
O'Donnell proceeded haltingly to translate this statement. He never finished it. The Spaniard launched a fresh torrent of curses, broke his sword across his knee and tossed the pieces overside. My great-uncle nodded sympathetically.
"'Tis an unpleasant plight, I know," he said. "Had Don Ascanio not discarded his sword I should have been delighted to yield him an opportunity for such satisfaction as one gentleman may give another.
"However—I must stipulate further, Colonel O'Donnell, that the crew of the Santissima Trinidad shall be placed in confinement for so long as suits my purpose. Any resistance must cause additional bloodshed, which, I am sure, you will agree is unnecessary."