“But how did you escape?” demanded the captain.
“That would be telling,” was the reply, and the young man smiled tantalizingly. “However, it will do no harm to say that I have good friends in Colon.”
“Well, I’ll guarantee you won’t do any more harm aboard my ship,” declared the captain angrily.
He turned to his first officer. “Have him put in irons!”
“Very good, sir,” replied the first officer, and advanced toward the prisoner.
“One moment,” said the latter drawing himself up. “I did not come here with any ill motive,” still addressing the captain, “and I desire to give my parole.”
“And what good is your parole?” demanded Captain Anderson.
“One gentleman is always ready to accept the word of another gentleman,” said Von Blusen slowly. “I give my word to make no attempt to escape.”
The captain hesitated, then waved an arm expressively.