“Miss Ashton! Miss Willing!” he exclaimed. “What are you doing here?”
“We are prisoners,” replied Shirley bitterly.
“Why?” demanded the captain.
“Held for ransom,” replied Shirley.
“A good idea,” he said turning to the others. “An excellent manner in which to raise money, providing you are not caught.”
“I was not aware that you were acquainted with these young ladies,” said Mrs. Sebastian.
“Oh, yes indeed! I know them well,” was the reply. “In fact I have a little score to settle with them myself. One of our best laid plans was foiled because of them.”
“So?” queried Martinez. “Will you explain, captain?”
“With pleasure.”