From this cabin came the murmur of voices which had first greeted his ears.
The British commander of the ship was holding a conference with the two Chinese captains of the warships lying close alongside.
As Oscar took a step forward, a negro suddenly appeared, from another stateroom.
"Hi, you——" began the negro, when Oscar caught him by the throat.
"Silence! if you value your life!" muttered the young captain of the new Holland. "Say another word and I will kill you!"
The negro was powerful, and instead of keeping silent he tried to throw Oscar off. Both went down to the floor and the negro strove to cry out.
It was a fatal move.
Down came the keen knife, straight into the negro's body, and he lay still where he had fallen.
Oscar withdrew the bloody blade with a shudder.
He hated to take human life thus, but it had been rendered absolutely necessary.