"Not yet," Michael answered. "Go back on deck, but do not go far, as I shall probably want you soon."
"Very good," said the master, and disappeared.
"Are you now edified, Major?" Michael asked, turning carelessly to the horrified governor; "And are you not beginning to understand that I, poor chap as I am, compared with you, have you, temporarily, at any rate, completely in my power?"
"I allow it," the Major stammered, in a faint and choking voice.
"In that case, I believe we shall come to an understanding."
"Come to the facts, sir, without further circumlocution."
"Good!" Michael exclaimed, coarsely; "That's how I like to see you. In the first place, hand me the diamond which your accomplice gave you in the ruins."
"Then you mean robbery. I had hoped better things of you," the Major answered, disdainfully.
"Call it what you like, Major," the sailor said imperturbably; "the name does not alter the thing—give me the diamond."
"No," the Major answered coldly, "the diamond is my fortune, and you shall only have it with my life."