Whether he was only fostering a delusion, or accepting a commission that would enrich him, Gladsden nodded assent.
"But, swear!"
"I give you my word, as an English gentleman," said he, obstinately.
"I am content."
"And what is there stowed there away?" with a smile of his former discredit, "Copper bolts?"
"Pearls! The choicest from Carmen Island to Acapulco."
"Well, that sounds natural enough. The next thing is, where shall I find your brother Ignacio and the rest of the family, Master Pepillo Santamaria?"
Poignant anguish rendered the other unconscious of external matter for a period; he clutched his head with both hands as if to prevent the bones flying asunder, then recovering his senses, as the paroxysm quitted him, he said:
"You have not far to go for my brother. As for the dear ones, they are at the old town of Guaymas. My brother is here—"
"Here! The devil!" looking round and falling on guard.