"No, as you put it, it is simplicity itself," I replied; "but what about the officers and men of the yacht? How will you prevent them from talking? And, what is more, will they assist in the scheme?"
"They will be most carefully chosen for the work," the other replied. "You need have no fear that they will give trouble. Now what do you say?"
"I do not know what answer to make. Supposing I am caught? What would happen then?"
"You will stand a very good chance of being shot offhand," he answered; "but that, of course, is your own risk. It will depend entirely upon how you go to work."
"It would be running a terrible risk," I answered. "I have the girl I am going to marry to think of."
"If you succeed, you will be able to marry her on your return to England," he replied. "Surely that counts for something."
"It counts for everything," I replied. "That's the temptation; if it were not for that, I'd have nothing to do with it. I must have time, however, to consider the matter."
"By all means," he answered, "but don't be any longer than you can help. As I said a few minutes ago, if you don't care about undertaking it, I must find some one else. Time presses."
"In case I do take it on, when will it be necessary for me to start?" I asked.
"The sooner the better," he replied. "If you can see your way to doing so, I should like you to leave by next week's mail boat for Barbadoes, where the yacht will meet you."