The light of a torch flickered. 'Yes. Yes, what is it?' Dave Tanner's voice sounded agitated as he suddenly appeared in the gallery.
'Oh, there you are. Have you got a gun?'
'Indeed I have, Captain. I always — "
'Then keep an eye on your chum, Pryce. You're not to leave him — understand? If he tries to get away use your gun. I hold you responsible for him.' He turned to me. 'Don't take this amiss, Pryce. I don't mean you any harm, but I'm taking no chances. A couple of days and you'll be through. Then you can go.'
His action had taken me so completely by surprise that I said nothing for a moment. Dave had reached us now. The whites of his eyes showed in his swarthy face. 'What is the trouble, Captain?' he asked.
'There's no trouble,' Manack replied sharply. 'Just see that he's here in the morning, that's all.' His voice dropped. 'If he's not — well, you won't get your passage to Italy.'
The menace in his voice brought sudden suspicion to my mind. 'When I've done this job for you,' I said, 'what guarantee have I that you'll let me go then?'
'My word,' he answered. 'I've never gone back on my word, Pryce. You'll sail on the Arisaig Monday night if the Mermaid's opened up by then.'
'And get murdered by that swine Mulligan,' I said.
His face darkened and he caught hold of my arm. 'I told you I never went back on my word, didn't I? He'll have instructions to land you at Naples.'