“I think it will be an easy task,” answered Diego; “for I have already begun to learn some words, and I can say more than you would believe, considering I have studied but three days.”
“That is well—that is as it should be. Keep your counsel, Diego, and say nothing of what you are doing to any soul.”
“Juan already knows I am studying. But, cousin, I hear that the admiral intends to set sail as soon as the boats return from coasting the island; and if that be so I shall not have time to learn much.”
“That will not matter; for we shall carry away a few of the men to learn to act as interpreters. The admiral has so informed us. That is, if the men will go, and I do not doubt they will.”
“May I know with what especial object I am to study?” asked Diego, whose curiosity was roused, as much by the sullen manner of his cousin as by anything else.
“No, you may not,” answered Martin Alonzo, curtly. Then, as Diego turned abashed, he asked, “Do the men understand why they may not traffic for gold?”
“Yes.”
“And do they know how the gold was taken from you and Juan?”
“Ay, they do, and have been angry because of it, grumbling greatly that you promised them as much gold as they could carry. However,” and Diego laughed, “it has not made a great deal of difference; for it would seem as if Juan and I had stripped the island of its gold.”
“It is true that not much more has been found; but, Diego, there must be more where that came from, and I wish you to learn as soon as you can where it did come from. That is a part of your task. And be secret.”