“What is it the carpenter says?”
“He says there is plain evidence that the rudder was tampered with before ever the ship left port, and that it is a wonder it did not give out ere this.”
Martin Alonzo knit his brow.
“That should have been discovered before we sailed. It was gross negligence that it was not,” he said.
“So that you do not hold me accountable,” said Francisco Martin, with an angry flush, “I will agree with you.”
“I could not watch everything,” said Martin Alonzo, a little doggedly. “But it is idle to cross words on that. The rudder, it is like, was tampered with before we left port; but it is certain that a knife was used last night to cut the gear; for the cut was a fresh one. Boy, will you tell me what you know of this matter?”
It is probable that Garcia Fernandez, who was at once a shrewd and a kindly man, saw a look of obstinacy gathering on Diego’s face. Certainly the boy resented the tone and manner of his cousin, and was ready to put the harshest construction on his words. The steward said hastily, before Diego could give word to the answer that sprang to his lips:
“Your pardon, Martin Alonzo, but may I have a word with the boy before he speaks in answer?”
“Let it be brief,” was the gruff assent.