“What a ready rascal,” cried Ethan, forced to admiration of the man’s wit. Then turning to the Lascar he continued:
“You are sure he had the dispatch?”
“I am. He took it from me at Nantes as I was about to leave the country some time ago.”
“Did he send you to the Earl of Selkirk?”
“He did. He promised me a share if the earl would buy the papers for the crown.”
“Why did he not deal with the English government himself?”
“The war has made him afraid. He wanted a go-between. But when I returned I found that he was playing me false. He is to take ship at Brest and meet Danvers at Plymouth with the dispatch. Fochard is to get the ten thousand pounds, and Danvers is to get all the credit.”
“It would seem,” said Captain Jones, “that this man has but one object in view—and that is his own profit. He keeps faith with no one.”
“No,” cried the Lascar, clinching his fist and setting his strong white teeth, “he plays false with all—with you, with Danvers—with me. But I will be revenged! If you start in pursuit at once you will overtake him on the way to Brest or on the sea; and the dispatch will be your own once more.”
They talked for some little time, then the three went into another room and consulted.