The frankness and generosity of his nature were again gaining ground upon his temper.
“I should not like to have anything to do with the death of this fellow, after all. It is a pity that his bravery is thrown away among those rascally devils,” he whispered to his son. Then, addressing the two men who guarded Appadocca, “take the prisoner away. See that canvass be put on the ship, and steer for the Island of Trinidad, Mr. Charles.”
“If you will allow me the liberty, my lord,” said Appadocca, as the marines were about to lead him away, “I would tell your lordship that you need be under no apprehension on account of your officer: we are not in the habit of using violence, or of ill-treating our captives when there is no occasion for doing so.”
“Hum!” groaned the commander somewhat incredulously.
“And, if you allow me, my lord, I shall request my officer to be especially careful of putting any restraint whatever upon your midshipman,” continued Appadocca.
“What the devil do you mean, sir?” briskly inquired the commander, “do you wish to insult me?”
“By no means, my lord,” answered Appadocca.
“And how do you tell me, then,” continued the commander, “that you will ‘request your officer,’ when there is no officer to be requested?”
“Although there is no officer to be seen, my lord,” answered Appadocca, “still I can request him: all things can be done by a variety of ways, my lord.”
“How am I to understand you, sir?” inquired the commander.