"He can certainly cause their arrest, and make a great deal of trouble; but it will amount to nothing in the end, unless the law is such that he can extradite them, and send them into Morocco, as he threatens to do. I don't intend to permit him to do anything of the sort," replied the commander so quietly that Louis was satisfied he knew what he was about.
By this time it was quite dark, and the Pacha's boat disappeared in the gloom. Mr. Boulong was called, and directed to have the bunkers of the Maud filled with coal as soon as possible. Two men were stationed on the little steamer as an anchor watch, with orders to allow no person to come on board of her. John Donald was called up from the forecastle, and directed to the cabin, which Knott had been ordered to light.
Donald presented himself before the commander, and he looked like another person. He was clean, and the clothes of Louis fitted him perfectly. He had the appearance of an intelligent person, as the captain had before regarded him.
"Do you speak Spanish, Donald?" asked the commander.
"I do, sir; for I have been the fourth engineer of a Spanish steamer where I was obliged to use it; but I studied it at home with my father, who talked in four languages besides his own," replied the oiler. "I can speak Arabic, for I expected to get a position on an Egyptian steamer."
"Very good. Are you satisfied with the quarters where you dressed yourself?"
"Perfectly, sir."
"Are you ready to go to work at once?"
"Quite ready, sir."
The same wages that Felipe was to receive was offered to him, and he was satisfied with the pay. Louis wondered what the commander was driving at, and what he wanted of another oiler, for he had already shipped one for the Guardian-Mother to take the place of the young Spaniard.