"There may be an extradition treaty between the two countries," replied Uncle Moses. "But I don't think Filopena is in any great danger of being arrested. Don't be afraid, my boy," he added to the engineer.
"It is all right, Felipe; the Pacha can have no idea of what has become of you," said Louis, as he led the way down the steps and on board of the Salihé. "You are here on time, Mr. Chickworth."
"Which I am halways on time, sir," replied the owner of the craft.
"This man owns the Salihé now," added Louis, turning to Felipe, who closely followed him.
"Lo he comprado" (I have bought her), said the skipper, seeing that the engineer was a Spaniard. "She is mine now."
But he had no idea that the person he addressed was the one who had run away from the home of the Pacha with the steamer; and Louis did not deem it wise to enlighten him in this particular.
"Esta aqui el Pacha?" (Is the Pacha here?) asked Felipe of the skipper.
"No esta aqui" (He is not here), replied Chickworth. "Now, Mr. Belgrave, I suppose you are in no 'urry, and per'aps you would not mind setting me and my hengineer on shore by the Ragged Staff," he continued, turning to Louis.
"In no hurry at all, and we had as lief go to the Ragged Staff, whatever that may be, as anywhere else. Run for the shore at any place you please. By the way, Mr. Chairman, where shall we leave the Salihé when we return?"
"Just make 'er fast by the gangway of your ship, and I will come on board to-morrow morning," replied the skipper, as he rang the bell to go ahead.