“I shall have him locked up on board of the American Prince. I see he has made friends here.”
At the consul’s, the requisite arrangements were made for the arrest of Gregory, and a couple of officers were sent for that purpose. It was necessary for the principal to go with them to identify the fugitive. The party walked into the room where the merry party were still drinking.
“I think I shall be compelled to break up your party, Gregory,” said the principal in his mild way.
The mutineer sprang to his feet as though a cannon had been discharged under his ear. Of course he had not expected the American Prince to return to the island, or even the Ville d’Angers. It was no use to contend against the principal and the policemen, though Sir Philip Grayner was inclined to resist.
“Mr. Lowington, I tried to do my duty on board of the steamer; and when O’Hara attempted to run away with the vessel, and make a voyage to England contrary to his orders, I wanted to bring the steamer back. I failed, and here I am,” pleaded Gregory.
“I do not care to hear any explanation in this place. On board of the ship I will listen to all you have to say,” replied the principal.
The officers sent him on board the Prince, where he was locked up in a suitable apartment under the charge of Peaks, the big boatswain of the vessel. The sprigs doubtless made their tour of the Isles of the Sea and of the United States; but Gregory did not accompany them.
On the day of the arrival of the Prince and the Marian, a clipper schooner came into the port from Teneriffe. She had put into Santa Cruz de Palma; and Mr. Lowington had a long talk with her captain, who reported the Ville d’Angers as having sailed from the latter port on the 3d of the month, for the Cape Verds. The Spanish captain had been on board of the steamer; and he declared that every thing was in perfect order. The students were studying and reciting. Capt. O’Hara was anxious to find the fleet.
“Why did he go to the Cape Verds?” asked the principal.
“Because this fleet was reported as having gone there,” replied the Spanish captain.