“Mr. Gaunt said that revenge was part of his motive, but I must tell you that the idea originated with one motive, and only one; namely, to free a nation that is being cruelly tortured, and done to death. I hope that I am a Christian and my conscience tells me that I am doing right in joining this expedition. Every other means has failed, and it is only as a last resource that we are about to use force,” he said earnestly.
“I appreciate and respect your motive, Mr. Drake. More than that, I understand it. But I will be equally frank. I have agreed to join you for the fun and sport of the thing. You must take me on those terms, or not at all,” Armstrong answered with an engaging smile.
“Drake, we won’t discuss the expedition from an ethical point of view. Captain, I am glad to have met you, for I think that you are the man we want. There is only one other matter to settle—the question of salary,” Gaunt said with a smile.
“That is soon settled. I am not a poor man, and as I said before, I come for the fun of the thing or not at all; but stay, I don’t mind a thousand of these excellent cigars,” Armstrong answered, as he inhaled a deep breath.
And then they began to discuss details with animation and it was arranged that Captain Armstrong should take complete charge of all that concerned the cruiser. While they were in the middle of the discussion Señor Alvarez was announced, and was at once brought to the library. The South American’s manner was of a suavity that was oppressive, but he evidently had a keen eye to business.
“The position is this,” Gaunt said bluntly. “You haven’t enough money to complete the purchase of the cruiser. As a matter of fact, I know that you won’t require the war-ship for at least six months, for you won’t be ready till then to deal with your troublesome neighbor. I am willing to pay the balance of a hundred thousand pounds to the builders and you can formally take over the cruiser. You will have as crew our men, and Captain Armstrong will meet you at an agreed place. In consideration of my having made the payment, you will lease the cruiser to us for six months.”
“I do not know the purpose for which you require the ship,” Alvarez said, “and how shall we stand if you fail to deliver her to me at the end of six months?”
“I am willing to enter into a bond to pay for the full value of the ship should I fail to deliver her,” Gaunt replied.
“And you will not tell me to what use the cruiser will be put?”
“It isn’t necessary for you to know, señor, but I may say that I am willing to give you a check for twenty thousand pounds of which you may make any use you wish,” Gaunt said significantly.