"Leave them," replied Captain Restronguet shortly. Then in a lower tone he added, "They are veritably the price of blood. Let them stay. Perhaps someone will find them who will have more need of riches than either you or I will, Carnon. My life-work is practically done now, Mr. Hythe, so let's get back to England as quickly as we can."
"To England!" ejaculated the sub. "I thought you had----"
"Mr. Hythe, remember I am still an Englishman. It is now my intention to settle down in my native Cornwall. I have now more than enough to keep me in ease. My comrades who stood by me so faithfully in times of peril and misfortune, will likewise be amply provided for."
"And the 'Aphrodite,' sir?"
Captain Restronguet's brow clouded.
"I know what you mean, Mr. Hythe," he exclaimed. "No, I mean to keep my vow. I swore I would never hand her over to the Admiralty, and I must keep my word. In due course, Mr. Hythe, I will let you know my intentions; but do not seek to swerve me from my decision. It will be useless to attempt to do so."
Without another word Captain Restronguet turned and strode swiftly towards the airship's ladder. His companions followed. All save the sub put down their leader's taciturn manner to the reaction of the excitement caused by the dramatic termination of his quest. But they were mistaken.
"All accounted for," commented Captain Jones. "Well, that's a blessing, for we don't want rascals of that sort finding their way into British territory. Let her go, McPherson. Full speed ahead. We've got to look pretty smart if we want to get back before sunset."
But the captain of the "Pride of Rhodesia" was mistaken in his calculations. The outward journey at a retarded speed had taken thrice as long as the airship did to fly back to where the captured "Vorwartz" lay.
"The gunboats haven't gone yet," announced Captain Jones, as the broad Zambezi came in sight once more.