But there were more important matters for the pirate captain's attention. Within the next forty-eight hours the Independencia would be in the thick of the liner-track across the Atlantic. Without doubt a chain of cruisers would by this time be stationed at comparatively close intervals between Cape Clear and Cape Race. The risks of detection were great; but should the gauntlet be run in safety the wily Spaniard would have plenty of opportunity of devising a means whereby he could save himself and the rich booty at the expense of his rascally crew.
CHAPTER XIII
THE HOSTAGES ARE MADE USE OF
On returning to his prison cabin, Fielding communicated the details of his interview with the pirate captain to his companions. One and all agreed that the outlook, unless a warship intervened, looked gloomy, but the news was borne with surprising fortitude.
"I suppose he's bound for the east coast of Greenland," said the sub. "There are hundreds of creeks and inlets where a vessel of this size could lay without fear of discovery; and, beyond a few whalers, there are not many ships in those waters."
"What is the object in going to the Arctic?" asked Cardyke.
"To lie low, and also to economise the oil-fuel," replied Fielding. "To keep the sea means a heavy consumption of stores, and those taken from L'Égalité won't last much more than a month. That's one reason why we are to be marooned. Thirty or forty hostages who won't pay for their keep are bound to make a hole in the commissariat."
"So he means to set us ashore and let us starve to death, or perish with cold?"
"Seems like it; but I'll have a few words to say to the greasy Dago," replied the sub., tapping the revolver with the heel of his right foot. "It's a pity we haven't more cartridges."