"Señor Englishman," he began. "We are in difficulty. The ship is in danger of sinking."
"Is she?" asked the sub. with well-affected surprise. He knew perfectly well that had the Independencia really been on the point of foundering the pirates would be in a panic.
"To save your lives, señor, is the wish of me, Juan Cervillo. So if you come up we put you away in boats."
"I've no doubt you'd be most pleased to put us away," replied Fielding. "Where are your boats? Have you enough for the crew? And do you think boats would stand much chance of being picked up in these seas?"
"Me find a ship."
"Then we'll wait till you do, especially if the ship is a British cruiser."
"You refuse?"
"Absolutely."
"Den I pour petrol into cabins, and set fire. You dogs will burn to death."
"Very considerate of you to provide us with heat in this cold atmosphere," replied Fielding, coolly. "Now, listen, Señor Cervillo: you will not dare to use so much as a litre of petrol. I'll tell you why. We know that most of the gold you precious scoundrels have collared lies on the orlop-deck."