The islander was surprised at sight of him, but Jack hastened to say:
“It proves the person those Chilians were so anxious to catch is an acquaintance of mine, being none other than one of the Standish’s passengers.”
“A friend of yours, eh? Those infernal--excuse me, I don’t believe I will say it. Come, let’s go down to the house.”
If Mr. Pearce was not pleased with the appearance of young Offut he did not show it, though he told Jack privately that it might be best for all concerned if they should leave the island as soon as an opportunity offered itself.
“You see another searching party may come at any hour, and I might not be as successful with another, particularly with two to answer for.”
Jack had no desire to remain any longer than he could help, as pleasant as he had found life with his newly-made friend. He was anxious to get to Valparaiso before the Standish should leave on her return voyage.
He had another reason, too, and a most important one.
He handed the paper he had picked up at the entrance to the convict cell to Mr. Pearce for him to read if possible, for it was written in Spanish, which he could not make out at the time.
Mr. Pearce read it with some difficulty, explaining it as best he could when he had carefully studied it for half a day.