«You are generous. May I ask, sir, what is your intention regarding us — myself and the others?»
«Nothing against your liberty, as I promised. So soon as my men return, we shall march away and leave you.»
The Spaniard sighed.
«It is what I feared. You will leave us, weakened in strength, our defences wrecked, at the mercy of Brazo Largo and his Indians, who will butcher us the moment your backs are turned. For don't imagine that they will leave Santa Maria until that is done.»
Captain Blood considered, frowning.
«You have certainly stirred up a personal vengeance, which Brazo Largo will prosecute without pity. But what can I do?»
«You could suffer us to depart for Panama at once, whilst you are here to cover our retreat from your Indian allies.»
Captain Blood made a gesture of impatience.
«Ah, wait, Don Pedro! I would not propose it did I not deem you, from what I have seen, to be a man of heart, a gallant gentleman, pirate though you may be. Also you will observe that, since you have disavowed any intention of retaining us as prisoners, I am really not asking for anything at all.»
It was quite true, and, upon turning it over in his mind, Captain Blood came to the conclusion that they would be much better off at Santa Maria without these Spaniards, who had to be guarded on the one hand and protected on the other. Therefore he consented. Wolverstone demurred. But when Blood asked him what possible purpose could be served by keeping the Spaniards at Santa Maria, Wolverstone confessed that he did not know. All that he could say was that he trusted no living Spaniard, which did not seem to have any bearing on the question.