Toni attempted objection. It would be easy to find trips equally productive and much less dangerous; they might go to America….
"And my revenge?" interrupted Ferragut. "I am going to dedicate the rest of my life to doing all the evil that I can to the assassins of my son. The Allies need boats, I'm going to give them mine and my person."
Knowing what was troubling his mate, he added, "Besides, they pay well. These trips are very remunerative…. They will give me whatever I ask."
For the first time in his existence on board the Mare Nostrum, the mate made a scornful gesture regarding the value of the cargo.
"I almost forgot," continued Ulysses, smiling in spite of his sadness.
"This trip flatters your ideals…. We are going to work for the
Republic."
They went to England and, taking on their cargo, set forth for the Dardanelles. Ferragut wished to sail alone without the protection of the destroyers that were escorting the convoys.
He knew the Mediterranean well. Besides, he was from a neutral country and the Spanish flag was flying from the poop of his vessel. This abuse of his flag did not produce the slightest remorse, nor did it appear as disloyal to him. The German corsairs were coming closer to their prey, displaying neutral flags, in order to deceive. The submarines were remaining hidden behind pacific sailing ships in order to rise up suddenly near defenseless vessels. The most felonious proceedings of the ancient pirates had been resuscitated by the German fleet.
He was not afraid of the submarines. He trusted in the speed of the Mare Nostrum and in his lucky star.
"And if any of them should cross our path," he said to his second, "just let them go before the prow!"
He wished this so that he could send his vessel upon the submersible at full speed, daring it to come on.