“I’ll consider the subject, and let you know in the course of a few minutes, if you’ll give me that time for reflection,” I answered.
I was anxious to gain time, for I still had a lingering hope that Nash and Larry had managed to retain their liberty, and that if I could once get on deck, we might recover possession of the brig.
“I’ll not hurry you, monsieur, but shall be very much grieved if you will not give me your word, as I shall be under the painful necessity of subjecting you to an indignity such as I would willingly avoid,” observed the lieutenant.
I spent the time in considering what I would do, and finally came to the conclusion that it would be useless to refuse the freedom offered me, as, were I handcuffed and imprisoned below, I could not assist my two faithful men, or make any attempt to recover the brig.
I therefore said, with as good a grace as I could command, “I accept your offer, Monsieur La Touche.”
“You must give your word to this gentleman, who is my superior officer,” said La Touche, turning to the supposed sick man.
I said nothing; but I had a shrewd suspicion that he had remained on board for the purpose of carrying out the plan which had been so completely successful. I felt, however, very much downcast, and very foolish at being outwitted, and indignant at the treacherous conduct of my own men. Yet what more could I have expected from Hoolan and his associates?
“Monsieur, I promise not to interfere with the discipline of the brig, provided I am allowed to retain my liberty,” I at length said, addressing the lieutenant.
“That is well,” he replied. “I would advise you to lie down again and finish your sleep. You will be in better heart to-morrow to bear your misfortune, and we wish to return the courtesy which we have received at your hands. It is the fortune of war, and we have acted fairly.”
I was not so clear about that, but there was no use in complaining, so I at once threw myself into the berth, and in a minute was in happy forgetfulness of all that had occurred.