Lord Claymore and Ronald talked the subject over with such intense eagerness, that the latter almost forgot his own interests in the desire he felt to be of service to one whom he justly looked on as his patroness and the protectress of his youth. The homicide of the familiar of the Inquisition fully accounted for Pedro’s not returning to Spain; while as that country had been for so many years at war with England, he might have found it impossible to send him back to Shetland. He might have written, to be sure, but the letters might have miscarried. Nothing was more probable. It was too likely, however, that both he and the boy were lost. Still Lord Claymore hoped the contrary, and, perhaps, his anxiety was not a little increased by the satisfaction he anticipated in ousting the rascally old marquis from his estates and rank.
The coast of Spain was soon after made, and the active operations in which the ship was engaged allowed the captain or Morton very little time to think of that or any other subject.
Chapter Twenty Nine.
Ronald meets his Father—Old Doull recognises Rolf Morton—Morton recognises Father Mendez—Rolf Morton’s Diplomacy—A Fort attacked—Blue Jackets on Shore.
A few days after the “Imperious” reached the coast, a brig of war hove in sight. The frigate stood towards her, and when the two vessels had hove-to, the commander of the brig came on board, and confirmed the statement made by the marquis and the priest, that Spain had made peace with England, and had determined to throw off the French yoke.
“Much good may our allies do us,” remarked Lord Claymore who had a profound contempt for the Spaniards. “A cowardly braggadocio set. I would place no dependence on their support in case of need.”
The commander of the brig bowed; he was not likely to dispute the matter with his lordship.
“By-the-by, I have brought a passenger—an old shipmate of mine, whom Mr Morton will at all events be glad to see.”