de Radisson did not take umbrage at the building of a fort.
"We must protect ourselves from the English," pleaded Ben.
"Pardieu, yes," agreed M. de Radisson, proffering his own sword with a
gesture in place of the one that had gone into the sea, "and I had come
to offer you twenty men _to hold_ the fort!"
Ben glanced questioningly to his second officer.
"Bid that fellow draw off!" ordered M. Radisson.
Dazed like a man struck between the eyes, Ben did as he was commanded.
"I told you that I came in friendship," began Radisson.
Gillam waited.
"Have you lost a man, Ben?"
"No," boldly lied Gillam.
"Has one run away from the island against orders?"
"No, devil take me, if I've lost a hand but the supercargo that I
killed."
"I had thought that was yours," said Radisson, with contempt for the
ruffian's boast; and he handed out the paper taken from Jack.
Ben staggered back with a great oath, vowing he would have the scalp of
the traitor who lost that letter. Both stood silent, each
contemplating the other. Then M. Radisson spoke.
"Ben," said he, never taking his glance from the young fellow's face,
"what will you give me if I guide you to your father this afternoon? I
have just come from Captain Gillam. He and his crew are ill of the
scurvy.
Pages:
126
127
128
129
130
131
132
133
134
135
136
137
138
139
140
141
142
143
144
145
146
147
148
149
150