You must not
see him until his wounds are healed. That is his own wish. That
is the real reason why he is not here. For the truth is that his
wounds are not so grave as to have prevented his coming. It was
his consideration of himself and the false position in which you
would be placed if you had direct word from him of what has happened.
As your excellency has said, there is peace between His Catholic
Majesty and the King of England, and your brother Don Diego...."
He paused a moment. "I am sure that I need say no more. What you
hear from us is no more than a mere rumour. Your excellency
understands."
His excellency frowned thoughtfully. "I understand... in part,"
said he.
Captain Blood had a moment's uneasiness. Did the Spaniard doubt
his bona fides? Yet in dress and speech he knew himself to be
impeccably Spanish, and was not Don Esteban there to confirm him?
He swept on to afford further confirmation before the Admiral
could say another word.
"And we have in the boat below two chests containing fifty thousand
pieces of eight, which we are to deliver to your excellency.
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