In the meanwhile Carlo, struggling bravely to the last against his fate,
and angry and indignant at his treatment, was carried down to the
dungeon below, old Pedro being forced to show the way. Presently, after
passing through dark passages, the porter opened the door of a cell-like
chamber where no light was visible, and which looked most unfit for a
living being, much less for the delicately nurtured Carlo.
’This is the only dungeon I know of,’ grumbled Pedro; ’and many a pirate
has made acquaintance with it,’ he added in a low voice. ’Would that I
could lock up many more!’
’I fancy this will be good enough,’ said Simon in a French accent.
’Here, fellow, give me the key and let me lock it myself; there’s no
treachery these Spaniards are not equal to. Bum! that will do; the
silly boy is safe enough.’
’Take it, then,’ growled Pedro, ’it locks well enough;’ but as he
delivered up the key he thought with a smile on his face, ’but there’s
sometimes more doors than one even in a dungeon.’
CHAPTER X.
A FELLOW-COUNTRYMAN.
The Indian slaves, who had been scattered like thistle-down in a wind
during this memorable night, now began to creep back to their various
stations and occupations at Santa Teresa; and from them poor Catalina
learnt, with more or less exaggeration, all that had taken place during
the memorable night, and that it was the Marquis himself who had really
betrayed them into the enemy’s hands.
The faithful servant would not abuse her master; but, taking Felipa’s
head in her arms, she sobbed over her as if this shower of tears would
make matters better; at the same time pouring out all her information,
which was no comfort to the poor girl. Etta meanwhile stood by, pale
and calm, quickly trying to form some plan which would comfort gentle
Felipa.
But when all at once the bad news reached them that Carlo had been
thrown into a dungeon, and that the pirates had the keys, and, further,
that Captain Morgan was on his way to pay the young ladies a visit, Etta
could not help feeling afraid, though she made up her mind that she
would not show it. She felt very proud of Carlo, and was somewhat
comforted by the idea that kind Harry Fenn would help him if he possibly
could.
Etta possessed one of those natures which troubles only strengthen. Her
captivity, kind though it had proved for her, had not made her forget
her religion and her country; yet now she was anxious to do her utmost
to return gentle, timid Felipa’s love; so she did her best to cheer her
with hopeful words, and not to give way herself to fear.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account