Evidently King Thedori had a set speech wherewith to
welcome his guests whom he afterwards intended to plunder. Captain
Smuts was so impressed by the amiable bearing and fair words of the
King that he found it hard to believe so much treachery could lurk
behind such a frank and open exterior. Thedori, he said, had promised
to come on board the "Speedwell" next day to inspect the furs, and
arrange about the price to be paid for them. On my asking if any
Spaniards had been met with ashore, Captain Smuts replied that he had
not seen any, so we had no means of ascertaining what had become of
Donna Isabel and her people, as well as the captain and crew of the
frigate.
Next morning King Thedori came on board the "Speedwell" in the
captain's boat, which had been sent for him. He did not bring with him
any of his guards or attendants, not having the least suspicion of the
trap we had laid. It was only when he came into the cabin that his
suspicions were aroused, and it was then too late for him to retreat. I
was sitting at the table when Smuts brought him in, and was presented
to him as part owner of the furs. I saw him start when our eyes met,
but otherwise he gave no sign that he knew me.
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