There was wine and other
refreshment upon the table, of which he was invited to partake, but
declined, and then, after some further conversation between us, Captain
Smuts, according to arrangement, made excuse to go on deck, leaving
Thedori and I alone together.
Thedori was the first to speak, and I could see that his small black
eyes glittered dangerously when he looked at me.
"We have met before, senor," he said, addressing me, as he had done at
our first meeting, as though I was a Spaniard.
"Yes," I answered; "I was once the King's guest, welcomed with fair
words, and offered the hospitality of his kingdom. Yet, had not chance
intervened, I doubt I had been here to-day to welcome the King as a
guest, in my turn, aboard this vessel."
Thedori rose, and went to the cabin door. It was locked, but he showed
no surprise at finding himself a prisoner. He had probably heard the
captain turn the key on the other side of the door when he went out.
"What is it you want of me?" he asked, coming back to the table and
resuming his seat. He spoke with assumed carelessness, but I could see
that his face was livid. I pushed the wine-jar toward him.
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