“You were compelled to obey your orders, gentlemen.”
“It was merely a formality, of course,” ventured the officer.
By a slight inclination of the head the Count signified that he was quite willing to accept this euphemism.
“I assure you, gentlemen, that I have had no hand in this kidnapping.”
“We can no longer believe so, Monsieur the Count, and will withdraw.”
“As you please. Is the Ebba now free to proceed?”
“Certainly.”
“Then au revoir, gentlemen, au revoir, for I am an habitué of this coast and shall soon be back again. I hope that ere my return you will have discovered the author of the outrage, and have Thomas Roch safely back in Healthful House. It is a consummation devoutly to be wished in the interest of the United States—I might even say of the whole world.”
The two officers courteously saluted the Count, who responded with a nod. Captain Spade accompanied them to the gangway, and they were soon making for the cruiser, which had steamed near to pick them up.
Meanwhile the breeze had freshened considerably, and when, at a sign from d’Artigas, Captain Spade set sail again, the Ebba skimmed swiftly through the inlet, and half an hour after was standing out to sea.