A Stranger comes Aboard
Three weeks passed rapidly in the little cove to which the brigantine
had sailed when she had given the big Spaniard the slip; and those three
weeks had worked wonders for the men under Sir Thomas's command, and for
the vessel. The latter had been run close into the shore, which was
sandy and free from rocks. Then a couple of stout trees had been
selected, growing close to the edge of the water, and to these ropes
were passed from the caps of the lower masts. The whole crew then set to
work at the capstan, and hove at the ropes through a block till the ship
careened over and lay gently on her side. That done, those who had
training as carpenters prepared to mend the shot-rents in her side,
while others, less accomplished, went to the forest with a few of the
natives and felled trees which had been selected. Meanwhile, precautions
against surprise were not neglected.
"We must hope that no one has been able to communicate the news of our
coming here," said Sir Thomas, as he walked on the sands with Roger, for
since the capture of the mine he had become very friendly with our hero.
"But in case the tale has gone to Santiago, which is their main port
farther east, we must keep a guard at the mine. I give you the conduct
of it, and you may take whatever natives you like, and doubt not that
Tamba will accompany you. The fellow is like a dog. He follows you
everywhere. But to return to the mine. You had better make your own
arrangements there, and I think I would counsel you to despatch men into
the forest, so as to have timely warning of an enemy's approach. Here we
shall watch for their coming by sea, and my guards will be stationed on
the point of the cliff."
And so for three weeks the work continued undisturbed. A fort was formed
on the cliff, and there all the wounded and sick from the brigantine
were sent to recuperate, while Roger and Philip, and the ever-faithful
Tamba, went to the mine and passed their days in the forest. Then came
the time for departure.
"All our rents are mended, and for the past three days we have been
busily loading water and fruit on the ship," said Roger to Philip, as
the two sat before a fire which blazed in front of one of the huts, for
though the heat was not required, the smoke served to keep the myriad
insects away. "To-morrow we sail for the unknown, for this Terra Firma,
this New Spain, the goal of our ambitions."
"And we sail not empty-handed, eh, Roger?" laughed his friend. "Why,
already we have a king's ransom below our decks, and that in itself is a
prize."
"Sufficient, in fact, to tempt others to follow our endeavour should we
be forced to return now," agreed Roger. "'Tis strange that we English,
who at home are professed friends of the Spaniards, though few feel much
liking for them--and 'tis whispered that the King's Majesty is not too
well disposed toward the country--should out here be at daggers drawn,
ready to rend one another, and to fall on one another's necks with
violence when the opportunity offers. 'Tis passing strange."
"But the cause is not far to seek," said Philip. "The greed of gold,
mayhap of new lands, makes us enemies. Spain covets all these Indies,
and, like a dog with a bone, snarls over this fair land. But we will
pick some of the finest parts, and, mark my words, should we return
successful, then others will follow, others better armed, with bigger
cannon, ready to wrest the Indies from Spain. Heigho! I shall feel sorry
indeed when the moment comes to part with Cuba 'Tis an enchanted land.
But let us try this habit again. Tamba tells us that the natives
commence to smoke when barely youths."
"Then I will have none of it," answered Roger, with a wry face. "To
those born to the custom it may be well enough, but to me--ugh! my head
swims and my stomach sickens when I make the attempt."
Philip, too, had had as little success, and after two attempts had given
up all thought of tobacco. Nor was it to be wondered at, for in those
days the habit was looked upon by Europeans who happened to be in the
Indies as one fit only for savages. However, the two young fellows had
plenty of other matters to occupy themselves with, for a careful watch
had to be kept, and this was accomplished by cutting a new road through
the forest to an elevated peak, the summit of which commanded the
adjacent country. And from this, one or other of them, in the company of
natives, kept a look-out throughout every day. The remainder of their
time was spent in the forest, shooting wild beasts and birds with their
crossbows, and in gathering knowledge of the wild fruits and flowers
which grew in profusion all round them. At last, however, this enjoyable
time came to an end, and they marched to the sea once more. There the
fort on the point was found to be abandoned, the ship upright, and
wearing a coat of rough paint, while her only connection with the shore
was a strong rope. All entered the solitary boat and went aboard. The
rope was cast off, and the brigantine, catching the breeze, made for the
open water.
"A fair wind is a fine omen," said Sir Thomas in his hearty voice,
smacking Roger on the back. "The breeze comes from the east, and our
course is due west. What could be more advantageous? We put out for the
last part of our voyage with hale men, with natives who loathe the
Spaniards, and who make up for our losses, and with a store of fresh
water and provisions aboard."
"With gold in addition," Roger ventured to remind him.
"Ay, with abundance of gold. Now, Sir Giant, you will command one of the
watches, and when we first sight this Terra Firma it will be your task
to gather tidings of this strange city. Maybe this Tamba, who speaks
Spanish, also has some few words of the language of the natives of these
parts for which we sail. It is not impossible. For, consider: how came
these men on the island of Cuba and elsewhere? Were they there some
little while after the flood of which the Bible speaks? Some say so,
while others hold that the nations of the earth come from a common
stock, which slowly increased, while many migrated. In course of time
their languages have changed, and also their appearances. Climates and
circumstances have brought the alteration, and may it not be that these
same natives whom we have aboard are first cousins to these others on
the Terra Firma, alike to them in looks, and perhaps in somewhat of
their tongue?"
The commander of the brigantine was silent for a few minutes while he
considered the question; for he was a naturally thoughtful man, and, in
those days, a much-travelled one. Presently he turned to Roger again.
"You shall go ashore," he said, "and with you will go the golden plaque
which we have treasured. Then, with the help of this Tamba, you will
search for some of the natives, and make friends with them by means of
gifts. Perhaps some will have been to this wonderful city which stands
within a lake. Who knows? Perhaps we may come upon the very shores of
the lake, for I hold that it must be within easy distance of the coast,
or else how did this Fernando Cortes come to possess the plaque? Till we
sight the land, you will command one of the watches."
Two mornings later, as Roger was preparing to call the relief, who would
take his place on deck, a strange object in the distance caught his
attention, and he called Peter Tamworth to him.
"A boat--a small boat," said the latter, with assurance bred of long
service to the sea. "There is a sail too, but it hangs ragged, and the
boat steers herself. Yes, she floats in a circle, for she cannot be said
to sail, though her canvas catches the wind on occasion."
The two looked long and steadily at the strange object, and soon Roger
felt sure that Peter had made no mistake.
"A boat out here!" he said in astonishment--"in these seas which I
thought to be deserted, for we have seen nothing but horizon these last
two days, since we dropped the coast of Cuba."
"But Spaniards control these waters; do not forget that," was the
answer. "Therefore it requires no wit to guess at the owners. 'Tis a
Spanish boat--a derelict, maybe, dropped from some vessel, or broken
from its moorings at Santiago."
"Then you think that no one is aboard?"
"As certainly as I guess that she's Spanish. Still, who can say, Master
Roger, the lieutenant? There may be a crew of cut-throats aboard her, in
which case we shall run them over with our prow and never miss them."
"But what if they are storm-beaten?" demanded Roger. "I even think that
I see a form aboard. Wait till I have climbed the mast, for from there I
shall get a finer view."
He ran along the deck, and clambered up to the trees, where he remained
for a few minutes.
"As I thought," he said. "There is one solitary figure aboard, and he
lies across the thwarts as if he were dead. We must succour him. Go you
to Sir Thomas with the news."
An hour later, when the brigantine came up with the boat, those aboard
the former saw that the derelict was of Spanish manufacture, and that a
Spaniard lay in a heap, half on the thwarts and half in the bottom. His
head was sunk on his breast, and he took no notice of the strangers.
"Lost at sea, and dead perhaps," said Sir Thomas. "It shall not be said
of us that we treated Spaniards badly; for did we not feed our prisoners
in Cuba and release them ere we sailed? We will succour this poor
fellow. Run us closer, master, and let two of the men be prepared to
drop down into her."
A few minutes later they were running gently alongside the tiny boat,
and, thanks to the care of the steersman, two of the sailors were able
to drop into her. A rope was heaved to them, and in a little while the
stranger was towing at the stern.
"Not dead, but far gone, it seems," was the report of one of the men.
"There is not a scrap of food aboard, and only a wooden bowl to show
that he had water, but now it is as dry as a bone."
"Then we will fashion a sling and pull him up," said Sir Thomas; "or,
better, do you, Roger de Luce, lean well over the side, and others shall
hold you; then those aboard the boat can pull alongside and hand the
fellow up. Now, let us not bungle the matter; we will take the greater
pains because he is a Spaniard."
It required but a little time to carry out the operation, and very soon
the stranger lay under an awning on the deck, while Peter Tamworth knelt
beside him.
"I warrant he has not been overlong at sea," he said, eyeing the man
critically, "for his clothes are not oversoiled, and he is not so thin.
Then, too, his lips are not swollen, as I have seen before in other
cases. 'Twere well to be sure that he were no spy."
"Tush, man! Why think of such a thing?" demanded Sir Thomas, angrily.
"Who would risk almost certain death in such a manner? We might have
sailed some leagues to north or south. We might so easily have lost him,
or he us, to follow your reasoning. And if we had, could he live to
reach the land?"
The argument seemed conclusive, and, moreover, though this Spaniard did
not appear to be at the last extremity, he seemed to have lost his
senses.
"This sun blazing on his head would be sufficient for that," said Sir
Thomas. "The man is a derelict, and it matters not to us whether he is
in extremes or but lately become unconscious; we will succour him all
the same. Come, now, let an old campaigner give advice. Give him water
first, but in little sips, and not much at that; later, he shall have
his fill, when he is able to eat. Roger de Luce and the surgeon will
look to him, while we see that the boat is hoisted. There was nothing
else aboard?"
"Nothing," was the answer.
"And he has no papers about him?"
"I have searched," answered Roger. "His pockets are empty; there is
nothing on him."
"Then he is deserving of our compassion. Let us deal with him as we
would wish to be dealt with were we in like predicament. Let him have
water, as I said, and later his fill of meat."
That evening the Spaniard was able to sit up, and even to struggle to
his feet, but he was as yet too weak to give an account of himself.
However, on the following morning Roger questioned him in the presence
of the commander.
"Let us hear where you come from," he said kindly. "We discovered you in
the middle of the ocean, far from land, and without food or water."
"Would I had died!" was the answer, as the man stared at Roger,
astounded to find one aboard an English ship who spoke his language.
"Would I had died! For it seems that I have fallen from the hands of one
enemy into those of another."
"But why?" demanded Roger. "We are enemies to your countrymen, for the
simple reason that they attacked us on the high seas; but to you--never!
We have saved you from death, and, when the time comes, we will hand you
back to your comrades."
"And to sure death," was the reply. "Listen, senor. I am deemed a
traitor. It is thought that I have conspired against the Governor of
Santiago, and my punishment was this----"
He stopped as if he were fatigued, and sipped at the vessel of water
beside him.
"I was condemned to put to sea in an open boat," he said faintly, as if
the memory of his trouble was too great for him. "I was taken aboard a
galleon a week ago, and dropped into this boat. There I was left, with
little food and water, with no chart, and no knowledge of the ways of
the sea; and all around me, when the galleon went out of sight, was
water. Oh, the awful horror of it!"
He shuddered, and buried his face in his hands. Then, regaining courage,
he proceeded--
"I take Heaven to witness that I was no traitor and no conspirator. But
what use is it to repine? A week ago I thought that death stared me in
the face, and when a few days had gone I longed for the end to come. But
one struggles even for the most miserable of lives, for existence is
dear to us all. I steered the boat as well as I could, in what direction
I knew not. Then my arm tired, my strength failed, and the sun
overpowered me. I knew no more till I found myself beneath this awning.
And you will befriend me? Doubtless you are bound for England?"
There was silence on the deck, while the commander nodded to Roger.
"Did I not say so?" he asked, after a little while. "A spy would know
that that was not our intention."
"Unless he acted a part," answered Roger, quietly. "That supposition is
still open."
"Not to us," was the stern answer. "We will give the man full trust, or
none at all. His tale is true on the face of it. But bid him continue,
and ask him of this far country to which we are bound. Let him know that
we are for the Terra Firma."
"We are bound for the west," said Roger. "We are in search of a city the
plan of which was captured from a Spanish ship."
"Show it to me. Let me see it," demanded the Spaniard, eagerly. "If it
is that plan of which I have heard, then indeed shall I be able to deal
punishment to those who have ill-used me. Yes, and I can bring riches to
those who have saved my life, to friends who should be enemies."
Roger translated the words to Sir Thomas, who at once ordered the plaque
to be brought.
"What does he know?" he asked impatiently. "Let us hear what he has to
say."
But no amount of questioning would induce the Spaniard to speak till the
plaque had arrived. He took it in his hand, and gazed at it attentively,
turning it over and over.
"'Tis the very one, the golden disc," he said, "and now I can repay
your kindness. Bid your commander tell me whether I may take service in
the ranks. My name is Alvarez de Logas, a good Spanish name, and I swear
to be true to all of this expedition."
He stared at Sir Thomas as Roger interpreted, attempting to read his
answer.
"Tell him that for his help we will take him into our ranks," said the
commander. "But he must make no error. His service must be true and
honourable, for if he shows me or any a sign of faithlessness, he shall
be shot at once. Those orders shall be published to all aboard."
"And they are just," agreed Alvarez. "Kill me if I prove untrue to my
word. I swear to aid you, to take your side against my countrymen; for
they cast me out. They sent me to a horrible death, and they are no
longer my people. I become an Englishman from this moment, and I will
obey all orders. But let me speak of this disc, this golden plaque, with
the sun's image on one side, and a plan on the reverse. It is a drawing
of----"
Sir Thomas, Peter Tamworth, and many of the gentlemen adventurers
crowded nearer as Roger interpreted word for word, and threatened to
fall upon the man.
"Yes, yes," exclaimed the commander, impatiently. "Concerns what place?
Come! The name without further dallying."
"It gives the outline of the great city of Mexico, on the Terra Firma,
but lately discovered by Fernando Cortes."
"Mexico! Mexico!" They repeated the word as if it were some strange
charm.
"Mexico, the great city built within the borders of a lake, the home of
vast riches," said Alvarez. "This plan marks the treasury, and, it is
said, was kept secret by Fernando. It is also said that he sent the
relic to Ferdinand of Spain, but that it was captured by the English.
Then came news, so report says, that the ambassador from our country
sent word of an intended sailing, and that a ship arrived at Cuba a week
after the fight in which you beat my countrymen, those who were my
comrades, but who now are enemies. But this Fernando had heard the tale
of the capture, and for that reason a watch was set on the narrow seas
about the island of Cuba, and fast vessels stationed there. For England
is not wanted here. None of your countrymen are desired, and least of
all those who have the golden plaque; for then, were this Mexico
reached, and the natives friendly, this treasure, which we of Spain
desired, might fall to your lot, for the plaque holds the secret. Yes,
it holds the secret, for in the plan is given the whereabouts of the
treasury, and none else know of its position save the Mexicans
themselves, and Fernando Cortes. He, it is said, was told by some Indian
woman, who is skilled in these pictures. But all the others are
ignorant."
"And this city?" demanded Sir Thomas, breathlessly. "Where does it lie,
and who commands it?"
"'Tis directly west of Yucatan. Make the northern point of that, and
then proceed without change of course. As for the commander. The tale
came to us at Cuba that Montezuma was king till a little while ago, and
that Fernando lodged in the city itself, and held the king as hostage.
But he had few men, and was too weak to do more. Also the Mexicans were
becoming more and more unfriendly. They wore a threatening look, and it
appeared as though this Cortes would be driven out at any time. Whether
that has happened I do not know, but I can say that at that time no
treasure had come to his hand. This plaque was stolen, I believe, while
the other riches were gifts from King Montezuma. Bear me to this part of
the Terra Firma, and I promise to aid you in your search for the wealth
of Mexico."
"And to hold news of our arrival from your late comrades?" demanded
Roger, sternly. "Swear it!"
"I do, most solemnly. I take oath to serve you loyally. Let death be my
reward if I fail."
There was silence for a little while, and then the meeting broke up, Sir
Thomas trudging the deck in a brown study, while Phil and Roger retired
to a favourite spot and sat upon the rail.
"What think you of the tale?" asked our hero presently. "'Tis a cruel
thing to send a countryman adrift upon the sea."
"And worse still out in these parts," answered Philip; "for might it not
have happened that this boat would drift to some desert island, or,
worse, to some island inhabited by unfriendly natives--poor fellows who
have already seen and felt the cruelty of the Spaniards. 'Twas a wicked
act."
"Then, why send him with food and water?"
For a little while Philip sat looking at his friend, drumming his heels
on the deck, while Roger lolled with half-closed eyes.
"Why prolong his agony?" he asked. "Why give him the means to live when
death was allotted to him?"
"Because----. Why, you don't think----?"
"I think nothing," was Roger's curt answer. "I loll upon the deck,
enjoying the sun and the motion of the boat, and I think nothing of
importance. But I do not sleep, and I watch, or hope to, Philip."
"Then you suspect?"
"Nothing. I have heard the tale, and as I let the points run through my
mind, I ask if it appears a natural one, whether it was possible that it
happened so. Then I think of what might be gained by a clever ruse,
played by a bold and adventurous man. Have we not all heard that those
who come to these Indies from Old Spain are the adventurous ones, the
men who cannot live quietly at home? And do we not all know the greed
for gold, for we ourselves have it? Then, if a man played such a part,
and made new friends----"
Philip sat up suddenly. "I never thought of that," he said breathlessly.
"If a bold man had purposely sailed from the land, and had lain in wait
for us, he could have pretended to be senseless. He could have kept a
store of food and drink aboard till we hove in sight, and since our
course was to the west, to this Terra Firma, to this New Spain, and all
in Cuba knew it, the chances of falling in with us were not so unlikely.
Then, under the cover of friendship, and while protesting hatred for
these Spaniards, a man might snatch this prize, might use it for his own
purposes."
"Or win the reward which has doubtless been offered for it. Yes, Philip,
that is how I have thought of the matter; and yet I do not like to
suspect this man. It seems unkind and uncharitable. Still, my mind is
not easy, and I shall watch. More than that, I shall ask Tamba to do the
same. But not a word to the others, for were we to speak, and then prove
to be wrong, as seems very likely to be the case, then we should earn
the enmity of Alvarez, and have few thanks from Sir Thomas for our
pains."
They chatted for a little while, and then strolled away.
"If all is well there will be no suspicion aroused," said Roger. "But if
otherwise, this Alvarez will be on the watch. He knows me, for I have
acted as interpreter, and he will naturally think that if any one should
be suspicious of his tale, I shall be that one. So do not let us be seen
with our heads together too often."
Accordingly the two took care to be seldom together, while Roger kept
out of the way of Alvarez as much as possible. When he happened to meet
him, which was often on such a small vessel, he chatted in a friendly
manner, for he determined that nothing on his part should lead the
Spaniard to think that he had doubts. And very soon he had his reward;
for when the first week had passed Alvarez's manner changed. He saw that
all aboard were frank and open with him, and prepared to accept him as a
friend, and he lost the air of caution, the watchful manner which he had
borne when first he was lifted aboard. Then he joined the men at their
meals, and Roger noticed that he listened to their chatter with a crafty
smile. He even attempted English, with wonderful success, so much so
that when three weeks had passed, and the northern point of Yucatan had
been weathered, he could almost understand when spoken to, while his
attempts at a response were more than creditable. A week later land was
sighted, and preparations made to disembark.
"You will go ashore with Tamba," said Sir Thomas to Roger, "and it would
be as well to take this Spaniard with you. Methinks that he has seen the
coast hereabouts, for I have watched him leaning over the rail with his
eyes on the land. Ask him the question."
"Our leader thinks that you may have been here before, and failed to
tell us," said Roger, attracting Alvarez's attention by a touch on the
shoulder, and noticing with what a start he listened to him. "Is this
the case? Have you been a voyage to this Terra Firma?"
"Never before," was the answer, though Roger could see that he was ill
at ease. He was taken unawares, and for a moment had forgotten his fine
acting. "These lands are strange to me, but I have listened to tales of
them, and I wondered whether I could tell from the appearance of yonder
coast to what part we have come. It must be somewhere in the
neighbourhood of Vera Cruz, the town which Fernando Cortes was founding
when news last came from him."
"Then we will search for it," said Roger. "The commander's orders are
that you and I go ashore and search for natives, to give us the
direction."
Was there a faint gleam of triumph in the Spaniard's eyes as he heard
the news? Roger wondered, and grew more suspicious. Then he turned away,
and made preparations for the landing. A few hours later the brigantine
brought up within a few hundred yards of a sandy shore, and the boat
was lowered. A dozen armed men clambered into it, while Roger and Tamba
took their places in the stern, both armed with crossbows and with sword
and dagger, for our hero had taken pains to teach the native the use of
these weapons. Under one arm, secured in a bag which was slung to his
shoulder, he carried the precious golden disc. A minute later Alvarez
scrambled down to the boat and took his place beside him.
"Let us pray for success, senor," he said blandly. "Let us hope that
natives will be there who can tell us the way to Mexico. The name will
be sufficient. Speak it, and if they have heard of the place they will
give us the direction."
"Shove off!" shouted the sailor at the rudder, and the boat was at once
pushed from the side of the brigantine. A little later her keel slid
gently on to the sand, and all sprang into the water and waded ashore.
As at the port in Cuba, there were trees here, and Roger at once
searched for an inlet amongst them.
"There is one over there," he said, pointing to the right, and speaking
in Spanish. "We will go that way and try our fortune. No use to attempt
to penetrate the heart of the forest, for natives are not likely to be
found there."
"And we shall go alone, senor?" asked the Spaniard, with some trace of
anxiety.
"With Tamba," answered Roger. "Lead us, Alvarez, for doubtless you are
more used to these forests than are we."
There was a vague, questioning look in the eyes of the Spaniard. His
brow was furrowed, and Roger could see that he was thinking. But the man
turned on his heel a moment later, and trudged off across the sand,
while Roger and Tamba fell in behind, a quick glance passing between
them. And in this order they reached the break in the trees and entered
the shadow of the forest. Their road took them along the side of a
stream, and though they searched for traces of natives, none were to be
found. The forest trees came closer, while the ground they traversed
became more difficult. They clambered over rocks and fallen trunks, and
sometimes were compelled to wade along in the stream.
"We are doomed to disappointment, senor," said the Spaniard, halting at
last and wiping the perspiration from his brow. "There are no natives
here, and never have been. We waste our breath and our strength, and we
run the risk of fever. See how damp the soil is, and how huge the trees.
Let us return, and try a path elsewhere."
The request was reasonable, and Roger gladly assented to it. But it
happened that at that point the river had narrowed, and chanced to run
through a belt of rock, a strip which cropped up in the centre of the
forest. Tree trunks grew close on either side, and to return in the same
order would have needed an effort; Alvarez would have had to squeeze
past our hero, or push his way through the undergrowth.
"Then we will turn and walk as we are till the path widens," said Roger,
for one small moment forgetting his caution. And what wonder! It wanted
an older man than he, one experienced in life, who had met men of every
sort, and had learned to trust but little, to keep up such suspicions.
This Spaniard had done nothing to cause trouble. Roger was forced to
confess that not once had the details of his story broken down. He had
never contradicted himself, though once or twice, when off his guard,
his answers had been a little doubtful. Why distrust him? Let him prove
his honest intentions.
It was a fatal mistake; but who can set old heads on young shoulders?
Roger failed to notice the gleam which came to the Spaniard's eye,
failed to watch the triumph written on his face. He turned, and followed
Tamba along the rocky bed. There was a movement behind him as Alvarez
made ready to follow. Then something pulled gently at our hero's
shoulder, a dagger blade cut the strap which secured the golden plaque,
while a second movement plunged the blade deep in Roger's shoulder. Not
till then had there been a sound. Now, however, there was a shout of
astonishment, a sharp cry of pain, and when Tamba turned towards the
young Englishman, whom he had learned to look to as his master, Roger
lay bleeding in the water, while the figure of the Spaniard was just
disappearing amongst the trees of the forest.