CHAPTER 31 “Is there pox aboard that ship?”
As the first sailor threw a blue-trousered leg over L’Intrepide’s rail, Renato adopted his oiliest manner. “Bless you, my man! You’re my salvation. Free me quickly and I’ll see you richly rewarded.”
Renato had picked his mark with care. The fellow was tall, with thick spectacles, and walked as if he had a toothache in his heel. As their eyes met, Renato congratulated himself. The man’s face held revulsion, but an even greater dose of compassion.
The tall sailor was reaching for the ropes when Lieutenant Goble’s voice cracked from the jolly boat. “Mr. Paschelke! You will touch nothing until so ordered.”
Renato regretted his decision to be bound so securely. The logical first act of a rescue party would be to free him, and he could not risk the
