Excerpt

Many hours later, when the sun was approaching its zenith, and Brant and Ezra and John and Paul who had taken part in Ezras rescue were still sleeping, Captain Quinn noticed that the expected departure of the Marguarita seemed to have been delayed. He wasnt surprised then when Norbert Gunter who was on deck watch came to him and reported that a boat containing six men was alongside.

Its Captain Harzog of the Maguarite, Captain. He says he wants to see you on a very important matter.

All right Norbert, let them come aboard.

They are armed, Captain.

Thats all right, Norbert. Find Mister Costeau and tell him to activate the unwelcome-boarders plan. I want to settle this matter once and for all. Everybody must keep off the decks, and tell him to keep out of sight unless I give the word.

Aye, aye, sir.

Captain Quinn went to the side of the ship and looked down at the boat. What do you want Mister Herzog?

We would like to come aboard, Captain, said Herzog. We have some very important business to discuss.

Very well, said Captain Quinn. Give them the ladder, Norbert, he said to Gunter, who had returned from giving Costeau the captains message

Now, Captain, said Herzog when they were all on the deck. I believe you have some of my property, and I am here to take it back.

What property would that be, Mister Herzog?

I think you know what I mean, grated the other. It seems we have a traitor on our ship who has allowed a slave to escape. I know he is on your ship.

I take it that you are referring to the lad, Ezra

I am referring to the slave, Ezra, said Herzog, emphasizing the word slave. We recovered him from you once and now he is gone again. That man is my property. You are harboring an escaped slave and the law doesnt allow you to do that.

I can see that you are a man who likes to abide by the law, said captain Quinn calmly. If that is the case, I can refresh your memory about the law of the sea. Property that is lost or abandoned at sea is subject to the law of salvage. Whoever can recover that lost or abandoned property becomes its owner.

That slave jumped overboard attempting to escape. He was not abandoned, Herzog responded.

Captain Quinns face was set hard, his blue eyes icy. Where would that boy escape to by jumping overboard? He preferred to drown rather than suffer any more of your treatment.

Is that so?

Yes; and you were going to let him drown, Herzog. I was there. You made no move to save him. You abandoned your property, Herzog, and I salvaged it. Ezra is my property now, and will remain so. Now, I think this interview is at an end. Kindly get off my ship!

Herzog put his hand on the butt of the pistol in his belt, and the other members of the party did likewise. If you are telling me that you refuse to return that slave to me, he growled, pulling the weapon from his belt, then we will have to take him!

Without warning, Captain Quinn stepped forward and struck the pistol from the mans hand. At the same time he called calmly: Mister Costeau!

Andre Costeau, sword in hand, and four other crewmen, with pistols pointed, appeared from various hatchways. Seeing this, the intruders halted in their attempt to draw their weapons. Costeau approached, and with the point of his sword at Herzogs throat, he ordered the men to throw their pistols overboard. When they hesitated, the sword point pricked a little deeper.

Do as he says Herzog croaked.

You may take the ladder down to your boat, said Captain Quinn as the pistols splashed in the water, but if you come here again you will have to swim for it.

By this time Brant and Ezra had joined the others who were present on deck. As they all watched Herzogs boat being rowed back to the Marguarita, Captain Quinn turned to his first mate. I think what we came here for has been accomplished, Mister. Costeau. There is no need to remain longer. I believe the time has now come for us to make the acquaintance of Mister Wainright. But first it will be necessary for us to go on a cruise to replenish our supplies. It has been some time since we took a prize and provisions are low. On our way to Jamaica we can see what the south coast of Cuba has to offer. Please prepare for an immediate departure.

Aye, aye, Captain.