It seemed a long delay, yet doubtless was scarcely more than a moment.

Then his lips curled in what was meant to be a smile, and he waved his hand.
"Sit down on the stool, Gates.

Have you any knowledge of Portuguese ?" "None whatever, sir." "Nor do I English; so we shall have to rely on the language of Spain." "I am hardly expert in that" I explained.

"But if you do not talk too fast, I can manage fairly well." "I shall speak simply.

Wait a moment." He arose, stepped quietly to the door, and glanced out, returning apparently satisfied.
"I don't trust that damned steward," he said, "nor, as a matter of fact, anyone else wholly." He paused, and stared at me; then added: "I've never had any faith in your race, Gates, but am inclined to use you." "I do not know any special reason why you should sir." "No more do I.Every Englishman I ever knew was a liar, and a sneaking poltroon.