I
picked up hammer and nails and nailed his shoes and sea-boots securely
to the middle of his cabin floor. Under his pillow I found a full flask
of brandy. I emptied half ... when I replaced it, it was full again. But
I had not resorted to the brandy cask to fill it.
* * * * *
The apprehension that I might be come upon _flagrante delictu_ gave me a
shiver of apprehension. But it was a pleasurable shiver. I enjoyed the
malicious wantonness of my acts, and my prospective jump into the
unknown ... all the South Seas waited for me ... all the world!
But, though every moment's delay brought detection and danger nearer, I
found time for yet one more stroke. With a laughable vision of Schantze
smashing Miller all over the cabin, I wrote and left this note pinned on
the former's pillow:
Dear Captain:--
By the time you read this letter I will be beyond your reach (then
out of the instant's imagination ... I had not considered such a
thing hitherto). I am going far into the interior and discover a
gold mine. When I am rich I shall repay you for the cavalry pistols
which I am compelled to confiscate in lieu of my wages, which I now
forfeit by running away, though entitled to them.
You have been a good captain and I like you.
As for Miller, he is beneath my contempt.
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