Dutch the Diver Part 17

"Our friend the Cuban has seduced all the men away, and stopped the expedition."

"I'll be--No, I won't swear," exclaimed Mr

Parkley, turning red with fury. "Stopped the voyage, has he! Got my divers away, and the crew, has he! Look here, Dutch Pugh; look here, Captain Studwick. I'm a man who takes a good deal of moving, but when I do move it takes more to stop me. I'll move heaven and earth to carry this plan out, and I'll spend every sixpence I've got, but what I'll beat that scoundrel."

"You will apply to the magistrates about the men?" said the captain; "at least, shall I?"

"No," said Mr Parkley, sharply. "Might just as well commence proceedings against that scoundrel. Waste of time. Dutch Pugh, you'll stand by me?"

"Indeed I will, Mr Parkley," said Dutch, calmly, as he held out his hand.

"And I'm sure I will," exclaimed the captain.

"I knew you would," said Mr Parkley, warmly. "I'm determined now, for it's evident that that rascal will try all he can to thwart me. Come down in the cabin, and let's see what's to be done. We'll have a meeting."

They were all seated round the cabin table soon after, and the matter was discussed in all its bearings, Captain Studwick saying that he had no fear of being able to get a dozen good men in a day or two, if they were prepared to pay pretty highly.

"Then you must pay highly," said Mr Parkley; "but look here, every step you take must be with the knowledge that this Laure is trying to thwart you."

"I will not boast," said Captain Studwick, "but if I get a crew on board here again, I think it will take two Laures to trick me."

"Good!" said Mr Parkley, beginning to brighten up. "What I want is to get off at once. It will be horrible to stay, for we shall be the laughing-stock of the whole town. The chaff was beginning last night."

"But about divers?" said the captain.

"Yes, there is the difficulty. It is not every man who will train for it, as it is a risky thing. Perhaps I may be able to train one or two of the men we get. At all events, go I will, and I will not be beaten."

"I'm afraid that would be but a poor chance," said Dutch, who sat there pale and troubled, but had hardly spoken.

"Don't throw cold water on it, Pugh, for Heaven's sake," cried Mr Parkley, testily.

"I do not wish to do that," said Dutch. "I wish to help you."

"Well, then," cried Mr Parkley, sharply, "I shall take old Rasp. He'll go to oblige me, old as he is; and if it is necessary I will go down myself. I've not been down for years now, but sooner than that scoundrel shall crow over me I'll do all the diving myself."

"There will be no necessity," said Dutch, quickly.

"What do you mean?" exclaimed Mr Parkley.

"I will go with you myself," said Dutch.

"What!" cried Mr Parkley, joyfully. "You? You go with me? My dear Pugh, I shall never forget this."

He rose and grasped the young man's hand with both of his own, and his face flushed with pleasure.

"Yes," said Dutch, quietly, "I will go, and with old Rasp I think we can manage."

"Manage!" cried Mr Parkley, "why, you are a host in yourself. But look here, my dear boy. Gentlemen, you will excuse us. Come on deck."

He led the way, and Dutch followed him to the side of the schooner, where he took him by the b.u.t.ton.

"I'm so grateful, Pugh," he exclaimed, "you can't think; but it won't do. The business would be all right with another, but I can't take you away."

"Why not?" said Dutch, sharply.

"Your poor little wife, my boy, I could never look her in the face again."

"For G.o.d's sake don't mention her," cried Dutch, pa.s.sionately. "There, there," he cried, mastering himself, "you need not consider that."

"But, my dear Pugh, are you not too hasty--too ready to believe? No, no, it won't do, you misjudge her. I won't let you go. In a few days all will be well again."

"Parkley," exclaimed Dutch, hoa.r.s.ely, "it will never be all right again.

I speak to you as I would speak to no other man. Heaven knows how I have loved that woman. But I have no home now. I shall never see her again."

"No, no, no, don't speak like that, my dear boy. You are too rush.

Come, have patience, and all will be right. You shall not go."

Dutch smiled bitterly.

"You are mad just now, but it will pa.s.s off; and look here, my dear boy, it was all my fault for getting you to take the cursed scoundrel in."

"Don't speak of it, pray," cried Dutch.

"I must, my dear boy. Now, look here. After being guilty of one wrong to that poor little woman of yours, how can I do her another by taking her husband away?"

"I am no longer her husband, and she is no longer my wife," said Dutch, sternly. "I tell you I shall go."

"No, no; I will not let you."

"I am your partner, and I shall insist upon it. Stay at home and let me take the lead in the expedition. You may trust me."

"Better than I would myself," said Mr Parkley, warmly.

"Then let me go. It will be a relief to me from the torture I have suffered these last weeks. Parkley, you cannot dream of what I have felt."

"Do you really earnestly mean all this?" said Mr Parkley, gazing in the other's troubled face.

"Mean it? Yes, it would be a real kindness."

"Time cures all wounds," said Mr Parkley, "so perhaps it will be best, and you will make arrangements for her while you are away."

"She has the house," said Dutch, bitterly, "and what money I have. I shall write to her mother to join her. Is that enough?"

Mr Parkley held out his hand, and the two men grasped each other's for a moment, and then turned back to the cabin.

"Mr Pugh goes with us, Studwick; Rasp I know will come when he hears that Mr Pugh is with us."

"Indeed," said Dutch, "I should have thought not."