The
_Andros-y-Mela_ is not lying in pieces at the foot of this rock, the
President has not escaped, and every practicable inch of Fernando
Noronha and the adjacent islands will be scoured in the hope of finding
him. At first sight, that looks like being in our favor; in reality,
it means the end if we are discovered here. The soldiers will shoot
first and inquire afterwards. I have not the slightest doubt but that
plenty of evidence will be forthcoming that we were a set of
desperadoes who had unlawfully interfered in the affairs of a foreign
state."
She appeared to be weighing this argument, sitting in judgment on De
Sylva and his theories.
"I want to do that which is for the good of all," she said at length.
"Do you ask me to go to this convict's house, Mr. Hozier?"
"I urge it on you with the utmost conviction. With you off our hands,
we can act freely. We must deliver an attack to-night. God in Heaven,
you cannot think that we would expose you to the perils of a desperate
fight!"
His sudden outburst was unexpected, even by himself. He trembled in an
agony of passion. Iris placed a timid hand on his shoulder.
"I will go," she whispered. "Please do not be distressed on my
account. I will go. I brought you here, not to discuss my own fate,
but yours.
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