In your own case, the recompense would be princely. But, assuming that
we board a vessel bound for Europe, what certainty have you that you
will ever receive a penny?"
"Oh, reely, that's comin' it a bit thick, mister," growled Coke.
"You believe I am exaggerating the difficulties of your position? Pray
consider. Your vessel is broken up. She was fired on while at anchor
on the wrong side of the island, on the very day selected for my
escape. You and your men manage to dodge the bullets, and, under my
leadership, assisted by Captain San Benavides, you overrun the place by
night, kill several soldiers, seize a launch, despoil peasants of their
crops and stores, and make off with a good deal of property belonging
to the Brazilian Government, not to mention the presence in your midst
of such a significant personage as myself. Speaking candidly, Senhor
Captain, what chance have you of convincing any international court of
your innocence? Who will believe that you were not a true filibuster?
That is what Brazil will say you are. How will you disprove it? In
any event, who will enforce your claims against my country? English
public opinion would never compel your Government to take action in
such an exceedingly doubtful case, now would it?"
"If we was to try and land you in Brazil, we'd bust up our claim for
good an' all," muttered Coke.
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