"A cablegram from Pernambuco states specifically that the captain and
crew of the _Andromeda_ fought their way across the island of Fernando
Noronha, rescued Dom De Sylva, seized a steam launch, attacked and
captured the German steamship _Unser Fritz_, and landed the insurgent
leader at Maceio. The message goes on to say that the captain's name
is Coke, and that he is accompanied by his daughter. . . . Eh? What
did you say? . . . Are you there?"
"Yes, I'm 'ere, or I think I am," said David with a desperate calmness.
"Is that all?"
"All for the present."
"It doesn't say that Coke is a ravin', tearin', 'owlin' lunatic, does
it?"
"No. Is that your view?"
Bulmer's hand gripped David's wrist. Their eyes met.
"I was thinkin' that the chap who writes these penny novelette wires
might 'ave rounded up his yarn in good shape," said Verity aloud.
"But there is not the slightest doubt that something of the kind has
occurred," said the voice.
"It's a put-up job!" roared David. "Them bloomin' Portygees 'ave sunk
my ship, an' they're whackin' in their flam now so as to score first
blow. A year-old baby 'ud see that if 'is father was a lawyer."
The sub-editor laughed.
"Well, I'll ring you up again when the next message comes through," he
said.
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