At the entry of the gut the Senor Ramiro landed from his boat. At firsthe had thought of killing his companion, so that he might remain thesole survivor of the catastrophe, but on reflection he abandoned thisidea, as the man was a faithful creature of his own who might be useful.So he bade him return to The Hague to tell the story of the destructionof the ship _Swallow_ with the treasure, her attackers and her crew,whoever they might have been. He was to add, moreover, that so far ashe knew the Captain Ramiro had perished also, as he, the steersman, wasleft alone in charge of the boat when the vessel blew up. Then he was tocome to Leyden, bringing with him certain goods and papers belonging tohim, Ramiro.
This plan seemed to have advantages. No one would continue to hunt forthe treasure. No one except himself and perhaps Black Meg would knowthat Foy van Goorl and Martin had been on board the _Swallow_ andescaped; indeed as yet he was not quite sure of it himself. For the resthe could either lie hidden, or if it proved desirable, announce that hestill lived. Even if his messenger should prove faithless and tell thetruth, it would not greatly matter, seeing that he knew nothing whichcould be of service to anybody.
And so the steersman sailed away, while Ramiro, filled with memories,reflections, and hopes, walked quietly through the Morsch Poort into thegood city of Leyden.
Lysbeth, a Tale of the Dutch Page 34
