"After consultation with the Government advocate," he said, "I have
decided to release Mr. Fenshawe, whose arrest was due to his persistent
defense of Baron Franz von Kerber's undertaking. The latter must remain
in custody, and I warn you, and intend to give the same warning to all
persons on board your vessel, that a gunboat is patrolling the coast
with the most positive instructions to sink the _Aphrodite_ if any
attempt be made to land on Italian territory, elsewhere than at a
recognized port."
His Excellency had cultivated the habit of plain speaking, which is an
essential part of all dealings with Abyssinians. Royson did not attempt
to answer him. He asked if Mr. Fenshawe would be set at liberty
forthwith, and was assured that the Governor's own carriage would
convey both Mr. Fenshawe and himself to the hotel within a few minutes.
The big little man then vanished, and Dick soon had the satisfaction of
seeing Irene's grandfather escorted to the inner courtyard by a file of
soldiers.
It was a singular meeting between the two.
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