"Who is this that enters, at this late hour, without warning or
announcement?" he sternly asked, looking in doubt at the unknown face.
"One who brings information that the governor-general wants. You are he, I
believe?"
"I am. What do you want? And how did you, a stranger, pass my guard
without challenge?"
"That is not the question. Your Excellency, I understand, has offered a
handsome reward to any one who will put you on the track of the rovers of
the gulf?"
"Ha! is that your errand?" exclaimed Tacon, with sudden interest. "What
know you of them?"
"Excellency, I must speak with caution," said the stranger. "I have my own
safety to consider."
"That you need not fear. My offer of reward also carries pardon to the
informant. If you are even a member of the confederation itself you will
be safe in speaking freely."
"I understand you offer an additional reward, a rich one, for the
discovery of Captain Marti, the chief of the smugglers?"
"I do. You may fully trust in my promise to reward and protect any one who
puts me on the track of that leader of the villains.
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