CHAPTER XXIVIt was late that night, after the Grand Master had disposed of some larger things, that Sir Oliver was able to say: “And there is also the matter of Don Manuel’s niece.”
He mentioned her in that way to remind the Grand Master of the old friendship he had, but it was without hope, for what was there that could be done?
“Then it is true she was caught? What ransom do they require?”
“Three thousand ducats is named.”
“That is absurd. They must come down.”
“So they might. But they ask something beside. They will have the two galleys that Don Francisco brought.”
“Do they think us mad, or are they? It is not Mustapha’s way to jest in such manner as that.”
“It is not he. Hassan claims that she was his prey. The ransom, as I conclude, would be gain to him.”
“Even so, it is fooli
