If he doesn't recover they get out of it on
some excuse or other, as best they can. Why, they killed a white
sailor not long ago--just plain clubbed him to death without
excuse, then asserted that he resisted arrest. They did the same
to one of our negroes. He died in the jail before I got wind of
it, and when I started an investigation they showed his signed
statement declaring that he had not been abused at all, and had
been given the kindest treatment. The matter isn't settled yet.
It's infamous! Why, I had hard work to get in at all just now. But
I'll have Allan here out in two hours or I'll know the reason.
England protects her subjects, Mr. Anthony, and these people know
it. If they don't come to time I'll have a gunboat in the harbor
in twenty-four hours. Color doesn't amount to a damn with us, sir;
it's the flag."
"I guess Uncle Sam is strong enough to command respect," said
Anthony.
"Well, I know the circumstances now, and I'll go straight to
Weeks. He can arrange your release without trouble. If you were an
Englishman, I'd have you out in no time, and you'd collect
handsome damages, too. This boy will."
True to the consul's prediction, a little later the Jamaican was
led out of the cell, and from the fact that he was not brought
back Kirk judged that the British intervention had been effectual.
Pages:
115
116
117
118
119
120
121
122
123
124
125
126
127
128
129
130
131
132
133
134
135
136
137
138
139