Fair Blows the Wind (1978) Read Online Free Page A

shrugged. "They had a kind of skill ... like your Romans."
    "MyRomans? I am Irish, senorita."
    "You are European. It is enough."
    "And you also. You are part Spanish, are you not?"
    "I am. But I do not think like the Spanish. I am of Peru, Captain, and it is a little different. I am of my mother's people."
    "And now you go to Spain?"
    She turned sharply around. "It is not of my choice, Captain. Had I a way--"
    "The others are coming." My voice was low. "You spoke of a way. Perhaps we can talk later of that."
    She turned on me. Her eyes were scornful. "Do not think I am any maid whose head can be turned by words, Captain. I have my own way to go.
    "They want me because they think I know where there is gold. He, that one who calls himself Don Manuel, wants me also because I am a woman, but at the last it is the gold they want."
    "Theyare fools," I said.
    "And you, Captain?"
    "I, too, am often a fool. Were it not so, I would not be here. Were it not so, I might have become a man of means. The men of my family are romantics. We have common sense, but we have heart also, senorita, so we end up with many thanks and empty pockets."
    She laughed, and it had a lovely sound. Armand, the Basque, had come down and engaged the others in conversation, so for a moment longer we were almost alone.
    "They believe I am an innocent, that I do not know why they take me to Spain. It is not only for the marriage, Captain. They believe the splendors of their court will put me in such awe of them that I will tell them what I know ..."
    "What do they think you know?"
    She was facing me now, her eyes intently upon mine. "Whether there remain some hidden places where the old life goes on, where the old ways persist. They think I am a child who can be persuaded or frightened, but they waste their time, Captain. I shall tell them nothing."
    "Bravo," I said softly, "I hope you do not."
    "And you, Captain? You do not wish to know?"
    "Senorita, I live to know, to understand, and if possible, to see. Yet it would be enough for me to know there is such a place as you suggest ... somewhere ... and that the old ways persist. I would not have the old ways die, for all people in their own way find a path to wisdom. Each way can be a good way. Each has something to offer the world."
    "Then, if you could, you would help me?"
    "That I will, but you must let me know what it is you wish. I must first understand. Then I can think and plan."
    "They would kill you, Captain."
    I smiled. "I cannot remember a time when someone was not trying to kill me, senorita. Perhaps I shall live long enough."
    "But you are alone!"
    "There is Armand."
    "He is one of them!"
    "Is he? Armand is a Basque, senorita, and the Basques have their own way of thinking. It is he I will get to help me repair the boat."
    Suddenly Don Manuel was there, his features pale with anger. "Senorita! This is no place for you! Come!"
    Without a word she turned from me and walked to him, her submissiveness puzzling in a girl who seemed of such an independent mind. Yet it was not my business. True, I had offered my aid, such as it might be, but what she might have in mind, I knew not. Nor did I know the whole situation, or just what or whom I must save her from.
    My concern at the moment should be with returning to England and putting in a claim for my portion of theGood Catherine's trade--if she survived the voyage and if there were any profits.
    At the moment the boat was my stock in trade. I could repair it, and I could sail her to the Savannah River settlement, or on to Saint Augustine, if that be necessary.
    With Armand I walked back to the fire. He left me and went to join the others. Was I contaminated, then? Or was he merely wishing to avoid a controversy?
    Don Diego called over to me. His voice was cool. "You have examined the boat?"
    "I have."
    "Can it be made seaworthy? You can make it so?"
    "I can ... on the condition that I accompany you. I wish to return to Europe."
    "Of course. You can do the work