Roy Norton

“ If he learns you are armed, he will sink without warning, and I am informed there are numerous German spies here who endeavor to keep their submarines informed as to sailings and cargoes. Yes, you would have a much better chance to fight for it if no one suspected that you were able to defend yourself."
Knowing what I did of German methods, I could but agree. It was his own suggestion that, inasmuch as he could trust every man of his all-British crew, he should take the gun-cases ostensibly to his own ship, and that night convey them to the Esperanza. ”

“ They are men of honor. Do not be alarmed on that score. Nor must you, remembering that I am trusting entirely to your honesty, let it increase your anxieties; for if you do not succeed in your mission I shall grieve more over the loss of your life than for the loss of my treasure. ”

“ The Esperanza's ostensible cargo of cocoa, rubber, and tropical products was already taken on and stowed. There remained nothing further to do but get aboard by night our real cargo of treasure. Gold is one of the most difficult commodities in the world to handle, because of its small bulk and concentrated weight. ”

“ Any one who has ever assisted in transporting some five or six tons of it in small boxes that are back-breaking to. lift, knows that this is true. Moreover, I could not share this secret with either the broker or my newly made friend, Captain Roberts, without betrayal of one of those peculiar confidences which Monsieur Périgord had imposed upon me. Therefore I was compelled to conduct the job with my own men, unaided by any outside assistance, and if ever there was a tired crew it was mine when, in the darkness of the early morning hours, the last of the treasure was aboard. ”