Читать книгу Brethren of the Main - Рафаэль Сабатини - Страница 19

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He turned to those about him and pointed to the gun, where Don Diego still hung in his bonds.

"Release him," he commanded. "I keep faith, Don Diego. Your life is spared you. Do you hear?"

Something flickered in his face as he asked the question. He step close up to the Spaniard, and then he caught his breath. Don Diego Valdez was dead.

He stood by in silence whilst his men lowered the limp form to the deck. Then the surgeon in him awoke, and he went down on one knee beside the body. No wound or slightest hurt was visible.

It was as he supposed. Don Diego had been slain by the anticipation of death when the other vessel fired her broadside.

Captain Blood rose, and as he turned again, there was an odd wistfulness in his eyes.

"He was a man of a spirit greater than his poor body could contain," he said. "His immortal soul was stouter than his poor mortal heart. Be that his epitaph!"