"Yes, we have always that to reckon with," he acknowledged. "Stap me, I see not what the fellow could have suspected to send him kiting from us. But with any luck he'll not flush a frigate this side of Jamaica, and that should give us time."
"If he suspected us, why not some of the other craft that have passed us on our beat?" I interjected. "There ha' been plenty."
My great-uncle pointed to the white ensign floating from the mizzen-truck.
"They were all Spaniards or Frenchmen," he answered. "They took us for a King's ship. No, there's little chance of interference. If there is—" his jaw squared—"I'll hunt the Santissima Trinidad into Cadiz port."
He broke off abruptly.
"Master Martin!"
"Aye, aye, sir," responded the mate, stepping for'ard from the wheel.
"I would have all lookouts notified that I shall give ten onzas to him who first hails the deck for a large Spaniard of forty-four guns coming from the west. She'll show a red-and-yellow light o' nights at her fore-peak. You will also see that all men sent aloft carry night-glasses."
Martin touched his forelock.
"Aye, aye, sir! I'll pipeclay the —— —— —— who misses the —— dago. Curse me for a lubber, but I knew there must be fat game a-comin' after such a spell o' idleness."