"Well, Washington, you are back in Cuba with a whole skin again," said Morgan, cordially extending his hand to the negro.
"Cap'n Morgan, suah," said Jenks, carefully rubbing his hand on his trousers before accepting the captain's. "Ah'm right glad to see you again, sah. O yes, sah, George Wash Jenks' skin am whole, sah. Cap'n Dynamite, he see to that, sah. Nevah leave Cap'n Dynamite, sah."
"That's right, Washington, stick to the captain and he'll pull you through, and Cuba needs a few more honest hearts like yours."
"Ah serve Cap'n Dynamite, sah. He serve Cuba."
With great dignity the negro turned away and entered the cabin.
"An honest fellow, O'Connor, and seems devoted to you."
"Yes, I think Washington would follow me to the ends of the earth; but what are the orders, captain? We must be up and doing. I should not like to lie here long enough for the Spaniards to discover our landing-place."
"Ah, there I am as ignorant as you. Here are sealed instructions from Gomez."
Captain Morgan handed a packet to O'Connor, who broke the seal eagerly. When he had read what the message contained the hand that held it dropped nervelessly by his side. He gasped as if for breath, and pulled nervously at the collar of his shirt like a man choking. Morgan, who noticed his singular actions started toward him.
"What's the matter, O'Connor?" he asked, anxiously. "Are you ill?"