Dynamite stepped back, and without speaking to Morgan, who watched him anxiously, paced the quarter-deck with nervous strides. Suarez appeared in his pajamas, rubbing his eyes. The captain stopped as he saluted, and looked from one to the other of the men. Finally he said, holding out the message to Suarez:
"Suarez—Morgan—here are the instructions regarding the removal of the cargo. They are simple. There is also news—bad news—but that concerns only me. Take this paper, Suarez, and with Captain Morgan's assistance carry out the orders to the letter. You are in command."
Then he turned to Washington, who had followed Suarez to the quarter-deck.
"Bring me my night coat, Washington, and my rifle. Suarez, have the gig lowered. I am going ashore."
"Alone, captain?"
"Alone."
"And may I ask the captain where at this hour of the night?"
"To Gomez."
"Take a file of my men, O'Connor. The country between here and Cubitas is full of Spaniards."
"Thank you, Morgan. I have good, true men of my own who know the country as well as I do myself, but they would only hamper me. I must make speed—speed, do you hear? Suarez, why do you stand there like a wooden Indian? Get my gig into the water."