A prediction that was realized, for, without further mishap, they reached the wharf and walked its length.
“Who comes here?” growled a gruff voice.
Hal’s heart gave a jump at sound of the old, dear, familiar English tongue.
“We are friends. I am an American,” he replied, stepping in advance. “I wish to speak with the captain.”
“You’ll find him on board, sir,” replied the sailor, more respectfully.
“I must leave you, senor,” whispered Ramirez, adding, when he saw Hal’s look of surprise: “The money that you intrusted to me I left with friends. Do not be uneasy. In twenty minutes you should see me back.”
Before Hal could grasp his hand to wring it, Ramirez had glided off in the shadows.
“Of all the true hearts in the world,” gasped Maynard, admiringly. “Will he come back? I wish I were as sure of heaven!”
Without a doubt regarding Ramirez, our hero turned and went aboard the brig.
Only three words of introduction were needed to secure a warm grasp from Captain Blodgett’s hand: