"On board the vessel, senor."
"What have you brought this time?"
"Cuban tobacco, Jamaica spirits, and some rich West Indian fabrics for ladies' dresses. A cask of spirits and a box of cigars have gone up to the castle. Old Mr. Cuthbert took them in."
"All right; but I have some business now at hand that Cuthbert must know nothing about. For instance, he is in ignorance, and must remain in ignorance, of my visit to the beach to-night."
"We can be silent as the grave, senor."
"Have you had any trouble from the coastguard?"
"No, senor; how could we? Is not your excellency the protector of the poor?"
The viscount laughed.
"It is true," he said, "that the guards at the nearest station are in my power, and know better than to pry too closely into the concerns of any vessels that run into my castle cove; but beyond their domain I cannot protect you; so be cautious."
"We are cautious, senor. So cautious that we shall sail with the first tide."