“Carambo! Señor Capitaine, what in the devil’s name is the meaning of this?” shouted a deep voice from the steamer, in furious accents.
“Quien es?”
“Demonios! Colonel Alvaro, commander of the fort. What mean you by moving off like a thief in the dark? It is an offence against Portugal and the laws.”
Captain Pardoe laughed. “I am merely taking coal for which I am willing to pay. Will you receive the money?”
“Yes,” said a strange voice; “I represent the coal company.”
There was an altercation on board the tug, for such it proved to be.
“I protest, Colonel Alvaro. When I have received payment you may do what you like. Lower a boat.”
Colonel Alvaro gave way, the boat was lowered, and a young Englishman stepped on board, who was immediately taken below, where he made a good bargain.
“Now, Captain,” he said, after securing a roll of notes, “you have acted in a high-handed manner, and it is no business of mine to help you, but the sooner you move the better. The warship Esperanza has been signalled, and will be here in half an hour.”
“Thank you,” said the Captain, with a grim smile; “we can look after ourselves. Mr Webster, release the soldiers, and let them return with these gentlemen.”