"Como, no! But it may be! Who knows? Ah! Here we are at The Iturbide. Come, Juan!"
They climbed up the side of the cruiser, and were received by Captain Pedraza and Peter.
"Buenos dias de Dios á ustedes, Señores," said Pedraza, greeting them heartily. "I am glad to see you both, as I wish to land these troops at once. Señor Pedro desires to go also."
"What nonsense, Peter," said Jack, in English, turning to his friend; "it is too dangerous. You stay on board, and go back to Tlatonac."
"I shall not!" returned the doctor, indignantly; "you are going, so why should not I? Besides, I wish to see Tim, and to be certain that Philip has arrived safely."
"I don't want you killed, Peter," protested Jack.
"I won't be killed any more than you will be, Jack. It's not a bit of use your talking, I'm going with you. I have my medicine-chest with me."
"Oh, well, obstinacy! Have it your own way," replied Duval, touched by this proof of Peter's friendship; "but Tim will pitch at me for bringing you into danger."
"Tim will be glad enough to have a doctor at hand. Why, Jack, I should have been at Totatzine to cure you."
"Cocom was good at a pinch."