Captain Morena was a very fine looking man of thirty, with magnificent hair and mustaches, and wore a very showy uniform. He threw himself carelessly upon the transom, and laid his sword upon the cabin table, while Morris and the mate seated themselves on camp stools.
"Señor capitan," said Morris, "I trust, though it be early in the day, that you have no objection to take a glass of wine with me."
The Mexican assented to the proposition, and the steward produced a bottle, glasses, and cigars.
"Your health, capitan," said Morris, with a courteous smile; "and may you ever be as successful as on the present occasion."
"Muchas gracias señor," replied the Mexican; "you bear the loss of your brig very good humoredly. What may she be worth?"
"She cost thirty thousand dollars in Baltimore," replied Morris.
"You must regret to lose her."
"That admits no question, señor."
"But that is of minor importance, compared with your other loss."
"What loss?"