“Yes,” shouted the skipper. “With a will, my lads! Three cheers for Don Ramon!” And they were given with such energy that the Don sprang up upon the cabin-light, to bow and press his hands to his breast.
He was down again the next instant, to run to the skipper and catch and wring his hands.
“You see,” he cried, “the people are with me. But you will help me still?”
“As far as I can,” was the reply; “but you must not call upon me to land my men and help you in your fight with Villarayo.”
“No?” said the Don, in a questioning way.
“No,” replied the skipper. “The fight at the hacienda was an exception. I was driven to that.”
“But you will help me still? The arms—the ammunition?”
“Yes; it is our duty to land everything safely to your order.”
“Then I want the rifles and cartridges now.”
“Yes,” said the skipper. “You feel satisfied that it will be safe to have them landed?”