"Brothers," said Montbarts, "what we have hitherto done is nothing; it is only the dawn of the new era which is about to open, for the glorious days of filibustering are beginning—twelve men like us, united by the same thought, must perform miracles."
"We will do so, be assured, brother," Morgan said, as he carelessly picked his teeth with a gold pin.
"Now, brothers, before I submit my second proposal to you, I believe we had better elect a president."
"That is true," said David; "as the company is formed, let us elect the president."
"One word first," said Michael the Basque, stepping into the centre of the circle.
"Speak, brother."
"I wish to add this: every member of the Association who falls into the hands of the gavachos shall be delivered by the other members, whatever perils they may have to incur in doing so."
"We swear it!" the filibusters shouted enthusiastically.
"Unless it is impossible," Morgan said.
"Nothing is impossible for us," William Drake remarked, rudely.