"I see no inconvenience in trying that, although I will begin by making my reservations."
"What are they?"
"That I do not pledge myself to insure the success of your hazardous undertaking."
"That remark is fair, but do not alarm yourself, if the Island is well defended, it shall be well attacked."
"I am convinced; now for the next matter."
"I will let you know it when the time arrives, señor; for the present, other business engages our attention."
"As you please, sir, you will be the best judge of the opportunity."
"Now, sir, as I had the honour of telling you at the outset, since I know you to be a very sharp hand, and very capable of slipping through my fingers like an eel, without the slightest scruple, and as I wish to avoid that eventuality, and save you any notion of the sort, you will do me the pleasure of going at once aboard my lugger."
"A prisoner!" the Spaniard said with a gesture of ill humour.
"Not as a prisoner, my dear Don Antonio, but regarded as a hostage, and treated as such, that is to say, with all the attention compatible with our common security."