For once his composure deserted him. He did not answer me, but turning his back upon us, walked for a short distance along the beach. When he rejoined us he was himself again. In the meantime I had ordered the men to take the boat back to the schooner, and had promised them that a liberal reward should be sent them in the morning. After that we took council together as to how we should reach the city. It would be impossible for the Señorita to walk so far in the shoes she was then wearing; there was also the risk of the President and Señorita being recognized to be considered. We were still discussing this momentous question when a noise behind us attracted our attention. We immediately turned to find three men hastening towards us. They wore the uniform of the Equinata Coastguard Service, and the individual in the centre was plainly an officer.
"Confound them," I muttered to myself, "they're smarter than I imagined. If I'm not mistaken, this will upset our plans, and the President's arrival will be known after all."
This was not the case, however. Their appearance was destined to prove a blessing in disguise.
"What brings you ashore, señors, at such an hour?" the officer inquired, addressing me. "And what boat was it that landed you?"
I was about to invent some story, but the President, with his customary quickness, had grasped the situation, and was prepared to make capital out of it.
"A word with you in private, señor," he said, addressing the officer before him. "I fancy I can satisfy you as to our honesty."
The other threw a glance at the Señorita, bowed, and acquiesced. They walked a few paces together, and though I could hear the President's voice, I could not catch anything of what he said. Their conversation lasted something like five minutes, after which they rejoined us.
"Our friend here," said Fernandez, "quite understands the situation, and has kindly offered to arrange matters for us."
The officer bowed with ceremonious respect to the Señorita. Then to me he said, with a pomposity that was almost ludicrous—
"Señor, Equinata thanks you for the service you have rendered her."