"That's the penalty of being so clever, my boy. The world always overworks its greatest men. It's quite reasonable, after all."
"But it's hard on me, nevertheless," observed Alzura; "though I suppose one ought not to complain of being a genius. Well, I've been working my brains all day—"
"Your what?"
"Oh, shut up, and let me speak! I've hit on a lovely plan: it will work like a machine; it can't possibly fail. We have been on the wrong tack, trying to meet force with force. What we want is craft. Do you follow me, boys?"
"Yes, yes; go on! Let's hear the lovely plan."
"When you do hear it, you will wonder why no one thought of it before. It is simple beyond belief, almost."
"A true mark of genius, Alzura. But we're waiting to hear this infallible plan."
"Well, look here. Just study that sentry's face a minute. Who is he like? Don't know? Why, isn't he just like our friend Crawford?"
The little group laughed with delight, while I said reproachfully, "Oh, come, Alzura!"
"Not so much the face, dear boy," said he, "but the figure. He's just your height and build; you will admit that. And his clothes will fit you, Juan. Now, do you see?"