“It is necessary that we use great precaution for, as you know”——
“I wait your orders,” laconically repeated the other.
The Rover compressed his mouth, and a scornful smile struggled about the nether lip; but it changed into a look half bland, half authoritative, as he continued,—
“You will find two seamen, in a skiff, alongside the ship; the one is white, and the other is black. These men you will have conducted into the vessel—into one of the forward state-rooms—and you will have them both thoroughly intoxicated.”
“It shall be done,” returned he who was called the General, rising, and marching with long strides towards the door of the cabin.
“Pause a moment,” exclaimed the Rover; “what agent will you use?”
“Nightingale has the strongest head but one in the ship.”
“He is too far gone already. I sent him ashore, to look about for any straggling seamen who might like our service; and I found him in a tavern, with all the fastenings off his tongue, declaiming like a lawyer who had taken a fee from both parties Besides, he had a quarrel with one of these very men, and it is probable they would get to blows in their cups.”
“I will do it myself. My night-cap is waiting for me; and it is only to lace it a little tighter than common.”
The Rover seemed content with this assurance; for he expressed his satisfaction with a familiar nod of the head. The soldier was now about to depart, when he was again interrupted.