Commodore Billings foresaw certain destruction in resistance.
As he was stepping into the last-departing boat Mendoza said to him:
"Because you came as conqueror we bid you go."
In an hour the harbor was empty, the flagpoles of square and castle bare.
CHAPTER XXX
ODDS AND ENDS
Señora Valentino, rather pale, was sitting in the room adjoining the treasure-chamber of the old Spanish governor. Captain Farquharson was opposite.
"So you return to Europe to-morrow, Captain."
"Yes, señora, and glad am I to have the conveniences of a home-going war vessel. When do you go?"
"In a month or so—some time in the latter part of October."