“That is right,” agreed Stark, “but there is one serious objection.”
“And that is?”
“They are likely to see us from the shore and report our presence along the coast. That might precipitate a night attack or some sort of sortie that might put us in an awkward hole.”
“By the great bells of Sevilla, you are right. What do you suggest? You see, already I am beginning to lean on you Americans.”
The brave old captain smiled wanly as he spoke.
“Why, sir, I have a plan in my mind. It came to me while we were talking. The Barrill is exactly like the Beale, is she not?”
“They were built at the same yards. The Beale is slightly longer, and more modern, and heavily engined. But why?”
“Well, you have an American flag on board?”
“Yes,” rejoined the captain, still puzzled, “of course we carry saluting flags of every nation.”
“Then why can’t we masquerade as the Beale?”