"Stand here for a moment, Raquel," he whispered. "I am afraid that I cannot get you over the side without aid."
She stood where he placed her, and he ran forward with much bustle and noise, seeking the captain, calling him by name.
"Ah! the saints preserve us! Is that you, Señor Silencio? Where are we, Señor? There is no light anywhere to be seen. Where are we, for the love of God?"
"I am afraid that you have run aground on my sand spit, Señor Capitan."
"On your sand spit, Señor! Where, then, is Los Santos Head?"
"Some miles further down the coast, Señor Capitan."
"Ay de mi! I knew that pilot was no good. This is the first light that we have seen, and now that has gone out. This was a red light, Señor."
"Red light? You are dreaming, Señor Capitan."
The captain took this rejoinder in its literal meaning.
"It is true that I was dreaming, Señor. I beg of you not to mention it at the port. I have suffered with a fearful toothache all day. The pilot said that he was competent; we have never had any trouble." Silencio cut him short.