"That is enough about the smugglers. Take warning, my man, and keep out of trouble, or you will lose the steamer," added the commander.
"I owe you thirty shillings, Captain Chickworth," said Louis, tendering the money, for he had listened to all that had been said.
"I don't mind that; you 'ave saved my steamer; for I know what a liar Gray is, and I was afeard that they would want to confisticate 'er."
"I insist on paying for her," added Louis, thrusting the gold into the vest pocket of the owner.
"I will pay for her to-day, but I want to make a trade with you for to-day and to-morrow," continued the captain; and he engaged her for the two days for two pounds. "You will keep her alongside when we are not using her."
"Which I will do and hall night too."
"We are going ashore this afternoon, and at five o'clock you will go over for Judge Salazar."
Captain Ringgold had already attended to the formalities necessary to obtain admission to the town and to visit the batteries and fortifications, and the American consul had rendered all the assistance required. After an early lunch the party embarked in the Salihé, now in charge of Captain Chickworth and his engineer. The little steamer proceeded directly to the Ragged Staff stairs, where the landing was made.
Macias, one of the guides of the place, was waiting for them. The party walked till they were tired, and then a wagonette was obtained, and they rode through the streets for an hour, looking at the buildings, especially the barracks, for everything was military about the town.
Ever since the possession of the Rock was obtained, about one hundred and eighty years ago, the English have been at work improving the defences of the place, and the territory is covered with batteries in addition to the principal fortifications in the Rock itself. The visitors gave only a glance at these, and observed with more interest the soldiers and their officers, as seen about the streets, especially a regiment of Highlanders, whose bare legs were more comfortable in this climate than in England.