“You are quite satisfied with the men you have got?”
“Yes, but I have had to be very cautious, for there are one or two naval men at Elswick who have been mighty curious. I must say that Señor Alvarez has played the game skillfully, for they all think that I have entered the San Salvador navy. But I shall be glad when we are outside British waters.”
“Then you had better get away as soon as possible. Of course you must not come into Las Palmas harbor?” Gaunt asked.
“No, for one doesn’t generally go to South America via the Canaries. I intend to lie a few miles off, and I shall come ashore in the pinnace. I suppose I shall find you at the Santa Catalina Hotel?”
“Yes. Captain Drake will be with us, and he will look after the men who are already there.”
They dined at the Carlton Hotel, and Captain Armstrong was in the highest spirits, in contrast to the others. The meal had just come to an end, and they had lighted their cigars when Edward Drake gave a significant look at Gaunt. The latter turned round and saw that the Baron de Croiseuil was seating himself at a table on the other side of the room.
“It is as well that he should see me here. Hang it, I’ll go over and speak to him,” Gaunt said suddenly, and immediately hastened across the room.
“Good-evening, Baron,” he said suavely, and took a chair on the other side of the table.
For once in his life the Baron lost his composure, and flushed hotly.
“You have done your worst and have failed,” Gaunt continued quietly.