“They came to the house and arrested Pedro,” she said. To her also the subject seemed to be of but little interest. She spoke as though it were only with an effort she could recall the details. “I knew you needed him to convince father you were friends. So, as he could not come, I came. Did I do right?”
“Whatever you do is right,” answered Roddy. “We might as well start life with that proposition as a fixed fact.”
“And do you want me with you now?” whispered the girl.
“Do I want you with me!” Roddy exclaimed, in mock exasperation. “Don’t provoke me!” he cried. “I am trying,” he protested, “to do my duty, while what I would like to do is to point this boat the other way, and elope with you to Curaçao. So, if you love your father, don’t make yourself any more distractingly attractive than you are at this moment. If you don’t help me to be strong I will run away with you.”
Inez laughed, softly and happily, and, leaning toward him, kissed him.
“That’s not helping me!” protested Roddy.
“It is for the last time,” said Inez, “until my father is free.”
“That may not be for months!” cried Roddy.
“It is for the last time,” repeated Inez.
Roddy concealed the launch in the cove below El Morro and, taking from the locker a flask of brandy and an extra torch, led the way up the hill. When they drew near to the fortress, fearing a possible ambush, he left Inez and proceeded alone to reconnoitre. But El Morro was undisturbed, and as he and McKildrick had left it. He returned for Inez, and at the mouth of the tunnel halted and pointed to a place well suited for concealment.