The captain had followed the second officer in the direction of the cabin, and Roderic moved in the same quarter, as though possessed of some curiosity regarding the vessel upon which his feet now pressed for the first time.
By degrees he thus shook off the inquisitive sailormen who had first kept an eye on him.
All the while he was getting closer to the quarter deck, knowing that here if anywhere, he would be apt to find the object of his search.
Beven had arranged for at least an hour's stay on board, so there would be plenty of time to accomplish what he wished.
When he heard the voice of Georgia near by it sent a thrill through his heart.
She was here within a dozen yards of him, this beautiful maid of San Juan whose presence affected him so strangely, and under whose potent spell his heart delighted to remain a prisoner, rescue or no rescue.
How was he to find an opportunity to address her with others near by?
That must depend upon the good fortune that awaits upon Cupid's devotees—and Captain Beven, who might be trusted to put in a few good strokes in order to favor his protege.
As Roderic slipped closer up to the little ladder that led to the quarter deck he could plainly discover that besides General Porfidio there were two gentlemen present on the ground, and these he presently made out to be the redoubtable Jerome Wellington and a Spanish agent, possibly the same Senor Roblado, who had shown such a valiant spirit at the bungalow on the Rathmines road, Dublin.
Roderic was so eager to approach the girl that he could with a clear conscience have tossed both of these loquacious worthies overboard into the waters of the harbor, had he been allowed the chance, and could this bold move have secured the desired private interview.