He must go ashore secretly and enter San Juan by the backdoor.
His acquaintance with the city and its surroundings would serve him in good stead, as must also his knowledge of the Spanish character and language.
Roderic had his bold plans all arranged and was therefore a little annoyed when fickle Nature threatened to interfere with their smooth sailing. If the tropical storm had only held off another hour all would have been serene.
They had had glimpses of Porto Rico's fair shores during the last few hours, and Roderic might have landed in comfort.
Two things restrained him—the lack of suitable transportation facilities to the capital, and the presence of Spanish soldiers scattered along the shore, and revealed through the glasses.
Night was absolutely necessary for the successful carrying out of his plans, and even then there had been danger from discovery on account of the moon.
The storm obviated this, while it bred new perils of its own.
Roderic decided to risk it.
Delay meant more danger for Cleo, since every hour spent upon that coast in a gale of wind, during the hurricane season of the year was tempting Providence.
Once he was off their hands he could run away from the coast or else make for the shelter of San Juan harbor, which would surely not be refused any friendly craft on such a wretched night.