"Ho, yes!" he shouted loudly. "Come ahead! I am the American!"
Canoes were gathering now from every direction, and their lights began to illuminate his own boat; still, he could see little of the gathering flotilla, for each torch was set in front of a tin reflector and flung all its light forward. From the dimly seen figures came a voice, saying:
"An order from Canalejos, señor. We are to detain you and la señora!"
"Yes, I had supposed so."
A pause, then the voice said:
"We have been watching for you day and night, señor."
The American wearied instantly of this polite Spanish circumlocution.
"Oh, well! Now that you've got us what are you going to do with us?"
"If you will accompany me to my ship, señor! Perhaps you recognize me: we had a very pleasant afternoon together once. I am Captain Vargas of the Concepcion Inmaculada." He twisted the light about in his boat and exhibited not a canoe but himself and a number of peon oarsmen, in a jolly-boat.