"I have not yet had time to think," said I.
"It is good pay," said he, "and no risk to you either. You're on the right side of the door anyway. There's bound to be a scrimmage. The house is an old, strong building, there are gates to pass, and we must look to be fired upon."
"That you must expect," said I. "But you are numerous enough—seven powerful men, not counting the eighth, whom you leave to tend the boat. You will go ashore armed, of course?"
"Of course."
"You do not doubt that it is a genuine business?" said I.
"No, no," he answered in his file-like tones; "it's genuine enough. What d'ye suspect?"
"Why, do you see, an errand of this sort, Captain Dopping," said I, hushing my voice, "might signify anything else than the recovery of a Spanish gentleman's wife."
"So it might," he answered; "but in our case it don't happen to. You'll be satisfied when you see the lady brought aboard."
"Who is Don Lazarillo?" said I.