Part 54 (1/2)
In the obscure niche he now occupies no light falls upon his face--not a ray. If there did, it would disclose the countenance of Harry Blew; and as oft before, with an expression upon it not easily understood. But no one sees, much less makes attempt to interpret it.
Meanwhile the two saunterers come to a stop and stand conversing. It is Gomez who is first heard saying:
”I've been thinking, _companero_, now we've got everything straight so far, that our best plan will be to stay where we are till the other matter's fixed.”
”What other are you speaking of?”
”The marrying, of course.”
”Oh! that. Well?”
”We can send on for the _padre_, and bring him here; or failing him, the _cura_. To tell truth, I haven't the slightest idea of where we've come ash.o.r.e. We may be a goodish distance from Santiago; and to go there, embargoed as we are, there's a possibility of our being robbed of our pretty baggage on the route. You understand me?”
”I do!”
”Against risk of that kind, it is necessary we should take precautions.
And the first--as also the best I can think of--is to stay here till we're spliced. One of our two Californian friends can act as a messenger. Either, with six words I shall entrust to him, will be certain to bring back an ecclesiastic, having full powers to perform the flea-bite of a ceremony. Then we can march inland without fear--ay, with flying colours; both Benedicts, our blus.h.i.+ng brides on our arms, and in Santiago spend a pleasant honeymoon.”
”Delightful antic.i.p.ation!”
”Just so. And for that very reason, we mustn't risk marring it; which we might, by travelling as simple bachelors. So I say, let us get married before going a step farther.”
”But the others? Are they to a.s.sist at our nuptials?”
”Certainly not.”
”In what way can it be avoided?”
”The simplest in the world. It's understood that we divide our plunder the first thing in the morning. When that's done, and each has packed up his share, I intend proposing that we separate--every one to go his own gait.”
”Will they agree to that, think you?”
”Of course they will. Why shouldn't they? It's the safest way for all, and they'll see that. Twelve of us trooping together through the country--to say nothing of having the women along--the story we're to tell about s.h.i.+pwreck might get discredited. When that's made clear, to our old s.h.i.+pmates, they'll be considerate for their own safety. Trust me for making it clear. Of course we'll keep our Californian friends to act as groomsmen; so that the only things wanted will be a brace of bridesmaids.”
”Ha, ha, ha!” laughs Hernandez.
”And now to see about our brides. We've not yet proposed to them. We went once to do that, and were disappointed. Not much danger of that now.”
”For all that, we may count upon a flat refusal.”
”Flat or sharp, little care I. And it won't signify, one way or the other. In three days or less I intend calling Carmen Montijo my wife.
But come on; I long to lay my hand and heart at her feet.”
Saying which Gomez strides on towards the grotto, the other by his side, like two Tarquins about to invade the sleep of virginal innocence.
CHAPTER SIXTY THREE.
WITHIN THE GROTTO.