Part 6 (2/2)
”There's no cause for surprise. It's the simplest way.”
”But the American cruiser. Think of that, Ruiz. She's sure to be hanging around.”
”And if she is, it's a matter of very little consequence.”
”But you'll be stopped.”
”No. We shall be in small boats and keep close in to sh.o.r.e. Now, the Yankee cruiser must stay a good way out, for the water's not deep enough to let her in. To-night will be dark. There's no moon till two o'clock, and so it's simplicity itself to get the stuff through.”
”Why did they send you? You don't belong to those fellows at Valmosa.”
”Never saw one of them in my life. But the order was given me, and that's enough.”
”The old general had had his dinner when he gave the order?”
”Yes.”
”Then we know what that means. He had more wine than wit in his body.”
”I must get away,” said Ruiz.
”There's no hurry.”
”Not for you. Stay, if you please.”
”No, no; we'll all go together.”
Ruiz Calderon rose.
”I have to get a good horse. The most dangerous part of the business is getting to Valmosa, because I must go near the rebel lines.”
”Good luck to Ruiz!” cried all his comrades, emptying their gla.s.ses as they spoke.
”Thank you, gentlemen, thank you. My good fellow, your wine was excellent. If you should hear a horseman gallop past your hut to-night, don't be alarmed. It will only be me.”
Scarcely had they gone, when Dan Daly rushed out.
”Faith, it's more than flesh an' blood could stand. Arrah! but me mouth watered when I heard the gla.s.ses clinkin'. The spalpeens!” he cried in dismay, ”they've not left a drop for me.”
”There's plenty.”
Dan gazed in amazement at the h.o.a.rd of liquor that had been discovered.
”What a find! It's meself could put in a week here in this blessed hut.”
”But you won't.”
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