said; "you speak Portuguese like a
cursed Englishman."

"No, I should hope not; I am a 'cursed Englishman,' that is half--son
of an English lord and a French creole, born in the Mauritius at your
service, and let me ask you to be a little more civil, for cross-bred
dogs are fierce."

Now at length the sentry opened one side of the gate, grumbling, and
Leonard swaggered up the steps followed by the other two. Already they
were through it, when suddenly he turned and struck Otter in the face.

"Why, Dog," he said angrily, "you have forgotten to bring up the keg of
brandy, my little present for the Dom. Go and fetch it. Quick, now."

"Pardon, Chief," answered Otter, "but I am a small man and the keg is
heavy for me alone--if you will deign to help me, for the old woman is
too weak."

"Do you take me for a porter that I should roll kegs of cognac up steps?
Here, my friend," he went on addressing the sentry, "if you wish to earn
a little present and a drink, perhaps you will give this fellow a hand
with the cask. There is a spigot in it, and you can try the quality
afterwards."

"Right, Senor," said the man briskly, and led the way down the steps.

A look of dreadful intelligence passed between the dwarf and his master.
Then Otter followed, his hand upon the hilt of the Arab sabre which he
wore, while Leonard and Soa waited above. They heard the man's heavily
booted feet going down the steps followed by Otter's naked footfall.

"Where is your keg? I don't see it," said the sentry presently.

"Lean over, senor, lean over," answered Otter; "it is in the stern of
the canoe. Let me help you."

There was a moment's pause, to the listeners it seemed hours. Then came
the sound of a blow and a heavy splash. They hearkened on, but nothing
more was to be heard except the beating of their hearts and the distant
noise of revelry from the camp.

Three seconds passed and Otter stood beside them. In the dim light
Leonard could see that his eyes stared wide and his nostrils twitched.

"Quick was the blow, strong was the blow, silent is the man for ever,"
whispered Otter. "So the Baas commanded, so it is."

CHAPTER XI

THAT HERO OTTER

"Help me to secure the gate," said Leonard presently.

In another minute the great iron bar had been dropped into its place,
and Leonard withdrew the key and put it in his pocket.

"Why do you secure the door, Baas?" whispered Otter.

"To keep the real Pierre out, in case he should c