twilight. Many of
the asperities that go as a matter of course with newness were hidden, but
the smells remained.

"Wish I could sleep in the woods to-night, with nuthin' but trees runnin'
away at least ten miles in every direction," said Long Jim.

"It will be all right in our boat on the river," said Paul.

"I think I shall go with you as far as your boat," said Lieutenant Bernal.

"You're welcome. Come on," said Henry, confident of his friendship.

The five and the lieutenant walked swiftly toward the Mississippi.

CHAPTER XV

BEFORE BERNARDO GALVEZ

It took only a few minutes to reach the banks of the stream, and they saw
at once that an event was occurring. New Orleans could rejoice, if she
choose, in honor of an important arrival.

A fleet of a dozen large boats swung from the middle of the stream and
made for the levee. In the boats were men in uniform.

"I have an impression, though my impressions are often wrong and my memory
always weak, that yonder cavalier who sits haughtily in the boat as if he
were sole proprietor of the Mississippi, is your good friend, Don
Francisco Alvarez," said Lieutenant Bernal in his mincing way.

They had all recognized Alvarez, and they expected quick trouble. As it
was bound to come they had no objection to its coming at once. The boat of
Alvarez made the landing and as he sprang out he was followed by Braxton
Wyatt, also in the uniform of a Spanish officer. The eyes of the Captain
instantly caught sight of "The Galleon," then of the five, and then of
Lieutenant Diego Bernal standing near the Americans.

"Men," he cried to some of his soldiers who had landed. "Seize this boat
at once! It is my property, taken from me by these American thieves!"

The soldiers moved to obey, but the little Catalan, Lieutenant Diego
Bernal stepped forward. Never was he more mincing, and it is likely that
he never felt more satisfaction than he did now at the role that he was
about to play.

"Gently! Gently! my good captain," he said. "I am a port officer and boats
cannot be seized at will in His Most Catholic Majesty's city of New
Orleans."

His manner stung Alvarez, who replied hotly:

"I repeat, it is my boat! It was stolen from me by these thieves from
Kaintock!"

"But that must be proved," and the lieutenant's voice was very soft and
silky. "The law is still administered in the City of New Orleans. And let
me assure you, my good captain, that the matter of the boat is