ere in New
Orleans. This is the gate and we must see that it is not closed. How many
canoes and boats have we now, Adam?"

"About sixty, and they are manned by at least three hundred men. As I see
it, we can take care of ourselves."

"Adam," said Mr. Pollock laughing, "I believe you're really looking for a
fight."

Adam Colfax showed two rows of fine, white teeth, but said nothing. After
a little more hearty talk he went away to look after his fleet, and Mr.
Pollock made arrangements for the five to stay at his house until their
departure north. They were to occupy a single big room, and their rifles,
other arms, and general equipment were already there waiting for them.

"I'll miss 'The Galleon,'" said Paul, "I'd like to be going back in her. I
suppose it's sentiment, but I became attached to that boat."

"She wuz shorely comf'table," said Shif'less Sol. "I had a good time
floatin' down her on the Missip'. Now I reckon Jim here will hev to row me
or paddle me all the way back to Kaintuck."

"Ef you wait fur me to row or paddle you, you won't ever travel more'n six
inches," said Long Jim.

"Jest like you, Jim; you ain't got no gratitood at all fur me gittin' you
away from New Orlee-yuns."

Paul, who had been speaking to Henry in a low tone, now turned again to
Mr. Pollock.

"There is one more thing that we want you to do for us, if you will, Mr.
Pollock," he said. "We took the boat from Alvarez because he attacked us
first, and we put it to what we think was a good use. But it really
belonged to Spain and Bernardo Galvez. So if any wages are coming to us we
wish that you would take enough in advance and pay the Governor General
for the use of the boat and what stores we may have consumed."

"It shall be done," said Oliver Pollock, "and I like your spirit in
wishing it to be done."

It was a promise that he kept faithfully.

When they reached their room they found their rifles and other arms in
perfect order. Lieutenant Diego Bernal had taken good care of them. Long
Jim picked up his rifle and handled it lovingly.

"It feels good jest to tech it," he said. "I didn't think I could ever
like a Spaniard ez well ez I do that thar little leftenant. I'll miss him
when we go ploughin' up the river."

They were preparing to leave the room and breathe all out of doors, as Sol
put it, when they were stopped by the entrance of Father Montigny. They
crowded around him, expressing anew the gratitude that they had sho