e avenue, and within a short distance of the
dwelling, they stop for a final consultation, still under cover of the
manzanitas.

All silent as ever; no one stirring; no light from any window; the
shutters closed behind the _rejas_--the great _puerta_ as well!

"Now, about getting inside," says De Lara; "what will be our best way?"

"In my opinion," answers Diaz, "we'll do best by climbing up to the
_azotea_, and over it into the _patio_."

"Where's your ladder?" asks Rocas, in his gruff, blunt way.

"We must find one, or something that'll serve instead. There should be
loose timber lying about the _corrals_--enough to provide us with a
climbing-pole."

"And while searching for it, wake up some of the _vaqueros_. That won't
do."

"Then what do you propose, Rafael?" interrogates the chief conspirator.

The seal-hunter, from a presumed acquaintance with housebreaking, is
listened to with attention.

"Walk straight up to the door," he answers; "knock, and ask to be
admitted."

"Ay; and have a blunderbuss fired at us, with a shower of bullets big as
billiard balls. _Carrai_!"

It is Calderon who speaks thus apprehensively.

"Not the least danger of that," rejoins Rocas. "Take my word, we'll be
let in."

"Why do you think so?"

"Why? Because we have a claim on the hospitality of the house."

"I don't understand you, Rocas," says De Lara.

"Haven't we a good story to tell--simple, and to the purpose?"

"Still I don't understand. Explain yourself, Rafael."

"Don't we come as messengers from the man-o'-war--from those officers
you've been telling me about?"

"Ah! now I perceive your drift."

"One can so announce himself, while the others keep out of sight. He
can say he's been sent by the young gentlemen on an errand to Don
Gregorio, or the senoritas, if you like. Something of importance
affecting their departure. True, by this they'll know the ship's
weighed anchor. No matter; the story of a message will stand good all
the same."

"Rafael Rocas!" exclaims De Lara, "you're a born genius. Instead of
being forced to do a little smuggling now and then, you ought to be made
_administrator-general of customs_. We shall act as you advise. No
doubt the door will be opened. When it is, one can take charge of the
janitor. He's a sexagenarian, and won't be hard to hold. If he
struggle, let him be silenced. The rest of us can go ransacking. You,
Calderon, are acquainted with the interior, and,