. Though Padilla
engaged the hands, the instructions must have proceeded from him, and
all were shipped on conditions similar to those accepted by the Sydney
Ducks.

Five thousand dollars, for less than a month's service, would be wages
too unprecedentedly large to be offered without creating suspicion of
some sinister intent. Nor did he, who offered it, leave this point
untouched. While promising such big bounty, he exacted a promise in
return: that each recipient of it was to bear a hand in _whatever he
might be called on to do_.

The men so indefinitely engaged, and on such latitudinarian terms, were
not the ones to stick at trifles; and most of them stepped aboard the
Chilian ship prepared to assist in the perpetrating of any known crime
in the calendar. Since becoming better acquainted with the particulars
of what they have been shipped for, not one of them has shown
disposition to back out of it. They are still ready to do the deed;
but, as seen, under changed conditions.

Gomez is not yet aware of the strike that has taken place; though during
the day he has heard some whisperings, and is half expecting trouble
with his confederates. Hernandez also, though it is not of this they
are now conversing as they stand together at the wheel.

The theme which engages them is altogether different; beauty, not booty,
being the subject of their discourse, which is carried on in a low tone,
though loud enough to be heard by anyone standing near.

But they are not afraid. _No_ one is within earshot. Their comrades of
the watch are away in the forward part of the vessel, while those of the
off-watch are below in her forepeak--the skipper asleep in his cabin--
the passengers in theirs.

It is about two of these last they are talking; and in terms, that, for
common sailors, might seem strange--rough ribald men bandying free
speech, and making familiar remarks, about such delicate high-born dames
as Carmen Montijo and Inez Alvarez!

But not strange to one acquainted with Gil Gomez and Jose Hernandez--and
too intelligible if knowing their intention towards these ladies. It
may be learnt by listening to their conversation; Hernandez, who has
introduced the subject, asking:

"About the _muchachas_? What are we to do with them after getting
ashore?"

"Marry them, of course," promptly answers the other. "That's what I
mean doing with the beautiful Dona Carmen. Don't you intend the same
with Dona Inez?"

"Of co