sitting with
his face to the door, sees them first, Don Gregorio, turning in his
seat, the instant after.

Neither thinks of demanding a reason for the rude intrusion. The
determined air of the intruders, with the fierce expression on their
faces, tells it would be idle.

In a time shorter than it takes to tell it, the two doomed men are made
fast to the stanchioned chairs; where they sit bolt upright, firm as
bollard heads. But not in silence. Both utter threats, oaths, angry
fulminations.

Not for long are they allowed this freedom of speech. One of the
sailors, seizing a pair of nutcrackers, thrusts them between the
skipper's teeth, gagging him. Another with a corkscrew, does the like
for Don Gregorio.

Then the work of pillage proceeds. The locker lids are forced, and the
boxes of gold-dust dragged out.

Several goings and comings are required for its transport to the
pinnace; but at length it is stowed in the boat, the plunderers taking
their seats beside it.

One lingers in the cabin behind the rest; that fiend in human shape who
has all along counselled killing the unfortunate men.

Left alone with them, helpless, and at his mercy, he looks as if still
determined to do this. It is not from any motive of compassion that he
goes from one to the other, and strikes the gags from between their
teeth. For at the same time he apostrophises them in horrid mockery:

"_Carramba_! I can't think of leaving two gentlemen seated at such a
well-furnished table, and no end of wine, without being able to hob-nob,
and drink one another's health!"

Then specially addressing himself to Lantanas, he continues:

"You see, captain, I'm not spiteful; else I shouldn't think of showing
you this bit of civility, after the insults you've offered me, since
I've been second officer of your ship."

After which, turning angrily upon Don Gregorio, and going close up, he
shrieks into his ears:

"Perhaps you don't know me, Montijo? Can your worship recall a
circumstance that occurred some six years ago, when you where
_alcalde-mayor_ of Yerba Buena? You may remember having a poor fellow
pilloried, and whipped, for doing a bit of contraband. I was that
unfortunate individual. And this is my satisfaction for the indignity
you put upon me. Keep your seats, gentlemen! Drink your wine and eat
your walnuts. Before you've cleared the table, this fine barque, with
your noble selves, will be at the bottom of the sea."

The