"My business with you has reference to quite
another affair. I bring a message to you from Captain Lenoir, who is at
present discussing with Senor Morillo the matter of the expected arrival
of the cauffle this afternoon. We find ourselves in something of a
difficulty over that matter; and your arrival in the nick of time proves
most opportune. For you must know that when the _Psyche_ was cut adrift
and came ashore, her crew were compelled to camp on the beach, yonder;
and Senor Morillo considered that the opportunity to give the English a
thorough drubbing was far too good to be let slip; he therefore attacked
them in the dead of night, and punished them severely; but I regret to
say that our side also suffered very heavily, with the result that a
good many of our best men are at this moment on the sick list and unfit
for duty. This puts us in a very awkward position; for the cauffle that
is arriving is a big one, and rather difficult to handle--so we learn.
Therefore, in order to avoid all possibility of trouble, Senor Morillo
has arranged with Captain Lenoir that the latter shall land his crew to
lend a hand in keeping the slaves in order when they arrive; and my
instructions from the captain are to request that you will at once land,
bringing all hands except the idlers with you."

"I understand," answered Favart. "Very well. When is the cauffle
expected to arrive?"

"It may heave in sight at any moment," I answered. "Therefore it is
advisable that you should lose no time in obeying Captain Lenoir's
instructions."

"Trust me, I am not a man to lose time," answered Favart with a
boisterous laugh. "Lenoir knows he may rely upon me. I suppose we
ought to go fully armed?"

"Captain Lenoir said nothing about that," I answered. "No, I don't
think there will be any need for you to arm yourselves. Anyhow, if
weapons are needed we have plenty ashore."

"Very well; so much the better," observed Favart; "for it has just
occurred to me that the skipper has the keys of the arms chest in his
pocket, and we could not get at the weapons, even though we should
require them ever so urgently. All right; you may tell the captain to
expect me at once. But perhaps you would prefer to remain and go with
us--I see that you are one of the lame ducks. Did you get that hurt in
the fight with the English?"

"Yes," said I--"a broken arm. It is getting better fast, however; and I
dare say I can scull the dinghy back, as I