e flames, for I like it not, and that's the truth, the
saints forgive me!"

"Now, gentles," said Bascomb, "you have heard what Senor Pacheco has
said about the troops, and if it be truth--as I doubt not it is--it
behoves us to be careful how we thrust our noses into that city of
Cartagena yonder. Yet go I must, and will; for it is not to be thought
of that our Captain may be in their accursed Inquisition, perhaps
suffering torments unimaginable, and we doing nothing to help him.
Therefore, in view of the possibility of those troops having arrived,
and having been secreted somewhere in the town, I think we must modify
our plans a little, to the extent, that is to say, of making the
landing-party as strong as we can at the expense of the party remaining
behind. Now, Mr Winter, what is the smallest number of men that you
would care to be left with?"

"If I am to defend the ship successfully in the event of a possible
attack," said Winter, "I must have at least twenty men. I cannot do
with less. Leave me twenty, and you may take all the rest, even
including young Chichester, who is like to be a great deal more useful
ashore than he would be with me."

"Very well," agreed Bascomb, "twenty be it; you can scarce do with less,
for it is more than likely that, while we are busy ashore, they will
endeavour to recover possession of the treasure. And now, Senor
Pacheco, we shall need you as guide to show us the shortest way to the
Inquisition. Art willing to do us that service?"

"I am, most illustrious," answered Pacheco; "but, with your favour,
senor, it must be under at least seeming compulsion, for if it were
known that I did such a thing save under the fear of instant death, I
should never again be able to show my face in Cartagena. Therefore,
most valiant Englishman, if I am to lead you, it must be with my hands
bound and a pistol held to my head."

"Very well," answered Bascomb. "We will manage that for thee, old
sea-horse, as natural as life, so that nobody seeing thee being driven
along at the head of us shall guess but that thou'rt quaking in thy
shoes at every step thou takest. Take charge of him, Dick; he is to be
thy prisoner, remember. Bind his hands behind him so firmly that he
cannot get away, and just tightly enough to leave a mark. Put a halter
round his neck, and hold the end of it in thy hand, and threaten him
with thy drawn pistol at every street corner. And now, gentles, to our
preparations.