BEFORE BERNARDO GALVEZ It took only a few minutes to reach the banks of the stream, and they saw at once that an event was occurring.

New Orleans could rejoice, if she choose, in honor of an important arrival.
A fleet of a dozen large boats swung from the middle of the stream and made for the levee.

In the boats were men in uniform.
"I have an impression, though my impressions are often wrong and my memory always weak, that yonder cavalier who sits haughtily in the boat as if he were sole proprietor of the Mississippi, is your good friend, Don Francisco Alvarez," said Lieutenant Bernal in his mincing way.
They had all recognized Alvarez, and they expected quick trouble.

As it was bound to come they had no objection to its coming at once.

The boat of Alvarez made the landing and as he sprang out he was followed by Braxton Wyatt, also in the uniform of a Spanish officer.