I met her waiting for me as I stepped out from behind the curtain.
"Well, what can we do ?" "Keep the fellow tied, and wait for night," I answered soberly.

"That is our only chance.

The mate is ashore--we are lying in the cove of a small island off the Florida coast, waiting for darkness, and a chance to slip through into southern waters." "Do you know where this boat is bound ?" "Yes--Spanish Honduras; we are loaded with munitions of war," I laughed.
"I was to be a general down there." "You!" "Yes; swift promotion, was n't it! Our friend yonder promised the job; all I had to do was to desert you, and join his outfit." "And you consented ?" "With a mental reservation.

It gained me a few hours' freedom at least, and surely has done you no harm.

Did you doubt me ?" "Oh, I hardly know.