After that he revived, and together we paddled towards the _Rata_, which lay, with sails flapping, almost motionless in the rapidly calming sea.
The Spaniards on board seemed to have changed their minds as to myself, for, instead of the sentinel with his gun, a sailor with a rope stood waiting at the gunwale to receive us.

I think, had we gone down where we were, he would hardly have troubled himself to come after us.

But since we held up, and drifted within reach of his line, he honoured us by casting it our way; and so, with some hauling, we got aboard.
Ludar had partly recovered from his fatigue when he stepped once more on the deck and took the letter from my neck, "You have done me a good turn," said he, with a glow in his face which I prized as much as all the gold pieces in the hold of the _Rata_; "you have made it possible for me to keep my parole with the Don.

Thank you, Humphrey." Then bidding me follow, he led the way to the quarter-deck, and without a word handed his missive to the Don.
"Senor has returned by a strange way," said the commander.
"I have returned the only way open to me.

His Majesty your King has lost a cock-boat." "He has found what will compensate him--a gallant servant." "Your pardon," said Ludar, shortly, "I am no servant of the King of Spain.