At the mention of the "cat" the man’s eyes glittered ominously, then, instantly relapsing into his subservient manner, he jabbered in broken English: "Me no rogue. Me Pedro Alvarez of Habana. By de Virgin me speak truth!" And holding a small wooden crucifix that hung from his neck, the man kissed it with exaggerated fervour. "Me speak only to Senhor Capitan. Tell him ebberything. Senhor Capitan much please wid my tale." "No!" roared Captain Poynings, knitting his brows in that manner peculiar to him when aught vexes him. "Vell, den, me speak to Senhor Capitan an’ three odder. Pedro’s tale too ’portant for odders to hear." To this the captain assented, and the Portuguese, having been deprived of his knife, and searched for any concealed weapons he might have had, was taken below to the stateroom, whither repaired the captain, two lieutenants, and the master. For over an hour they remained, and on coming on deck we noticed that Captain Poynings and his officers looked highly pleased, though the Portuguese still wore an impassive look. "Send the ship’s company aft," said the captain. "’Tis but right that they should know." Eagerly the men clustered in the waist, while from the poop their gallant leader addressed them. "Hearken, my men," quoth he. "It has come to our knowledge that a vast amount of treasure lieth hidden on a cay the bearing whereof is known only to this Portuguese. He is willing to guide us to the spot in consideration of a safe conduct to Europe and one-seventh of the spoil. By my commission His Majesty gives me power to engage in such enterprise, whereof one-tenth reverteth to our sovereign lord, the king. Be it understood that I will deal fairly with all men, dividing the residue into shares according to the regulations pertaining to treasure trove. For your part do your work with a will. Let no stranger learn and forestall our mission, and I warrant ye the purser shall pay in gold where heretofore ye had but silver." Cheers greeted the announcement, and the men retired to discuss this matter amongst themselves. We, however, learned still more. Briefly, the Portuguese’s tale was this:--