"Make it twenty pounds, and I shall decline it all the same. I am not in want of a job just now," replied Louis very firmly. "But we must have the steamer, and I hope you will be reasonable, Captain Belgrave. If we proposed to turn you and your party out of the steamer, and take full possession of her, it would be quite another thing," argued Gray. "You can all remain on board of the steamer and enjoy the sail just the same. If you wish to retire to the cabin, we have some excellent wine on board of our vessel, and we will supply you with half a dozen bottles of it, which will help you to pass away the evening." "Not one of our party drinks wine." "We only ask you to tow the Golondrina down as far as Carnero Point, and we shall get a breeze of wind by that time." "It is no use to talk, Mr. Gray. I will not tow the Golondrina down to Carnero Point on any terms you can name," said Louis, so decidedly that the Scotchman was evidently satisfied he could not accomplish his purpose. "You are a very obstinate Dutchman!" exclaimed Gray, as he turned away from the acting captain, and blew a whistle which it was evident he had carried in his hand during the conversation. When the boat swung around as the steamer went ahead, it was held by the painter abreast of the engine-room. Felix heard that whistle, and had been an attentive listener to the interview in front of the pilot-house. He had stationed himself at the rail near the point where the painter of the Spanish boat was made fast. He realized before the close of the conference that Gray "meant business," as he expressed himself. The instant he heard the whistle, he cast off the painter, which he had partly unloosed before. The boat began to slide aft, and Gray used some expletives which indicated that he was not in good standing in the Scottish Kirk. Diego was not asleep, for he instantly detected the fact that his craft was adrift. He laid hold of the rail of the steamer with desperate energy, for he knew that once lost the Salihé could not be overtaken with oars, and the custom-house officers would settle their business in due time. The Spaniard held on to the rail, and his men did the same. Gray had hurried aft as soon as he had blown his whistle, which must have been agreed upon as the signal to board, before he put his foot aboard the planks of the steamer. On the way he seized upon a heave-line, which was attached to a fast in the stern, and dropped it into the boat. It was caught by one of the men, and passed around the fore thwart. With this assistance the Spaniards were able to hold the craft, though it fell astern of the steamer when they let go of the rail.