"But we shall have no trouble with them as long as we keep the steamer moving at eight or nine knots an hour." "They can pass the tow-line over the windlass, and shorten it up so as to bring the vessel close aboard of us." "If we can't prevent the two men on board of the Golondrina from getting on the deck of the Salihé, we ought to put our heads in soak, and retire from active business," said Scott confidently. "Hush up!" called Felix in a loud whisper. "He's coming this way!" The lasso was put under the divan, and the four boys all seated themselves with their hands behind them. "How are you getting on, boys?" asked Gray at the window from which Felix had just retired. "First rate," replied Scott. "We are going to sleep now, and we want you to wake us when you have done with the steamer. Don't set her adrift while we are snoozing in the cabin, for she might get aground again off Carnero Point." "Never fear; I will see that you are waked in season to look out for the steamer," replied Gray, as he resumed his walk to the standing-room. "On board the steamer!" shouted Captain Velazquez, a moment later, when he saw the Scotchman at the stern. "Ay, ay, Diego!" replied Gray. "We are half way over to Gib now. Don't go too near the town, but head her south south-west," called the captain in Spanish, for he could not speak English. "_Muy bien!_" (Very well!) returned Gray, as he went forward to give Francisco the new course. "What time is it, Captain Belgrave?" asked Scott. "Ten minutes past nine," replied Louis, after looking at his watch. "I thought it must be ten or eleven," added Scott. "We have been out only three hours; and it seems as though we had been a week on this cruise." "We have been well occupied all the time, and it seems longer than it is. But it is late enough for us to make a beginning of our affair, or we shall have no chance to do anything," said Louis. "As nearly as I can make out the position of the steamer, we shall be off Carnero Point in half or three-quarters of an hour, and if the smugglers get a breeze there, they will part company with us." "I'm all ready for business, and I am only waiting for your orders, Captain Belgrave," replied Scott. "If you will station your men to support me, I will proceed at once." "But you are the principal in this lassoing business, Scott, and I want you to put the fellows just where you want them," replied Louis. "We will all obey your orders now." "Just as you say, Captain. I will make my way to the hurricane deck, and lie down directly over the cabin door. I will heave the lasso just as soon as I find our man in the right position," said Scott, as he coiled up the line, and thrust it under his belt. "You three will place yourselves at the door, and have it open a crack so that you can see out at it. As soon as the music begins, rush out and make the Scotchman fast, if he holds still long enough for you to do it."