“Oh yes, certainly; yes, yes. If they were horse-boats, of course he could. But as they are common ship-boats, borrowed for the occasion from the transports in harbour, how will you get him in, and how will you get him out? Not to mention that he might take to kicking; and kick out a plank from the bottom of the boat, as you were pulling up the harbour. In that case, the treasure would have a short voyage, and you too.” “Hadn’t I better mention it to my friend, sir?” “Why, yes; I think you had. Stop; let me see. Suppose you request him to step in. I’ll speak to him myself.” I invited my friend into the office. He entered smiling—rubbed his hands—looked sleeky and resigned—evidently thought he was going to realise. “Well, sir,” said Mr Q—, addressing my friend, “this is an awkward business about the pony. I don’t see how the purchase can be completed.” “Completed, sir?” said my friend, rather taken aback, and losing his temper. “I thought it _was_ completed, all but paying the money.” “Very true, sir,” said Mr Q—; “but that, you know, makes all the difference. The money is not paid; and, more than that, it’s not issued. And, sir, under all the circumstances of the case, I feel it my duty to say this to you; unless I see everything straight, I don’t intend to issue it.” “Well, sir,” said my friend, “I conceive everything _is_ straight, so far as I am concerned. There stands the pony, at the door.” “Yes, I know he does. But how is he to be got to the head of the harbour?” “Of course I supposed Mr Y— would ride him, sir.” “No, no; that’s out of the question. The treasure goes by water; and of course, being in charge, Mr Y— must go with it.” “Well, sir,” replied my friend, “if that’s all, my servant shall take the pony.” “Oh, very well, sir,” said Mr Q—, “if you think you can trust your servant to receive and bring back the purchase-money.” “No occasion for that, sir; I can receive it here, sir, if you’ve no objection.” “None whatever, when I know that the pony is delivered at Oyarzun. Not before delivery, of course.” My friend was seized with a fit of musing;—looked rather at a loss. At length he found his tongue. “The long and the short of it is, I think, sir, I had better ride the pony to Oyarzun myself, and make the delivery in person.” “Very well, sir,” said Mr Q—. “I think so too. Then, on receiving the pony at Oyarzun, Mr Y— will pay you the eighty dollars. Will you favour us with your company? We are just going to lunch.” “Thank you, sir; much obliged. Think I had better be off at once. Mr Y— will not reach Oyarzun till late; and it’s out of the question my returning to Passages after dark, especially on foot, and with a lot of dollars.” “Oh, certainly; and by such a horrid, cut-throat, out-of-the-way road, too. You’d certainly be robbed and murdered; that is, if you get safe there. Better secure a night’s lodging at Oyarzun, if there’s one to be had, sir.”