‘Truly a young bird, and to be caught with the veriest chaff! Why, man, thou art a pretty dissembler indeed, when thou canst not hear the butt-end of an old ballad of our country, without leaping and bellowing like a moon-calf. I can tell thee, that had I been as unwary, I should have danced from the end of a halter aboard yonder frigate, long ago!’ By this time, I was recovered from my surprise, and running up to Peralta, assisted him to scramble out of the bushes, beseeching him at the same time to explain to me this mystery, and tell me what he was. Before answering one word, however, he led me quite away from the cover of the bushes, down to the seaside. ’Where I was hidden,’ he said, ‘another can hide—the open beach keeps safer counsel.’ Then sitting down upon a great stone—the surf almost coming up to our feet— ‘I suspected you for an Englishman,’ quoth he, ‘the first day I saw you. And last night I took the liberty of making myself quite sure. I don’t think you liked the process. But I am an old hand in these matters, and he must understand his business well, who makes me believe falsely that what he seems he is. Now, just tell me candidly how you came here, and perhaps I may help you to what I am pretty sure you want, and that is a means of getting quit of our friends in the ranchiera yonder.’ I acknowledged that he had divined my thoughts, as well as he had penetrated my disguise; and so, in a few words, imparted to him some outline of my story. He heard me out very attentively; and then says he— ‘If I were you, I would go to Jamaica, and claim my property.’ ‘What property?’ I said, in amazement. ‘Why,’ quoth he, ‘have you not heard of the fate of the Carthagena galleon? She was taken two days’ sail from the coast by a privateer schooner, which I understand to be no other than yours—the Will-o’-the-Wisp. It was the richest prize that hath been captured in these seas for many a year. The privateer sailed with her into Port Royal, in Jamaica; and as you say that the captain is a staunch-hearted fellow; and as Mr. Pratt, whom I know to be a very honest gentleman, is concerned in the matter, I do not doubt but that your share of the adventure, to which you are fully entitled, and which must be very considerable, will be duly accounted for to you.’