"Oceans are stormy, distances long, buccaneers many, brave Captain." "I do not catch your meaning, señora. Do enlighten me." "In plain words, then: if that gold should, perchance, take wings, the whilom possessor, aided by his maps, could get another precious cargo. But if the maps, as well, should take unto themselves flight, what then? Perhaps no more of the yellow metal! So, my wise and thrifty governor-general of the province made two sets of drawings, taking the one with him, leaving the other snugly ensconced in our little treasure-chamber here," pointing whimsically about the room. "But, my lady, how did you learn all these things?" "This same governor-general was my late husband's grandfather. He left in cipher a description of this room, of the maps and of the mine. For more than fifty years the key to the cipher was mislaid. I chanced to come across it, six months ago, in the archives of my husband's family. The cryptogram stated that the treasure which once filled these mortars was but a hint of greater riches in the mountains." "What a country! What a land this will be when the union jack tips the flag-pole at Monterey!" "A country well worth the hire, Captain mine." "You speak of Friar Lusciano Osuna. I called on him, not long since, with letters. He was ill, but very courteous. I explained a little of our work here. I take it he is a Mexican citizen." "He is a citizen of Great Britain." "Perhaps by some sufferance." "By his eminent right! That government would go much farther in his protection than it would for you or for me, though we are its special agents in a great cause." "Just the man we need, then, señora." A knock at the door. Noiselessly weight and spring raised the movable wall to its place. Without was an elderly Mexican leaning rather stiffly on a cane. "Your gringo servant has made much trouble for himself, and is now in jail," the man said to Farquharson. "How do you know it is my servant?" "He told me. I am under jailer. I was directed to Colonel Barcelo's, whither some said you had gone. The peons here brought me to you. Your servant, sir, getting in liquor, shot one of the officers of the guard. Now, he wishes to see you on a matter of gravest importance. Doubtless he will be executed at sunset. Will you come, señor?" "Zounds! Adios, señora. I'll return as soon as I have settled this wretched business. I must get poor Brown out of his predicament, let come what may." The messenger, followed by the Captain, passed out of the house. They followed the street to a narrow passage and turned into it. The supposed elderly Mexican shook himself. Away fell disguise, and the scowling face of Yoscolo was before Farquharson.