Tony shrugged his shoulders. "That's what they're there for," he said; "but when there's a revolution and two or three civil wars buzzing about, people are apt to get a little careless in their work. Anyhow I'm not worrying myself about that. Our dear old friend Colonel Saltero is expecting us, and you can be quite sure he doesn't mean to have his cartridges mopped up by any one else." He paused to refill his cup. "What I'm thinking about is Jimmy," he added. "It will make all the difference in the world if Jimmy can only manage to get on board before the Colonel does. We shall have some sort of a notion where we are then." "I shouldn't think there was much chance of it," observed Molly. "You never know," said Tony hopefully. "There's a lot of resource about Jimmy. A money-lender once spent six weeks trying to serve a writ on him, and he couldn't do it even then." There was a knock at the cabin door, and in answer to Tony's "Come in," one of the crew presented himself on the threshold. "If you please, Sir Ant'ny," he began, "the Captain's compliments, and there's a party o' the name o' Dale signallin' to us from a small cutter to starboard. Says 'e's a friend o' yours, sir. The Capt'n wants to know if we shall stop and pick him up." There was a dramatic pause, and then Tony wheeled round in his chair so as to face the speaker. "Pick him up!" he repeated. "Why I should think so, Jackson. Pick him' up tenderly--touch him with care. Tell Captain Simmons I'll be up on deck myself as soon as I've finished this piece of bacon." With a grin and a salute, the sailor departed, and turning back to the table, Tony gazed triumphantly at Guy and Molly. "Well, my children," he observed; "what did uncle tell you?" Molly pushed back her plate. "It was a put-up job, Tony," she said, "you knew he was there." "I didn't," retorted Tony, "on my honour. There wasn't a boat of any kind in sight when I was on the bridge. I feel it's a sign that Providence approves of us." Molly looked at him and saw that he was speaking the truth. "Well, we've started," she said with a little triumphant laugh. "Can I come up with you?" Tony shook his head. "I think you had better lie low for the present," he answered. "You're the Queen of Trumps in this game, Molly, and we don't want to play you too soon." Molly looked a trifle disappointed, but she raised no objection. "All right," she said obediently. "I'll save myself up for the King." Tony rose from the table. "I'll bring Jimmy down as soon as he's on board," he said. "You had better get out the whisky and soda. He's sure to be hungry." He left the cabin, followed by Guy, and making his way up the companion, stepped out on to the smooth and spotless deck.