"Let not that concern thee, master. Go thou, and remember these proverbs: 'When the iron is hot, then is the time to strike'; and 'When the fool has made up his mind, the market is over!'" Balboa laughed lightly as he hastened away to the rancho, whence he returned, two or three hours later, accompanied by an Indian porter with a full suit of armor on his back, and another with a large basket containing articles of wearing apparel. Miguel was standing by a large cask, one end of which was open. Directing the Indians to deposit their burdens on the sand beside the cask, he sent them back to the rancho, thus leaving himself and Balboa alone. Not far away, though but dimly visible in the starlit night, a number of Indians were rolling casks of provisions into a small boat from the ship. "They will be ready for this in about an hour," said the mayordomo, "so I fain must pack it quickly. What thinkst thou of thy quarters, master mine?" "What? Is that thy scheme--to send me aboard packed like pork in a cask? Never, Miguel! The stigma would cling to me forever!" "Not so closely, perhaps, as thy creditors, my master. But choose thou, and quickly, for time is no laggard. Meanwhile thou'rt making up thy mind, I'll pack this armor and clothing in the lower end of the cask. See, now, I shall secure it with braces, so the armor may not rattle; and observe thou that there are holes, which I have bored in the sides, to give thee air. Now, when quite ready, get therein, and I will head thee up, my master." "But, Miguel, suppose the cask were to turn over? With the weight of my armor upon me, I should be suffocated, methinks." "Nay, master, turned over thou shalt not be, for I shall give instructions to the crew to keep the top-end uppermost." "But they may not observe them," groaned Balboa, as he clambered into the cask and settled himself in position. "They will, master; trust me," said the faithful Miguel. "In the lading, they may roll thee about a bit, to be sure. Still, it will be better than to be squeezed by thy creditors." "Well, as thou sayest, Miguel. In I go, perchance to a living tomb. A thousand ducats for thee, Miguel, if the venture prove successful." "Ha! But when do I get it, master?" "When I am lord of Terra Firma! But stay, Miguel. There is Leoncico. I cannot, must not, leave him behind." "Truly thou sayest," replied the mayordomo; "but for the hound I have already provided. He goes aboard with Salvador Gonzalez, who, also, will have an eye on this cask, to open it at the proper time, which cannot be till to-morrow, know thou." [Illustration: BALBOA CARRIED ON SHIPBOARD] "Ah, well! get me aboard; and caution the men to handle me carefully. _Adios_, Miguel, good friend. May the Lord reward thee."