"There's no cause for surprise. It's the simplest way." "But the American cruiser. Think of that, Ruiz. She's sure to be hanging around." "And if she is, it's a matter of very little consequence." "But you'll be stopped." "No. We shall be in small boats and keep close in to shore. Now, the Yankee cruiser must stay a good way out, for the water's not deep enough to let her in. To-night will be dark. There's no moon till two o'clock, and so it's simplicity itself to get the stuff through." "Why did they send you? You don't belong to those fellows at Valmosa." "Never saw one of them in my life. But the order was given me, and that's enough." "The old general had had his dinner when he gave the order?" "Yes." "Then we know what that means. He had more wine than wit in his body." "I must get away," said Ruiz. "There's no hurry." "Not for you. Stay, if you please." "No, no; we'll all go together." Ruiz Calderon rose. "I have to get a good horse. The most dangerous part of the business is getting to Valmosa, because I must go near the rebel lines." "Good luck to Ruiz!" cried all his comrades, emptying their glasses as they spoke. "Thank you, gentlemen, thank you. My good fellow, your wine was excellent. If you should hear a horseman gallop past your hut to-night, don't be alarmed. It will only be me." Scarcely had they gone, when Dan Daly rushed out. "Faith, it's more than flesh an' blood could stand. Arrah! but me mouth watered when I heard the glasses clinkin'. The spalpeens!" he cried in dismay, "they've not left a drop for me." "There's plenty." Dan gazed in amazement at the hoard of liquor that had been discovered. "What a find! It's meself could put in a week here in this blessed hut." "But you won't." "Eh?" "I say you won't. It will be dark, Dan, in one hour. There's a boat lying down on the creek." "An' faith, what's that to me?" "Everything. You'll get on board that boat, go down the creek into the sea, and try and find the cruiser. The Brooklyn won't be far off. You must take a light with you and give a signal." Dan was astounded. "An' is it by mesilf I'm to go?" "That's exactly what it is, Dan. You're old enough to be trusted alone, you know." "But you?" "Oh, I have work on shore. Never mind me." "It's more danger ye're runnin' your head into." "Trust me to get it out again. Now, don't interrupt me. I've a letter to write." Dan busily employed himself with the whisky whilst Young Glory was writing his letter. "Here it is." "An' who's it for?" "Captain Miles." "Our skipper?" "He's the only Captain Miles I know. Now, Dan, it's very important that that letter should reach Captain Miles as soon as possible. You understand me?" "Yes, an' if it's to be done I'll do it." "That I know. Now, to start you." The two men left the hut. The boat was moored immediately opposite, and in it were a pair of sculls.