tackle, chains, etc.  The berths, of course, will not be occupied this trip, as we plan to be out only a few hours, and the sailors will be on deck.

There is a fine place for concealment in this forecastle.  (Possibly under the lower bunk; numerous bedding-rolls lying about might be pulled in after one.) The difficulty will be in getting aboard.  There is but a single companion-way to the cabin.  It will not be locked this afternoon early, but doubtless there will be a servant or two making ready for the sail.  Provisions will be boarded this afternoon, as Senor Rey is a bountiful entertainer.  It may happen that the Chinese, in loading the provisions, will be a considerable distance off, or even up the steps to the cliff, for moments at a time.  This is the random chance I think of.

The undergrowth is dense on the steep slopes which jut down to the water of the Inlet.  One might conceal oneself there, and await the offered chance, not more than twenty or thirty feet from the cabin door.  This is the really discouraging part of the whole preliminary, but I may be able to assist you further at the proper time.  There seems absolutely no other way to arrange an interview for you with Mr. Framtree.

As for me, I have learned much at The Pleiad.  The Spaniard’s systems are infamous—­a fact that has been terribly impressed upon me.  I shall lose my home in The Pleiad, but this is the last of the mysterious “four days.”  It will be better and safer for me to follow the fortunes of the war after this, from the side of the Defenders.

A dangerous step, but I shall take the chance of the sail, even if you decide that your part is too uncertain.  In any case be very sure to destroy this letter.  If it should fall into the hands of Rey’s innumerable agents,—­I’m afraid I shouldn’t come back from the party.  There is operating in the city as well as in The Pleiad as perfect a system of espionage as one would encounter in the secret service of a formidable nation.

Safely secreted in the forecastle during the early afternoon, you could not fail to hear, some hours later, a signal tapped on the deck forward.  This signal would come after supper, when it was dark, and everything propitious as possible.  The sailing party would be divided at this time, say half on deck and half below.  The signal—­three double taps—­“tap-tap ... tap-tap ... tap-tap”—­given sharply, unmistakably, with a heavy cane or something of the kind.

Emerging from the forecastle (with a look and a command behind, as if to your hidden compatriots), it would seem that you would have the occupants of the cabin rather neatly at your mercy.  If the affair there were attended by luck, and managed quietly enough, you might continue and surprise the deck party, but let us not rely too far upon fair chances.  There is a strong flavor of danger about the coup at best.  I do not consider here any aid which I may render; so that you are one against eight—­three white men, three (?) Chinese, and two women.

     I have reasons for helping you.