“Men,” he cried to some of his soldiers who had landed.  “Seize this boat at once!  It is my property, taken from me by these American thieves!”

The soldiers moved to obey, but the little Catalan, Lieutenant Diego Bernal stepped forward.  Never was he more mincing, and it is likely that he never felt more satisfaction than he did now at the role that he was about to play.

“Gently!  Gently! my good captain,” he said.  “I am a port officer and boats cannot be seized at will in His Most Catholic Majesty’s city of New Orleans.”

His manner stung Alvarez, who replied hotly: 

“I repeat, it is my boat!  It was stolen from me by these thieves from Kaintock!”

“But that must be proved,” and the lieutenant’s voice was very soft and silky.  “The law is still administered in the City of New Orleans.  And let me assure you, my good captain, that the matter of the boat is a trifle.  What really concerns is your delay in coming to New Orleans with your American captives, whom you held at your place of Beaulieu.  His Excellency, the Governor General, Don Bernardo Galvez, is very much afraid that you have involved Spain in serious difficulties with a friendly people.”

Alvarez looked fiercely at Bernal.  How much did this man know?  But the little lieutenant merely stroked his mustache, and his face was expressionless.

“If explanations are due,” said Alvarez, “I shall make them to Don Bernardo.”

“Very good! very good!” murmured the lieutenant.  “I am quite sure that Don Bernardo will be greatly pleased.”

Alvarez turned angrily, gave some orders to his men, and then stalked away followed by Wyatt and two others.  The renegade had never spoken a word, but he and the five had exchanged some threatening glances.

Alvarez and Bernal had spoken in Spanish, but Henry and the others surmised the import of their words.  They knew, too, by the manner of Alvarez that the little triumph had been with Bernal.

“He wanted the boat, did he not?” said Henry.

“Yes,” replied the lieutenant, “but you can sleep in it to-night.  I warn you, however, to see Bernardo Galvez in the morning as soon as you can.  After all, you are Americans and foreigners, while Alvarez is a Spaniard and one of us.  You will have much to overcome.”

They perceived the truth of his suggestion and thanked him.  He gave them a friendly good night and went away.  The five went on board “The Galleon” and prepared for sleep, having dismissed their watchman with ample pay.

As the boat was securely tied there was no need to keep a watch and all prepared for the night.  But they did not go to sleep yet, although they did not talk, every one being occupied with his own thoughts.