“By to-morrow,” continued Perkins, placing the tips of his fingers together reflectively, “the Government of Todos Santos will have changed hands, and without bloodshed.  You look incredulous!  My dear young friend, it has been a part of my professional pride to show the world that these revolutions can be accomplished as peacefully as our own changes of administration.  But for a few infelicitous accidents, this would have been the case of the late liberation of Quinquinambo.  The only risk run is to myself—­the leader, and that is as it should be.  But all this personal explanation is, doubtless, uninteresting to you, my young friend.  I meant only to say that, if you prefer not to remain here, you can accompany me when I leave the ship at nine o’clock with a small reconnoitring party, and I will give you safe escort back to your friends at the Mission.”

This amicable proposition produced a sudden revulsion of feeling in Hurlstone.  To return to those people from whom he was fleeing, in what was scarcely yet a serious emergency, was not to be thought of!  Yet, where could he go?  How could he be near enough to assist her without again openly casting his lot among them?  And would they not consider his return an act of cowardice?  He could not restrain a gesture of irritation as he rose impatiently to his feet.

“You are agitated, my dear fellow.  It is not unworthy of your youth; but, believe me, it is unnecessary,” said Perkins, in his most soothing manner.  “Sit down.  You have an hour yet to make your decision.  If you prefer to remain, you will accompany the ship to Todos Santos and join me.”

“I don’t comprehend you,” interrupted Hurlstone suspiciously.

“I forgot,” said Perkins, with a bland smile, “that you are unaware of our plan of campaign.  After communicating with the insurgents, I land here with a small force to assist them.  I do this to anticipate any action and prevent the interference of the Mexican coaster, now due, which always touches here through ignorance of the channel leading to the Bay of Todos Santos and the Presidio.  I then send the Excelsior, that does know the channel, to Todos Santos, to appear before the Presidio, take the enemy in flank, and cooperate with us.  The arrival of the Excelsior there is the last move of this little game, if I may so call it:  it is ‘checkmate to the King,’ the clerical Government of Todos Santos.”

A little impressed, in spite of himself, with the calm forethought and masterful security of the Senor, Hurlstone thanked him with a greater show of respect than he had hitherto evinced.  The Senor looked gratified, but unfortunately placed that respect the next moment in peril.