There was no flag at the mizzen to signify nationality, yet there was a peculiar touch to the rig which confirmed in my mind the truth of Sanchez's guess that she was originally Dutch.

Perhaps, in the turmoil, and uncertainty, arising from a knowledge of Sanchez's death, and the jealousy thus aroused between those who would succeed him in command, I might discover the very opportunity I sought.

But Sanchez's death would save you from discovery, and," his voice still lower, so that I barely distinguished the words, "in the confusion aboard, if we were ready, the Namur might be so disabled as to compel them to run her ashore for repairs.

"Captain Sanchez's stateroom is aft," he said, with a wave of the hand.

It was at Captain Sanchez's orders we waited the arrival of your vessel from England.

"I am Pedro Estada, formerly the first officer, now, by occasion of Captain Sanchez's wound, in full command.

Jose might emerge at any instant from Sanchez's cabin, while I had no reason to be assured that Estada would remain long on deck.

And now, being fairly settled down to our repast, we said no more of any moment that I can recall to mind till we had done (which was not until nought remained of the pullets and the pasty but a few bones and the bare dish), and we were drawn round the fire at Don Sanchez's invitation.

Bearing in mind Don Sanchez's warning, we do our best to eat of this dish; but, Heaven knows!

Don Lopez makes a pretence of leaving the payment to Don Sanchez's generosity; and he, not behindhand in courtesy, lugs out his purse and begs the other to pay himself.

Moll snatches the tambourine from Don Sanchez's hand, and stepping before Don Lopez drops him a curtsey, and offers it for her reward.

But we were not quit yet; for on Don Sanchez's begging that we should now be set upon our road to Ravellos, the other replies that though he will do us this service with great pleasure, yet he cannot permit us to encounter the danger again of being taken for persons of quality.

But even then, robbed of all he had even to the clothes of his back, Don Sanchez's pride was unshaken, for he bade us note that the very thieves in Spain were gentlemen.

And on Don Sanchez's consenting, Jack would have us all shake hands on it for a sign of faith and good fellowship.

The old Moor gives the key into Don Sanchez's hand, and with a very formal salutation, leaves us.

"With a hundred or two," says I, taking Don Sanchez's hint, "we may do very well till Michaelmas.

A severe attack of typhoid fever necessitated my leaving the islands before I could carry out this plan, but upon my return with the first Philippine Commission in 1899 I remembered Señor Sanchez's story.