“I don't think that will matter to Hervey,” said Archie dryly. “So much as I have seen of him suggests to me that he is a singularly lawless man.”
Date laughed good-humoredly.
“It seems to me, gentlemen, that you have brought me on a filibustering expedition,” he said, and seemed to enjoy the novel situation. Date had been wrapped up in the cotton-wool of civilization for a long time, but his primitive instincts rose to the surface, now that he had to face a probable rough-and-tumble fight. “But I don't expect there will be any scrap,” he said regretfully. “My uniform will settle the matter.”
It certainly seemed to annoy Captain Hervey considerably, for, as the boat approached the shore, and the moonlight revealed a distinctly official overcoat, he gave an order. The man stopped rowing and the boat rocked gently, some distance from the jetty.
“You've got a high old crowd with you, Don Pedro,” sang out Hervey, in great displeasure. “Is that angel in the military togs, with the brass buttons, the almighty aristocrat!”
“No. I am here,” cried out Random, laughing at the description, which he recognized. “My friend Hope is with me, and Inspector Date. I suppose you have heard what has happened?”
“Yes, I've taken it all in,” said Hervey sourly. “I guess the news is all over Pierside. Well, it's none of my picnic, I reckon. So chuck that gold over here, Don Pedro, and I'll send along the writing.”
“No,” said Don Pedro, prompted by Date. “You must come ashore.”
“I guess not,” said Hervey vigorously. “You want to run me in.”
“For that theft of thirty years ago,” laughed De Gayangos. “Nonsense! Come along. You are quite safe.”