"What the devil did you do that for?" he inquired angrily. "It will
bring my constables down on us."
"I do not mind, since you can control them," said De Gayangos coolly. "I
had to give the signal."
"And we all have revolvers," said Random quickly. "Hervey is not a very
safe man to tackle, inspector."
"Do you expect a fight?" said Date, while they all watched a boat being
lowered. "If so, you might have told me, and I should have brought a
revolver also. Not that I think it is needed. The sight of my uniform
will be enough to show this man that I have the law behind me."
"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."
"Shan't take your damned word for it," growled Hervey. "But if those two
gents can swear that there's no trickery, I'll come. I can depend on the
word of an English aristocrat, anyhow."
"Come along. You are quite safe," said Sir Frank, and Hope echoed his
words.
Thus being made certain, Hervey gave an order and the boat was rowed
right up to the beach, immediately below the jetty. The four men
were about to descend, but Hervey seemed anxious to avoid giving them
trouble.