by the higher class of _haciendados_. The
skipper can have no doubts about who it is. If he has, they are soon
set at rest; for the boat touching the ship's side is instantly made
fast; the _haciendado_ mounts the man-ropes; and, stepping down upon the
deck, hands Captain Lantanas his card.

He who has thus presented himself is a man in years well up to sixty,
and somewhat above medium height. Taller than he appears, through a
slight stoop in the shoulders. His step, though not tottering, shows
vigour impaired; and upon his countenance are the traces of recent
illness, with strength not yet restored. His complexion is clear,
rather rubicund, and in health might be more so; while his hair, both on
head and chin--the latter furnished with a long flowing beard--is
snow-white. It could never have been very dark, but more likely of the
colour called sandy. This, with greyish-blue eyes, and features showing
some points of Celtic conformation, would argue him either no Spaniard,
or if so, one belonging to the province of Biscay.

This last he is; for the correspondent of Captain Lantanas is Don
Gregorio Montijo.

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN.

A CHARTER-PARTY.

Soon, as assured--by a glance at the card given him--that his visitor is
the gentleman who has written to appoint an interview, Captain Lantanas
politely salutes; and _jipi-japa_ in hand, stands waiting to hear what
the _haciendado_ may have to say.

The latter, panting after the effort made in ascending the man-ropes,
takes a moment's time to recover breath. Then, returning the skipper's
bow, he says, interrogatively:--

"Captain Lantanas, I presume?"

"Si, senor," responds the master of the _Condor_, with a bow of becoming
humility to one reputed so rich. Then adding: "_A dispocion de V_."

"Well, captain," rejoins Don Gregorio, "I shall take it for granted that
you know who I am. Don Tomas Silvestre has informed you, has he not?"

"He has, senor."

"And you received my letter?"

"Si, senor."

"That's all right, then. And now to proceed to the business that has
brought me aboard your ship. Having seen your advertisement in the
_Diario_, I communicated with Don Tomas; but only so far as to get your
correct address, with some trifling particulars. For the rest, I've
thought it best to deal directly with yourself; as the matter I have in
hand is too important to be entrusted to an agent. In short, it
requires confidence, if not secrecy, and from w