"It is evident that you are mighty men despite the youth of some of you,"
he said, "and I begin to suspect it from other facts also."
"What other facts?" asked Henry.
"Now, there is the matter of your boat," replied the lieutenant jauntily.
"I had a belief, wrong no doubt, that she was of Spanish build. I also
seemed to have a recollection, wrong, too, no doubt, that I had once seen
Francisco Alvarez, the chief of our captains, aboard that boat and bearing
himself in a manner that indicated ownership. I am wrong, no doubt. My
impressions are often false and my memory always weak. Gladly would I
stand correction. Gladly would I be convinced that I am misled by some
fancied resemblance."
"Them's pow'ful big words," said Long Jim.
Henry, who was always the leader of the five when they were together,
looked into the eyes of Diego Bernal, and he seemed to see there the
curious contraction that is called a wink. He gave judgment at once
concerning Diego Bernal.
"I take it," he said by way of reply, "that you are no great friend of the
captain, Francisco Alvarez?"
"If a higher officer rebukes you unjustly and sneers at a commander whom
you respect and like, is it calculated to promote friendship?"
The gaze of the two met again, and Henry understood.
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