Pollock," he said. "We took the boat from Alvarez because he attacked us
first, and we put it to what we think was a good use. But it really
belonged to Spain and Bernardo Galvez. So if any wages are coming to us we
wish that you would take enough in advance and pay the Governor General
for the use of the boat and what stores we may have consumed."

"It shall be done," said Oliver Pollock, "and I like your spirit in
wishing it to be done."

It was a promise that he kept faithfully.

When they reached their room they found their rifles and other arms in
perfect order. Lieutenant Diégo Bernal had taken good care of them. Long
Jim picked up his rifle and handled it lovingly.

"It feels good jest to tech it," he said. "I didn't think I could ever
like a Spaniard ez well ez I do that thar little leftenant. I'll miss him
when we go ploughin' up the river."

They were preparing to leave the room and breathe all out of doors, as Sol
put it, when they were stopped by the entrance of Father Montigny. They
crowded around him, expressing anew the gratitude that they had shown to
him at the house of the Governor General.

"It was really you, Father Montigny, who saved everything," said Paul.

The priest smiled and shook his head.

"No," he said, "It was not I, but your courage and tenacity. I had the
rare good fortune to find the letter among the Chickasaws and obtain it.