Yawl could have the yacht ready for sea within twenty-four hours.

There was little more to do than head the sails and get water and provisions on board.

I had the casks filled forthwith--for the water in the channels was fast draining away--set some of the people to work preparing _tasajo_, and sent Ramon with the mules and two _arrieros_ to Alta Vista for the remainder of our clothing, bedding, and several other things which I thought would be useful on the voyage.
Ramon, I may mention, was my own personal attendant.

He had been brought up and educated by Angela and myself, and was warmly attached to us.

In disposition he was bright and courageous, in features almost European; there could be little doubt that he was descended from some white castaway, who had landed on the coast and been adopted by this tribe.