No doubt my coming afforded some relief to their tiresome, dull routine.
While lying there, apparently breathless from my fall, my brains effectively muddled, a young officer advanced hastily from out the gloom to inquire into so unusual an uproar.
"What is all this noise about ?" he questioned sharply, striding toward us.

"Ah, Gonzales; whom have you here?
Another bird to add to our fine collection ?" "If so, it must be a rare blackbird, Senor Francisco," returned my friend, vainly endeavoring to recover his customary gravity.

"By Saint Cristobal! I have not laughed so heartily for a year past as at this poor black fool.

Faith, I sought to enlist him in the service of His Most Christian Majesty, yet his method of coming down a companion ladder convinced me he sadly lacks the necessary qualifications for a sailor.

Hast seen aught of the Captain here below ?" "Ay, comrade, thou wilt find him aft.