"Throw me a rope, to climb up the side.

I have a message from the governor for the captain of the ship." A minute later Ned stood upon the deck of the Portuguese vessel, the soldiers and sailors looking on wonderingly at him, his body being white, but his face still colored by the preparation.
The captain himself soon appeared.
"I am the bearer of a message to you, senor, from the governor," Ned said.

"It is here in this hollow reed.

He gives you but few particulars, but I believe tells you that you may place every confidence in me, and that I have detailed instructions from him." The captain split open the little reed which Ned handed to him, and taking out a paper coiled within it, opened it, and by the light of a lantern read: "We are in a very critical position, and it will need at once courage and prudence to come out of it.

I have sent my friend Don Eduardo Hearne, an English gentleman of repute, to warn you against the danger which threatens, and to advise you on your further proceedings.