San Benavides would answer the
sentry's questions, there would be a combined rush for the guard-room
on the right of the gate, and, if they were able to master the guard,
as many of the assailants as possible would don the soldiers' coats,
shakos, and accouterments. Granted success thus far, there should not
be much difficulty in persuading the men in charge of the launch that a
cruise round the island was to be undertaken forthwith. Marcel would
remain with them until the citadel was carried. He would then hurry
back to bring Iris across the island to an unfrequented beach known as
the Porto do Conceicao, where he would embark her on a catamaran and
row out to the steamer, which, by that time, would be lying off the
harbor out of range of the troops who would surely be summoned from the
distant fort.
The project bristled with audacity, and that has ever been the soul of
achievement. Even the two wounded men from the _Andromeda_ took heart
when they listened to De Sylva's low-toned explanation, given under the
shadow of a great rock ere the final advance was made. If all went
well at the beginning, the small garrison of the citadel would be
astounded when they found themselves struggling against unknown
adversaries. Haste, silence, determination--these things were
essential; each and all might be expected from men who literally
carried their lives in their hands.
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