I had a man beat me out of twenty pounds and he looked like a parson, he did indeed."
"We are not criminals," answered Dan. "We want to get out of Manila for political reasons, if you must know."
"Americans, eh?"
"Yes, sir—and not ashamed to own it."
Captain Montgomery held out his hands.
"I'll see you through, boys. I've got a bit of American blood in me, too, on my mother's side. Twelve pounds apiece takes you straight to our dock in Hong Kong,—and no more questions asked."
As we were out of funds we had to consider what would be best to do about paying the twenty-four pounds. I solved the difficulty by addressing a note to Harry Longley asking an advance of thirty pounds, to be put in Captain Montgomery's care. This would leave Dan and me three pounds each—about fifteen dollars—until we were safe in Hong Kong once more. The message was carried by an under officer of the Cardigan, and the money was obtained from our Manila representative without trouble, Longley being glad to learn of our escape.
The Cardigan was to leave her anchorage in front of Manila at four o'clock in the afternoon, and an hour before that time hatches were closed and the Spanish revenue officers came on board
