Just short of this it ceases, leaving a
deep but very narrow channel, a veritable gateway, into the secure
and sheltered inner harbour. Another fort defends this second
passage. East and north of Cartagena lies the mainland, which may
be left out of account. But to the west and northwest this city,
so well guarded on every other side, lies directly open to the sea.
It stands back beyond a half-mile of beach, and besides this and
the stout Walls which fortify it, would appear to have no other
defences. But those appearances are deceptive, and they had
utterly deceived M. de Rivarol, when he devised his plan.
It remained for Captain Blood to explain the difficulties when M.
de Rivarol informed him that the honour of opening the assault in
the manner which he prescribed was to be accorded to the buccaneers.
Captain Blood smiled sardonic appreciation of the honour reserved
for his men. It was precisely what he would have expected. For
the buccaneers the dangers; for M. de Rivarol the honour, glory and
profit of the enterprise.
Pages:
520
521
522
523
524
525
526
527
528
529
530
531
532
533
534
535
536
537
538
539
540
541
542
543
544