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+Project Gutenberg's A Voyage with Captain Dynamite, by Charles Edward Rich
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: A Voyage with Captain Dynamite
+
+Author: Charles Edward Rich
+
+Release Date: April 23, 2008 [EBook #25144]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK A VOYAGE WITH CAPTAIN DYNAMITE ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Suzanne Shell and the Online Distributed
+Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration: cover]
+
+A VOYAGE WITH CAPTAIN DYNAMITE
+
+[Illustration: Suddenly he half rose in the tossing boat and shouted to
+the rowers (_Page 13_)]
+
+A VOYAGE
+WITH
+CAPTAIN DYNAMITE
+
+BY
+CHARLES EDWARD RICH
+
+[Illustration: Publishers mark]
+
+NEW YORK
+A. S. BARNES & COMPANY
+1907
+
+COPYRIGHT, 1907, BY
+A. S. BARNES & COMPANY
+All rights reserved
+
+
+
+
+
+CONTENTS.
+
+
+CHAPTER                   PAGE
+
+I.     CAUGHT IN A GALE                                1
+II     CARRIED AWAY TO SEA                            11
+III    "SHE'S LIKE A WARSHIP BELOW"                   24
+IV.    A LESSON IN PATRIOTISM                         37
+V.     SENDING THE MESSAGE                            51
+VI.    "VIVA, CUBA LIBRE!"                            63
+VII.   IN THE DANGER ZONE                             73
+VIII.  A BRUSH WITH THE GUNBOAT                       86
+IX.    THE MIDNIGHT MESSAGE                           99
+X.     INTO THE ENEMY'S COUNTRY                      112
+XI.    CAPTURED BY SPANIARDS                         125
+XII.   ON TO GOMEZ                                   139
+XIII.  HARRY REFUSES TO BETRAY CAPTAIN DYNAMITE      151
+XIV.   THE SECRET PASSAGE                            165
+XV.    THE EXECUTION AT DAWN                         177
+XVI.   THE ESCAPE                                    185
+XVII.  "YOU WILL BE SHOT AS SPIES"                   198
+XVIII. CAPTAIN DYNAMITE FINDS JUANITA                208
+XIX.   DRAWING THE NET CLOSER                        218
+XX.    CAPTAIN DYNAMITE TO THE RESCUE                231
+XXI.   GENERAL SERANO MEETS CAPTAIN DYNAMITE         242
+XXII.  THE ESCAPE--VILLAMONTE AGAIN BEATEN           254
+XXIII. BACK TO THE MARIELLA                          266
+XXIV.  THE ESCAPE FROM THE LAGOON                    275
+XXV.   HOME AGAIN                                    291
+
+
+
+
+
+A VOYAGE WITH CAPTAIN DYNAMITE
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER I
+
+CAUGHT IN A GALE
+
+
+"Let go the jib halliards, Mason. Lay out there, Bert, and get in that
+slack sail. It's blowing a bit. Gee, see that bank of wind coming up."
+
+The little pleasure boat careened and took aboard a few barrels of water
+as she faced a sudden puff of wind that almost put her on her beam ends.
+But she was a game little craft, and came back from the onslaught of the
+elements with a sturdiness that indicated strong timbers, and a build
+that was meant to cope with the sudden squalls that come out of a clear
+sky off the coast of Martha's Vineyard during the early autumn days.
+
+"She's good for anything that you will get around these parts, and she
+is the fastest boat of her length in these waters."
+
+This recommendation by Tom, the veteran skipper of the summer fleet, had
+been sufficient to complete the sale of the sloop to three enthusiastic
+boys. And the boat had made good her reputation and served her purpose
+well. During the two months that the boys had owned her, there had been
+few days when she had not been in commission, either cruising for blue
+fish, or skimming along the shores of the island in a pleasant, summer
+way, lazily passing the days away for the youngsters, who lolled
+contentedly on her deck.
+
+Since we shall follow the crew of the yacht through many adventures, let
+us make their acquaintance at once. At the helm stood Harry Hamilton, a
+boy of sixteen, strong of build and an athlete of renown within the
+circles of his school. Honest and straightforward in all his dealings,
+and with a cheery disposition, he commanded the respect and admiration
+of his fellows, and because of his natural characteristics, was usually
+looked upon as the leader in their sports. With his parents he was
+spending his vacation at their summer home at Cottage City.
+
+With him were two schoolmates, Geoffrey Mason and Bertram Wilson, who
+were staying with him. Bertram was about Harry's age. Geoffrey,
+nicknamed "Midget" Mason, or the "Midget," was a year younger than his
+chums, and although small for his age, was strong and wiry. Light
+hearted and fun loving, he was always the life of any gathering of boys.
+He was one of Harry Hamilton's staunchest friends and admirers. For
+weeks the boys had enjoyed the sailing, bathing, fishing, golf, and
+other sports, but their particular diversion was sailing. Under the
+instruction of old Tom, the boys were soon able to handle alone the
+little boat that they had bought by clubbing together their resources.
+
+"Don't worry, mother, she's as safe as a scow," Harry would say, as he
+saw the expression of anxiety spread over his mother's face when he
+announced that they were off for a day's cruising.
+
+On this day they had started early in the morning for a blue-fishing
+cruise, and all had gone well until the homeward voyage. The cockpit was
+full of big fish and the boys took much pleasure in anticipating their
+reception when they made fast to the pier. The little sloop was skimming
+along under full sail, when just off Edgartown a stiff puff of wind
+struck them.
+
+Harry jammed the helm hard down and the boat responded gamely, coming
+quickly up into the wind. It was then that he called sharply to Mason to
+let go the jib halliards. The sail was so light and the wind slapped it
+from side to side with such angry vehemence that it would not run down
+on the stay. Harry dropped the helm, and holding it down with the
+pressure of his leg, seized the down haul and brought the jib, flapping
+and pounding, down to the bowsprit.
+
+"Get out there and furl that jib, Bert," he shouted. "We'll have to reef
+down the mainsail soon."
+
+Bert climbed cautiously out of the cockpit and made his way along the
+slippery deck until he reached the bowsprit. Clinging to the mainmast,
+he steadied himself while he surveyed the thrashing sail, whose folds of
+canvas hung over and trailed in the water until, caught every now and
+then by the wind, it bellied out like a balloon. A wave bigger than the
+rest completely submerged the bowsprit as the boat plunged into the
+trough of the sea.
+
+To furl the jib it was necessary to climb out on the lower stay, which
+acted as a foot rope, and it required the agility of a cat to hang on
+and drag the water-soaked, wind-thrashed sail onto the bowsprit and make
+it fast with canvas stops. For a moment Bert hesitated, but Harry waved
+to him eagerly to go on. Bert nodded in assent and began to climb
+gingerly out onto the stay. Harry held the boat up into the wind to aid
+his companion in getting in the wet and flapping sail.
+
+They plunged into wave after wave, carrying Bert almost completely
+under, as a bather goes under a comber in the surf. But he hung onto the
+light spar with one hand while he dragged in the sail with the other.
+When his task was completed and he climbed inboard again, Bert was as
+wet as if he had been overboard.
+
+Then came the task of reefing the mainsail, which the boys accomplished
+successfully, though not without a hard struggle, for the wind increased
+in violence every moment. Holding the boat, which now carried only a few
+square yards of canvas, well up into the wind, they pounded along with
+the gunwale under the rushing water. She rode a little easier and the
+boys settled down for a breathing spell.
+
+"There is nothing to be done now but to let her run," said Harry, as he
+gripped the helm hard to meet a sudden plunge into a head sea.
+
+"But we are heading straight out to sea," said Bert, with a tone of
+worriment in his voice.
+
+"Can't be helped. This wind has not reached its limit yet, and I would
+not dare to try to take her in before it. It might take the mast out of
+her."
+
+"It's getting dark, too," said Mason, nervously.
+
+"That can't be helped either."
+
+"Can't you ease her off for the Massachusetts shore?"
+
+"I tell you, Bert, there is nothing to be done with safety but to keep
+her right up into the eye of the wind."
+
+"But this blow may last for a day or two."
+
+"Now look here, Bert, you and I have been caught in one or two hard
+blows and we have pulled out all right together. If you think you know
+more about handling this boat than I do, I will turn the helm over to
+you and you can have your own way."
+
+"Skipper," said Bert, with a return of his natural good humor, "I seek
+neither the honor nor the responsibility. Keep the helm and sail her on
+to whatever port this blooming gale may be heading us for. It looks to
+me as if we would make the coast of Ireland for our first stop."
+
+"She is not making as much headway as she appears to be. I have got her
+jammed way up into the wind."
+
+The sky was constantly growing darker and the wind seemed each moment to
+increase in fury. To add to the discomfort of the situation, it began to
+rain. The wind howled and shrieked and lashed the surface of the water
+into a white foam, lifting at times the crests from the waves and
+hurling the fine spray into the faces of the boys.
+
+Darkness was falling rapidly, and away off in the distance behind them
+the lights of Cottage City flashed out as the cottagers began to light
+the lamps.
+
+Harry sat silently at the helm, with his eyes fixed on the sail, now and
+then changing their course a little as the gusty wind veered a point or
+two.
+
+On they plunged into the teeth of the ever increasing gale. Soon
+complete darkness shut in around them and it was impossible to see
+beyond the bow of the boat, that at times rose high on the crest of a
+rushing wave and then swooped down to meet the next with a crash that
+sent a shiver through her timbers. But she was a sturdy little craft,
+and shaking herself like an animal, she would rise lightly to the top of
+the next wave, ready to fight it out to the end.
+
+Mason and Bert perched grimly on the windward rail of the cockpit.
+Neither had spoken for a long time.
+
+"Take a turn at the pump, Bert," said Harry, "I think she is taking
+water."
+
+Bert started towards the pump, slipped on the fish that filled the
+cockpit and pitched head-foremost into the lee scuppers.
+
+"Throw half a dozen of those fish into the cuddy and chuck the rest
+overboard," said Harry, who, notwithstanding their serious situation,
+could not refrain from laughing at Bert's frantic efforts to regain his
+feet among the slippery cargo. "We may need some of them for food before
+we get out of this, but the others are in the way."
+
+Mason climbed down from his perch with care and helped to throw the fish
+overboard.
+
+"Pretty dangerous situation, skipper," said the imperturbable youngster,
+"when we have to sacrifice the cargo. However, over they go."
+
+The little cabin, or cuddy, of the boat was so low that it was with
+difficulty that one could crawl into it. On either side the boys had
+fitted up small bunks that served for lounging during calm weather, and
+in the middle of this space, on the centreboard box, they had arranged a
+table on which stood a small oil stove. Here they frequently cooked
+their luncheons when cruising.
+
+After the fish were disposed of, Bert manned the pump, and for five
+minutes was busy getting the water out of the hold.
+
+"This blow has opened up some of her seams," said Harry, as Bert began
+to puff. "We shall have to work to keep the water out of her, boys."
+
+"What about eating?" asked Mason, whose stomach never quailed, even in
+the face of danger.
+
+"We'll go without eating for the present, young man, and you may think
+yourself very lucky if you get out of this even with an empty stomach."
+
+"O, fudge, I can sneak down into the cuddy and fix up a nice mess of
+baked beans that will make your mouth water. There are three cans left.
+Besides, if we are going to drown, what's the use of drowning on empty
+stomachs?"
+
+"Don't you even put your head in that cuddy, Midget," said Harry,
+sharply. "If anything should happen to this boat you would be drowned
+like a rat in a trap, in there."
+
+"Pish, pish and tush, tush, what's the use of having a skipper if he is
+going to upset his craft? Bert, it is high time the crew mutinied.
+What--"
+
+At this moment a big wave struck the bow of the boat and swept her from
+stem to stern, filling Mason's open mouth with salt water.
+
+"Skipper," he sputtered, as soon as he could speak, "I confidently
+believe you did that on purpose."
+
+"This is not a time for your nonsense, Mason," said Harry, somewhat
+sternly.
+
+As he spoke, a fiercer gust of wind, veering a point or two, caught the
+sloop amidships, and before Harry could let go the sheet or bring her
+closer up, she heeled over to the blast until the water poured in a
+torrent into the cockpit. Harry jammed down the helm and let go the
+mainsheet and she righted herself, trembled under the strain and plunged
+ahead once more into the seas.
+
+It was mere chance that both Bert and Mason were not swept into the sea
+by the sudden careening of the boat. As it was, they were thrown into
+the cockpit, and when they climbed back in the darkness to their places
+on the weather rail, the Midget wore a much more serious expression on
+his naturally comical face.
+
+"You are right, Hal," he said, solemnly, "I guess it's no joke after
+all."
+
+The rain was now coming down in vicious torrents that beat in the boys'
+faces, almost blinding them.
+
+Suddenly in the blackness ahead there flashed a bright, green light like
+the eye of some monster of the deep. It appeared to be about as high
+above them as the mast head of the sloop. They each saw it at the same
+time, and each knew, with a thrill of horror, what it meant.
+
+"Hold fast," shouted Harry, in tones that could just be heard above the
+howling of the gale, and at the same time he put the helm hard down.
+"She's almost on us."
+
+It was too late. There was a crash and the sound of splintering timbers.
+
+The big steamer cut the little craft in two as cleanly as with a knife.
+
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II
+
+CARRIED AWAY TO SEA
+
+
+As the big, black hull of the steamer crashed into the sail boat, a loud
+shout went up from her deck. The note of fright in it penetrated even
+through the shrieks of the gale.
+
+"Boat under our starboard bow, sir--we've run her down."
+
+The warning shout and the cry that announced the disaster were
+punctuated only by a breath. Then followed a babel of orders and the
+quick clanging of signal bells in the engine room. The sudden churning
+of the screws in the angry waters told that the steamer's engines were
+reversed.
+
+A man rushed out of the cabin and took a commanding place on the
+steamer's bridge.
+
+"Where did she go down?" he shouted in the ear of the mate, who clung to
+the rail and peered back into the darkness.
+
+"About a hundred feet aft, sir," the man answered, pointing into the
+blackness that enveloped the steamer.
+
+"Lower the port lifeboat," shouted the newcomer on the scene to the men
+who were collected on the forward deck.
+
+He darted back toward the cabin as he spoke and the sound of creaking
+ropes told that his orders were being rapidly carried out.
+
+"The boat will never live in this sea," shouted the mate.
+
+The man turned at the cabin door with a scowl.
+
+"You heard my orders," he said, sharply. "There are lives to be saved
+and it is not a question whether the boat will live. We will make her
+live. Call for volunteers if the men have any scruples about trusting
+themselves with me, but get the boat into the water at once. Every
+minute counts."
+
+He was gone but a second and emerged from the cabin in a heavy suit of
+oilskins. He sprang nimbly down the companionway to the deck.
+
+"Who goes with me in the boat?" he shouted to the assembled crew.
+
+"I, sir, and I," cried the men in chorus, all anxious to be in the boat
+with their commander.
+
+"You, and you, and you," he shouted, as he designated six men with a
+quick movement of his forefinger. The men tumbled over the side into the
+boat that was tossing like a cockle shell in the waves that threatened
+to dash her to pieces against the big steamer. The captain slipped over
+the side and took his place in the stern. It was a difficult task to get
+the boat safely off, but it was finally accomplished by skill and
+strength; and as she rode away from the side on the top of a nasty
+roller she was greeted with a cheer from the disappointed men who had
+been left behind and who longed to be with their commander in his
+perilous undertaking.
+
+As they rowed away from the steamer there was no sign in the darkness of
+the little boat they had run down, but the man at the tiller steered as
+determinedly as if he knew for just what point in the blackness he was
+headed. With his head bent slightly forward and his big body swaying
+with the rock and pitch of the lifeboat he kept his eyes fixed straight
+ahead.
+
+Suddenly he half rose in the tossing boat and shouted to the rowers, who
+were bending their backs to the oars that every now and then would sink
+deep into a towering wave and the next instant swing viciously through
+the air as the boat rolled up on the crest of a big billow.
+
+"Steady all," he called in a deep growl. "Now hold her."
+
+The men dug their oars into the tumbling sea in an effort to bring the
+boat to a standstill, but the waves caught her and hurried her on. The
+sailors caught a fleeting glimpse in the darkness of the bottom of an
+upturned boat to which three boys were clinging. The man at the tiller
+swung the boat's head around as they swept by and, caught broadside on
+by a big wave, she rolled for a moment as if she was about to capsize.
+But the trained sailors held stoutly to the leeward oars, and the boat
+righted herself and rose like a cork on the wave and settled down so
+close to the wrecked yacht that the man in the stern leaned over and
+tossed the end of a rope beyond the heads of the boys.
+
+"Catch it and make fast to something," he cried, as the rope fell. "We
+cannot get any closer to you without smashing this boat. Jump!"
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+When Harry came to the surface after the collision he found that he was
+not hurt and, shaking his head like a dog, he prepared to make a fight
+for his life against the sea. His first thought was of his companions,
+but it was impossible to tell what their fate had been. It took all his
+strength to battle with the waves and keep himself afloat. Now and then,
+as he was carried helplessly to the crest of a big billow, he tried to
+peer into the darkness that surrounded him. He could see nothing but
+empty blackness. It was impossible to swim, had he known in which
+direction to head. All he could do was to husband his strength to keep
+on the surface and to breast and rise with each wave that passed under
+him.
+
+He knew it would be useless to shout, for his voice was weak from his
+exertions and could not be heard above the howling of the wind and the
+lash of the sea. He could faintly hear the commotion on the steamer and
+see the lights from her portholes when she rode a high wave. But he had
+no hope that any boat that might be lowered could reach him in that sea.
+
+Once he thought he heard faint cries for help near him, and as he sank
+into the trough of a sea, a black mass swept by him. He groped wildly to
+reach it and his hand touched a dangling rope. He seized it with the
+frenzy of a drowning man and the next instant had pulled himself
+alongside of what proved to be the wreck of the yacht. He dragged
+himself up and threw his arms over the keel and for the first time since
+he had been swept under the surface of the water drew a long breath. The
+touch of something solid in that angry sea put new life into him and he
+shouted feebly for very joy.
+
+An answering cry, weak as his own, came from the other side of the wreck
+and he saw two heads just above the line of the keel. Bert and Mason had
+also been fortunate enough to reach the upturned half of the boat, and
+for a time at least all were saved from the maw of the sea.
+
+Just then the lifeboat reached them and the rope cast by the captain's
+strong hand fell over their heads. Harry caught it and managed to make
+it fast to a ring bolt. Then without hesitation the boys one by one
+dropped off into the water and half swimming and half dragging
+themselves by the rope, made their way from the wreck to the lifeboat
+into which they were pulled by strong hands. As soon as they were
+dragged aboard, the boys sank to the bottom of the boat exhausted.
+
+"How many of you were there?" asked the captain, as the last of the
+three boys was pulled into the boat.
+
+"Only three," answered Harry, weakly.
+
+"All right, then," said the captain, with a tone of relief in his voice,
+"You are all accounted for. Pull men."
+
+By the time they reached the steamer the boys had revived and were able
+to scramble up the rope-ladder that was lowered over the side. The
+captain was the last to go aboard. As he reached the deck he looked at
+the bedraggled youngsters with a good-natured smile.
+
+"Better come below and get on some dry clothes," he said, as he nodded
+his head to the mate on the bridge.
+
+The bells in the engine-room jingled and the big steamer began to forge
+ahead again into the storm as if nothing had happened to delay her
+voyage. The drenched boys gladly followed the captain into his cabin. He
+was a man of enormous build, big-boned and muscular. His head was
+covered with a mass of curling blond hair and his face was clean-shaven.
+As he threw off his oilskins and tossed them into a corner of the cabin
+the boys saw to their astonishment that he wore a fashionable suit of
+summer flannels and a handsome negligée shirt. His trousers, which were
+turned up at the bottom in the latest mode, were suspended by a fancy
+leather belt and his feet were encased in low tan shoes. He looked like
+the owner of a yacht off on a summer pleasure cruise, but to the eye of
+the veriest land lubber it would be at once apparent that the steamer
+which he commanded was not a yacht. He was about thirty years old and
+carried his size and weight with an ease that showed the training of an
+athlete.
+
+After he had thrown aside his oilskins, he began to rummage through a
+big chest and finally threw out a lot of old togs for the inspection of
+his involuntary guests.
+
+"Good deal like a Baxter Street fit, I guess," he said, laughing. There
+was just a touch of brogue in his voice. "Never mind. Chuck off the wet
+ones. These will have to do until we can get the others dried in the
+engine-room. Roll up the trousers and sleeves and look out that I don't
+tread on the tails of your coats."
+
+The boys were glad to get out of their wet and chilled clothing and
+needed no second invitation. They were a funny looking trio when they
+had rigged themselves out in the captain's duds. The sleeves of the
+Midget's coat hung to the ground and his trousers' legs doubled up twice
+before he could walk. Harry was the tallest of the three and yet the
+captain's clothes hung on him like a sack on a pole.
+
+"Now I'll bet you are hungry," said the captain as he surveyed the boys
+with a twinkle of amusement in his eyes. "What do you say to a cup of
+hot coffee and bite of biscuit? This ship is no hotel, as you will find
+before you get through with her. Nothing better in the cabin than in the
+fo'c'sel. But we have plenty of the sort we have and as often as we want
+it."
+
+He stepped to the door of the cabin as he spoke and called to a man on
+deck:
+
+"Send the cook aft."
+
+"Aye, aye, sir," came an answering shout through the howling of the
+wind. Presently another man appeared in the doorway and stood
+respectfully awaiting orders.
+
+"Cook, have these clothes taken to the engine-room to dry and then bring
+us a pot of coffee and some biscuits. And serve coffee to the men on
+watch--it is a nasty night."
+
+"Aye, aye, sir," answered the man cheerily. It was plain the men were
+glad to serve their captain.
+
+In a short time the boys were sitting around the small table in the
+cabin eagerly discussing the coffee and hardtack as if it had been the
+most delicious repast.
+
+A remark made by the captain had stuck in Harry's mind, and he took the
+first opportunity to put the question that was bothering him.
+
+"Where are you going to land us, captain?"
+
+The big man leaned back in his chair and laughed long and loud. The boys
+looked at him in surprise. It was not an agreeable laugh although there
+was no ill-humor in it.
+
+"What in thunder does he see to laugh at?" whispered Bert to Harry in a
+disgusted tone.
+
+"Wait, we shall find out in good time."
+
+"We should like to be put ashore at Cottage City, if you please,"
+continued Harry, ignoring the captain's merriment, "but if that is too
+much out of your way, Nantucket will do and we can take the boat home in
+the morning."
+
+Again the captain went off into a paroxysm of laughter. The peals of
+loud guffaws grated on the ears of the anxious boys.
+
+"He can't be a bad man at heart," whispered Mason to Harry, "or he
+wouldn't have taken so much trouble and run so much risk to pick us up
+after his steamer ran us down."
+
+"No, I don't understand it. I feel as if I were being kidnapped," said
+Bert.
+
+Presently the captain's fit of humor passed and his face became serious
+again.
+
+"Boys," he said, "I shall have to ask you to take things as they are and
+ask no questions. You are my guests. Do not worry."
+
+"But, captain, we must get home," said Mason petulantly.
+
+The man smiled at the speaker.
+
+"I hope we will all get home sometime," he said, quietly.
+
+"You speak as if there were some doubt about it," said Harry quickly.
+
+"There is," answered the captain, slowly.
+
+The boys looked at one another in dismay. What did it mean? Harry was
+the first to recover his composure.
+
+"You surely intend to land somewhere," he said, half questioningly.
+
+"Sure--if we are lucky."
+
+"You mean that this storm is so bad that there is danger we may not
+weather it?"
+
+Again the captain laughed his big laugh.
+
+"We'll weather this all right. It's only a capful of wind for the old
+_Mariella_. She has ridden out many a storm that would make this one
+look like thirty cents."
+
+"Then if there is no danger from the weather, we demand that you land us
+at the nearest port."
+
+Harry drew himself up and looked very important as he spoke. The captain
+only smiled indulgently.
+
+"You might as well learn at the start, young gentlemen," he said
+quietly, "that there is no such word as _demand_ recognized by Captain
+Dynamite."
+
+"Sounds like a pirate name," whispered the irrepressible Midget, loud
+enough to be heard by the captain.
+
+"I am something of a pirate," said the big man as if in reply. "Now I
+will be quite frank with you. I shall not make any port except that of
+my destination and that will be, if we have luck, in about six days from
+to-night. I am sorry that you will have to remain with me against your
+wishes, but you will admit that I am not responsible for your coming
+aboard. In fact, if you will pardon the allusion to the little accident
+back there, you are very lucky to be where you are and not tucked away
+in Davy Jones' locker. I shall consider you my guests and you may have
+the free run of the ship, but it will be impossible for you to leave it
+until we reach port. Make the best of the situation, boys. It has been
+forced on us both."
+
+Harry jumped up impulsively, and held out his hand to the big man across
+the table.
+
+"Do not think we are ungrateful, sir. We know that we owe our lives to
+you and that you risked yours to save us from drowning. But you forget
+that we have folks ashore who will think we are drowned if we cannot get
+some word to them."
+
+The big skipper jumped to his feet, grasped Harry's outstretched hand
+and shook it warmly.
+
+"My boy," he said, "it is unfortunate and I regret it as much as you,
+but it cannot be helped. If we pull through this voyage all right, you
+will be able to get a message to your folks in the course of two weeks.
+Now, it is pretty well into the night and I must go on deck for the last
+watch, so you had better turn in."
+
+As he spoke, the captain opened a door that led off the cabin and
+disclosed a room as large as an ordinary stateroom with two berths on
+each side.
+
+"Here are four bunks. Turn in and sleep well. By the way, begin to feel
+any little qualms at the stomach yet?"
+
+The steamer, while like a house in comparison with the small boat in
+which they had been tossed about, was still rolling and heaving in the
+heavy seas with which she was battling. But the boys were all good
+sailors and none of them felt anything like an attack of seasickness.
+
+Harry, whose anxiety for the worry and pain which his absence would
+cause those on shore, could not get off his mind the subject, and in a
+persistent way returned to it like a terrier to a bone.
+
+"Well, captain," he said, "admitting that for some reason which you do
+not care to tell us, it is impossible for you to land until the end of
+your voyage; will it not be possible to hail some passing vessel and
+send a message back that we are safe and sound?"
+
+The captain's face darkened, and a look such as the boys had not seen
+there before, spread over his countenance. Instinctively they fell back
+from him in his anger.
+
+"I have told you that the situation cannot be remedied. Let us not
+discuss the matter further. You are my guests. Do not force me to make
+you my prisoners."
+
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III
+
+"SHE'S LIKE A WARSHIP BELOW."
+
+
+As the captain left the cabin the boys looked at one another without
+speaking, for some minutes.
+
+"What do you make out of him?" asked Bert, who was the first to break
+the silence.
+
+"Sure enough pirate" said the Midget, confidently. "Gee, did you see his
+face?"
+
+"Yes, he evidently has a very bad temper and it will be well for us not
+to cross him too far," said Harry, thoughtfully; "but I don't propose to
+stay on this ship any longer than is necessary, whatever her mission,
+and I shall keep my eyes open for a chance to get ashore, or to signal
+some passing vessel."
+
+"Well, we cannot do anything in the escape line to-night, so we might as
+well take his advice and turn in," said Bert, with a yawn.
+
+An inspection of the stateroom showed a very comfortable room fitted
+with two narrow bunks on each side. They were neatly made up, and the
+linen was fine and clean. Thoroughly worn out, the boys prepared for bed
+and for the time cast their troubles aside.
+
+As they were about to jump into their bunks, a slight grating noise was
+heard. They all stopped and waited in silence. There was no further
+sound. It seemed to have come from the cabin beyond. After a second's
+thought, Harry stepped quickly out of the stateroom and to the door that
+led to the deck.
+
+"We are no longer guests," he said, quietly, as he turned back into the
+stateroom and jumped into his bunk with resignation.
+
+"What do you mean?" asked Bert, in a whisper.
+
+"I mean that we are prisoners," answered Harry. "The door of the cabin
+is locked on the outside. That is the noise we heard. However, we can do
+nothing to-night, and as I am very tired and sleepy I am going to turn
+in."
+
+"Say, Hal," said Mason, in an awed tone, "what are we up against?"
+
+"Search me," replied Harry, in a sleepy voice. "We may be able to learn
+something in the morning. Let's go to sleep now. We may need all our
+wits by and by."
+
+Notwithstanding the mystery of their situation the boys were soon fast
+asleep, and when they awoke, the sun was streaming through the port
+holes of the cabin. The steamer seemed to be moving along on an even
+keel. Apparently they had ridden out the storm of the night before.
+Harry was the first to spring from his bunk. He hastened to the cabin,
+his first impulse being to try the door and see if they were still
+prisoners. He started with surprise when he reached the outer room. At
+the table in the centre sat the captain working at some maps and papers.
+He looked up pleasantly as Harry entered.
+
+"Good morning," he said cheerily, "did you sleep well after your
+ducking?"
+
+"Perhaps we should have slept better if we had not been locked in,"
+answered Harry, a little surprised at his own temerity.
+
+The man laughed good-humoredly.
+
+"Oh, that should not have disturbed you," he said. "You see we did not
+seem to understand each other very well last night when I left you. I
+think we shall do better to-day. Now what do you say to some breakfast?
+You have slept pretty late. It is twelve o'clock. There are your
+clothes. You all better tumble out and get dressed. I am hungry myself
+and just about to turn in. I have been on deck all night. The storm has
+passed, and we are making very good time on our voyage, you will be glad
+to hear, no doubt."
+
+All the temper of the night before had disappeared, and the captain was
+again the big, bluff, good-natured man that had first impressed the
+boys. There was nothing to do but to follow his advice and watch for
+developments, and Harry, putting aside any thought of further prying
+into the affairs of the mysterious ship and her strange skipper for the
+present, returned to the stateroom and began to dress. The captain went
+to the door of the cabin and called. Again the same man answered with a
+respectful salute.
+
+"Tell the cook to serve breakfast."
+
+"Aye, aye, sir."
+
+These words seemed to be the extent of the man's vocabulary. The boys
+soon learned that it was the only spoken formula of the ship's crew
+unless in reply to questions, which were rarely asked. The captain's
+words were commands. He ruled the entire ship's company with a power as
+absolute as that of a monarch. But the yoke did not seem to gall. The
+men's obedience was the sort that is given to one loved and honored.
+
+By the time the boys had gotten into their clothes, which had been
+carefully dried and pressed, they found that breakfast had been spread
+in the cabin. It was as tempting as a meal at home. The hard tack of the
+night before had been replaced by an omelet, hot biscuits, fried
+potatoes, and a steaming pot of coffee, which from previous experience
+the boys knew to be good. The savory odor of the food appealed strongly
+to their appetites, and for the moment they forgot everything except
+that they were very hungry and that there were good things to eat at
+hand. The captain took his place smilingly at the head of the table, and
+the Midget whispered to Harry:
+
+"He's not such a bad sort, after all. I wonder what kind of a pirate he
+is, anyway."
+
+"Sit down, boys, and buckle to. Hard tack does not stay long by you, but
+I told you last night I only eat what I give my men so that I could
+offer you nothing better then. I hope you will enjoy your breakfast. I
+have a very good cook. Used to sub at the Waldorf but got into a little
+trouble on shore and is trying the sea. Stuck his mate under the rib
+with a carving knife and is taking a voyage with me for the benefit of
+his health."
+
+"Aren't you afraid he might do the same to you some time if he lost his
+temper?" asked Mason, looking at the captain with his eyes as big as
+saucers. He did not like the idea of sailing with a desperado of that
+sort.
+
+"Oh, no," answered the big man, carelessly; "I should stick first, you
+know, and then it was in self defense that the blow was struck. Let me
+give you some of this omelet. You will find it as good as any you could
+get at home."
+
+The boys looked at the strange man in wonder. They could not make out
+his character. But they ate their breakfast with a relish just the same,
+and the captain entertained them with tales of the sea that made them
+alternately laugh at his drollery or wonder at his daring. Not that he
+ever brought himself into the stories, but the boys knew that he was the
+hero of the adventures which he related, because they felt that he would
+have acted in just the way his heroes did. There was a strange air about
+the man that attracted them to him. They felt that he would be a firm
+friend and an unrelenting enemy. They liked to be with him, liked to
+hear him talk, liked to see him smile, but they all felt that they
+should dread to incur his anger.
+
+He was rough and unpolished, but he dressed like a dandy. He had
+evidently changed his clothing since coming off watch, for he wore at
+breakfast another flannel suit and low, patent leather shoes. His
+trousers were carefully creased and turned up. He resembled more, in
+appearance, a prosperous broker than the captain of a steamer whose
+mysterious character made him seem all the more out of place aboard.
+When they had finished breakfast he took a gold cigarette case from his
+pocket, and offered it to the boys.
+
+"Smoke?" he asked, carelessly.
+
+The boys declined with thanks. The captain stretched himself and yawned
+as he rose from the table.
+
+"Now, young gentlemen," he said, "I am going to turn in. Make yourselves
+at home. I take it that I have your word that you will not concern
+yourselves with that which does not concern you."
+
+"That depends upon how you construe the remark," said Harry, promptly.
+"I should prefer to remain a prisoner in this cabin than not to use my
+senses to my own advantage. For one, captain, I shall not promise except
+that I will not do anything that might be considered prying into your
+affairs. We feel sufficiently under obligations to you to prevent us
+from taking advantage of your hospitality. It might be proper for me to
+tell you, though, that I shall make every effort to get off your ship.
+Not that I object to your company, but because we all feel that we owe
+it to the folks at home."
+
+The captain laughed. He did not seem at all annoyed at Harry's frank
+statement.
+
+"Begorra, I like you for your honesty. Go on deck and get the air. You
+will find that I have not much to fear in the way of losing your company
+just at present. Believe me, though, youngsters"--here he became serious
+again--"if I could do so--with--what shall I say--with safety, I should
+be only too glad to put you ashore and to relieve the anxiety of those
+who are waiting for you. But in this matter I must be the judge, for
+there are more persons involved and more interests at stake in the
+voyage of the _Mariella_ than you can conceive. But I will put no
+restrictions on you. Go on deck and amuse yourselves as well as you can
+and make the best of the situation. Before we part company you will
+understand my position better. Wait, I will introduce you to the mate."
+
+He stepped to the cabin door and called:
+
+"Suarez."
+
+"Aye, aye, sir," came the prompt response, and a small man appeared in
+the doorway.
+
+"Suarez," said the captain, "these are the young gentlemen we picked out
+of the sea last night. They are rather unwilling voyagers, for which
+they cannot be blamed. Take them on deck and let them have the run of
+the ship."
+
+The mate looked up quickly at the captain in a questioning manner, as if
+he would like to protest, if he dared. The captain smiled.
+
+"The run of the ship, Suarez," he repeated, as if in answer to the
+unspoken protest.
+
+Again the mate saluted, and turned gravely to the deck, followed by the
+boys. He was a small, swarthy man, in great contrast to the captain. He
+looked like a Spaniard. His hair was black and he wore a mustache and
+goatee, and his small, black eyes were as alert as a cat's and seemed to
+take in everything at once in all parts of the ship. His expression was
+one of keen shrewdness, but there was a look of care and anxiety that
+softened it. His actions and manner were those of a man who does not
+wish to attract attention. As they reached the deck he turned to the
+boys, and bowing, said with a slight foreign accent:
+
+"Good morning, young gentlemen. I hope you rested well after your
+unfortunate experience. The captain says you are to have the run of the
+ship. Make yourselves at home, and if there is anything that I can do to
+add to your pleasure, pray call upon me without reserve."
+
+His voice was soft, and he spoke with a great politeness of manner.
+
+"He's too smooth," whispered Mason. "He will bear watching."
+
+The mate did not seem inclined to further conversation. He bowed again,
+waved his hand as if to indicate that the ship was theirs, and turned
+and walked to the bridge.
+
+The boys looked around them. There was nothing to be seen but an expanse
+of water. There was not a sign of land or a vessel. The storm of the
+night before had subsided, except that the waves were still running
+high under a brightly shining sun. Harry put his hand to his eyes to
+shade them, and scanned the horizon in every direction, but there was
+not even a speck to be seen.
+
+"The captain was right when he said there was not much danger of losing
+our company," he said, as he finished his observation.
+
+"Unless we jump over and swim for it."
+
+"What would we swim for?"
+
+"I am very well satisfied to keep the planks under my feet and wait for
+something to turn up."
+
+"Me, too," piped the Midget. "Let's make a round of the ship."
+
+The steamer was comparatively small. In the darkness of the night and
+the storm, and viewed from the little sloop, she had looked like an
+ocean liner as she suddenly came upon them. Everything about her was
+spick and span. The decks were as clean as holy stone and water could
+make them, and all the brasswork shone brightly in the sun. The decks
+seemed strangely deserted. Suarez, the mate, paced the bridge stolidly.
+On the forward deck two men were on lookout. In the pilot-house a sailor
+stood at the wheel, while behind him stood a man whose eyes roamed
+constantly from the compass to the horizon.
+
+The boys walked to the gunwale and looked over at the broad expanse of
+sea. For some time no one spoke. Each was thinking of the worry and
+anxiety that those at home were suffering.
+
+"Say, Hal," said Bert, finally, "what do you make out of this craft? Of
+course it is out of the question to think of a pirate in these days, but
+there is certainly some mystery about this steamer and her captain."
+
+"Did you notice he said that if he could do so with safety he would put
+us ashore? What does that word 'safety' mean? There is no danger from
+the elements, he admits. What other danger threatens him if he goes
+ashore? There is some mystery here and as we have become a part of it it
+is up to us to find out what it is."
+
+"Yes, but how?"
+
+"By keeping our eyes and ears open is all I can suggest now."
+
+"Let's go forward and take a look around."
+
+The boys strolled along the deck that narrowed into a passage about
+three feet wide as they reached the forward house, which apparently
+contained the petty officers' rooms. In the centre was the door that
+opened into the engine-room. Only the upper works of the big engines
+were visible. The boys stopped. A man, evidently the engineer, or one of
+his assistants, sat on a leather-covered seat facing the levers and
+indicators. He looked up for a moment from the paper he was reading, and
+nodded to the boys with a smile, and then returned to his reading
+without a word.
+
+"Fine morning, sir, after the storm," said Bert.
+
+The man nodded again without raising his eyes from his paper.
+
+"Cheery lot of conversationalists," said Bert, in disgust, as they moved
+on.
+
+At the forward end of the house was the galley. As they reached this a
+black, woolly head popped out of the open half-door. The negro grinned
+widely and quickly drew back his head.
+
+"Good morning, Sambo," said the persistent Bert.
+
+The negro bobbed his head, and grinned still more broadly, but did not
+speak a word.
+
+"All lost their tongues," said Bert.
+
+Just forward of the deck house a small hatch stood open. It led to a
+narrow iron ladder that ran almost perpendicularly down into the dark
+depths below. The boys peered into the blackness without being able to
+distinguish anything.
+
+"I am going down," said Harry, after a moment's pause.
+
+He stepped over the edge and placing his foot on the first rung of the
+ladder, began to descend with great caution. The others watched him
+anxiously until he disappeared in the darkness. They waited at the hatch
+for a long time before he reappeared. When he did he climbed out with a
+serious face and drew his companions away to the other side of the
+steamer's deck.
+
+His expression indicated that he had discovered something of more than
+ordinary interest.
+
+"What is it?" whispered Bert, when they were out of range of the galley
+and engine-room.
+
+Harry leaned toward his companions impressively as he answered in an
+awed tone:
+
+"Say, fellows, she's a regular warship down below."
+
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV
+
+A LESSON IN PATRIOTISM
+
+
+The boys huddled together at an obscure part of the deck and Harry
+described to them what he had seen below decks.
+
+"There are two eight pounders and two rapid fire guns with their noses
+poked against port holes that can be opened at a moment's notice. And
+besides these, there is an arsenal of small arms like rifles, pistols,
+swords, and cutlasses. Everything seems to be in apple pie order and all
+ready for use. If we were living in the days of the old pirate ships, I
+should say that we were likely to fly the black flag at any moment."
+
+"What do you make of it, Hal?" asked Bert.
+
+"I tell you I cannot make anything of it. It is beyond me. The only
+thing we can do is to keep our weather eyes open and watch for
+developments. It is certainly a ship of mystery and the captain does not
+apparently propose to enlighten us as to her character. But he seems to
+be an honest man, and I think we are perfectly safe in leaving all to
+him, and I believe that sometime we shall know what we are up against.
+In the meantime, however, as I warned him, I shall make every effort to
+get off the ship, or to notify some passing craft that we are on board
+safe and sound, so that word may be carried to those on shore. They must
+believe that we are drowned by this time, particularly if they have
+picked up the wreck of the yacht."
+
+"Let's go aft and take a look over the cabin while the captain is
+asleep. All's fair in love and war, you know, and we are certainly
+entitled to find out all we can about our surroundings, particularly in
+view of Hal's investigations below."
+
+The boys strolled leisurely aft, taking care not to arouse the
+suspicions of any one about the decks. They entered the cabin. All was
+still. The sun shone brightly through the port holes and lay in a wide
+beam on the big map that the captain had been studying when the boys
+turned out of bed.
+
+"Let's have a look at this," said Bert, quickly approaching the table as
+he spoke. "It may tell us something of our destination."
+
+The boys gathered eagerly around.
+
+The map was a hydrographic chart of the Caribbean Sea. Cuba and Porto
+Rico appeared on a large scale. The boys studied it in silence and
+finally Mason shook his head in despair.
+
+"That does not tell much," he said. "We may be going to Cuba or Porto
+Rico, but if we are, why all this secrecy and those firearms?"
+
+"They may fit in together more closely than you think," said Harry, who
+had been studying the map thoughtfully.
+
+"What do you mean?" asked Bert.
+
+"I do not mean anything yet. Let us wait. Speculation and guessing will
+not solve this mystery."
+
+"Look here," said the Midget, who had been browsing around the cabin. He
+had lifted one of the cushions from a settee and disclosed beneath a
+locker which contained a number of flags of different colors and shapes.
+
+"What are those?" asked the boys in chorus.
+
+"They are signal flags. Now let's find the code and then we can signal
+some passing ship."
+
+"Here's the code," announced Harry, who, as soon as Mason had spoken had
+gone to a little book shelf on the wall of the cabin. "But how are we to
+get the flags up without attracting attention?"
+
+"Easy. We will make up our signal and then take the flags necessary to
+show it and conceal them where we can get them at any moment. Then when
+we sight a vessel we can bend them onto the halliards and have them
+aloft before anyone can interfere. It would be a minute or two before
+they could haul them down, even if they discovered them at once, and in
+that time it is likely that the other ship would have read them. Anyway,
+it is worth trying."
+
+"I think you are right," said Harry. "Nothing venture, nothing have.
+Let's make the signal."
+
+He took the code book from the shelf and opened it on the table.
+
+"In the first place, it is necessary to know what you want to say before
+you pick out your flags. Now what shall the message be?"
+
+"Say we have been kidnapped by a pirate ship and want assistance,"
+suggested the Midget, wisely.
+
+"Nonsense," replied Bert, "we don't want to say anything about the ship.
+We have nothing against her, nor her captain. Didn't they save our
+lives? All that we want is to be taken off and if that is not possible
+to have word sent home that we are all right, and then we can see the
+thing out comfortably. In fact, I for one, would much prefer staying
+aboard if it were possible to get word ashore. We do not know what
+interesting adventures may be in store for us aboard this strange
+craft."
+
+"Well, anyway, let's frame a message."
+
+"It's got to be short, for we cannot use any more flags than is
+absolutely necessary, as we may be discovered before we can get them up.
+How's this: 'Report Hamilton, Mason, and Wilson picked up from wrecked
+yacht off Cottage City by steamer _Mariella_. All well.'"
+
+"Fine," said Mason. "Hal, your massive intellect astonishes me more and
+more each day."
+
+After some discussion, the boys selected the proper flags and laid them
+to one side. The problem of getting them aloft then presented itself.
+
+"There must be halliards already bent for the use of signals," said
+Harry. "I will go out on deck and have a quiet look for them."
+
+He returned shortly from his inspection.
+
+"Everything is ready for instant use," he reported, "but we must have
+the flags bent onto a separate piece of rope so that all we shall have
+to do is to fasten the rope to the halliards and send the flags aloft.
+And then we must also stow the flags somewhere where we can get at them
+easily as soon as we see another vessel."
+
+"Leave that to me, captain," said Mason, saluting with a grin. "Right
+under my bunk is a place. All you fellows watch where I put them, so
+that if I am not with you when the ship comes along you can do the
+trick. No telling when a man of my fiery temper may be put in irons on a
+ship like this."
+
+The boys carefully stowed away the flags after they had bent them in
+their proper order to a spare piece of rope which Mason picked up on
+deck. They now felt that they had done as much as lay within their power
+to relieve the anxiety of the folks at home, and all that remained was
+to keep a sharp lookout for a passing ship. They arranged watches so
+that one of them should be on deck during all of the daylight hours, and
+all hands were to keep their eyes open through the port holes and from
+such other points of vantage as they could take at all times when it was
+light enough to see a passing ship.
+
+This satisfactorily off their minds, the boys took more interest in a
+survey of their prison ship, for so they had begun to look upon her,
+although each one of them had made up his mind that he would like to see
+the adventure out.
+
+That night before dinner they met the captain again in the cabin. The
+maps were still lying on the table.
+
+"Do you see this big island here, boys?" he asked. "It looks big on the
+map, but it is a very small spot on the face of the earth, and yet its
+people have suffered more misery, injustice, and oppression than the
+world will ever know."
+
+"Discontented people always quarrelling with their government are
+usually unhappy. They bring most of their misery on themselves."
+
+Harry spoke carelessly. He was not much interested in the wrongs of
+Cuba. He was surprised to see the captain's eyes flash again with that
+fierce fire that had marked them when he first defied him.
+
+"Discontented, is it," almost shouted the captain. "And do you know why,
+boy?"
+
+"I am sure I do not, Captain Dynamite, except that it is apparently born
+in them."
+
+"Yes, that's the way most of the world, ignorant of poor Cuba's trials,
+looks at the matter. Statesmen have investigated and reported back to
+the halls of Congress and Cuba and her wrongs have been laid away in the
+dusty archives."
+
+"Look," he said, pointing again at the map, and involuntarily the boys
+gathered closer around him and peered at the parchment. "That land, as
+God made it, was the fairest that the eye ever looked upon."
+
+Captain Dynamite paused for a moment and seemed to grow more calm. He
+seated himself with his elbows on the table behind him and deftly rolled
+a cigarette with one hand. The boys, interested now because of his
+intense feeling, waited for him to continue.
+
+"Youngsters," he said finally, "let me give you a little piece of
+history of these 'discontented' folks and perhaps you will regard their
+condition with different eyes and hearts. Your text-books at school
+have undoubtedly told you that Spanish rule in Cuba began in 1511, when
+Diego Valesquez subjugated the peaceful natives, and the Spanish methods
+of conquest made a record that lives to this day.
+
+"See this island here," said the captain, pointing to Hayti. "At that
+time almost uninhabited, its wild shores and hidden inlets served as
+places of concealment for buccaneers. These pirates of the Spanish Main
+not alone indulged in the adventurous pastime of smuggling, but they
+attacked and plundered Spanish trading ships and even made forceful
+expeditions upon land, ravaging cities and towns. They were encouraged
+in their depredations by other nations unfriendly to Spain. Henry
+Morgan, one of these buccaneers, who was commissioned as a privateer,
+was knighted by England in 1671 because of his prowess as a legalized
+pirate.
+
+"In 1762, Havana was besieged by the English and the Seven Years War
+began. The British were successful and under English rule the ports of
+Cuba were opened to free trade and an era of progress was inaugurated.
+But it was short lived, and in 1763 Cuba fell again into the hands of
+Spain, England trading the island for Florida. The two first governors
+under the new Spanish régime were liberal, just, and progressive. They
+were Luis de Las Casas, appointed in 1790, and the Count of Santa Clara,
+who succeeded him in 1796.
+
+"It was about 1810 that the general discontent of the colonist with the
+tyrannical home government resulted in the formation of political
+societies whose purpose was to plan insurrections in the hope of
+wresting the island from Spanish rule, as did Buenos Ayres, Venezuela,
+and Peru. There was no open revolt for ten years, when the revolutionary
+leaders proclaimed a governing law, and after two years of turmoil the
+king yielded to their demands. But as Spain's promises were made only to
+be broken, other insurrections soon sprang up among the colonists. One
+of the most important revolutionary movements of those days was led by
+Narciso Lopez, a Venezuelan. This was in 1848. He was unsuccessful, but
+escaped with many of his followers to New York, where he found many
+sympathizers and practical aid. The United States government frustrated
+his attempt in 1849 to return to Cuba with a small invading force. A
+year later he reached the island with six hundred men, but was forced to
+take to his ship again, and with a Spanish gunboat close astern, made
+Key West and disbanded the expedition.
+
+"By this time the Lopez revolution had gained much fame and many
+sympathizers in the United States who, while they were not inspired with
+the patriotic sentiment that stirred him, were strong admirers of his
+courage and determination. With a small band of four hundred and fifty
+men, and with Colonel Crittenden, of Kentucky, a West Pointer who won
+his title in the Mexican War, as second in command, Lopez started for
+Cuba from New Orleans the next year. On landing, Crittenden and one
+hundred and fifty men remained near the shore to guard the supplies,
+while Lopez, with the rest of the little invading army, marched inland.
+Both parties were discovered by the Spaniards, surrounded, and after a
+desperate resistance, completely wiped out."
+
+"Do you mean that Lopez and Crittenden were both killed?" asked Bert,
+who had listened to the captain's recital with intense interest.
+
+"Lopez and Crittenden and every man jack of the expedition," replied the
+captain, solemnly.
+
+"Who was the next to try it?" asked Harry, whose eyes shone with
+excitement.
+
+"Up to this time the grievances that inspired the Cuban colonists to
+revolt were mostly of a political character, based upon that bone of
+contention that inspired your own revolution against the
+British--taxation without representation. The little island to-day pays
+to Spain every year over $20,000,000 in revenue. In 1868, a lawyer
+named Cespedes declared independence of Spanish rule on a little
+plantation at Yara. He had back of him only one hundred and twenty-eight
+men, but in a few weeks after his declaration ten thousand men gathered
+under his leadership. A republican form of government was established,
+with Cespedes at its head. General Quesada commanded the poorly equipped
+but determined and patriotic army. Until 1878 the insurgents held the
+field with about fifty thousand men. They constantly met and vanquished
+the Spanish forces under the Count of Valmaseda, but the resources of
+the Spaniards were greater, and finally the Cubans were disintegrated,
+but still maintained a guerilla warfare, constantly harassing and
+defeating the Spanish forces sent against them. But neither side made
+any progress toward the end and at the end of the year both were ready
+for a compromise, which resulted in the treaty of El Zanjon. At this
+time the Spaniards were commanded by General Campos, and the insurgents
+by Gen. Maximo Gomez--that grand old warrior who still holds the field
+for Cuba against the forces of Spain--I kiss his hand."
+
+Captain Dynamite, as he mentioned the name of Gomez, rose to his feet,
+bowed solemnly and reverentially, and lifted to his lips an imaginary
+hand.
+
+"Fighting, still fighting for Cuba," he whispered as he resumed his
+seat. After a moment's pause he shook himself as if awakening from a
+dream and continued his narrative.
+
+"That treaty promised Cuba representation in the Spanish Cortes, or
+congress, but while it was kept in the letter it was broken in spirit.
+The government obtained control of the polls and the deputies, or
+representatives elected were always government tools or sympathizers. So
+poor Cuba, after her long struggle, was no better off than before, and
+in 1894 José Marti, at the head of a new insurrection, set sail from New
+York with three ships, men, and munitions of war. But the United States
+authorities stopped them. Marti then joined Gomez in Cuba and was killed
+in a skirmish. He was succeeded in command by General Gomez, who still
+fights on with a hungry, ill-clad handful of men against the best of
+Spain's army. One hundred and forty-five thousand men have been sent
+against him but he still fights; he still lives to fight, although he is
+over seventy-five years old.
+
+"I have told you of the dogged determination, the splendid patriotism of
+the men who are fighting to lift the yoke of Spain from poor Cuba.
+Surely there must be something more than mere political wrongs to
+inspire such a spirit. You have heard of Weyler--'Butcher Weyler' they
+call him, and he is proud of the title. Frightened by the courage and
+resistance of the insurgent army, Spain looked about for a man capable
+of crushing the indomitable spirit of the rebels. In Weyler she thought
+she had found the man. He arrived in Havana in 1896. Among his first
+acts looking to the pacification of Cuba was his order of concentration.
+You have heard perhaps of the wretched 'reconcentrados?' They are the
+product of Weyler's order. Under this policy nearly a million peaceful
+Cubans, farmers and dwellers in the country, have been driven from their
+homes into nearby cities and their deserted houses burned to the ground.
+These people are mostly women and children and old men--non-combatants.
+In this way Weyler sought to stop the aid that was being given to the
+insurgents in the field. From the 'pacificos,' as they are known the
+rebels could at any time secure food, clothing, and shelter.
+
+"Concentrated in the towns, without food or money to buy it, and many
+without clothing, these reconcentrados quickly became the victims of
+famine and disease. A part of Weyler's order of concentration provided
+for the gifts of ground to cultivate, and the Spaniard's answer to the
+charge of inhumanity is a shrug of the shoulders and the reply that the
+reconcentrados starve because they are too lazy to work. 'We give them
+the land,' he says, 'and they will not till it.' True, they gave them
+land, but no seed to sow and no tools to reap and they have no money to
+buy them. Everything they owned is in the heap of ashes that marks the
+spot where the little thatched cottage once stood. Thousands and
+thousands of human beings are herded together like cattle, with no means
+to feed themselves, and, unlike cattle, with no one to feed them.
+
+"Why, I have seen--I have been told by those who have seen it--of little
+children with the skin drawn like parchment over their bodies. And boys,
+when you think that among these poor victim's of Spain's pacification
+policy are the wives and children, sisters and sweethearts of the
+struggling insurgents in the field, is it any wonder that the spirit of
+independence will not down in the Pearl of the Antilles?"
+
+That the captain was a man of feeling and education there could be no
+further doubt in the minds of the captive boys. That he should have
+taken the trouble to thus enlighten them on the subject of Cuba's wrongs
+was a compliment to their understanding which was not lost.
+
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V
+
+SENDING THE MESSAGE
+
+
+The captain no longer interfered in any way with the actions of his
+young guests. They were entirely free to do as they pleased on the ship,
+and apparently were under no surveillance. As they came on deck on the
+fourth morning at sea, the day was beautifully bright and clear. The sky
+was taking on that peculiar blue that is seen only in the lower
+latitudes. The atmosphere seemed to have thinned, and the horizon to
+have moved away a mile or two. The sea was as smooth as glass and the
+steamer was ploughing her way along at the rate of fifteen knots (miles)
+an hour. As usual, the decks were deserted, with the exception of the
+man at the wheel and the two lookouts who were always on post, day and
+night, no matter how clear the day, or how unnecessary the double watch
+might seem.
+
+It was the custom of the boys in the morning to distribute themselves
+around the deck so that they could take in all the points of the
+compass, and for a time each would study the horizon with careful
+scrutiny, in the hope of sighting some vessel to which they might
+signal. Everything had been carefully arranged so that as soon as a
+ship of any sort was seen, word was to be passed quietly from one to
+another without attracting the attention of anyone on deck, and then
+each knew his duty.
+
+Hamilton was the custodian of the flags. On him rested the
+responsibility of displaying the signal so that the passing ship might
+read the message.
+
+The boys had studied the compass and the maps that were each day
+displayed in the captain's cabin, and they knew that they were headed
+south. Although that gave them little or no clew to their ultimate
+destination, they felt some comfort in the knowledge that the shore of
+America lay to the starboard, and away off somewhere beyond the dreary
+horizon was the country they all loved, and where their anxious friends
+and families were awaiting some word from them.
+
+Bert's post was a little forward of the beam on the starboard side. As
+he took his place this morning, his heart was heavy. He was thoroughly
+tired of the monotony of the voyage, and the mystery that enveloped the
+ship was beginning to wear upon him. For days now they had sailed
+without seeing anything but a dreary expanse of water on every side,
+unbroken by anything that was human. Porpoises played around the bows
+of the steamer, and gulls shrieked as they swooped above her. Now and
+then a fish leaped out of the water as the steamer ploughed through the
+waves.
+
+Bert leaned on the rail with his chin resting in his hands and his eyes
+fixed upon the blank before him. Suddenly he raised his head, and an
+expression of surprise crept into his face. He turned and looked
+stealthily around him. Harry was slowly walking up and down the main
+deck just aft of the fo'c'sle where the lookouts were stolidly pacing.
+
+Bert again turned his eyes toward the horizon. What appeared like a
+thread in comparison with the vastness of space around them wavered
+above a small black speck. Bert watched it with eager eyes. At this
+moment Harry stopped in his walk as he approached the starboard side,
+and placing his arms on the rail looked out over the sea in the
+direction of the black thread. Then the boys turned to one another and a
+questioning glance passed between them. Little by little they moved in
+toward one another until they met.
+
+Harry looked carefully around him before he whispered:
+
+"Bert, I think it is a steamer."
+
+"I'm sure of it, Hal. Have you got the signals ready?"
+
+"I can get them in a minute, but she is too far away yet."
+
+"You know passing vessels always study one another with a glass."
+
+"But I do not believe she could make out our signals even with a glass,
+yet."
+
+At this moment one of the men on lookout turned and looked up at the
+second mate, who silently paced the bridge.
+
+"Steamer off the starboard bow, sir," he said, quietly.
+
+"Keep closer watch. I've seen her," replied the mate, gruffly.
+
+"Aye, aye, sir," came the usual response, without a change in tone.
+
+Involuntarily the boys turned their eyes aft to the captain's cabin. As
+they did so the door opened gently and the natty, flannel-garbed figure
+of the commander moved out onto the deck and to the bridge. He carried a
+glass in his hand, which he raised to his eyes after he had spoken a few
+words to the mate.
+
+"I thought so," said Bert, dolefully. "You can't lose him."
+
+"Never mind," said Harry, "if she comes near enough I will get the
+signals up before he can stop me, and we will have to take chances on
+their being read before he can get them down."
+
+"But aren't you afraid of what he may do?" asked Bert, in some fear.
+
+"What can he do?"
+
+"He seems to be capable of doing a whole lot that might be unpleasant.
+For instance, he might put you in irons and chuck you down in the hold."
+
+"I do not think he would dare do that. But anyway, I am going to take
+the chance. We owe it to the folks at home."
+
+"You are right there, Hal. I'm with you whatever comes of it."
+
+"Oh, he's not a cannibal, or a pirate. He might be pretty mad and
+perhaps use us a bit rough at first, but I think he would laugh at it
+afterward, when he recovered his temper."
+
+"Gee, but think of all the unpleasant things that might happen before he
+decided that it was time to laugh."
+
+Harry smiled at the mournful face of his chum, and turned again to look
+at the speck in the distance. Seemingly, it had grown larger. The
+captain, who had finished his scrutiny, looked down at them and smiled
+and waved his hand.
+
+"Sleep well, lads?" he called to them pleasantly.
+
+They nodded sheepishly in reply.
+
+"I can't help liking him," replied Bert.
+
+"There is something big and honest about him like a Newfoundland dog,"
+answered Harry. "I feel sort of mean about trying to trick him. He would
+be a good friend and a mighty bad enemy."
+
+The captain took another look at the approaching vessel, spoke in a
+confidential tone to the mate, and again disappeared into his cabin.
+
+"She's coming on," said Harry, with satisfaction. "Unless she changes
+her course, I will send up the signals in five minutes." He looked at
+his watch as he spoke. "Pshaw, I'm always forgetting that the salt water
+has somewhat interfered with the internal arrangements of this affair,"
+he continued, laughing.
+
+By this time the strange steamer was pretty well hull up and the boys
+could distinguish her masts and funnel as well as see what appeared to
+be flags fluttering in the breeze.
+
+"In order that we shall not cause any suspicion, Bert," said Harry,
+presently, "you go and get the Midget and stroll forward. I do not need
+your help any more than to distract attention from me as much as
+possible."
+
+Bert turned, and walking around the deck, joined Mason who, while he had
+heard the call of the lookout man and knew that there was a steamer in
+sight, had not deserted his post, although he was keen with anxiety when
+Bert reached him.
+
+"Where is she?" he asked, eagerly.
+
+"She's off the starboard bow, but don't ask fool questions. Move up
+forward so that Hal can get a chance to have the flags up."
+
+Although burning with a desire to watch the proceedings, the boys kept
+their faces steadfastly turned to the bow as Harry began in an
+unconcerned manner to work his way aft. He slowly climbed the
+companionway that led to the upper deck, and carelessly approached the
+mast to which the signal halliards were attached.
+
+He stood there for a moment as if watching the oncoming steamer, but his
+eyes were scanning the decks and the bridge on which the second mate
+slowly paced to and fro. Then he turned his back to the mast and as he
+stood with his hands clasped behind him, he cast off the halliards from
+the cleat to which they were fastened. He was almost concealed from view
+by the big mast.
+
+When he had loosened the ropes, he turned quickly, and taking the end of
+another rope from under his coat tied the two together. After one final
+peep around the mast he threw his coat open boldly, made several quick
+turns and unwound from his body the rope to which the signal flags were
+attached. Then with a strong pull he began to send them aloft rapidly.
+
+As the colors sped upward and broke into the wind, his heart almost
+stopped beating from excitement.
+
+Now they were half way up to the masthead and no one had seen them. The
+second mate still paced the bridge with his back to him. He glanced at
+the captain's cabin. No one appeared from there.
+
+"I shall get them up," he whispered to himself through his tightly shut
+teeth, "but will they be read?"
+
+Now they were chock with the pulley block and he made the ends of the
+halliards fast to the cleat and stood back to view his work. It seemed
+scarcely possible that they should not be seen and read by the passing
+steamer which was now so close that he could almost make out her colors
+with the naked eye.
+
+With a feeling of triumph he looked aloft at the flags that, aided by a
+friendly breeze and the motion of the steamer, were fluttering out
+straight from the masthead. As he dropped his eyes from aloft he started
+back with a slight cry of fear and surprise.
+
+The head of Suarez, the mate, appeared above an after companionway, his
+eyes flashing with anger. He rushed at the boy like an enraged animal,
+but Harry, determined to protect his signal as long as possible, stepped
+to the mast and took a capstan bar from its place at the base and stood
+defiantly awaiting the onslaught of the mate, who rushed upon him
+regardless of his threatening attitude. Before Harry knew what had
+happened the bar flew out of his hands, and he lay sprawling on the deck
+from a blow from the open hand of the mate.
+
+Suarez paid no further attention to him, but seizing the halliards
+hauled down the signal. The scuffling of feet and the fall of the heavy
+capstan bar caused the second mate to turn quickly, and at the same
+moment the captain's door opened and he stepped out on the deck. His
+face flushed with anger as he saw the signal-flags, and then he turned
+quickly to the other vessel.
+
+As he did so, Harry, whose eyes followed his, saw what he believed to be
+an answering signal, creep up the mast of the passing steamer. Suarez
+saw it, too, for he turned to Harry with an ugly look in his eyes.
+
+"The mischief is done, you young devil," he said.
+
+"I hope so," answered Harry, quietly rubbing the arm on which he had
+fallen. "Your hand is heavy, Suarez."
+
+"I am sorry if I hurt you, Master Hamilton," said the man, somewhat more
+calmly, "but you are guilty of insubordination and you have broken your
+word to the captain."
+
+"You are mistaken, Suarez," said a deep voice behind them, and they both
+looked quickly around to find Captain Dynamite beside them, his glass
+raised to his eyes as he scanned the passing steamer. "Master Hamilton
+made me no promise; in fact, he warned me that he would take the first
+opportunity that presented itself to get ashore, or to communicate with
+a passing ship. He has been too sharp for us, that is all."
+
+"Message received all right, captain?" asked Harry, eagerly.
+
+Dynamite smiled at the boy's assurance.
+
+"Yes, received and acknowledged," he answered; and then turning to
+Suarez he continued, in a low tone:
+
+"I do not think it has done any harm. She does not apparently wish to
+learn anything further of us."
+
+"Captain Dynamite," said Harry, warmly, "there is a big load off my
+mind, and now we will stick to you through thick and thin. We owe our
+lives to you, and we are not ungrateful. Whether you wish to take us
+into your confidence or not, I do not believe, whatever may be the
+mystery of your voyage, that there is anything dishonorable about it,
+and you can count on us as part and parcel of your crew. We have
+succeeded in getting word to our friends at home as I told you I would
+try to do; now we are yours to command."
+
+The captain looked down into Harry's earnest face, his own quite serious
+and solemn.
+
+"You are a fine lot of lads," he said, "and if I was on a pleasure
+cruise I would not ask for better companions, but look you, this voyage
+of mystery, as you call it, is a very serious piece of business and I
+wish you were all safe ashore and well out of it."
+
+"But we don't want to be out of it, captain," asserted Harry,
+stubbornly. Bert and Mason had now joined the group on the after deck.
+
+"No, captain," piped the Midget, "we are in it so far and we want to
+stick. You can't chuck us overboard very well, and as long as we have
+got to be a part of your expedition, I think you better muster us in as
+a part of the crew."
+
+"Well, youngsters, as much as I regret it, you may have to cast your
+fortunes in with ours after all, but until that necessity arises we will
+go along as we are, I your host and you my unwilling guests."
+
+"No, not unwilling now, cap," replied Mason. "So long as the folks know
+we are safe and sound I think I had rather be aboard this queer craft
+with you than any place I can think of just now. What do you say, Bert?"
+
+"Right, as usual."
+
+"Well, boys, while I have perfect confidence in your integrity and all
+necessity for further secrecy is about past, still I think for your own
+good, in view of possible happenings, it is best that I and my mission
+remain a mystery to you."
+
+The captain turned toward his cabin as he spoke, as if to terminate the
+conversation.
+
+"Perhaps it is not such a mystery after all, captain," said Harry,
+quietly. "We must be pretty near the coast of Cuba."
+
+The man turned quickly, a glint of that fierce light in his eyes, and
+then he burst into a hearty laugh.
+
+"Pretty sharp youngsters, eh, Suarez?" he said. "We may be able to make
+some use of them yet. I think they better dine with us to-night."
+
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI
+
+VIVA, CUBA LIBRE!
+
+
+Although used to the eccentricities of costume in which the captain
+indulged, Harry was not prepared for the formal gentleman who greeted
+them as they entered the cabin that night.
+
+Captain Dynamite was in full evening dress, and Harry could not help
+thinking how well he looked with his big, athletic form draped in
+conventional attire. But he had not looked for such dress on shipboard,
+or at least on a ship of the mysterious character of the _Mariella_.
+
+"Welcome to our little dinner party," said the captain, solemnly, as he
+shook each boy by the hand and pointed to seats on the big divan. "This
+is the first time that strangers have graced our board on this occasion.
+I hope it portends a successful ending to our voyage."
+
+"We certainly hope so too, captain. We should be very sorry to feel that
+our presence on your steamer might cause trouble to you."
+
+"O, one never knows what the morrow may bring. This is our farewell
+night. To-morrow we enter the zone of danger. But to-night we will be
+merry. Is not that an excellent idea?"
+
+"The idea is all right, captain, but where is the danger?"
+
+"Ah, that you may know to-morrow."
+
+"All right, cap," said Mason, carelessly throwing one leg over the other
+and thrusting his thumbs into the armholes of his vest, "we'll stick to
+you."
+
+"I believe you will, boys, but it will be my care to keep you free from
+harm if possible. That is one reason why I have made so much of a
+mystery to you of the voyage of the _Mariella_. Whatever may befall us
+you will have had no part in the purpose of this voyage, and remember,
+above all things, that you are American citizens. There are American
+consuls in every port and Uncle Sam will take care of his own, perhaps
+not with the alacrity that we sometimes could wish for, but in due
+course of time. So shout loudly for Uncle Sam if you need him and if he
+does not hear you, don't forget that John Bull speaks your language."
+
+The boys were puzzled by the captain's speech, but they knew him well
+enough to realize that it would be useless to question him. At this
+point the mate entered the cabin. His appearance was so odd that Bert
+had to hide his face behind his handkerchief to laugh. His expression
+was as solemn as the captain's. He wore a pair of blue pilot cloth
+trousers, a vest with brass buttons and an old-fashioned swallow-tailed
+coat. The trousers, which were badly creased and puckered from long
+service inside the tops of his sea boots, were now pulled down outside,
+but the wide tops of the boots showed in a ring at the knee.
+
+The captain greeted him in the same dignified way that he had received
+the boys, and he gravely took a seat on the divan beside them. The next
+to put in an appearance was the engineer, who wore his service uniform.
+The second mate was the last to arrive. He was dressed in blue flannel
+vest and trousers and a Tuxedo coat. Notwithstanding his own almost
+faultless attire, the captain did not seem to notice the negligé of his
+men. He greeted each warmly and in the same sober manner. When they had
+all assembled, he rang a bell and the steward promptly responded.
+
+"You may serve dinner," he said. "There are seven at table to-night."
+
+"A fair prospect for a good run to-morrow, captain," said Suarez,
+rubbing his hands with the air of one who looked forward with pleasure
+to a coming event.
+
+"Sure one never knows what the daylight will show," answered the
+captain, with a touch of his brogue. "We may find ourselves in the very
+divil of a hornets' nest when the sun shows over the horizon. But Suary,
+me boy, we have pulled together out of many a bad hole, haven't we, old
+man, and we are ready for another, eh?"
+
+"The captain knows he can count on me when there is any fighting to be
+done in the good cause."
+
+"Fighting, eh," whispered Bert to Harry. "What do you suppose these
+queer guys are talking about?"
+
+"I think I begin to have a small notion."
+
+"What do you divine, most noble chief?"
+
+"I do not think it would be wise to say until I am surer of my facts."
+
+"And do your suspicions point to some dreadful mystery of the deep?"
+whispered Mason, with mock fear, while his mischievous eyes sparkled
+with fun.
+
+"Something perhaps a little more serious than we have been mixed up in
+before, if I am right."
+
+"Really."
+
+"As serious as powder and bullets can be."
+
+"Powder and bullets," repeated Bert in some alarm. "What do you mean,
+Hal?"
+
+"I tell you I cannot speak until I am surer of my ground. You know I
+made an expedition into the hold to-day while the hatches were open."
+
+"Yes, but you did not tell us that anything that you saw there was at
+all suspicious."
+
+"I do not know that it is, but I can tell you this: instead of carrying
+a general cargo of merchandise for trading purposes, as we are supposed
+to do, we are loaded to the gunwales with guns and ammunition."
+
+"Well, guns and ammunition are perfectly legitimate articles of
+merchandise."
+
+"That all depends upon where and for what purpose they are shipped."
+
+"What do you mean?"
+
+"If two nations are at war and a nation supposed to be friendly to each
+should send arms and ammunition to one or the other, it would be a
+violation of international law, and would be looked upon as an act of
+war on the part of the friendly nation."
+
+"But suppose the nation had nothing to do with it and that the cargo was
+shipped by individuals who were in sympathy with the cause of one or the
+other?"
+
+"The friendly nation is supposed to see to it that no such cargo is
+shipped from its shores, and the vessel undertaking such a task ranks as
+a pirate and is called a filibuster."
+
+"But there are no two nations now at war, so that theory cannot hold
+good."
+
+"There are no two nations at war, but there is a nation that has had on
+its hands for many years a warfare within its own borders as Captain
+Dynamite told us very entertainingly to-day."
+
+"O, Cuba?"
+
+"Yes, Cuba."
+
+"And do you think that Captain Dynamite is one of those buccaneers that
+he told us about?"
+
+"Let us wait and see."
+
+"Say, but that would be fine, wouldn't it, Hal?"
+
+"You might not think it so fine if a Spanish warship should open fire on
+us."
+
+"But we will not mix up in their quarrel."
+
+"No, but a Spanish gunboat would mix it up with us very quickly if she
+saw us first."
+
+"What right would she have to interfere with a ship flying the American
+flag?"
+
+"If we could not give a proper account of ourselves in her waters she
+would stand on very little ceremony."
+
+"And do you think we are likely to get mixed up in any real fighting
+with real powder and bullets?" asked Bert, in some dismay.
+
+"I don't know. Look out, the captain is watching us."
+
+"Gee," whispered Mason, "I wish I was back in Cottage City."
+
+Captain Dynamite, who had been talking with his officers while the boys
+discussed their situation in whispers, now looked over at them
+curiously. Harry did not care at present to have to explain his
+suspicions. At this moment, fortunately, the steward entered with the
+soup and created a diversion. Captain Dynamite rose, and waving his arm
+toward the table, said:
+
+"Gentlemen, dinner is served. Let us be seated."
+
+The captain took his place at the head of the table, and his men grouped
+themselves around him while the boys found seats near the bottom and
+facing all. It was certainly a curious gathering for a dinner table: the
+four bronzed, earnest-faced men at one end of the table and the three
+fresh-faced, wondering youngsters at the other. For a moment there was a
+deep silence, and Bert leaned over to Harry and whispered:
+
+"Say, Hal, I feel as if something ought to explode, or the captain ought
+to break out the black flag. This atmosphere is getting too tense for
+me."
+
+"'Sh, keep quiet," said Mason, "don't you see old Dynamite is going to
+say something? Perhaps he may let us into his secret. He seems to be
+feeling pretty good natured."
+
+"Gentlemen," said the captain, rising at his seat, "fill your glasses."
+
+As he spoke, he passed a black bottle that stood at his right hand to
+the mate, who filled his glass and passed the bottle on to the
+engineer.
+
+"There is lemonade in that pitcher at your hand, youngsters," said the
+captain. "Fill your glasses."
+
+The boys did as directed and the captain raised his glass of grog high
+in air. His men rose silently from their seats and did likewise.
+
+"Here's to the good cause and confusion to its enemies," he said, in a
+deep voice.
+
+"Good luck to the cause," shouted the men as they dashed off their
+liquor and sat solemnly down again.
+
+For half an hour scarcely a word was spoken, as they all did full
+justice to the cook's excellent dinner. When they were through, the
+steward removed the cloth and the captain brought out a box of cigars
+which he passed around, this time not overlooking the boys, but they
+each refused, with thanks. The steward replaced the black bottle and it
+made another circuit of the table. After a short silence, during which
+the men puffed vigorously on their cigars, the captain said quietly:
+
+"Men, to-morrow we begin to get busy. You all know what dangers we are
+facing and you have all been through them before. I know you will acquit
+yourselves well if it comes to a tight rub, for your hearts are all
+with the cause. That we may all know to what end to bend our individual
+endeavors, and in case anything should happen to any of us, I will now
+read to you the orders under which we are sailing. Always remember our
+compact. We have our numbers. If number one falls, number two takes
+command, and to him you give your true allegiance, always with your
+minds free from personal ambitions and petty jealousies, working only as
+human machines for the good of the cause."
+
+The men turned and looked nervously in the direction of the boys. The
+captain noticed their suspicious glances.
+
+"Do not fear," he said, addressing particularly the furtive-eyed Suarez,
+"I will answer for them. They are my guests."
+
+There was in the captain's tone just a touch of defiance, as if he
+challenged opposition to his views.
+
+"Now listen, and mark well the directions in the order. It is in
+Spanish, but I will read it to you in English, as I believe none among
+you, save Suarez and myself, understand Spanish."
+
+The captain produced from a large wallet a paper which he read slowly,
+dwelling long upon those passages containing detailed instructions:
+
+  HEADQUARTERS OF THE INDEPENDENT GOVERNMENT AT CUBITAS.
+
+  TO CAPTAIN DYNAMITE,
+       Boston, Massachusetts, U. S. A.
+
+  GREETING:
+  When, with the assistance of a power higher than mortal endeavor, you
+  shall have safely brought your expedition within the lines of the
+  enemy's ships, proceed with all possible dispatch to that point on the
+  coast mutually agreed upon by us at our last meeting. There, should a
+  kind and just Providence so will it, you will find your landing
+  covered by five hundred men under Captain Morgan, who is your friend.
+  From him you will receive any necessary further instructions. May our
+  just cause shield you from harm and bring you safely through your
+  dangerous mission to the arms of your friends who kiss your hand.
+
+                                                (Signed) BETANCOURT.
+                                                         GOMEZ.
+
+"You know those names, my friends," said Dynamite, after reading the
+order. "In their name and in ours, out of the fullness of our hearts, I
+give you our toast--Viva Cuba Libre!"
+
+The men sprang to their feet and raising their glasses while their eyes
+shone with the fever of excitement, shouted:
+
+"Viva, viva, Cuba libre!"
+
+"I thought so," said Harry, as the sound died away.
+
+"What does that lingo mean?" asked Bert.
+
+"It means 'hurrah for free Cuba,'" answered Harry.
+
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII
+
+IN THE DANGER ZONE
+
+
+Harry was awakened the next morning by the clanking of heavy chains,
+rumbling of iron trucks, banging of doors, creaking of cordage, and the
+hoarse shouts of men. Above the unusual din the voice of the captain
+rose deep and resonant. Harry sat up in his bunk in wonderment. The
+usually quiet and methodical ship seemed to have in an instant been
+transformed into what to the ear might easily resemble an iron foundry.
+The noise also aroused Bert and Mason.
+
+"What's our friend the buccaneer up to now?" queried Mason, rubbing his
+sleepy eyes.
+
+"The sooner we get on deck, the quicker we shall find out," answered
+Harry, jumping from his bunk and beginning to dress hurriedly.
+
+"Sounds to me suspiciously like a pirate chief and his blood-thirsty
+crew preparing to board an unsuspecting ship," said the irrepressible
+Midget, as he poked his head into his shirt. "Shouldn't be a bit
+surprised when we get on deck to find a lot of evil-faced men armed to
+the teeth--you know pirates are always evil-faced. By the way, did you
+ever know how the expression 'armed to the teeth' originated? Well, you
+see, after a pirate has stuck his belt full of pistols and cutlasses,
+and has both hands full of guns, he just chucks a dirk in his mouth and
+then, of course, he is armed to the teeth. Singular how you fellows are
+always drawing on my fund of general information. One dollar, please."
+
+"Stop your nonsense, Midget," said Harry. "Remember what Captain
+Dynamite said last night. We are in the zone of danger to-day."
+
+The noise had now somewhat subsided, and by the time the boys were
+dressed the usual quiet pervaded the ship.
+
+Harry stepped from their stateroom into the main cabin and was surprised
+to see the captain sitting quietly at the table with his back turned to
+him. His elbows were resting on the table and his face was in his hands.
+He was looking intently at some object in front of him. He did not move
+as Harry approached, and the boy could see that he was gazing at a
+portrait.
+
+"Good morning, sir," said Harry, stopping at a respectful distance.
+"Have we struck the danger zone, yet?"
+
+"Danger--danger?"
+
+The captain almost shrieked the words as he leaped to his feet, and
+clasping the portrait to his breast as if to protect it, turned fiercely
+on the boy.
+
+"O, it's you," he said quickly, on recognizing Harry. Then he passed his
+hand over his eyes as if returning from a trance.
+
+"I was with her when you spoke," he said softly, "and then the thought
+of danger drives me mad. See----"
+
+The captain held out the photograph for the boy's inspection. It was the
+picture of a beautiful young woman of Spanish type, with dark hair and
+eyes.
+
+"This time I take her home as my bride. She has promised it. I have left
+her too long at the mercy of Weyler's bloodhounds. But Gomez will see
+that no harm comes to my Juanita. He has promised. The general has
+promised, and soon--very soon, I shall take her away--away from this
+danger zone."
+
+The big man seemed dreaming again as his eyes rested with an expression
+as soft as a woman's on the fair face of the girl. Then with that
+characteristic shake of his huge body he placed the portrait carefully
+in an inner pocket, next his heart, and turned again to Harry with his
+dare-devil laugh on his lips.
+
+"Ha, ha! Danger zone? Oh, sure, we are in it. But we are ready for 'em,
+my boy. All's in shipshape for friend or foe. We've set a smiling face
+to the fore, my lad, but a broad laugh would uncover some moighty sharp
+teeth." At this moment the mate hurriedly entered the cabin and saluted.
+
+"What is it, Suarez?" asked the captain, quickly.
+
+"Smoke off the starboard bow, sir."
+
+"Can you make her out?"
+
+"Not yet, sir."
+
+"Call me when you can."
+
+The mate saluted again and retired. The captain turned away from Harry
+unceremoniously, and Bert and Mason having joined him, the boys went on
+deck. There was no change apparent that would have accounted for the
+strange noises that had awakened them, except that the hatches were now
+fastened down with heavy iron bars and the little forward hatch where
+Harry had made his first tour of inspection was guarded by two men, who
+stood with folded arms on either side. There were now two men on lookout
+aft as well as forward. They paced slowly to and fro, their eyes fixed
+astern. Amidships, on both the starboard and port sides, a man walked
+backward and forward over a space of about fifteen feet, always closely
+scanning the sea on either side. Off the starboard bow could be seen a
+thin thread of smoke that rose almost perpendicularly in the still air.
+
+The boys had never before seen so many men on deck at the same time.
+Not a word was spoken as the lookouts fore and aft passed and repassed
+each other. On the bridge both mates were on duty.
+
+"Say, where do you suppose all these dummies sprang from, anyway?" asked
+Mason, as he surveyed the scene in astonishment. "I wonder if there are
+any more where they came from?"
+
+"Let's go down and interview our friend Sambo," said Harry. "He has been
+growing communicative lately. Yesterday he deigned to say 'Yas, sah.'
+Maybe we can coax something more out of him."
+
+When they reached the galley, to the boys' great surprise, the negro
+poked his head out over the half door and grinning broadly, said:
+
+"Mornin', sahs."
+
+"Why, Sambo," said Bert, in astonishment, "where did you find your
+tongue?"
+
+"Always pick it up again in danger zone, sah."
+
+"There goes that danger zone again," said Mason, in disgust. "I don't
+believe there is any danger between here and the equator, Sambo."
+
+"Name not Sambo, sah. George Washington Jenks, New York, U. S. A., at
+yo' service, gents."
+
+Finding the negro in such an unusual mood the boys grouped themselves
+about the door intending to draw the man out if possible, and learn
+what they could that might serve to confirm their suspicions as to the
+purpose of their cruise. As Harry stepped up to the door and brought the
+man's entire body into view, he noticed with amazement that he wore a
+cartridge belt and pistol holster from which the butt of a revolver
+peeped.
+
+"Why, George, what are you carrying a pistol for this morning. Afraid
+the crew will mutiny?"
+
+"Always carry gun in danger zone, sah," replied the negro, grinning
+still more.
+
+"The whole ship has gone crazy over the danger zone," said Bert.
+
+"Yas, sah," said George Washington. "May have mix-up bime-by," and he
+jerked his thumb over his starboard shoulder.
+
+"Mix-up with the captain?"
+
+"Humph. George Wash'n Jenks not such a blame fool's that. Mix-up with
+steamer coming up to starboard. May be, may be not. Not such a mucher at
+guessing."
+
+"Is that why you are carrying a pistol; because a steamer is coming up?"
+
+"Always carry gun in danger zone, sah," and again the negro grinned
+tantalizingly.
+
+"George Washington Jenks, New York, U. S. A., I have a nice, green one
+dollar bill saved from a watery grave," said Harry, "and if you will
+tell us what the danger zone is, you can have it."
+
+As Harry spoke he pulled a bill out of his pocket and displayed it
+temptingly before the negro. George Washington Jenks looked at it
+covetously out of the corner of his eye. Then he shook his head proudly.
+
+"Better go ask Cap'n Dynamite. Might be he need the money. George Wash
+Jenks don't."
+
+"I guess you are true blue, Wash," laughed Harry, as he put the money
+back in his pocket.
+
+"You pretty good guesser, sah. Not such a mucher myself."
+
+The boys, convinced that they could gain no information from the negro,
+and realizing the uselessness of attempting to question any others of
+the crew, strolled aft again. It seemed to Harry that the thread of
+smoke had grown a little thicker. The captain opened his door and
+stepped out on deck, glass in hand. He signalled to Suarez, who came aft
+at his bidding.
+
+"Can you make her out yet, Suarez?"
+
+"Not yet, captain, but she is headed to cross our bow and should be hull
+up in a few minutes."
+
+For five minutes both men stood with their glasses trained on the smoke.
+Finally Suarez dropped his to his side with the air of a man who has
+learned what he wished to know.
+
+"Yes?" said the captain, interrogatively.
+
+"It's the little one we dodged last time."
+
+"The _Belair_. So I thought. Change the course two points to starboard.
+We will go astern unless she gets curious and I suppose she will. Yes,
+see, she is heading up for us. Hold your course; it would be folly to
+change it now. If we can't bluff it through, why we can--well, do the
+next best thing, Suarez, eh--call her hand."
+
+Dynamite threw back his head and laughed heartily.
+
+"Everything is in readiness for the call, sir," said the mate, gravely.
+
+"Very well, Suarez; tell Battersea to notify the men below to stand by."
+
+The boys looked at one another in mute wonder. Then there were other men
+below, and for what? Harry's mind reverted to that forward compartment
+so well stocked with munitions of war.
+
+"Bert," he whispered, "I guess they were right about that danger zone,
+and although I'm not 'such a mucher' at guessing, as our friend Jenks of
+New York, says, maybe we'll have that mix-up."
+
+For nearly an hour the quiet routine aboard the _Mariella_ continued.
+The captain slowly paced the after deck, now and then scanning the
+oncoming stranger through his glasses. There was an air of suppressed
+excitement in the silence. By this time the other steamer was clearly
+discernible with the naked eye, and the boys could see that she was a
+small gunboat flying a foreign flag, which they guessed to be Spanish.
+She had two large guns mounted forward, and a number of rapid fire guns
+aft and amidships.
+
+She was a tiny craft for a fighter and apparently had once been a
+pleasure yacht; but she looked saucy and dangerous as she came on toward
+them. As Harry looked along the quiet decks of the staid and sober
+_Mariella_ he could not help comparing her to a big dignified
+Newfoundland dog with a snapping terrier perking boldly up to her.
+
+They could now distinguish the forms of men on the gunboat's decks.
+
+"Come over here to the starboard rail, boys," said the captain, suddenly
+turning to them. "You may help to carry out more successfully the little
+farce we are about to attempt. Show yourselves as much as possible and
+act as if you were curiously interested in our friend, the gunboat, as
+no doubt you are."
+
+At this moment a black-bearded little man, who had been strutting
+pompously on the bridge of the gunboat, raised a megaphone to his lips
+and a volley of foreign words, perfectly unintelligible to the boys,
+was shot out into the atmosphere.
+
+In a moment the captain sent back a reply to what had evidently been a
+demand for a description of his ship.
+
+"The _Mariella_, Boston for San Juan, Porto Rico; general merchandise
+and three passengers returning from school."
+
+"That's us," whispered Mason. "Look important now. This is as good as
+playing charades. Can you guess the word, Hal?"
+
+For a few minutes those on the deck of the gunboat seemed to be
+discussing the reply. The little man on the bridge gesticulated
+violently as he apparently argued with a subordinate officer. Finally he
+put his marine glasses to his eyes again and for fully a minute Harry
+felt that he was studying them and Captain Dynamite, who stood facing
+him, his big form looming up to its full height, while a smile played
+around the corner of his mouth.
+
+Suddenly the little man danced up and down like a jumping jack, shot his
+arms in the air and waved them wildly. Then he seized the megaphone and
+aimed it at the captain's head. This time the boys could understand the
+words that he poured out, for he spoke in broken English.
+
+"Ah, ah," he shouted, "I know you now, you el Capitaine Dynamite, el
+filibust, el buccaneer, el pirate. Surrend--surrend in Queen's name."
+
+The little man's words had an electrical effect on the captain. The
+smile faded away and his mouth became a set, straight line. In a moment
+he was all action.
+
+"Go ahead full speed, Suarez," he shouted. "All hands to quarters."
+
+In a moment his orders were transmitted from mouth to mouth and as
+quickly the quiet decks became transformed. Men in a seemingly endless
+stream rushed up through the forward hatch from below and scattered
+about the decks with soldier-like regularity, each taking, without the
+least confusion, a station to which he had apparently been assigned.
+Every man was armed with sword, pistol, and rifle, and almost before the
+boys had recovered from the first gasp of astonishment, the bulwarks
+were lined with rows of fully armed, determined looking men, who stood
+silently at their posts awaiting further orders.
+
+George Washington Jenks stepped out of his galley, his black, shining
+face as usual on a broad grin. He looked aft at the boys, pointed to the
+gunboat and chuckled.
+
+"George Wash Jenks is not such a bad guesser after all," said Harry.
+"Mix-up has arrived all right."
+
+"Say, but Hal, do you think there is going to be any real fighting?"
+asked Bert. All of the boys were intensely excited and nervous from
+their unusual surroundings.
+
+"It looks a heap like it."
+
+"And here we are right in the middle of it without as much as a hat pin
+to do business with," moaned Mason.
+
+The captain, who had darted into his cabin a moment before, now emerged
+with a cartridge belt buckled around his flannel coat and two army
+pistols at his sides. He carried three other pistols in his hands.
+
+"Here, boys," he said, as he approached them and handed one to each;
+"these are for protection only. Do you know how to use them?"
+
+"Only give us something to shoot at and we will show you," piped the
+Midget.
+
+"Well, if you have to shoot, there are your marks," was the reply, as he
+pointed to the gunboat.
+
+In the meantime equal activity had been displayed on the Spaniard. Her
+decks swarmed with men, and over the still water was borne a jargon of
+unintelligible orders.
+
+Suddenly there came a sharp command from the little man on the bridge.
+Dynamite understood it and raised his hand as if to warn the boys back.
+There was a puff of smoke at the gunboat's bow and then a loud report.
+
+A solid shot whistled across the bows of the _Mariella_ and ricochetted
+over the water into the distance.
+
+"Crowd on all steam, Suarez," shouted the captain, shaking his fist at
+the gunboat. "We will first try the wise man's course and run away, but
+if we cannot shake off that little terrier, we'll have to show our
+teeth."
+
+Then turning to the Spaniard again he put his megaphone to his lips and
+shouted to the little commander, who still capered and gesticulated on
+the bridge:
+
+"Yes, I _am_ el Capitaine Dynamite. Come on and take me if you can.
+Viva, Cuba Libre."
+
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII
+
+A BRUSH WITH THE GUNBOAT
+
+
+The _Mariella_ swung slowly around until she presented only her stern
+and the width of her hull as a mark for her enemy, and then under a full
+head of steam she started to show her heels to the Spaniard. But clouds
+of heavy, black smoke began to roll upward from the gunboat's funnel,
+showing that she, too, was crowding on steam for the chase.
+
+The puff of smoke, the bark of the gun, the shot skipping over the water
+across their bows, much as a child scales a flat stone across a mill
+pond, opened the boys' eyes to the seriousness of the situation. They
+fingered their revolvers nervously and watched the black bow of the
+Spaniard anxiously, expecting to see another white burst of smoke.
+
+But the little commander evidently believed he could rely on the speed
+of his vessel to overtake the _Mariella_, for after the warning shot, he
+did not fire again, and with throbbing engines the steamers settled down
+to a trial of speed.
+
+"If we could only imagine that as a starting gun this would make a
+first-rate yacht race," said Bert, after they had been running for some
+minutes.
+
+"Yes, and for a richer stake than ever a yacht raced for before,"
+replied the captain, who had overheard the remark. Harry thought of the
+portrait of the beautiful girl that lay next the man's heart, and
+wondered if he meant her, but when he remembered the ringing defiance in
+his voice as he shouted back to the Spaniard, "Viva, Cuba Libre," he was
+inclined to believe that the man's spirit of patriotism rose superior to
+his love just now.
+
+By this time the veil of mystery that had hung over the ship and her
+purpose had been pretty well lifted by the sequence of events, and the
+boys were convinced that they were a part of some secret mission against
+Spain in the interests of Cuba.
+
+Harry had little time for speculation as to the motives that inspired
+the captain, for another puff of white smoke appeared at the gunboat's
+bow and a shot whistled by close to the starboard rail. The _Mariella_
+had been slowly drawing away from her pursuer, and the Spanish commander
+evidently feared his prey would escape.
+
+Suarez, on the bridge, turned anxiously aft as if expecting
+instructions, but Captain Dynamite only set his lips into that firm,
+straight line and raised his glasses to watch the enemy's movements.
+
+Another puff of smoke, a sharp report, and a shot struck the water one
+hundred yards astern, but in direct line with the _Mariella_.
+
+"They've got the direction, but not the range," muttered the captain.
+"Hard a-starboard, Suarez, for half a minute, and then take your course
+again. We'll give that gunner another guess."
+
+The _Mariella_ swung to starboard just enough to take her out of the
+direct course of her pursuer.
+
+"Now, try it again, Mister Sharpshooter," sung out the captain, although
+the Spaniard was by this time far out of range of his voice. "It will
+take you some time to pick up your target once more."
+
+The Spaniard sent two other shots after them in quick succession, but
+they fell harmlessly to port. The quick swinging of the _Mariella_ out
+of her course had disconcerted the gunners.
+
+"Don't you think you youngsters better go below?" said the captain,
+joining the boys, while he calmly rolled a cigarette. "I haven't much
+respect for their marksmanship, but you never can tell where a stray
+shot may fall."
+
+By this time the sensation of nervousness and anxiety that had followed
+the first shot had passed, and the boys were as eager to see the affair
+to an end as if they had been spectators at a play. They did not yet
+seem to feel themselves a part of the drama that might so easily be
+turned into a tragedy.
+
+"If we are not in the way I should much prefer to remain here," said
+Harry, "and if we are going to be shot I had rather have it done on deck
+than in a stuffy cabin."
+
+"Very well, I guess you are safe enough. Anyway, we shall be out of
+range in about fifteen minutes. Ah, she's going to try it again."
+
+Another shot fell only a few feet astern.
+
+Captain Dynamite placed his glasses on the roof of the deck house,
+tossed his cigarette over the side, and removing his coat, folded it
+carefully and placed it beside the glasses.
+
+"You are getting a little too close, Mister Goodshot," he said, rolling
+back his cuffs. "I guess a dose of your own medicine is about due."
+Turning to the bridge, he called:
+
+"Keep her steady, Suarez."
+
+"Aye, aye, sir," responded the mate. There was a note of glee in his
+voice and he rubbed his hands together with an air of great
+satisfaction, as he watched his commander's preparations. He seemed to
+know what they portended, although the boys could see no purpose in
+them.
+
+The captain now stepped quickly to the after rail, and placing his
+finger underneath it, seemed to be pressing upon something. A square
+section of the deck began to slide silently and mysteriously away,
+leaving a black hole up through which there rose slowly a rapid fire
+gun. There was a sharp click of snapping bolts as the new section of
+deck came into place.
+
+"Now there will be something doing," whispered Bert.
+
+Quickly taking his place on the saddle of the gun the captain trained it
+with the hand of an expert. It seemed but a second from the time he ran
+his eye along the sights before the discharge came. Without waiting to
+see the result of his shot, he turned the muzzle a little to the right,
+sighted it again quickly and fired.
+
+The boys watched breathlessly, straining their eyes to see the result,
+but without avail. Captain Dynamite rose, wiped his hands with a silk
+handkerchief and walked to the deck house for his glasses.
+
+"They are both out of commission, bedad," he said, after a minute's
+inspection. "Scoot for the inlet, Suarez, me boy."
+
+"Aye, aye, sir," replied the mate, gleefully. "Don't you think you
+better give them one more for good measure, sir?"
+
+"Enough's a-plenty, Suarez. We'll have her hull down before eight bells.
+Would you like to see what a little gun like that can do?"
+
+He turned to Harry as he spoke and handed him the marine glasses. They
+were a powerful pair and as Harry regulated them to his vision he seemed
+to be almost on board the Spanish gunboat. All was confusion on her
+decks. The "both" referred to by the captain as being out of commission,
+were the port and starboard guns, with which she had been potting at the
+_Mariella_. Captain Dynamite's shots had each scored a bull's-eye.
+
+In the turmoil, Harry could see that someone had been injured and was
+being borne away by his companions. He lowered the glasses and held them
+out to the captain.
+
+"You have laid up a man for repairs, I think, sir," he said.
+
+The captain waved the glasses back with something like a shudder.
+
+"I am sorry," he said, quietly. "The poor chap was only doing his duty.
+I aimed at metal and not human bodies. I hope he is not much hurt."
+
+He turned to the rail again, touched the spring, and the gun slowly sank
+out of sight, the section of the deck that concealed it slipping into
+place again with a click. Putting on his coat he entered the cabin,
+leaving the boys in possession of the glasses. For some time they were
+greatly interested in watching, turn by turn, the proceedings on the
+deck of the gunboat, but finally the _Mariella_ made such good use of
+her heels that even with the glasses, they could make out nothing but
+the outlines of the Spaniard.
+
+When they turned again to the deck of their own steamer, they were
+surprised to see that it had once more resumed its usual appearance. The
+armed men had disappeared, the second mate paced the bridge, and only
+the lookouts occupied the decks. It was now twelve o'clock, and eight
+bells sounded clearly on the still, tropical air. The boys recollected
+for the first time that they had had no breakfast, just as Captain
+Dynamite stuck his head out of the cabin door.
+
+"Come on, lads," he called, cheerily; "sure we've let the Spanish
+terrier cheat our stomachs."
+
+The exciting events of the morning had not impaired the boys' appetites,
+and they promptly responded to the call. When they went on deck again
+only a speck on the horizon marked the pursuing gunboat.
+
+"Few of their old tubs can measure paces with the old _Mariella_," said
+the captain, with satisfaction, as he swept the sea with his glasses.
+
+"She looked as if she had once been a pleasure yacht," said Harry.
+
+"So she was, my boy. The Spaniards bought her from a New York
+millionaire, but she was an old model then, and they have top-hampered
+her with armor and guns until they have knocked what little speed she
+had out of her. We'll not even see a whiff of their smoke in half an
+hour."
+
+"Will she continue so hopeless a chase?"
+
+"O, sure she will. She hopes to trap us down the coast. See, there are
+the shores of Cuba."
+
+The boys turned quickly as he pointed over their starboard bow and saw a
+low dark line in the distance.
+
+"Hurrah," shouted Bert.
+
+"Hurrah for what?" asked the captain, smiling at the enthusiastic boy
+who swung his cap as he shouted.
+
+"Why, just hurrah," answered Bert, sheepishly. "I began to think all
+land had disappeared from the face of the ocean."
+
+"Then you don't like the water?"
+
+"Heretofore I always considered myself dead stuck on it, but hereafter
+terra firma for mine. Something that you can dig your heels into and
+where disagreeable Spaniards don't send bullets whistling around your
+ears. How soon will we make Havana, captain?"
+
+One of Dynamite's roaring laughs greeted this question of Bert's.
+
+"Me boy," he said, as soon as he caught his breath, "if we should sail
+into Havana harbor every mother's son of us would be shot by sunrise
+to-morrow."
+
+"But you are going to land somewhere?" questioned Harry.
+
+"Sure there's a fine bit of a place down the coast that we'll take a
+peep into before the moon's high to-night--barrin' any more Spanish
+terriers. Sure they're thick on this coast. A pack of snarling mongrels,
+and all snapping at the heels of Captain Dynamite. It's a proud man I
+should be with a head on me that's worth five thousand dollars to the
+man who can take it to Weyler."
+
+"Do you mean that the Spaniards have put a price of five thousand
+dollars on your head?" asked Harry in amazement, as he backed away from
+the man instinctively.
+
+"That was before my last voyage," chuckled the captain. "I would not be
+surprised if they had boosted the quotation a point or two since then.
+Gomez will know the latest market price."
+
+The boys looked at him with awe. Here was a man who, though sailing into
+the enemy's waters, boldly laughed at the thought that there was a price
+on his head.
+
+"He's the finest buccaneer I ever met outside of story books," whispered
+Mason, as if meeting buccaneers was an every day occurrence with him.
+
+"Suarez," called the captain, "lay off and on until eight bells, then
+call me. I'm going to take a nap. We can't make the inlet until
+sundown."
+
+Slowly Cuba rose out of the sea as the _Mariella_ ploughed her way
+toward her shores. The long dark line began to take shape against the
+azure sky and to form itself into hills and valleys. The dark mass
+turned to a deep shade of brown and then to green as the brilliant
+verdure of the island caught the rays of the sun. When they were near
+enough to distinguish the contour of the coast line, the steamer's
+course was changed and for a time she stood out to sea again.
+
+"What are we doing that for?" enquired Bert, anxiously.
+
+"Didn't you hear the captain tell Suarez to stand off and on until eight
+bells? We are probably going to make a landing somewhere here, but it is
+not yet time."
+
+At this moment eight bells struck and without waiting to be called,
+Captain Dynamite opened the door of the cabin and stepped out on deck.
+Once again he had changed his costume and was now attired in white duck
+and wore a white yachting cap. As a breeze blew his coat aside, the boys
+could see that he still wore the cartridge belt and pistols. He scanned
+the shore for a moment and then turning to the mate, who still stood on
+the bridge, he said:
+
+"Well done, Suarez. At sundown I will take her in."
+
+The coast at this point seemed covered with a thick, tropical growth of
+palms and high, rank weeds, interlaced thickly with vines that reached
+to the water's edge. Back a few hundred feet the land rose abruptly,
+forming the foothills of the mountainous inland. The boys looked closely
+for some inlet or bay into which the _Mariella_ might steam, but there
+seemed to be no break in the thick foliage so far as the eye could
+reach. In the silhouette formed by the rising hills two palms, taller
+than the others, stood out against the sky like lone sentinels guarding
+the shore against invading buccaneers.
+
+At dinner, the captain was in a particularly agreeable mood.
+
+"Well, my young pirates, how are you enjoying your cruise?" he asked
+jokingly. "It's pretty nearly at an end and all danger for you is about
+past. In an hour or so we shall be safely within the sheltering arms of
+Cuba, and I think it is about time I introduced myself to you. I am
+plain Michael O'Connor, sometimes known as Dynamite Mike, but more
+generally styled Captain Dynamite--at your service. I am neither a
+buccaneer, pirate, nor privateer, but an humble Cuban sympathizer who
+takes his life in his hand now and then to bring arms and ammunition to
+the men who are fighting for the good cause of Cuba libre. I do this,
+first, because I love Cuba; second, because it is a very lucrative
+profession; third, because I like danger."
+
+"But, Captain Dynamite, why should an Irishman love Cuba?" asked Harry.
+
+"Sure, I'm only half Irish. My mother was a Cuban and I was born on the
+island on my father's little sugar plantation. The Spaniards shut him up
+as an insurgent. He died in jail--tortured to death I shall always
+believe--and my mother died of a broken heart in the arms of my
+childhood sweetheart, Juanita. I was not there. I left the island when
+only a youngster, to shift for myself in the States. I took to the sea
+and I shall always be thankful that I did, for it has enabled me in some
+measure to avenge the death of my father. But now to your own affairs,
+my boys. After we have safely disposed of our cargo, I shall be free to
+make a straight run for the States, and as I shall have others aboard
+for whose safety I shall be responsible, I think probably you had better
+stick to the old _Mariella_. I did think of getting you onto the
+railroad to Havana, but your lack of passports might cause you
+trouble."
+
+"We'll stick by the _Mariella_, captain," said Harry. "What do you say,
+fellows?"
+
+"Sure, the _Mariella_ for us."
+
+"All right, that's settled. I think it's about time to run to cover."
+
+As they stepped out on deck the tropical twilight was fading and the
+steamer was now close within the dark shadow of the shore. Captain
+Dynamite went forward to the bridge.
+
+"Turn in, Suarez. It has been a long day for you. I will take her now."
+
+The mate saluted and left the bridge. The captain entered the wheelhouse
+and the man relinquished the spokes and stood silently to one side. The
+captain swung the wheel over quickly, with a sure, firm hand, and the
+bow of the _Mariella_ came around until she was headed directly for the
+wooded shore. Harry saw him raise his eyes and look once at the sentinel
+palms.
+
+Then the engine-room bell clanged loudly and the _Mariella_ shot at full
+speed, head on for the shore.
+
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX
+
+THE MIDNIGHT MESSAGE
+
+
+Harry clutched the rail involuntarily. It seemed as if at any moment
+they would strike the shore with a crash, and yet he could not but
+believe that the captain knew what he was doing. He stood quietly at the
+wheel, scarcely moving it after he had once taken his course, but his
+eyes were fixed intently ahead.
+
+Nearer and nearer they rushed to the shore. Now they were almost upon
+it. Harry steadied himself, and cast one quick glance at the captain.
+Now the bow cut the thick foliage like a knife, but there was no shock,
+and the _Mariella_, with trees and vines scraping her sides and rising
+almost to her funnel-top, shot into a broad lagoon that lay completely
+hidden by the dense foliage at the entrance.
+
+As they passed in, Harry looked back. The passage through which they had
+entered was scarcely wider than the steamer, and formed on either side
+by two points of rock. It needed a bold and skillful hand to bring them
+safely through that naturally-masked channel. The foliage dropped partly
+back again but there still remained a gaping hole to show where the
+steamer had pushed her way through.
+
+Again the bells in the engine-room clanged, the screw churned the water
+violently; there was a roar and rattle of the anchor chains, and within
+twice her own length the _Mariella_ came to a standstill and her
+dangerous voyage was safely terminated.
+
+"Washington," called the captain, leaning out of the wheelhouse; "shut
+the door."
+
+"Aye, aye, sah," responded the negro, as he emerged from the galley.
+"George Wash Jenks knows his duty."
+
+Two of the men lowered a boat and jumped in. The negro followed with a
+long boat hook. They rowed back to the entrance of the inlet, and Jenks
+with his hook, deftly pulled the vines and creeping plants across it
+again. In five minutes none could have told that the luxurious growth
+had been disturbed.
+
+The tropical night now began to settle rapidly over the still lagoon.
+The business of making the steamer snug at her anchorage, which is
+usually attended by the creaking of cordage, the clanking of chains, and
+the discordant shouts of sailors and commanders, was carried on almost
+in silence. The orders of the captain and mate were given in tones
+scarcely louder than used in ordinary conversation, but the men
+responded with alacrity. Within half an hour the _Mariella_, her
+throbbing engines stilled, lay silently at anchor and not a sound broke
+the stillness of the night. The shore of the main coast piled up in a
+black mass, without shape or color, in front of them, while the
+protecting arm that shielded them from the ocean loomed high above the
+steamer's funnel, showing in silhouette against the star-lighted sky in
+fantastically waving lines of palm leaves.
+
+Tired out with the exciting and unusual events of the day, the boys,
+after gazing for a time at the strange, silent scene around them,
+retired to their bunks, and were soon fast asleep.
+
+Captain Dynamite lay dreamily back in a steamer chair on the quarter
+deck, lazily puffing a cigarette, but his eyes were intently fixed on
+the black shore. The steamer was in total darkness. Not a lamp was
+lighted except a small red lantern, like a signal light, that hung over
+the side facing the shore.
+
+The captain lighted a match and looked at his watch.
+
+"Five minutes to midnight," he murmured. "They are late. Can anything
+have gone wrong? Ah, there's the signal now."
+
+A small red light flashed out of the darkness of the shore. Three times
+it showed, and then disappeared. A dark figure that had been standing
+by the light on the _Mariella_ swung it three times from side to side.
+
+Captain Dynamite rose from his chair, stretched his great body lazily
+and walked to the rail. As he did so, he threw open his coat and eased
+up one of the pistols in its holster. His hand remained resting on the
+butt.
+
+A small boat with two rowers, and a man in the stern, shot out from the
+black shadow of the shore onto the star-lighted surface of the lagoon.
+They rowed without the splash of an oar straight to the _Mariella_.
+
+"Who goes there?" called Dynamite in a whisper, as the boat shot under
+the steamer's quarter.
+
+"_Independencia_," came the prompt reply, and in a second the dark form
+amidships tossed over a rope ladder. In a moment more the man in the
+stern of the small boat had scrambled over the rail of the _Mariella_
+and strode rapidly aft. He sprang lightly up the steps to the
+quarter-deck, and seizing the hand of Captain Dynamite, who met him at
+the companionway, shook it vigorously.
+
+"Captain Morgan, sure it's glad I am to see ye again."
+
+"God bless you, O'Connor. Another of your dare-devil expeditions safely
+ended. We didn't look for you for two nights yet."
+
+"Fair weather and only one little brush with a small gunboat.
+Altogether, quite an uneventful trip. And how goes the cause of
+independence, Captain?"
+
+"We still hold our own, O'Connor, despite the butcher's boasts. We left
+them two hundred dead and wounded at our last three meetings, while our
+loss was only five killed and ten wounded."
+
+"Bravo, Morgan, we'll wear them out yet. Let them pour their troops into
+Cuba by the thousand. Disease, our insidious ally and insurgent bullets
+will take care of all they can send."
+
+"Aye, but the bullets are getting scarce, O'Connor."
+
+"Ah, but there are enough here to do for ten thousand Spaniards," cried
+Dynamite, stamping excitedly on the deck, "and there will always be
+enough to go around so long as O'Connor lives, and the planks of the
+_Mariella_ hold together."
+
+The woolly head and grinning countenance of George Washington Jenks
+showed above the top step of the companionway.
+
+"And what of Gomez, Morgan?"
+
+"Gomez is now with President Betancourt at Cubitas, waiting for a report
+of your expedition."
+
+"He shall have it within forty-eight hours Are your men ready for the
+landing?"
+
+"The lagoon is guarded inland and shore. There is not a Spaniard within
+twenty miles."
+
+"Then we will begin at once. What are you doing on the quarter-deck, you
+black rogue?"
+
+The captain had just discovered Jenks as he stood respectfully at the
+head of the companionway, apparently awaiting orders.
+
+"Sut'nly, the Cap'n call?"
+
+"No, I didn't call, blockhead. Get below."
+
+"Ah, ain't such a mucher as a guesser, but sut'nly I guess the cap'n
+stamp him foot."
+
+"You're right, Washington. I did stamp, but I didn't want you. However,
+as long as you are here bring out a chair for Captain Morgan and that
+box of cigars on my cabin table."
+
+"Well, Washington, you are back in Cuba with a whole skin again," said
+Morgan, cordially extending his hand to the negro.
+
+"Cap'n Morgan, suah," said Jenks, carefully rubbing his hand on his
+trousers before accepting the captain's. "Ah'm right glad to see you
+again, sah. O yes, sah, George Wash Jenks' skin am whole, sah. Cap'n
+Dynamite, he see to that, sah. Nevah leave Cap'n Dynamite, sah."
+
+"That's right, Washington, stick to the captain and he'll pull you
+through, and Cuba needs a few more honest hearts like yours."
+
+"Ah serve Cap'n Dynamite, sah. He serve Cuba."
+
+With great dignity the negro turned away and entered the cabin.
+
+"An honest fellow, O'Connor, and seems devoted to you."
+
+"Yes, I think Washington would follow me to the ends of the earth; but
+what are the orders, captain? We must be up and doing. I should not like
+to lie here long enough for the Spaniards to discover our
+landing-place."
+
+"Ah, there I am as ignorant as you. Here are sealed instructions from
+Gomez."
+
+Captain Morgan handed a packet to O'Connor, who broke the seal eagerly.
+When he had read what the message contained the hand that held it
+dropped nervelessly by his side. He gasped as if for breath, and pulled
+nervously at the collar of his shirt like a man choking. Morgan, who
+noticed his singular actions started toward him.
+
+"What's the matter, O'Connor?" he asked, anxiously. "Are you ill?"
+
+For a moment the captain did not answer, and then he said, faintly:
+
+"Wait. I must think."
+
+Morgan, wondering, but respecting his mood, stepped back. Captain
+Dynamite folded his arms and his head sank low on his chest. For fully
+five minutes he sat thus, and then suddenly leaped to his feet, clenched
+his hands, straightened up to his full heighth, and stamped his foot,
+loudly on the deck. The negro appeared with the steamer chair. He
+stopped in terror at the wild appearance of Captain Dynamite, and
+believing that he was the cause of his anger, stammered and stuttered in
+an effort to speak.
+
+"Ah, sut'nly, came as fast as ah could, sah. George Wash Jenks no
+loafing nigger, sah."
+
+"Call Suarez," said Dynamite, in a low voice, ignoring the negro's
+attempted apologies.
+
+"Misser Suarez turned in, sah."
+
+"Call Suarez," roared the captain, taking a threatening step in the
+direction of Jenks.
+
+"Yas, sah," answered Jenks, his eyes big with wonder. "Needn't be so
+uppish. Ah shall sut'nly call Misser Suarez." Jenks backed away to the
+companionway in an effort to keep his face to the angry skipper and
+miscalculating his distance rolled backward down the stairs.
+
+"You clumsy idiot," bellowed Dynamite, stepping to the top of the stairs
+and peering down into the darkness, out of which came a whisper:
+
+"Yas, sah. Ah shall sut'nly call Misser Suarez."
+
+Dynamite stepped back, and without speaking to Morgan, who watched him
+anxiously, paced the quarter-deck with nervous strides. Suarez appeared
+in his pajamas, rubbing his eyes. The captain stopped as he saluted, and
+looked from one to the other of the men. Finally he said, holding out
+the message to Suarez:
+
+"Suarez--Morgan--here are the instructions regarding the removal of the
+cargo. They are simple. There is also news--bad news--but that concerns
+only me. Take this paper, Suarez, and with Captain Morgan's assistance
+carry out the orders to the letter. You are in command."
+
+Then he turned to Washington, who had followed Suarez to the
+quarter-deck.
+
+"Bring me my night coat, Washington, and my rifle. Suarez, have the gig
+lowered. I am going ashore."
+
+"Alone, captain?"
+
+"Alone."
+
+"And may I ask the captain where at this hour of the night?"
+
+"To Gomez."
+
+"Take a file of my men, O'Connor. The country between here and Cubitas
+is full of Spaniards."
+
+"Thank you, Morgan. I have good, true men of my own who know the country
+as well as I do myself, but they would only hamper me. I must make
+speed--speed, do you hear? Suarez, why do you stand there like a wooden
+Indian? Get my gig into the water."
+
+"If you are bent upon going, O'Connor, and I know how useless it is to
+try to swerve you, why not take my boat. It is manned and lying at the
+ladder."
+
+"That is better, Morgan. I will send it back to you. Come on, you lazy
+rascal, with that coat."
+
+He seized his coat and rifle, and ran down the stairway to the
+companionway, and along the deck to the point where Morgan's boat lazily
+floated on the black water.
+
+"Take your orders from Captain Dynamite," called Morgan to his men as
+O'Connor slid down into the boat. The negro who had followed close at
+his heels peered over the side and whispered pleadingly:
+
+"Cap'n Dynamite, sah, you'se not going without George Wash Jenks?"
+
+"To the shore, lads, and pull for your lives," said O'Connor. The boat
+shot away from the steamer's side and was soon lost in the dark shadow
+of the shore.
+
+Washington shook his head deprecatingly, and returned to the
+quarter-deck, where he gravely saluted the mate.
+
+"Your servant, sah," he said. "Cap'n Dynamite he say you in command."
+
+"Bring a lantern, Washington, quick," said Suarez. Then turning to
+Morgan, he continued:
+
+"What do you suppose the bad news can be that has so affected the chief
+and which he says concerns only him?"
+
+"Gomez's message will tell. Quick, boy, with that lantern."
+
+As Jenks stepped into the cabin, Harry, fully dressed, came out of his
+stateroom. The unusual noise on deck and the loud commands of the
+captain had awakened him.
+
+"What's up, Wash?" he asked.
+
+"Plenty. Cap'n Dynamite get bad news in message, and bang--he scoot for
+shore."
+
+"Captain gone ashore, to-night?"
+
+"Suah, enough."
+
+"What's the bad news, Wash?"
+
+"Nobody knows yet. George Wash Jenks get cap'n's lantern and then we
+find out."
+
+He took the lantern from the hook, and with Harry behind him returned to
+the deck. Morgan took the light and held it so that Suarez could read
+the message.
+
+"Ah, here it is" said the mate, after he had scanned the instructions.
+He read aloud:
+
+"'My heart is full of grief for you. Notwithstanding the heavy guard
+maintained around the house the Spaniards succeeded last night in
+seizing Juanita and have taken her to prison. She is charged with aiding
+the rebels. Come to me at once that we may plan together to effect her
+escape or rescue.'"
+
+"Spaniards got Missee Juanita?" shouted Washington, who had listened
+eagerly while Suarez read. "I guess I go to cap'n."
+
+The negro made a flying leap for the rail and in another instant would
+have dived into the sea toward the shore. Morgan was too quick, though,
+and seizing him by the collar dragged him back to the deck.
+
+"Never was such a mucher at guessing," murmured the negro.
+
+"What do you say to putting the boy ashore and letting him join
+O'Connor?" asked Morgan. "He knows the country and might be of much
+assistance to that stubborn man in his dangerous journey."
+
+"Please, Misser Suarez, sah, lemme go after Cap'n Dynamite. He and
+Missee Juanita need George Wash Jenks."
+
+The negro dropped on his knees as he pleaded with the mate.
+
+"And we will go with you, Washington."
+
+It was Harry who spoke, and the men turned to him in astonishment.
+
+"You do not know the danger, my boy," said Suarez, quietly.
+
+"We'll chance it. We owe Captain Dynamite a big debt. If there is a
+chance to help him in his trouble it is our duty to do so."
+
+"It is a question whether you would help or hinder him."
+
+Suarez was undecided. While he bore the boys no malice he had always
+chafed at their presence on the ship. No interest in them as individuals
+would have caused him to oppose their wishes. His thoughts, hopes,
+desires, and ambitions were all Cuba's. The fate of the three boys whose
+lives meant nothing to the cause, was nothing to him. Deep down in his
+heart he would be glad to rid the ship of them. But he feared the wrath
+of his chief. He walked the deck in silence for a few minutes and then,
+as if speaking to himself he said:
+
+"If any one should take one of the boats and make the shore during the
+night, their escape might not be discovered until daylight."
+
+As he finished speaking, George Washington Jenks beckoned to Harry, and
+together they made their way silently down to the main deck.
+
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X
+
+INTO THE ENEMY'S COUNTRY
+
+
+Harry called Bert and Mason and explained the situation to them. Both
+were eager to accompany the expedition on shore. Washington was busy
+forward when the boys joined him. He had gathered and piled up under the
+rail a supply of guns and ammunition sufficient to arm a company of men.
+He had made good use of the few minutes the boys had occupied in
+dressing, for a small boat already lay alongside the steamer. Harry
+surmised that the men, who were all exceedingly fond of their commander,
+had assisted Washington in order that he might set out to give what aid
+he could to Captain Dynamite. There was scarcely a man among them but
+had made several voyages with him, and they well knew the danger that
+attended a journey through that part of the island, and the fate that
+awaited their chief if he should fall into the hands of the Spaniards.
+The mate was still in close conference with Captain Morgan, and either
+intentionally, or because of his preoccupation, paid no attention to the
+preparations of the little expedition.
+
+"What are you going to do with all those guns?" asked Harry, as he
+surveyed the pile.
+
+"May be some big shooting," replied Washington, nodding his head,
+wisely. "More guns, more shooting."
+
+"But how are we to carry that arsenal? If I am not mistaken travelling
+hereabouts is not the easiest thing in the world, and we shall want as
+little to hamper as possible."
+
+"I guess young gemman right," said Washington, looking regretfully at
+the heap of guns.
+
+"Let us each take a gun and a pistol----"
+
+"And machete--machete," interrupted the negro, his eyes bulging, while
+he swung his arm as if wielding one of the short Cuban swords.
+
+"All right, Washington, machete if you choose. They may do to cut our
+way through the underbrush."
+
+"Cut way through Spaniard," said Washington, still waving his arm
+excitedly.
+
+"You can do all that kind of cutting, George Wash Jenks. Perhaps you
+would prefer a razor."
+
+"No, machete."
+
+"All right; machete it is, and I hope you will find something to use it
+on and work off some of that cutting energy."
+
+They then each selected from the supply of arms a rifle, pistol, and all
+the ammunition they could comfortably carry. They lowered them into the
+small boat and were about to climb in when Harry stopped them.
+
+"What about food, Washington?" he asked. "We'd better tote some along, I
+think."
+
+With his usual energy, Harry had naturally taken command of the
+expedition.
+
+"How much of a tramp is it to where Captain Dynamite is going?"
+
+"Captain Dynamite go to Gomez--Gomez at Cubitas."
+
+"That does not mean anything to us. How far is it from here to Cubitas
+and how long will it take us to reach it?"
+
+"'Bout two days."
+
+"All right. Now Washington, you get some ship biscuit, dried beef, and
+coffee from your stock in the galley and we will each carry our own
+rations. I guess we can get through on that grub for two days."
+
+"And ah guess a leetle lasses for coffee, Misser Harry," pleaded the
+negro.
+
+"How under the sun are you going to carry molasses, Washington? I guess
+you will have to take your coffee black and without sweetening."
+
+"Never was such a musser at guessing," murmured Washington, as he turned
+into the galley. He soon reappeared with the rations, four oilskin
+jackets, and a coffee pot. They divided the food and each bundled up
+his supply in an oil skin and tied the package on his back. They were
+now ready to begin their journey, and one by one they silently slipped
+over the side and dropped into the boat below.
+
+"Washington, you take the tiller," said Harry. "You know the way."
+
+"Yas, sah."
+
+"Do you know where to make a landing in the dark?"
+
+"George Wash Jenks knows every inch of the coast hereabouts with him
+eyes shut."
+
+"All right then. You get up in the bow, Midget, and keep a lookout
+ahead. Bert and I will row. It's not more than three hundred feet to the
+shore."
+
+The boys bent to the oars and the little boat shot across the narrow
+streak of starlit water into the shadow of the rugged shore.
+
+"Stop!" whispered Mason quickly, when they were within a few feet of the
+beach. The boys backed water and brought the boat up within her own
+length.
+
+"What is it?" asked Harry, anxiously.
+
+"There's a man on shore with a gun aimed plumb at us," replied Davis,
+pointing into the darkness ahead.
+
+"Him one of Misser Morgan's men," said Washington. "Him all right, ah
+guess, maybe."
+
+The boys started to row again when a loud command from shore made them
+rest on their oars with great dispatch.
+
+"Halt, or I'll fire."
+
+The words came out of the darkness in deep, determined tones. The boys
+could dimly distinguish the form of a man standing on a little bluff
+above them, with his rifle aimed with disturbing accuracy directly at
+their boat.
+
+"We are friends from the _Mariella_," called Harry, "and are on our way
+to join Captain Dynamite."
+
+"Captain Dynamite passed through the lines half an hour ago. He said he
+was travelling alone."
+
+"Yes, that's right," answered Harry. "He thinks he is, but we want to
+help him. Let us come ashore and I will explain to you."
+
+"Halt, or I fire," again came the command.
+
+"Don't you think we better go back, Hal?" whispered Mason, who had
+crouched down in the bow out of the way of a stray bullet. "I don't care
+much for this real gun business. It's too exciting for my constitution."
+
+"Don't you understand," persisted Harry, "that we are friends of Captain
+Dynamite and the cause?"
+
+"Friends of the cause will give the countersign," said the voice in the
+same even tone.
+
+"Washington, you ought to know the countersign," whispered Harry to the
+negro, who had listened to the conversation with open mouth. He shook
+his head as if he did not comprehend.
+
+"You know--the word that tells people that you are a friend of Cuba."
+
+"O, dats de password--suah." Washington grinned with joy.
+
+"Well, the password then; what is it?"
+
+"Ah guess it is 'Independencia.'"
+
+"I hope you have guessed right this time."
+
+"Not such a mucher," murmured Washington, deprecatingly.
+
+"Independencia," repeated Harry, loud enough for the man on shore to
+hear.
+
+"Advance friends," said the sentinel, quickly lowering his gun.
+
+The party landed without further opposition and found instead of one
+man, whose form they had been able to distinguish from the boat, ten or
+a dozen more a few feet back from the shore, squatting around a small
+fire, the light of which was masked by a thick growth of underbrush.
+They were all dark-skinned men with heavy growths of black beard. They
+looked up without displaying any particular interest as the boys
+landed, but the sentinel who had challenged them came forward and held
+out his hand in greeting. He was undoubtedly an American.
+
+"Glad to see any one who speaks English," he said, as Harry approached
+and took his offered hand. "What are you boys doing here?"
+
+"That's a long story," replied Harry, smiling. "Briefly, though, Captain
+Dynamite ran down our sail boat while we were sailing off Martha's
+Vineyard, picked us out of the water and brought us along whether we
+would or no."
+
+"And where are you going now?"
+
+"To join Captain Dynamite. He may need our assistance."
+
+The man smiled.
+
+"I am afraid you will be more likely to need his if you persist in your
+purpose," he said.
+
+"That, of course, is a matter of opinion," replied Harry, drawing
+himself up indignantly. "And to return the compliment may I ask what you
+are doing in Cuba?"
+
+"Certainly," laughed the man. "I came with Morgan. We are soldiers of
+fortune."
+
+"Then you are not a patriot?"
+
+"Not exactly. I believe in the cause and I also believe that we will
+eventually win."
+
+"And then you expect your reward?"
+
+"That's what we are fighting here for."
+
+"Sort of playing with fortune," chimed in Mason.
+
+"Not exactly--sort of throwing dice with fate."
+
+"Well, come on, fellows," said Harry. "We are losing time and letting
+the captain get more of a lead on us."
+
+"So you are determined to go on?"
+
+"I see no reason yet to turn back," replied Harry.
+
+"But you do not know the country and its dangers."
+
+"We have a good guide," said Harry, pointing to Washington.
+
+The man leaned forward and peered in the darkness at the negro.
+
+"Why, it's George Wash Jenks," he said in surprise. "Captain Dynamite's
+man. How are you, Wash?"
+
+"Ah guess ah's all right, sah."
+
+"Still guessing I see, Wash."
+
+"Not such a mucher, sah," the negro grinned broadly.
+
+"Well boys, you are right about your guide. You can't go wrong around
+here while Wash is with you. Good luck to you. You will have to travel
+fast to catch up to Dynamite though. He was making express time and
+would not even stop to shake hands. All I could get out of him was:
+'Gomez--I must get to Gomez.' Nothing wrong, is there?"
+
+"No, nothing--nothing that concerns the cause. Good-bye. Come on,
+Washington."
+
+Harry turned and started into the brush.
+
+"Not that way, Misser Harry," called Washington. "We keep by the shore a
+piece yet. Never get no further than six feet in there, ah guess."
+
+He turned along the narrow beach below an overhanging bluff. For half an
+hour they hugged the shore.
+
+"Did the captain come this way do you think, Washington?" asked Harry.
+
+"Don't guess this time, Misser Harry. No other way to come."
+
+So far the going had been comparatively easy. They had to now and then
+clamber over jagged points of rocks that made out into the sea, and in
+the darkness they several times stumbled and fell, but no one was much
+hurt. Most of the way, however, had been along the sandy beach. Now
+Washington stopped and seemed to be looking for something. He peered out
+into the darkness over the sea and then shook his head. Then he stepped
+back toward the water and looked up at the skyline of the quickly rising
+inland country.
+
+"Lost the trail?" enquired Harry, after he had watched the negro's
+movements for some time in silence.
+
+"Not lost 'em, Misser Harry. Tryin' to find 'em. Big tree on leetle
+island. Can't see 'em." He pointed out over the sea where he had been
+gazing. Then he turned and pointed inland. "Big tree there. Can see him
+all right."
+
+The boys looked up to where he pointed over the land and saw a large
+palm rising high above its fellows and clearly marked against the sky.
+It resembled the two big trees that had guided Captain Dynamite in
+making the entrance to the hidden lagoon. Evidently Washington was
+searching for some spot that was to be discovered by bringing the big
+tree on shore and the now invisible one on the island into line.
+
+"George Wash Jenks, he find 'em. Don't worry 'bout dat," he said, as he
+walked about five feet to the right and then faced about and approached
+the bluff, which at this point was twenty feet high and thickly grown
+with brush and low entangling plants. He fumbled around among the vines
+and then turning to the boys called: "All right now."
+
+As Harry came up he pointed at the bluff and then pulling aside the
+underbrush began to slowly work his way inward. The boys followed him.
+The branches scratched their faces and the ground vines clung to their
+feet. They were entering a narrow cleft in the hill which was filled
+with rank vegetation.
+
+"Keep a pushin'," said Washington. "Not so bad when we get in leetle
+more."
+
+They struggled on for about one hundred feet when the brush became less
+thick and finally they reached a narrow lane that had been hewed and
+trampled through the high growth. Their progress now became easier and
+with Washington in the lead they pushed ahead rapidly. They had made
+their way about half a mile inland when out of the brush came a voice
+that brought them to a standstill with a start.
+
+"Alto! Quien Va?"
+
+"Dat another Misser Morgan's men," whispered Washington.
+
+"Independencia," said Harry, when he had recovered his breath, for the
+challenge coming unexpectedly from one concealed by the darkness and the
+bushes was somewhat startling. There was a low reply in Spanish and they
+proceeded without molestation.
+
+About every half a mile a mysterious voice challenged them, but the
+countersign secured for them uninterrupted progress. Through the waning
+night they pushed on, until the light in the sky told them that day was
+breaking. Then Washington stopped. He had scarcely spoken since they
+took the trail.
+
+"Missers," he said, as they halted, "better have breakfast now."
+
+"Can we light a fire here safely?"
+
+"Yes, now; not bime bye."
+
+They unslung their improvised knapsacks and gathering some dry brush
+soon had a small fire burning. Washington made the coffee, procuring
+water from a stream that ran through the brush. The boys, thoroughly
+tired out, threw themselves down for a brief rest. They munched their
+crackers and dried beef with relish and drank coffee in turn from a tin
+cup that Washington had had the foresight to provide.
+
+"This seems very much like camping up at school," said Mason.
+
+"Yes, only I would prefer to have the boys in the bushes than a lot of
+Spaniards and Cubans with real bullets in their guns," replied Bert.
+
+"You always do look at the unromantic side of things, Bert. We haven't
+seen a Spaniard yet."
+
+"Good and plenty when we get in the open," said Washington.
+
+"How do you know this country so well, Washington?" asked Harry.
+
+"Born here, Misser Harry. I'se Cuban nigger."
+
+"I thought you said you were 'George Wash Jenks, New York, U. S. A.?'"
+
+"I suah are now, sah. I was only a picaninny when I ranned away with
+Massa Cap'n Dynamite."
+
+"So you ran away with your young master, eh?"
+
+"Yas, sah, dat's it."
+
+"And you've been with him ever since?"
+
+"Him couldn't lose me, sah." George grinned.
+
+"And who is Miss Juanita?"
+
+"Missee Juanita live on next plantation. She and Massa Capt'n Dynamite
+goin' to get married bime bye. He tell her so when he ranned away."
+
+"Well Washington, it's sun up now and we better be moving if we expect
+to catch up with Massa Captain Dynamite."
+
+"We not catch Cap'n until we get to Cubitas."
+
+"Why not?"
+
+"Cap'n travel through this country faster'n any mule, and he not stop
+'til he get there."
+
+"Not stop to sleep?"
+
+"No sleep, no eat. Missee Juanita in danger. I know the Massa Cap'n."
+
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XI
+
+CAPTURED BY SPANIARDS
+
+
+The party, after breaking their fast, packed up their rations and
+started on again. The tangled forest of low growth through which they
+struggled began to thin out, and they found themselves in an almost open
+country at the foot of a range of mountains. Before they left the
+shelter of the bushes, Washington motioned the boys back, and dropping
+on his stomach, wriggled to the edge of the woods, where he made a long
+survey of the country. Seemingly satisfied, he beckoned to the others to
+come on, and they all cautiously crept out into the open country.
+
+"Must keep eyes peeled now for Spaniards," said Washington. "Plenty of
+'em 'tween here'n Cubitas."
+
+"Which way now, Washington?" asked Harry.
+
+The negro pointed straight ahead.
+
+"Over that mountain?" queried Mason, in dismay.
+
+"Suah--and then another--but that's Cubitas."
+
+They toiled on while the hot sun began to mount high in the sky. The
+perspiration dripped from their faces as they walked. The mountain was
+thickly wooded to its very base and they made as rapid progress as
+possible in the wake of the doggedly plodding negro in the effort to
+gain the shade and the security of the trees.
+
+"Half hour more and we find good place for siesta. Can't go on 'til sun
+goes down," said Washington, who had noticed the boys' fatigue.
+
+When they reached the foot of the mountain the negro struck off into the
+thick woods, and after a long climb they came out into a small glade,
+through which trickled a tiny stream. The boys drank greedily of the
+cool water, and Washington gathered boughs and leaves and soon rigged up
+a temporary shelter under the trees. Throwing themselves down beneath
+this, with their coats for pillows, all hands dropped off into a deep
+sleep.
+
+When Harry awoke it was late afternoon. Bert was sitting up rubbing his
+eyes. Washington and Mason still slept on.
+
+"I'm getting very tired of this sort of thing, Hal," whispered Bert, "I
+am afraid I was not cut out for a strenuous life. Do you think there are
+any Spaniards loafing around in this neighborhood?"
+
+"Let's take a look while the others finish their nap," suggested Harry.
+
+The boys picked up their rifles and cautiously entered the woods,
+moving from tree to tree and dodging around rocks and boulders in true
+Indian fashion. The excitement of thus picking their way through the
+woods caused them to forget that they were proceeding in anything but a
+direct line, and when they at last bethought themselves, neither could
+tell in which direction the camp lay behind them.
+
+They dared not shout, and they looked at each other in dismay.
+
+"We are a brilliant pair," said Bert in disgust. "Now what are we to do?
+Have you any idea how far we have come, or in what direction?"
+
+"I think I have a general notion. Let's work back anyway."
+
+They faced about and began to make their way as rapidly as possible in
+the direction from which they believed they had come. Both were pretty
+well frightened for they realized the danger of becoming separated from
+their guide in that wild country, aside from the possibility of falling
+into the hands of Spaniards. In their nervous scare they hurried
+recklessly on, tripping now and then over trailing vines and plunging
+head on into thickets. Still they did not come upon the glade from which
+they had so unwisely strayed.
+
+At last, convinced that they were not proceeding in the right direction,
+they stopped and tried again to figure out the position of the camp. It
+was useless. They were now hopelessly lost. Harry looked up at the sun
+anxiously. It was getting low.
+
+"It looks as if you and I were in another scrape, Bert," he said, trying
+to smile.
+
+"We might wander for days without getting out of this labyrinth."
+
+"It's not so bad as that. We can get into the open all right by simply
+following the mountain down. But I do not know what good that would do
+us, for we could never find the pass through which we came."
+
+"No, and then there are the Spaniards."
+
+"Well, I suppose the Spaniards are a pretty serious proposition to
+Washington, who is their natural enemy, but I do not think they would do
+us much harm. We're American citizens, you know."
+
+"They are not looking for American citizens out here, and we should have
+a hard time explaining. We couldn't say we came on the _Mariella_."
+
+"No, that would hardly do. Still, we have not done anything to injure
+Spain, and we were certainly unwilling passengers on the _Mariella_. I
+do not see how they can do anything very disagreeable."
+
+"Judging from what Captain Dynamite says, they are inclined to consider
+every one except a Spaniard as an enemy and a Cuban sympathizer."
+
+"Well, we've got to take some sort of a chance, so we might as well
+shout."
+
+"All right, both together."
+
+They sent up a "holloa" that rang through the trees.
+
+"Mason--Washington," they shouted. "Answer. We have lost you."
+
+Away in the distance they heard a faint answering call. In their efforts
+to retrace their steps they had wandered still further from their
+companions. They could not distinguish the words of the reply, but the
+sound gave them the direction, and with glad hearts they set off.
+
+Suddenly they heard a crackling in the bushes behind them.
+
+"Quien Vio?" called a voice. Their hearts sank within them. Turning
+quickly, they looked into the muzzles of four rifles.
+
+"Gee, it's the Spaniards at last," whispered Bert. "Still I don't know
+but I had rather see them than no one. It was getting mighty lonesome."
+
+"They may be more of Morgan's men," said Harry.
+
+"By jove, that's so. Let's try the countersign on them."
+
+"Don't," commanded Harry, quickly, catching his arm. "Suppose they were
+not. The word would convict us at once."
+
+"You're right."
+
+Had Washington been with them he would have recognized the Spanish
+challenge.
+
+In the meantime the men had advanced, keeping the boys covered with
+their guns as if they were a pair of desperadoes who might attack them
+at any moment. They wore old and dirty uniforms, but it was plain that
+they had once been of regulation color and pattern.
+
+"They are Spaniards fast enough," whispered Harry, as the men
+approached. "Cubans have no regular uniform." Then to the men he said:
+
+"Good afternoon, gentlemen. We are glad to see you. We are lost out here
+on your mountain. They are your mountains, I believe. We're Americans,
+you know."
+
+"Ah, Americanos," said one of the men. "Surrend."
+
+"Yes, Americanos if you prefer it so, but what do you want us to
+surrender?"
+
+"Surrend," repeated the man, laying his hand roughly on Harry's rifle.
+
+"O, the guns? Certainly. They are of no use to us, apparently."
+
+Harry and Bert believing it to be the best policy to be tractable, held
+out their guns with amiable smiles. They were snatched rudely from them.
+When the rifles were safely in the hands of the soldiers, a little fat
+man whom they had not seen before stepped out of the bushes, where he
+had evidently intended to remain until the prisoners were disarmed. He
+was an officer, judging from his side arms, and with great pomposity he
+now advanced, puffing and blowing, toward the boys. He said something in
+Spanish to one of the men, who replied: "Americanos."
+
+"Who you are doing here?" he demanded of Harry.
+
+"O, sir," said Harry, "it is an agreeable surprise to find a gentleman
+who speaks our language so fluently," and he advanced with hand
+extended. The little man jumped back as if he feared the boy was about
+to strike and dodged behind his men, jabbering rapidly in Spanish.
+Evidently in response to some command, the four men rushed upon the boys
+and pinioned their hands behind their backs, tying them with gun straps.
+
+"Look here," said Harry, indignantly. "I don't know who you are, but
+this is an outrage on two American citizens--do you understand?" He
+walked boldly up to the fat officer as he spoke and notwithstanding the
+boy's hands were now tied, the man backed away from him in fright.
+
+"You will have to answer for this to the United States--do you
+understand that?" continued Harry.
+
+"Poof to United States," said the little man, snapping his fingers. He
+then gave another order in Spanish, and two of the men took up a
+position in front of the boys and two behind. The men in front began to
+march and those behind prodded the prisoners in the back with their
+guns, to indicate that they were to go on. There was nothing for the
+boys to do but submit, and slowly they began the descent of the
+mountain, the valorous commander keeping well to the rear.
+
+"These are your gentle Spaniards who wouldn't do a thing to you," said
+Bert, as they marched unwillingly along between their guards.
+
+"O, this pompous little fat man is some subordinate officer who is
+puffed up with his own importance. We will be all right when we get to
+headquarters and can see the commanding officer."
+
+"I'm not so sure of that. They do not seem to be bubbling over with
+kindly respect for the United States."
+
+"Wait till we see the consul. You know O'Connor told us to call for our
+consul if we got into trouble."
+
+"They may not let us see him."
+
+"Then we'll--what will we do then, Bert?"
+
+"Then it will be a case of measuring our wits against these fellows',
+and trying to make our escape. We may be able to get word to Captain
+Dynamite. Anyway Mason and Washington will probably discover that we
+have been captured and will go on to the captain."
+
+"Yes, but he has troubles of his own now to attend to."
+
+"Still I do not think he is the man to desert us entirely. He might get
+his friend Gomez to do something for us."
+
+"Well, a great deal depends on whether we have fallen into the hands of
+a small or large detachment of Spaniards. If it is only a skirmishing
+party, Gomez or Morgan might rescue us."
+
+"Let us hope it is a small outfit. I don't like the spirit these chaps
+show, nor the contempt in which their fat commander seems to hold the
+United States."
+
+They were now getting near the foot of the mountain. Suddenly Harry
+clutched Bert's arm.
+
+"What is it?" asked Bert, startled by Harry's movement.
+
+"Don't look to right or left. I just saw the Midget's white face peeking
+out at us as we passed that last clump of bushes. It's all right now.
+They know we are prisoners and you can trust Mason for getting a move
+on." The boys tramped along with lighter hearts now that they were
+confident that their companion knew of their predicament.
+
+"I hope they will not get pinched too," said Bert.
+
+"Don't always look on the dark side of things, old chap," said Harry, a
+little testily. "Cheer up."
+
+They were now in the open country again and made more rapid progress.
+The Spaniards moved along without any attempt at caution now. They well
+knew the Cuban methods of warfare, and did not fear an attack in the
+open. Opposed always by much superior numbers, the insurgents had
+learned that the only way to successfully cope with their enemy was to
+keep under cover and prosecute a guerilla warfare.
+
+As they climbed the top of a small hill the boys were surprised to see
+in front of them the outlying buildings of what seemed to be a town or
+city of some size and importance. When they approached nearer they found
+that these buildings were but poor huts or cabins, and formed a sort of
+irregular, narrow street that led into the town, which was situated
+about a mile beyond. As they entered the street the character of these
+shed-like habitations flashed upon the boys. They were the homes of the
+"reconcentrados" of whom O'Connor had told them. The boys shuddered as
+they passed them and for a time scarcely dared to look to one side or
+the other for fear that they might see some horrible sight, so forcibly
+had O'Connor's description impressed them. Most of the huts were without
+doors and the interiors were open to a passing view. So hopeless were
+the miserable inmates that they did not even care to hide their
+suffering from the heartless eyes of the curious. The men laughed and
+joked as they passed on and Harry could not but feel that their jests
+were pointed by the misery of the reconcentrados.
+
+Finally a horrible curiosity turned their heads and they saw in front of
+one of the huts a group of four persons. They were a man, a woman, a
+child of perhaps fourteen, and a babe in its mother's arms. The man lay
+stretched at full length on his back at the roadside. His eyes, which
+were open, were turned upward to the sky. The woman sat with her back to
+the mud wall of the hut. Her eyes were fixed on the man at her feet. The
+child stood in the doorway looking with expressionless eyes out into
+space. The few rags that covered them only served to emphasize the
+emaciation of their bodies and limbs. It needed no trained eye to tell
+that they were starving. As the party passed, not one of the four
+changed position or once turned their eyes. In their mute suffering they
+seemed unconscious of their surroundings.
+
+One of the guards looked and laughed brutally.
+
+Harry tugged at his bonds. In his fierce indignation he would have
+struck down the man.
+
+Finally they passed out of this street of misery and entered the town.
+The boys had forgotten their own troubles in the contemplation of the
+suffering of the unhappy creatures behind them. The guards who had been
+slouching along at a swinging gait now straightened up and assumed a
+more soldierly air. At a word of command from their fat commander they
+halted before a building which was more imposing in appearance than its
+neighbors, and looked to be a public edifice of some sort. They marched,
+with their prisoners still between them, up the few steps that led to a
+wide doorway and into a large room on the right, where an officer was
+reclining in a lounging chair, lazily puffing a cigarette. It was now
+growing dark outside and the room was dimly lighted by a lamp that stood
+on the flat desk in front of the only occupant.
+
+The man straightened himself up as the squad entered, and the little
+commander saluted with great deference.
+
+"I told you so," said Harry, who noticed the air of deep respect that
+now marked their captor. "The little fat man is only an understrapper.
+Now we shall have a hearing."
+
+While the little officer reported to his superior, the latter looked the
+boys over with some apparent curiosity. He asked a few questions and
+then uttering something that sounded like a judicial decision, he sank
+back in his chair again and lighted another cigarette.
+
+The guard faced about, prodded the boys in the back again with their
+guns to indicate that they were to move on, and the procession filed out
+into the street again. For a moment the boys could scarcely realize that
+they were to have no hearing, and then Harry turned to the fat man
+indignantly.
+
+"Are we not to be permitted to tell our story?" he demanded. "Where are
+you taking us? I demand a hearing as an American citizen in the presence
+of the American consul."
+
+The little man, who evidently understood much of what he said, chuckled,
+and the men, taking their cue from their commander, jabbed the boys once
+more in the back.
+
+"It's no use, Hal," said Bert. "We might as well wait and see what they
+intend to do with us."
+
+They passed from one narrow street to another until they again halted
+in front of a building whose narrow windows were closely barred.
+
+"Looks uncomfortably like a jail," said Harry, as he surveyed the white
+front of the gloomy structure. A door on the level with the street
+opened, the guns prodded the boys in the back again, and they entered
+through the low portal into a dark corridor. The door closed behind them
+and they found they were alone with a black-bearded man who carried a
+bunch of large keys that jangled unpleasantly.
+
+He motioned silently for the boys to follow him, and as they had no
+choice in the matter, they did so. At the end of the corridor the man
+opened a door and pointed in. The boys entered and the door swung to
+behind them silently.
+
+It was almost dark, but through the barred window of the room just
+enough twilight crept to show the boys that they were in a room that
+contained only a wooden table, two chairs, and two low wooden beds.
+
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XII
+
+ON TO GOMEZ
+
+
+When Mason and Washington awoke and discovered that their companions
+were missing, the negro became greatly excited.
+
+"You stay here, Misser Midget," he said. "I go see if I can find 'em.
+They get lost in these woods, or catched by Spaniards. Don't you move
+'til George Wash Jenks come back or you get lost too."
+
+Washington took his rifle and disappeared among the trees, while Mason
+anxiously paced the small glade. The time passed slowly and the boy's
+nerves were strung to their highest tension. He started at the smallest
+rustle of the leaves in the trees around him, and began to imagine all
+sorts of disagreeable possibilities. What if Washington should be unable
+to find his way back or should fall into the hands of the Spaniards? And
+what if the Spaniards should discover him before Washington returned.
+His excited mind began to reflect pictures of a lone boy starving to
+death in the woods. And then the picture would change and he would be
+struggling against an overwhelming number of Spaniards, who would seize
+and bind him and rush him off to suffer the horrors of the inquisition.
+
+Suddenly in the distance he heard the boys' shout. It sent the blood
+tingling through his veins. At least he was not quite alone in the woods
+while his companions were within hailing distance. He sent up a glad cry
+in response. Again came the shout and again he replied, and then with
+his heart more at ease, he sat down on a rock and waited for them to
+appear.
+
+There was a slight crackling in the bushes behind him. He turned
+quickly. Washington burst into the clearing, his eyes bulging with
+excitement.
+
+"Quick, Misser Midget," he said, seizing the boy's arm and dragging him
+off into the thicket.
+
+"Spaniards got Misser Harry and Misser Bert and comin' this way."
+
+Crouching low in the bushes, they saw the prisoners marched by and were
+helpless to aid them. Once Washington gripped his gun and made a
+movement to dash out of cover, but his better sense prevailed.
+
+"No use," he whispered. "Spaniards too many and must be more close by."
+
+When the party was well down the mountain, Washington pushed aside the
+bushes and straightened up. Turning to Mason, who was pale from
+excitement, he said: "Now we make tracks for Massa Cap'n Dynamite. They
+take Missers where they take Missee Juanita. Massa cap'n he come back
+with one--two--three hundred men and he and Cap'n Morgan they make 'em
+sorry."
+
+As there seemed to be nothing else to do but to seek reinforcements,
+Mason, with a heavy heart picked up his bundle and his rifle, and
+followed Washington through the woods. Their progress was slow, as the
+negro proceeded now with more caution. Darkness soon came upon them and
+made their advance still more difficult. The route that Washington was
+following often necessitated a climb up the almost perpendicular face of
+a rock as the mountain became more precipitous. Mason's hands bled from
+contact with the rough rocks, and he panted for breath. Still Washington
+pushed on, and when morning broke they found themselves at the top of
+the mountain.
+
+"Take short rest," said Washington, unslinging his pack and sitting down
+with his back to a boulder. "Eat a bite and Wash make some coffee. Heap
+easier goin' down mountain."
+
+"But you said there was still another mountain to climb, Washington,"
+said Mason, wearily.
+
+"Yas, sah, but Cubitas and Massa Cap'n Dynamite on top that one. May
+meet 'em comin' down with one--two--three hundred men."
+
+"I hope we meet them at the foot, Washington. I do not long for another
+climb like this one."
+
+"Pretty tough one, suah 'nough, sah."
+
+The descent was of course much easier than the climb, but nevertheless
+they found many obstacles in their way, and as caution dictated that
+they should keep well aside from any open trail, their progress down the
+mountain was scarcely more rapid than their climb had been. But they had
+the advantage of daylight and passed over the rough places with fewer
+bruises and cuts. They made one more short stop at about noon, and then
+pushed on again although the sun was now excessively hot, even as it
+filtered through the thick foliage. It was late afternoon when they
+reached the bottom of the mountain and entered the valley between the
+two ranges of hills. This valley was about a mile wide and through it
+flowed a narrow stream. The shores were wooded, but the rest of the
+country was an open plain. They waded the little river, and as they were
+about to clamber out on the other side, the familiar challenge rang out:
+
+"Alto!"
+
+"That General Gomez man. Say password," said Washington.
+
+"Independencia," said Mason, with a slight quaver in his voice.
+
+These unexpected challenges from invisible sentinels were somewhat
+wearing on the nerves. They passed on without interference.
+
+"Where was that man stationed, Washington?" asked Mason.
+
+"Up top of head in big tree," chuckled the negro. "Good place to pop
+over Spaniard if he comes along. Not get by the next one so easy."
+
+Washington was right. When they reached the foot of the mountain they
+were again challenged, and although Mason promptly gave the countersign,
+they were at once surrounded by a dozen armed men, who talked rapidly in
+Spanish. Washington, who spoke the language imperfectly, explained that
+they were the bearers of an important message for Captain Dynamite, and
+after many conferences aside and further questioning, two men were told
+off to accompany them, and they were allowed to proceed practically as
+prisoners.
+
+"All right now," said Washington, with a broad grin. "Got a suah 'nough
+body guard."
+
+A wide, well-used trail made the ascent of this mountain comparatively
+easy. When they reached the top, Mason was surprised to find a small
+settlement in the middle of which was a large, low, wooden building,
+all four sides of which were patroled by sentinels. Toward this building
+their guard headed. They entered through a wide doorway and found
+themselves in a large, square room, with three other occupants. It was
+now quite dark, so that for a moment Mason did not recognize Captain
+Dynamite as one of the men. The three were in earnest converse at a long
+table, and for some time did not notice the new comers, who paused on
+the threshold.
+
+"That Massa Cap'n Dynamite, General Gomez, and President Betancourt,"
+said Washington, pointing to the notable group.
+
+Mason looked with interest at the old general who stood at the head of
+the table. He was easily distinguished because of his military bearing
+and accoutrements, for the grizzled warrior had one little weakness--a
+love of display. He was a much smaller man than Mason expected to see,
+but there was that in his rugged, tanned face and firm chin that at once
+commanded respect and attention. He bore his seventy odd years lightly
+and his slight form was as straight as a ramrod. His uniform, unlike
+those of his faithful followers, was immaculately spotless. His carbine,
+on which he rested, was gold mounted; the sabre at his side was
+elegantly chased and decorated, and the silver on his pistol handles
+glittered in the waning light. As he turned his eyes on the group in
+the doorway, his heavy iron-grey eyebrows contracted into a scowl and he
+spoke quickly to O'Connor. The latter turned and started from his chair
+angrily.
+
+"What are you doing here?" he demanded.
+
+"If you please, Massa Cap'n, ah----"
+
+"Let me explain, Wash," said Mason, advancing a step when he felt the
+hand of one of the guards fall heavily on his shoulder. "I think,
+captain," he continued, pointing to the man, "that we can get along now
+without the protection of these gentlemen."
+
+O'Connor waved his hand and the two men saluted and filed out.
+
+Mason advanced boldly to the table and facing O'Connor, said:
+
+"Captain Dynamite, you should not blame Washington. It is his love for
+you and Miss Juanita that brings him here."
+
+"I suppose you are right, boy," said the captain, still scowling, "but I
+am in great trouble and I do not like to have my plans interfered with.
+But what brings you here?"
+
+"Well, we heard that you were in trouble, and as Washington was going to
+join you, we thought we would come along, too, and be of what assistance
+we could."
+
+The scowl faded from the man's face. He turned to General Gomez and
+spoke to him in Spanish. When he had finished, the old warrior looked
+the Midget over from head to foot and the stern lines of his face broke
+into a genial smile, gentle and reassuring. O'Connor stepped forward,
+and taking Mason's hand, shook it warmly.
+
+"I thank you, my boy, for your good intentions. You must have made
+excellent time over a rough and dangerous road, for you are here close
+at my heels. And your journey has left its marks, I see," he said, as he
+noticed Mason's cut and bruised face and hands, and his torn clothing.
+"But where are your friends?"
+
+"The Spaniards have got 'em," said Mason, laconically.
+
+O'Connor looked first at the boy as if he thought it a joke, and then at
+Washington, in whose troubled face he read confirmation.
+
+"Yas, Massa Cap'n; Spaniards got 'em, suah 'nough," said Washington,
+nodding his head vigorously in the affirmative.
+
+"When, where, how did it happen?" asked O'Connor, rapidly.
+
+"It was on the far side of the fust mountain, after we pass the fust
+clearing. Boys left the camp and before George Wash Jenks could find 'em
+'long came Spaniards and snapped 'em up."
+
+"Why did you let them leave the camp, you rascal? You know this country
+too well for that."
+
+"Went while George Wash Jenks was asleep," answered the negro
+sheepishly.
+
+"Well, where did they take them?"
+
+"Leettle town 'bout mile down clearing, ah 'spect.".
+
+"Humph! You don't know, then?"
+
+"George Wash Jenks think it best to come to Massa Cap'n and not go
+snoopin' after Spaniard in the open. Got cotched too."
+
+"Yes, I guess you are right. Now, what is to be done? I wonder if the
+boys will know enough to keep their tongues still about the _Mariella_?"
+The captain looked questioningly at Mason as he spoke.
+
+"You needn't fear, sir, that they will say or do anything likely to get
+you into trouble," said the boy, promptly.
+
+O'Connor smiled at the boy's defence of his comrades.
+
+"I was not thinking of myself, my boy; but if it were known that they
+were in any way connected with the expedition of the _Mariella_ it might
+go hard with them."
+
+"I think they will understand that, sir."
+
+"Now, the next question is how to aid them. I think my own mission lies
+in their direction. But you need freshening up a bit, and I'll wager
+you are hungry. I will send a man with you to my quarters. You will find
+soap and water there and a tin basin. The accommodations are a little
+primitive and not quite up to the _Mariella's_, but you can get some of
+the dirt out of those cuts. We will sup here when you are ready.
+Washington, you know the way to the mess-room. Go and fill up that empty
+stomach of yours and then return to me. You go back to Captain Morgan in
+an hour."
+
+"O, Massa Cap'n, not goin' to send George Wash Jenks back?"
+
+"You will be best serving me, Washington. You will bear a dispatch of
+the utmost importance. It must be in Captain Morgan's hands within
+thirty-six hours in order that he may co-operate with us. I know of no
+other man who knows the road well enough to cover it in that time. You
+will also act as an escort to Miss Juanita's mother and her attendants."
+
+Proud of the distinction and eager to serve his master, as he insisted
+upon calling O'Connor, the negro straightened up.
+
+"Message shall be there, sah. Missee Juanita's mother shall have escort,
+too."
+
+O'Connor called an orderly and sent him with Mason to his quarters.
+After washing and tidying up his tattered clothing as well as he could,
+the boy returned to the military headquarters, where the three men were
+again in earnest conference. O'Connor motioned to a big wooden settee at
+one end of the room. Mason stretched out on this and, utterly worn out,
+his eyes closed and in five minutes he had dropped off into a heavy
+slumber.
+
+For half an hour longer the men continued their conference, and then,
+having come to some unanimous conclusion, they rose from the table.
+O'Connor, seeing the sleeping boy, stepped over to the settee and
+removing his coat, rolled it up and placed it gently under his head.
+Then, with a military salute to President Betancourt, he and General
+Gomez passed out of the building.
+
+Mason was suddenly awakened by the shouts of men and the jangling of
+guns and sabres. He sat up quickly and rubbed his eyes, looking around
+the room in a bewildered manner. At first the train of recent events
+would not form themselves properly in his mind. He could not for a
+moment recall the room in which he found himself, or how he got there.
+The moonlight was streaming in at the low open windows and fell upon the
+long table at which again sat the three men, while an orderly stood
+silently behind the chair of the general. They were apparently eating,
+and hunger gnawing at the boy's stomach dulled any sense of delicacy and
+he rose and walked directly to the table.
+
+"I think you said we would sup here, Captain," he said.
+
+O'Connor turned and motioned to the orderly to bring a chair.
+
+"I certainly did, my boy, but seeing you asleep I thought I would not
+disturb you at present. Sit down, and while you eat tell me all you know
+of the capture of the boys and the movements of their captors."
+
+Mason told the details of the boys' capture and O'Connor repeated it in
+Spanish to Gomez and Betancourt. In the meantime outside of the building
+all was confusion, and through the open door and windows the boy could
+see that armed men were rapidly gathering in response to the loud
+commands of leaders. As fast as one squad or company formed, it moved
+off and down the mountain trail by which Mason and Washington had
+approached the plateau. Another squad began forming at once. There
+seemed to be a constant stream of men pouring down the mountain side.
+
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIII
+
+HARRY REFUSES TO BETRAY CAPTAIN DYNAMITE
+
+
+Harry and Bert had hardly time to inspect the bare room in which they
+were imprisoned, when the door opened again and two men entered. They
+removed the straps from the boys' wrists and retired without a word. A
+key grated in the lock after the door had closed. Harry walked over
+quickly and tried to open it. There was no handle or lock on the inside
+and it would not yield to pressure.
+
+"Well," said Harry, after a short silence, dropping onto one of the
+beds.
+
+"Well," repeated Bert in the same half-questioning tone.
+
+"We are prisoners hard and fast. What do you think they mean to do with
+us?"
+
+"Send us on to Havana, maybe, for the inspection of Weyler. But in the
+meantime what are we going to do? I don't believe in letting them have
+it all their own way, do you?"
+
+"No, not when I can get my breath, but their methods are so rapid and
+one-sided that they make me dizzy."
+
+"The first thing to consider is some plan of escape."
+
+"And if we escaped we wouldn't be any better off than we were in the
+woods. We wouldn't know where to go. However, it would be wise to make a
+more careful inspection of our prison house for possible future use."
+
+Acting on this suggestion the boys made a survey of the room. It was a
+square apartment, with walls of grey stone. The floor was composed of
+smooth stone slabs. The ceiling was heavily timbered. There were two
+barred openings in one of the walls just above their heads. They pushed
+over the table, and climbing up on it, looked out. In the moonlight,
+they could see that the outlook was on what was apparently the jail
+yard, a large space enclosed by a high wall. Nothing interposed between
+them and the free air outside but two iron bars. They shook these with
+all their strength, but they were sunk firmly in the stone frame and
+would not budge.
+
+"I don't think they need feel uneasy, for fear we will escape," said
+Harry, after they had finished their inspection.
+
+"Nothing left but to knock down the turnkey. Must always call 'em
+turnkeys in a stone jail like this."
+
+There was a sound of a key in the lock and the door swung open again.
+The man with the clanking keys entered, followed by two others, who
+promptly slipped a pair of handcuffs on the wrists of the boys, and
+taking each boy by the arm they led them out of the jail and back to the
+building into which they had first been ushered at the muzzles of the
+guns.
+
+The same dignitary who had ordered their incarceration still sat at his
+desk, although in a more dignified attitude. At his right, sat a man who
+seemed to be a clerk. On the left, stood the fat officer and the four
+soldiers. An elderly man with grey side-whiskers stood near the desk
+talking with the presiding personage. When the boys entered he
+approached them and held out his hand.
+
+"I am Consul Wyman. I understand you are Americans and in some sort of
+trouble."
+
+Both boys grasped his hand warmly. It was a great relief to find one who
+spoke their tongue and who could make their situation clear to their
+captors. And the thought that he represented officially the Government
+of the United States, restored much of their waning confidence in
+themselves.
+
+"Mr. Wyman," said Harry, "we certainly are glad to meet you. We are
+Americans and we are in trouble with these Spanish gentlemen. We do not
+know why yet. We did not know it was a crime, or against the laws to
+travel in Cuba or we should have selected some other country for our
+explorations."
+
+"The trouble is that your presence in this part of the island strikes
+the authorities as suspicious. You have apparently passed through none
+of the regular ports of entry, for a careful watch is kept on all
+strangers here now, and travelling through a country so infested as this
+is with Cuban bandits----"
+
+"Bandits?" interrupted Harry, looking Mr. Wyman straight in the eye.
+Captain Dynamite's teachings had taken very deep root in the heart of
+the American boys.
+
+"Well," said Mr. Wyman, "they call themselves insurgents, but they are
+not recognized belligerents you know." Here Mr. Wyman lowered his voice
+almost to a whisper: "And you know we have to be very diplomatic in
+dealing with these Spanish gentlemen, they are so sensitive."
+
+"Mr. Wyman," asked Harry, "are you an American or a Spaniard?"
+
+"Oh, an American--an American always," replied the consul, proudly.
+
+"Then it seems to me, sir, that you should not let the Spaniards select
+your words for you," said Harry, with some indignation.
+
+"Ah, diplomacy, my son, diplomacy," said the consul, drawing himself up
+with comical dignity. "You do not understand the need for diplomacy.
+Why, I was selected by our President for this delicate mission, because
+of my large experience in matters diplomatic. But let us return to your
+own affairs. I see the general is getting nervous. This is the Bureau of
+Justice and I shall see that you have an impartial hearing."
+
+"Bureau of Justice," sniffed Bert. "Humph, a pretty one-sided old
+bureau. I should say it had lost a castor or two."
+
+"Ah, you misjudge General Serano," said Mr. Wyman. "He is an exceedingly
+fair-minded gentleman."
+
+The consul stepped before the desk of the general and beckoned to the
+boys to follow him. He spoke in Spanish for a few minutes, and then
+turned to the boys again.
+
+"The general will examine only one. He thinks that will be sufficient."
+
+"Very well," said Harry, stepping up to the desk. "I will go the general
+one round."
+
+"My young sir," said Mr. Wyman, with some concern, "let me advise you to
+treat the court with due deference. This gentleman will act as
+interpreter, as I understand you do not speak or understand the
+language."
+
+A man with a heavy black mustache waxed to needle points, and who seemed
+to wear a perpetual smile, took a position beside Harry, and the
+examination began.
+
+"What is your name?"
+
+"Harry Hamilton."
+
+"Your age?"
+
+"Fifteen."
+
+"Your nationality?"
+
+"American," answered Harry, "but look here, Mr. Interpreter, I wish you
+would ask the general what right he has to ask me these questions; why I
+was interfered with by his soldiers; why I was prodded in the back by
+their guns; why I was thrust into your old prison; why I am handcuffed,
+and why I am here; and just tell him firmly, Mr. Interpreter, that I do
+not propose to answer any more of his questions until he answers a few
+of mine."
+
+The clerk, who was transcribing the testimony looked up in amazement as
+the interpreter began to literally and faithfully translate Harry's
+words. Mr. Wyman looked worried and leaned forward, and said:
+
+"Treat the court with due deference, my young sir, or even my diplomacy
+may not be powerful enough to save you from the wrath of the general."
+
+"I think I must have a few rights here, Mr. Wyman. I certainly have a
+right to know with what crime I am charged before I am examined."
+
+"Yes, yes, that is quite true, quite true," replied the consul,
+advancing to the desk and speaking to the general.
+
+"You are charged with being suspicious characters," said the
+interpreter, repeating the words of the presiding officer.
+
+"Oh, thank you," said Harry, politely. "You can now tell the judge he
+may proceed."
+
+The interpreter wisely refrained from repeating Harry's words.
+
+"What are you doing in Cuba?"
+
+"Travelling."
+
+"How many were there in your party?"
+
+"Now, that's such a foolish question, general; that little fat officer
+there knows there were only two of us. In fact, here we are; you can see
+for yourself."
+
+"How did you reach Cuba?"
+
+"By steamer."
+
+"Where did you land?"
+
+"On the coast."
+
+"General Serano says your answers are not satisfactory," said the
+interpreter.
+
+"Surely he wants me to tell him the truth," said Harry, affecting
+surprise.
+
+"Yes, but he wants all the truth."
+
+"I have answered his questions truthfully and directly. If he wants
+further information and doesn't know how to ask for it, he cannot expect
+the prisoner to supply the questions."
+
+"At what point or place on the coast of Cuba did you land?"
+
+"I do not know."
+
+"Does your companion know?"
+
+"He is as densely ignorant on that point as I am."
+
+"What was the name of the steamer?"
+
+"I refuse to answer."
+
+The little fat officer poked one of his soldiers in the ribs in a very
+unmilitary fashion, and the general looked at the consul with an
+expression that said, "I told you so." The consul himself looked at
+Harry in honest amazement.
+
+"Do you refuse to answer on the ground that you might incriminate
+yourself?"
+
+"No, on the ground that I might incriminate someone else," answered
+Harry, promptly.
+
+"Who is that someone else?"
+
+"Now, general, that is another one of those foolish questions. If I
+could answer one I could answer the other."
+
+"Then you refuse again?"
+
+"I do."
+
+"Will you tell the court why you came to Cuba?"
+
+"Because I had to. I assure you we are not travelling for our health,
+and would have been very glad to have been back in the United States
+long before we met your little fat officer on the mountain."
+
+"Then why did you come?"
+
+"To be perfectly frank, general, we were out yachting off Martha's
+Vineyard--I don't suppose you know where that is--when a steamer ran us
+down during a storm, picked us up, and brought us along to Cuba--that's
+all."
+
+"And you still persist in refusing to give the name of the steamer?"
+
+"Yes, sir, but with due respect to the court," Harry smiled pleasantly
+at the consul. He looked upon the examination as a mere farce, and did
+not now regard their position as at all serious. Although he did not
+consider the consul a particularly forceful representative of the United
+States, he felt confident that the Spanish general would not dare to
+ignore his demands. Could he have forseen the occurrences of the next
+few days he would not have felt so easy in his mind. The general turned
+again and addressed the boy.
+
+"According to your testimony," repeated the interpreter, "your presence
+here on the island is entirely accidental, therefor it is difficult to
+reconcile this testimony with your refusal to answer the simple
+questions of the court. In this I wish to say that your consul and
+representative here concurs with me. I now warn you that you must
+answer the questions that I am about to ask you or take the consequences
+that your refusal will entail. Personally, I believe that you could, if
+you would, clear yourself and your companion of all suspicion, and if
+your explanation of your presence on board this mysterious steamer is
+true, and I believe it is, your refusal to answer the questions will
+only further complicate the case against you."
+
+"The general is quite right, my boy," said the consul earnestly. "You
+can see that he means to give you every opportunity to clear yourself."
+
+"Very well, sir. Suppose you have another try," said Harry, turning to
+General Serano. "I assure you that I will answer any question that I
+honorably can."
+
+"Very well: I repeat, what is the name of the steamer that brought you
+to Cuba?"
+
+"I cannot answer," replied Harry, promptly.
+
+"Remember, I have warned you. At what place on the coast did you land?"
+
+"I have told you, general, that I do not know."
+
+"How far from here in miles?"
+
+"I couldn't even guess that, general."
+
+"How long had you been away from the steamer when my men found you?"
+
+"I cannot answer."
+
+"Do you mean that you are unable to answer, or that you refuse?"
+
+"I refuse."
+
+"Where were you going?"
+
+"To tell the plain truth we were very well lost when your friend there
+overtook us."
+
+"But you had an objective point that you were trying to reach. What was
+that?"
+
+"I cannot answer."
+
+"Very well; you may step aside."
+
+After a few words from General Serano, the interpreter turned to Bert,
+and said:
+
+"Step forward, please. The general wishes to ask you a few questions
+also."
+
+"All right," answered Bert, stepping promptly to the front.
+
+"You have heard the questions that have been asked your companion?"
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"And you have heard those that he refused to answer?"
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"Will you answer them?"
+
+"No, sir."
+
+The answer was apparently not unexpected. The general and the consul
+began an earnest conversation in Spanish. The latter seemed to protest
+against the decision of General Serano who, however, was set and
+determined. Finally, Mr. Wyman turned to the boys.
+
+"I am very sorry," he said, "that for some reason which I cannot
+conceive you will not satisfactorily answer the questions of the court.
+I have endeavored to have you paroled in my custody, but the general
+will not permit it."
+
+"Do you mean that we are to be sent back to jail?" asked Harry, in
+surprise.
+
+"That is the general's intention. It is not too late for you to answer
+his questions, though, and I am sure that if you do, you will be
+promptly released."
+
+"And has the United States Consul no power or authority?"
+
+"He has the power to see that you have a fair and impartial hearing. You
+have had that, and must blame only yourselves for the position in which
+you now find yourselves. I shall not desert you, and if you care to make
+a confidant of me, perhaps I can suggest some way to extricate you from
+this tangle."
+
+"We will take a little time to think the matter over, Mr. Wyman, thank
+you. It is not alone ourselves who are involved, or would be involved,
+if we attempted now to clear ourselves."
+
+General Serano now indicated that he wished to speak to the prisoners,
+and the consul fell back.
+
+"Young men," repeated the interpreter, "the conditions in Cuba are such,
+and particularly in this province, that the utmost vigilance is
+necessary on the part of the authorities. Your explanation of the
+suspicious circumstances under which you are detained is entirely
+unsatisfactory to me. You are found alone in a country infested by men
+who are in revolt against the Government, travelling with seeming
+security; you admit having landed on the coast from a steamer whose name
+you refuse to tell; you are apparently headed for the center of the
+insurgent uprising. You will not tell where you are going or from whence
+you come. It is my duty to hold you, and you are therefore remanded to
+jail pending a further investigation. Perhaps in a few hours, or say
+to-morrow, you may be willing to answer my questions, in which case you
+may so inform your consul, and he will take such steps as are necessary
+to reopen the hearing. I am sorry that you will not be guided by the
+more mature mind of Mr. Wyman in a matter that may be more serious in
+its consequences than you imagine."
+
+The general waved his hand, and the fat officer, with a malignant smile
+of triumph marshalled his men and approached Harry and Bert with the
+muzzles of their guns once more extended toward them. A sharp word from
+General Serano caused them to lower their guns and assume a less
+dictatorial manner toward the prisoners.
+
+Once more the boys were conducted to the gloomy white jail and the doors
+of their prison room closed upon them.
+
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIV
+
+THE SECRET PASSAGE
+
+
+Two men entered the room shortly after the door had closed on the boys,
+and removed the handcuffs. They passed out in the same silent manner,
+and the prisoners were left alone again. There was no light in the room,
+but the moonbeams entered through the barred windows, and cast two
+streaks of light across the floor that was sufficient to enable the boys
+to see almost as well as by daylight. They each sat down dejectedly upon
+a bed and for a long time neither uttered a word. Harry was trying to
+think out the true meaning of their position, which began to assume a
+more serious phase to him. There was no element of play in it, now.
+
+He reviewed his recent examination by General Serano, and wished he had
+not assumed quite so nonchalant an air, although he felt that he could
+not have answered the questions which would perhaps involve the safety
+of Captain Dynamite. They were unquestionably in a disagreeable
+situation. He realized that if he were to tell the entire truth they
+would be immediately released, but the truth would at once set the
+Spaniards on the heels of O'Connor, and Harry could not forget the
+personal risk the man had taken to save their lives after he had run
+them down, nor the kindness with which they, as unbidden guests on his
+ship, had been treated. To betray his confidence would be a dastardly
+act, for, even if he could have doubted the words of O'Connor, the
+actions of the commander of the gunboat were sufficient to indicate that
+it would go hard with the intrepid skipper of the _Mariella_ if he
+should fall into the hands of the Spaniards.
+
+Mason and Washington were still to be counted on. He felt sure that they
+would continue on their way to O'Connor and that he would make some move
+to effect their rescue. There was one strong objection to waiting for
+O'Connor. Whatever plan he might adopt for their relief must necessarily
+be attended by violence, for in no other way could he approach their
+captors, except it be by strategy, and there seemed to be no chance of
+escape in that way.
+
+He feared for O'Connor's sake to take the consul into their confidence,
+except as a last resort. While he had the utmost respect for the man's
+integrity he feared the influence of General Serano. At all events there
+was nothing that could be done to-night. He turned to Bert who was
+sitting in an equally dejected frame of mind on the edge of his bed with
+his head in his hands.
+
+"Let's turn in, Bert, old man. Things may be brighter in the morning."
+
+"I don't see much hope. Do you think Captain Dynamite would care if we
+told that Spanish gentleman the whole truth as to how we came here?"
+
+"No, I don't," replied Harry, indignantly. "If O'Connor could advise us
+I know the man well enough to believe that the first thing he would tell
+us to do would be to make a clean breast of everything. But I would hate
+to say what I should think of myself, or of you, if either of us did
+such a thing. Why man, you know as well as I do that it would set the
+Spaniards after him like a pack of hounds on the trail. And you know
+there is a price on his head and a big one, too. Don't let any more such
+bubbles get into your think tank or you and I will have to part
+company."
+
+"You are right, Hal," said Bert, sheepishly. "I didn't think of the
+danger to him."
+
+"Well, then, let's go to bed."
+
+The boys threw off only their outer clothing and lay down on the hard
+husk mattresses and were soon fast asleep notwithstanding the
+uncertainty and danger of their predicament.
+
+The place was in almost total darkness when Harry awakened suddenly and
+sat bolt upright in bed. He listened for a moment intently, as if for
+the repetition of the sound that had awakened him.
+
+"What was it, I wonder. Something must have wakened me."
+
+He sat motionless for a long time, but not a sound broke the stillness
+of the night.
+
+"I know I heard something," he said to himself as he dropped back on the
+bed again. He could not sleep, however, for the sense that he had been
+awakened by a strange sound, and the mental effort that he had made to
+catch a repetition of it, had completely aroused him. He lay on his back
+looking up into the darkness when he heard a sound like a smothered
+sigh.
+
+"Bert," he whispered, as he sprang up and sat on the edge of his bed,
+"was that you?"
+
+"What's that? What's the matter, old man?" asked Bert, aroused from his
+sleep.
+
+"Was that you?"
+
+"Was what me--what's the matter with you, Hal?"
+
+"Have you been awake?"
+
+"No, not until you called me."
+
+"Then you didn't sigh?"
+
+"Not unless it was in my sleep."
+
+"This wasn't a sleepy sigh."
+
+"Say, Hal, what is the matter with you? You make me feel creepy."
+
+"I heard a sigh."
+
+Bert groped his way over to Harry's bed and sat down beside him.
+
+"Say, old man, you're not asleep, are you?"
+
+"No; Listen! There it is again."
+
+The boys drew closer together and put out their hands until they touched
+one another. The sound they heard seemed to come from nowhere in
+particular.
+
+"What do you think it is, Hal?"
+
+"I don't know. Wait until we hear it again."
+
+By this time their eyes had become accustomed to the darkness of the
+room, and aided by the star-lighted sky, they could see into every
+corner. There was no one in the room. Somewhat reassured they waited.
+The next time the sound was an unmistakable sob, and it seemed to be
+wafted through the barred windows on the still night air.
+
+"I know what it is," said Harry, eagerly jumping from the bed and
+pulling the table under the window. "It's some one in the cell next to
+ours. Let's try to talk to him."
+
+"He's probably a Spaniard or a Cuban, and will not be able to understand
+you."
+
+"I'm going to try, anyway. Misery loves company, you know."
+
+Harry mounted the table and put his face between the bars.
+
+"Hist," he said.
+
+A low moaning cry answered him.
+
+"Bert, it's a woman," said Harry, turning in amazement to his companion,
+who now mounted the table beside him.
+
+"How do you know?"
+
+"Couldn't you hear? It was a woman's voice."
+
+"Hist," said Harry, again, as loudly as he dared. "Who are you? Can we
+help you in any way?"
+
+He hardly expected a reply for he felt, as did Bert, that they would not
+find any other English-speaking prisoners confined there. His surprise
+was great therefore, when a low voice, with just a suspicion of soft
+Spanish accent, asked:
+
+"Who are you?"
+
+"We are two American boys who would like to assist you if we can."
+
+"Are you prisoners also?"
+
+"We are."
+
+"Then I fear you can be of little assistance to me, but I thank you very
+much for your interest. What have they shut you up for; are you friends
+of the insurgents?"
+
+"We have one very good friend among them, but until we met him we did
+not know an insurgent from a Spanish regular. May I ask what offense you
+have committed against the laws of this fussy country?"
+
+"I am a Cuban," said the soft voice, with a little gasping sob.
+
+"Is that a crime?"
+
+"Yes; to be a true Cuban."
+
+"O, I see. You are what they call a sympathizer."
+
+"Yes."
+
+"How long have you been here?"
+
+"I have lost count of the days and nights. I think a week."
+
+"Have they ill-treated you?"
+
+"Not yet, but they threaten to if I do not give them the information
+they seek, to-morrow."
+
+"What do they want to know that you can tell them?"
+
+"Much, very much, about the insurgent arms."
+
+"And you will tell them to-morrow?"
+
+"Not to-morrow--not ever."
+
+The voice was low and full of tears, but there was a ring of
+determination that told of a strong heart despite her woman's weakness.
+
+"Hooray," whispered Bert. "Good for you."
+
+"And have you no friends who can aid you?"
+
+"Yes, one, but he may even now be dead or dying in a Spanish dungeon. It
+is for him I weep, not for myself. There is a price upon his head."
+
+"What," said the boys in a breath.
+
+"Is he Captain Dynamite of the _Mariella_?" asked Harry, excitedly.
+
+"He is sometimes called so. His name is Michael O'Connor. What do you
+know of him?"
+
+The woman's voice trembled with excitement.
+
+"Hoop la," whispered Harry, hardly able to refrain from shouting.
+"Captain Dynamite is not in any dungeon cell, Miss Juanita, and if I am
+not mistaken he is already devising some plan with Gomez to effect your
+rescue."
+
+"Who are you," whispered the girl in amazement, "who know O'Connor and
+my name so well?"
+
+"I told you, Miss Juanita, that we had one friend among the Cubans; that
+is Captain Dynamite. We made the last trip with him on the _Mariella_,
+though not willingly. We'll tell you that story some other time when you
+are well out of this."
+
+"He was well?" nervously whispered the girl.
+
+"Yes, until he got the dispatch from Gomez telling him that you had been
+captured. Then he was off to Cubitas like a shot in the middle of the
+night. We were trying to join him when they nabbed us."
+
+"But they have not learned from you where he is?"
+
+"Miss Juanita, you wrong us. We do not betray our friends."
+
+"Oh, and it is because you will not betray him that you are here. I kiss
+your hands."
+
+"Permit us to kiss yours--figuratively--Miss Juanita," said Harry,
+gallantly, while Bert gulped down a lump in his throat when he thought
+of his suggestion to tell the Spanish general the truth.
+
+"But I wouldn't have done it, Hal, old man," he said, involuntarily.
+
+"Wouldn't have done what?"
+
+"Not when it came right down to bed rock."
+
+"What are you talking about, Bert?"
+
+"Oh, nothing. I was just thinking."
+
+"Well, don't think so loud unless you are going to take me into your
+confidence. Any chance of getting out of that dungeon cell of yours,
+Miss Juanita?"
+
+"None."
+
+At this moment they heard the sound of regular footsteps outside.
+
+"'Sh," whispered the voice. "It is the guard. Go away from the window."
+
+The boys jumped down from the table, and as they did so, Bert stumbled
+and fell heavily against the wall. When he recovered his balance they
+heard a strange grinding sound like a heavy door creaking on rusty
+hinges. The boys listened in wonder.
+
+"Gee, but this is a creepy old place," said Bert, as the noise
+continued. "Now, what do you suppose that is?"
+
+"It sounds as if it came from the wall there. Let's investigate."
+
+They moved nervously over to the stone wall that separated their prison
+room from that of Miss Juanita. The noise seemed nearer and more
+distinct, but they could see nothing that might cause it. Still the
+strange sound continued. In the semi-darkness they watched in wonderment
+the blank face of the wall from which the sound seemed to proceed.
+Suddenly Harry seized Bert by the arm.
+
+"Look!" he whispered in a tense voice. He pointed to a large stone in
+about the centre of the wall. "Doesn't it move?"
+
+The stone to which Harry referred was larger than any other, being three
+feet square, and placed about waist-high from the floor. Bert watched
+intently. It seemed to him that he could see a slight trembling movement
+and then an almost imperceptible jump as the hand of an electric clock
+advances with a jerk. The face of the stone, too, seemed to be out of
+line with the others.
+
+They advanced closer, and Harry passed his hand cautiously under the
+stone. Unquestionably it had moved, either by accident or design. The
+upper edge projected into the room beyond the line of the wall at least
+an inch and the lower edge receded in the same way. As Harry's hand
+rested on the stone he felt it tremble and jump and the upper edge
+advanced another quarter of an inch into the room.
+
+"That stone is revolving on a horizontal axis," said Harry, confidently,
+after his inspection. "Now the question is: How and why?"
+
+"It seems uncomfortably like the times of the inquisition," said Bert,
+shuddering.
+
+"Oh, pshaw, don't you see that wall separates us from the cell of Miss
+Juanita, and the Spaniards would have nothing to do with opening this
+passage?"
+
+"Do you think she is doing it, then?"
+
+"No, for had she known of the stone she would have mentioned it when I
+asked her if there was any chance of escape from her prison. It has come
+about through an accident, I feel sure, but how? Of course there must be
+some secret spring that works it, but where is it and how and by whom
+has it been operated?"
+
+"Hal, I believe I did it," whispered Bert, excitedly.
+
+"What on earth do you mean?"
+
+"You know when I jumped down from the table I fell against the wall. It
+was immediately after that we heard the creaking."
+
+"Thunder, you are right. You must have touched the spring."
+
+"I think so. Let's look for it."
+
+The boys carefully examined the wall near the place where Bert had
+stumbled, and to the left of the revolving stone they found a small,
+diamond-shaped stone that to the casual observer would appear to have
+been set in the wall to fill in the broken corner of one of the larger
+stones. Upon close inspection they found that it was set loosely in the
+wall without mortar. They dared not touch it for fear it might stop the
+invisible machinery that it had evidently set in motion.
+
+Slowly the stone continued its unsteady revolution, until at the end of
+about five minutes the creaking stopped, there was a clicking sound as
+if a cog had settled into place, and all movement ceased. The big slab,
+which was six inches thick, had now obtained a horizontal position,
+leaving an opening above and below into the next room, or cell. The axis
+upon which the stone revolved was a little above the centre, so that the
+lower opening was nearly eighteen inches high.
+
+The boys peered through into the darkness of the next cell.
+
+"Miss Juanita," called Harry, softly. "May we come in? Perhaps this
+scheme of opening walls may continue through to the outside world."
+
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XV
+
+THE EXECUTION AT DAWN
+
+
+"Who is there?" came a frightened voice from the farthest corner of the
+room.
+
+"It's the American boys who were talking with you at the window,"
+answered Harry, reassuringly. "We are friends. Do not fear."
+
+"Oh," came in a gasp of relief. "I thought they were about to inflict
+some new horror upon me. What have you done?"
+
+"We do not quite know ourselves. In some way we touched a secret spring
+that rolled over this stone and formed a passage between these two
+cells. It is just possible that there may be another one. May we come in
+and look?"
+
+"Yes, yes, come in. Oh, perhaps it is true--perhaps we shall be able to
+escape from this horrible place."
+
+"Do not hope for too much. It was only a chance thought of mine.
+However, we better see."
+
+The boys climbed through the opening without difficulty and found
+themselves in a room exactly similar to the one they had left, except
+that it was furnished a little more comfortably for a woman.
+
+The moon had set, but they were now so used to the darkness that with
+the little starlight that penetrated through the barred windows they
+were able to see quite well. They went at once to the wall directly
+opposite and began an eager search for a diamond-shaped stone. There was
+none, nor was there any big slab-like stone resembling the revolving one
+in the wall through which they had just passed. They tried the other two
+walls, but also without avail. It was evident that only these two cells
+were connected.
+
+"Well, Miss Juanita," said Harry, when they had assured themselves that
+there was no other opening, "we have only succeeded in widening our
+prisons. There is no other means of exit but the doors. I am very sorry
+to have raised your expectations."
+
+The girl, who had followed them eagerly from place to place as they
+examined the walls, held out her hands in protest at Harry's words.
+
+"Oh, let me thank you for the ray of happiness you have brought me," she
+said, quickly.
+
+"I can't think that we have in any way lightened your burden, except
+that you may count on us to do anything in our power to help you, but I
+fear that is very little."
+
+"Ah, but you brought me news of him and--and the knowledge of the near
+presence of friends is cheering."
+
+"Yes, Miss Juanita, and I think you can bank on hearing more news from
+him in the very near future."
+
+"I hope so for--for all our sakes."
+
+"Now that we are literally up against a stone wall, I think we better
+climb back into our own cell before the guard takes it into his head to
+look around. Cheer up, Miss Juanita, Captain Dynamite will be on the
+march before long, I'll warrant you. Good night."
+
+"Good-night, my friends."
+
+"Now I wonder how the old stone works backwards?" said Harry, when they
+had returned to their own room.
+
+"Press the button and the stone will do the rest," said Bert, with a
+grim attempt at humor. He pressed the diamond-shaped stone as he spoke,
+but there was no answering creak, nor did the slab move.
+
+"It is not likely that the same spring does double duty. We will have to
+hunt up the other," said Harry. "Now, by all the laws of symmetry there
+should be another similar stone on the other side of the slab--and here
+it is."
+
+He pushed on this as he spoke, and at once the grinding sound began
+again and the stone slowly settled back into place.
+
+"Well, our discovery of the Don's secret inquisitorial passage does not
+appear to have done us much good," said Bert, as they stretched
+themselves out on their beds again.
+
+"I'm not so sure of that," replied Harry, thoughtfully. "I think I see a
+way by which at least one of us three can benefit by it."
+
+"How?"
+
+"Wait until I get it all thought out. In the meantime I am going to get
+a little more sleep."
+
+They did not return to their own cell any too soon, for they had no more
+than turned over for their second nap when a light flashed in their eyes
+and they sat up to find their silent jailor had opened the door
+noiselessly and was inspecting the room with the aid of a large lantern.
+He nodded his head in a satisfied way and passed out again.
+
+"Say, Hal, old man, this sort of thing is getting on my nerves," said
+Bert, when the man had gone.
+
+"I wouldn't mind a few streaks of daylight myself, Bert."
+
+Tired as they were, the boys' nerves were so worked upon that they were
+unable to go to sleep again and tossed on their cots until the gray dawn
+began to show through the windows. They lay in a sort of lethargy
+watching the sky grow brighter and brighter until they were aroused to
+action by the loud voices of men and the clanking of guns in the jail
+yard below.
+
+"Holloa, I wonder what's up now," said Harry, jumping up and climbing on
+the table to peer out.
+
+The yard was still full of dark shadows and the forms of men were not
+fully distinguishable, but Harry could make out a group of armed
+soldiers standing at ease, chatting and smoking cigarettes near one of
+the gray walls. An officer, apart from his men, strutted pompously up
+and down the yard.
+
+"I guess they must be going to drill," said Bert, who had climbed up
+beside Harry.
+
+"Pretty early for drill."
+
+"Time doesn't seem to cut any figure in this country. I've been doing
+something night and day ever since we struck the place. I should like to
+get home to a quiet life again."
+
+Another officer entered the yard and approached the man who paced to and
+fro. He handed him a paper which the other read, nodded as if in assent,
+and turning to the men gave an order in a sharp voice. The soldiers fell
+into a file of threes and at another word of command marched quickly
+into the jail, the officer following them, leisurely rolling a
+cigarette.
+
+In another moment the boys heard the tramp of feet at the lower end of
+the corridor outside of their cell.
+
+"Are they coming for us, do you think, Hal?" asked Bert, in a tremulous
+voice.
+
+The footsteps came nearer and nearer. Now they were just outside the
+door and the boys involuntarily caught their breath. They passed on
+without stopping and they heard them die away down the passage. Again
+there was silence and then a sound as if a heavy iron door had been
+closed with a bang. This was followed again by the regular tramp of the
+soldiers' feet as they returned along the corridor. They passed the door
+of the boys' cell and again the sound died away.
+
+Harry turned again to the window. The soldiers filed rapidly into the
+yard, but this time there was another in their ranks. A man in his shirt
+sleeves with his hands bound behind his back marched with head erect
+between the two middle ranks. He was a tall, muscular man, broad of
+shoulder and lithe of limb. His face was pale, but the expression was
+calm and determined. His step was firm and the soldiers at his back
+found no need to urge him on. They marched straight to the wall of the
+yard that faced the jail, and at a command from the officer, the
+soldiers parted, leaving the man standing with his back to the wall and
+facing his captors.
+
+As the soldiers fell back they formed ranks of six on either side of the
+prisoner, the butts of their rifles resting on the ground. Down this
+narrow human alley the commander strode until he stood face to face with
+the man against the wall. He spoke to him in Spanish and the prisoner
+replied briefly, at the same time lifting his head proudly and looking
+his questioner firmly in the eye. Although the boys could understand
+nothing that was said, it was easy to tell that the officer had made
+some offer which the other proudly rejected. The boys looked on with a
+feeling that they were about to witness a tragedy, but some strange
+fascination prevented them from turning away.
+
+The commander turned to the jail and lifted his hand as a signal. A
+friar in long solemn robes walked slowly down between the ranks of
+soldiers, his eyes fixed on the ground. As he reached the prisoner, he
+stopped in front of him and raised his head. In his thin, worn face
+there was an expression of gentle sorrow. He spoke a few words and
+raised a cross before the face of the other, who leaned eagerly forward
+and kissed it. The friar bowed his head and fell back a few paces. In a
+low voice he repeated what was apparently a prayer, and then once more
+holding the cross for a moment before the eyes of the doomed man, he
+turned and walked slowly back to the jail, his lips still moving in
+prayer.
+
+A man stepped out of the ranks and tied a silk handkerchief over the
+eyes of the prisoner. The boys, watching breathlessly through the bars
+of the window, were pale with the horror of the scene. They now
+understood the tragedy that was about to be enacted, but they could not
+shake off the desire to look.
+
+The soldier moved back into the ranks, there was another sharp command
+and the lines wheeled and marched in a single rank of twelve back to the
+jail wall. They were now directly under the boys and out of their line
+of vision. All they could see was the man with the bound hands and
+bandaged eyes standing calmly facing them.
+
+There was another quick command, followed instantly by a rattle of arms.
+
+The boys cast off the spell that had held them, and with a cry of horror
+jumped down from the table and throwing themselves on the beds placed
+their hands over their ears.
+
+Another command in a low tone, and the discharge of twelve guns as one
+ended it.
+
+"I hope she did not see," said Harry, raising his white face.
+
+He had scarcely uttered the words, when the wild shriek of a woman rang
+out on the morning air.
+
+A loud, coarse laugh from the jail yard followed the pitiful cry and
+Harry clenched his hand in futile anger.
+
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVI
+
+THE ESCAPE
+
+
+It was sometime before the boys recovered from the unpleasant effects of
+the scene they had witnessed in the jail yard.
+
+"I wonder who he was?" said Bert, after a long silence.
+
+"Probably an insurgent. But whoever he was, he was a brave man."
+
+The door of their cell quietly opened at this moment and a man brought
+food and set it on the table. The boys, who had not eaten anything for
+many hours, disposed of the porridge and some mysterious sort of meat
+stew with relish. They had scarcely finished their meal when the cell
+door opened again and the gentleman with the genial smile, who had acted
+as interpreter, appeared.
+
+"Good morning," he said, cheerily. "Did you sleep well?"
+
+"Very well, thank you," replied Harry, wondering what the purpose of the
+man's visit might be.
+
+"Thought I would drop in and see if there was any message you would like
+to send to the general or to Consul Wyman."
+
+"You mean that you were sent to see if we were ready to talk yet, don't
+you?"
+
+"Just a different way of putting it."
+
+"Well, you may tell General What-You-May-Call-Him that we have nothing
+more to say than we said yesterday; and you may also inform him that our
+situation is known to our friends by this time, and that he will be held
+to a strict accounting by Uncle Sam for this outrage upon two American
+citizens."
+
+"You have communicated with your friends--how?"
+
+The genial smile on the man's face faded into a look of surprise and
+anxiety. He glanced quickly around the room to see if there was any
+means by which they could have communicated with the outside world.
+
+"That is another one of those questions that we claim the privilege of
+refusing to answer."
+
+"I will deliver your message, but I warn you that it will not be well
+for you to arouse the anger of General Serano. He fears no one."
+
+"It is entirely up to the general whether he gets angry or not. I really
+do not see any necessity for it."
+
+"Will you send any message to Consul Wyman?"
+
+"No--yes, come to think of it, I should like to speak to Mr. Wyman.
+Will you ask him if it will be too much trouble for him to see us here?"
+
+"General Serano will be pleased to furnish you with an escort to the
+consul's. The air will do you good this morning."
+
+"When I go to the American consul I shall go without an escort, as you
+call it--guard I think would be more like it."
+
+The man shrugged his shoulders.
+
+"I will send your message to the consul," he said.
+
+"What do you want of the consul, Hal?" asked Bert, when the man had
+gone.
+
+"He is a part of my secret-passage plot, but I do not know whether he
+will be game or not."
+
+Mr. Wyman did not keep them waiting long. He bustled in behind the
+turnkey and greeted them heartily.
+
+"Good morning, boys," he said. "I understand you want to see me. I hope
+you have changed your minds and will now sensibly answer the general's
+questions and set yourselves at liberty."
+
+"No, Mr. Wyman, we will never do that--at least not until we know that
+the one we might injure by so doing is quite safe. We did think,
+however, sir, that we would like to take you into our confidence."
+
+"The best thing you can do, boys. I may be able to help you out of your
+trouble; at least, I can act with more intelligence in your interests."
+
+"Yes, sir, so we thought," answered Harry meekly, glancing at Bert, who
+sat open mouthed, utterly in ignorance of Harry's plans. "Do you think
+there is any chance of our being disturbed?" he continued, looking at
+the door.
+
+"None whatever. The man with the key will not open the door until I rap
+three times."
+
+"Very well, sir, if you will take that chair I shall be quite
+comfortable here on the bed."
+
+The consul drew his chair up close to Harry and sat down. Bert also
+seated himself on the bed. Beginning with the wreck of their sail boat,
+Harry then told Mr. Wyman in sequence the events that had led up to
+their present incarceration in a Spanish jail in Cuba.
+
+"Now, sir," he said, as he concluded, "you can understand why we cannot
+tell anything that will in any way bring harm to Captain Dynamite."
+
+"Yes, yes," said the consul, who had been deeply interested in the boy's
+story. "A marvelous man, and there are many more like him in the service
+of Cuba. I believe they will win. I--I hope they will win."
+
+Mr. Wyman lowered his voice and looked around the room as if to see
+whether there was anyone to overhear him. Harry looked at him in
+surprise.
+
+"I thought you were a Spanish sympathizer, Mr. Wyman," he said.
+
+"Diplomacy, my boy, only diplomacy."
+
+"I am very glad to hear you say so, sir; you may fall in with my plan
+quicker."
+
+"What plan?" asked the consul, suspiciously.
+
+"I will tell you presently, but I have not finished my story yet. You
+see that wall?" Harry pointed to the wall between their cell and the one
+occupied by Miss Juanita. The consul nodded. "Behind that wall is a
+young woman--a Cuban sympathizer--who is awaiting torture, perhaps
+death, at the hands of her captors, because she will not betray the
+cause. And that young woman is Miss Juanita, the sweetheart of Captain
+Dynamite."
+
+"How do you know this, boys?" asked Mr. Wyman, springing to his feet in
+excitement.
+
+"Do you see that big slab in the wall?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"That closes a secret passage between this room and hers. Last night we
+accidentally touched the spring that rolls back the stone, and we talked
+to her. If you can depend upon our not being disturbed, I will open it
+now and you can see for yourself."
+
+"I will answer for the man with the key. He now and then gets a little
+present from me. I find it convenient to be in touch with all hands.
+Diplomacy, my boy, diplomacy."
+
+Harry stepped to the wall and pressed the diamond-shaped stone. The
+groaning and creaking of the rusty mechanism of the revolving stone
+began and in five minutes the passage was open. Harry peered through and
+started back with a cry.
+
+The young woman lay face downward on the stone floor of her cell.
+
+"Miss Juanita," called Harry, softly. "What is the matter? Get up. It is
+your friends again."
+
+She did not stir.
+
+"She may be dead," said Harry, in fear, as he climbed through the
+passage. He kneeled down beside her and turned her limp body over so
+that he could see her face. "No, she still breathes."
+
+"Perhaps she has fainted," said Mr. Wyman from the other side of the
+passage. "Take some water from that pitcher there and bathe her face."
+
+Harry did as directed and soon a faint sigh escaped from her pallid
+lips, and in a moment more she opened her eyes and looked up, dazed and
+frightened.
+
+"Do not be afraid, Miss Juanita," said Harry, nervously. "It is the
+American boys again. What has happened?"
+
+"I think I fainted," she said, weakly. "Oh, it's all so terrible."
+
+Painfully she dragged herself to her feet and sank into a chair that
+Harry placed for her.
+
+"What is so terrible?" he asked.
+
+"First the shooting in the jail yard this morning. Did you see it?"
+Harry nodded his head. "I cried out. I tried not to, but the horror was
+too great. They laughed. They had wrung from me the first sign of
+womanly weakness. Then they came to me and repeated their demands for
+information. But I was strong again and they left me with curses.
+To-morrow I shall stand where he did in the jail yard. I must have
+fainted when they left me. But do not mind. It is soon over. Tell him
+when you see him that I died bravely for--for him and the cause."
+
+The woman buried her face in her hands and sobbed softly.
+
+"Do you mean, Miss," asked Mr. Wyman anxiously, through the opening,
+"that they told you that to-morrow--that to-morrow----" He could not
+finish the sentence, but she understood him and nodded her head.
+
+"Yes--to-morrow--at dawn."
+
+Harry stooped down and whispered:
+
+"Do not fear, Miss Juanita, it will not be at dawn to-morrow, nor any
+other day. But much will depend upon yourself, so dry your eyes, Miss,
+and be ready to do your part when the time comes."
+
+The woman looked up at him wonderingly.
+
+"Have you heard from him?" she asked.
+
+"Not yet, but you will if you will only arouse yourself a bit and be
+ready to do as I tell you when I come back."
+
+Harry turned from her quickly and hastily climbing through the passage,
+touched the spring that closed it.
+
+"Now, Mr. Wyman," he said, as the stone rolled into place. "You have
+seen and heard."
+
+"What an outrage--what a horrible outrage," murmured the consul, gazing
+blankly ahead of him.
+
+"Will you listen to my plan now, Mr. Wyman?" said Harry.
+
+"Yes, yes," replied the consul, eagerly. "What is it?"
+
+Harry drew him down on the bed beside him and in a whisper that even
+Bert could not hear, unfolded the scheme that had come suddenly into his
+head in nebulous shape when they had discovered the secret passage.
+
+"But think of the sacrifice," said the consul in an uncertain tone when
+Harry had concluded.
+
+"Never mind that, sir--that is for me to consider, and I have done so. I
+am willing to take the chance."
+
+"But if you come to my house I shall be at once connected with the
+escape and that would bring my office into disrepute. I do not care for
+myself, but the United States must not be brought into the case."
+
+"But if I never reach your house you cannot in any way be responsible.
+Listen--all you have to do is to tell General What's-His-Name that I
+have promised you to tell the whole truth in regard to our landing, but
+that I insist that I shall be paroled and permitted to visit you alone
+and without guard. Bert will remain as hostage, so that there can be no
+suspicion."
+
+"Say, Hal," said Bert, nervously, "you are not going to leave me here
+alone?"
+
+"Not for long, old man. What do you say, Mr. Wyman? Think how you would
+feel if these men carried out their threat, and they are quite capable
+of it."
+
+"I'll do my best, my boy. Your risk is the greater, but it is a noble
+act."
+
+Mr. Wyman rose and shook Harry's hand vigorously. He rapped three times
+on the door and as the jailer opened it he turned again and said: "You
+will hear from me shortly, when I have laid your case before General
+Serano."
+
+"Say, Hal," said Bert, as soon as the door closed, "what is this plan of
+yours, and why am I kept in the dark like an outsider?"
+
+"Because I want to take all the responsibility and do not want to have
+you mixed up in it if it should fail."
+
+"But I am willing to take equal chances with you, old man. It isn't
+fair."
+
+"Oh, yes, it is. You will understand later."
+
+Bert moped for a time in resentment, but as Harry refused to be affected
+by his mood, he soon cheered up and determined to watch for developments
+that might enlighten him as to the plot that Harry and the consul were
+hatching. But nothing developed. A guard brought in their dinner and it
+was nearly nightfall before their door opened again and the smiling
+interpreter entered.
+
+"So you have thought better of it, after all, young gentlemen?" he said.
+
+"I do not know whether it is better or worse, but we have thought
+differently, if that's what you mean," answered Harry.
+
+"I mean that you have decided to tell the general what he wants to
+know."
+
+"No, I have decided to tell Consul Wyman."
+
+"Yes, but he will tell the general."
+
+"That will be his concern."
+
+"Very well. Here is a pass from General Serano through the guards. When
+you are ready to go, rap three times on the door and it will be opened.
+Only one of you is to leave this place; the pass is for only one. Should
+both of you attempt to use it you would be at once arrested. I simply
+warn you."
+
+"Thank you. We have no intention of trying to escape. We enjoy your
+hospitality too much and the longer we board with you the longer the
+score you will have to settle with Uncle Sam."
+
+Harry took the pass from the man, who then left the cell.
+
+"Now to work, Bert," said Harry, eagerly, as the door closed. "Listen!
+When it is dark I am going through the passage. You must close it at
+once, so that in case any one should come in it will not be discovered."
+
+"But suppose the jailor should come in; how can I account for your
+absence?"
+
+"You cannot understand him nor he you, and he would probably rush off to
+make a report of my escape. Before his return I will be back. But that
+will not be very likely to happen. When I have been in the other cell
+ten minutes, open the passage again, and when I come through do not
+speak, no matter what you may see or hear. Then close the passage at
+once. Do you understand?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"And after I have left this room see to it that the door is safely
+closed again, and then once more open the passage."
+
+"What for?"
+
+"Never mind that now. Do you know what you are to do?"
+
+"Yes; close and open the passage twice and say nothing."
+
+"That's it."
+
+They did not have to wait long for darkness. Night was now falling
+rapidly. They sat in silence as the dark shadows began to fill the room.
+Harry was in a serious, thoughtful mood and talked but little. Finally,
+when the room became so dark that they could not see one another's
+faces, he rose.
+
+"It is time now, Bert," he whispered. "Remember your part."
+
+He stepped to the wall and groping around until he found the spring,
+pressed it and the stone began to revolve. When the passage was fully
+open, he peered through into the darkness of the other cell, and
+whispered:
+
+"Miss Juanita, do not be afraid; it is the American boys. Are you
+there?"
+
+"Yes," came a soft answer.
+
+Harry climbed through the passage and Bert promptly touched the spring
+that closed it. The heavy stone moved slowly back into place and Bert
+was alone.
+
+He had no watch, so he counted the seconds. The ten minutes seemed an
+hour to him. At last they passed and he opened the passage again. For
+some reason he expected to see Harry and the young woman climb through,
+but only the form of the boy appeared in the gloom. He waited a moment
+to be sure that the girl did not follow, and then closed the passage. As
+the stone settled into place, the form moved quickly to the door and
+rapped three times. Almost instantly it swung open and the jailor with
+his lantern stood without. As the boy's form glided silently out past
+the stolid turnkey, Bert started back and with difficulty suppressed a
+cry of amazement. For a moment the light of the lantern had fallen on
+the face of the form in the doorway.
+
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVII
+
+"YOU WILL BE SHOT AS SPIES"
+
+
+When Bert had somewhat recovered from his surprise, he rushed to the
+wall and pressed the spring to open the passage. A form in girl's
+clothes climbed quickly through, but it was the voice of Harry that
+whispered:
+
+"Hustle, Bert, and close the passage. No telling when they may discover
+that the bird has flown. I must get under cover with these duds on."
+
+He jumped into bed and drew the sheet up close around his neck.
+
+"I'm quite ill, you know; sudden attack of malaria. Can't receive any
+callers."
+
+"Has Miss Juanita gone to see the consul?" asked Bert.
+
+"Not unless the consul has taken a trip to the mountains."
+
+"What do you mean--why don't you let me in on your plot now that you
+seem to have carried it out successfully?"
+
+"Can't be sure of success just yet, but I think it will work."
+
+"And when do we get out?"
+
+"I don't know; maybe we are in it tighter than ever. Sure to be if they
+find that we or rather I had anything to do with her escape, and I guess
+they must sooner or later."
+
+"Where has she gone?"
+
+"I hope by this time she is pretty well out of the town, headed for the
+open between here and the mountains. In the darkness she is all right
+and the deception will not be discovered. She makes a very good boy and
+as she is about the same heighth as I am my clothes fit her first rate.
+The pass will carry her through the lines all right and as she knows the
+country like a book, I hope she may make the mountains and the road to
+Cubitas before daylight. If she does she is safe, and I have a strong
+conviction that she will meet Captain Dynamite on the march before
+midday to-morrow. And gee, what a meeting that will be--I should like to
+be there and see the expression on big O'Connor's face when he sees
+her."
+
+"Then your plan did not have anything to do with our release from this
+place?"
+
+"Nope--only Miss Juanita's. She was in danger; we are not."
+
+"We may be after this."
+
+"Yes, but I think we can depend upon O'Connor. Mason and Washington
+should have reached him by this time."
+
+"What can he do to help us?"
+
+"I don't know, Bert, but I think he is the sort of man who will find
+something to do."
+
+"What are you going to do for clothes?"
+
+"That's another problem that will have to work itself out. Meanwhile I
+shall have to stick to Miss Juanita's dress. Didn't you think it fitted
+well? I shall have to have it let out around the waist a little, I
+think. I guess they don't serve any supper in this hotel, and as I got
+very little sleep last night, I think I will take a snooze while we wait
+for something to happen."
+
+Harry was soon fast asleep, but Bert, though also very tired, was more
+anxious as to the outcome of their affairs and sat for a long time on
+the edge of his bed, thinking. The moon rose in a clear sky and cast two
+bright beams through the barred windows and across the prison floor.
+Bert's revery was disturbed by the sound of hurrying feet in the
+corridor and the clamor of loud voices approaching their cell.
+
+"I guess something's going to happen," said Bert, nervously to himself.
+"Perhaps I better be asleep, too." He rolled over onto the bed and
+appeared to be deep in slumber when the door was thrown open roughly and
+three men entered the room. They were General Serano, who was scowling
+darkly; Consul Wyman and the ever-smiling interpreter.
+
+"I wonder why he always mixes up in everything," thought Bert as he
+peeked at their visitors out of the corner of his eye.
+
+Serano stopped just beyond the threshold and in surprise pointed to the
+two occupied beds. Then he said something in Spanish to Mr. Wyman, who
+replied calmly:
+
+"I told you that neither of them had been at my house. You see for
+yourself that they are both here. There must be some mistake."
+
+"But there can be no mistake about one of them having left this place
+within two hours," said the interpreter. "The jailer let him out."
+
+"Then he must have let him in again, for there they both are soundly
+sleeping."
+
+"But the jailor says that he did not, and it was the boy's long absence
+that caused the general to send me to your house to see if he was there.
+You have not seen him; some one unquestionably left the prison; no one
+has returned and yet they are both here--what does it mean?"
+
+Mr. Wyman shrugged his shoulders and turned to the general.
+
+"The boys indicated to me that they were ready to give the information
+that you desired. I made arrangements as you know, to have one of them
+come to my house and there tell his story. Neither of them came.
+Perhaps they changed their minds."
+
+"Let us question them."
+
+The interpreter stepped to Bert's bedside and as he did so the boy sat
+up and rubbed his eyes as if just awakened.
+
+"Good evening, gentlemen. Good evening, Mr. Wyman. What can we do for
+you? Is it morning yet?"
+
+"Did either of you leave the prison to-night?" asked the interpreter
+quickly, without preliminary. Bert, who was entirely ignorant of what
+course Harry intended to pursue, dared not answer, fearing that he might
+undo some of his companion's plans.
+
+"Why, I've been asleep for some time and my friend has a bad attack of
+malaria," he answered yawning. "I see that is moonlight and not
+daybreak. Can't you call around in the morning on your way to breakfast?
+We'd ask you to take a bite with us, but I do not think you would like
+the bill of fare."
+
+"Will you or not answer a plain question? The general waits."
+
+"Tell the general not to let me detain him. Ask him to drop in in the
+morning, too, when he has more time."
+
+The man turned to Serano and shook his head.
+
+"They are impossible, sir."
+
+Bert saw an amused smile creep around the corners of the consul's mouth.
+
+"Let us try the other."
+
+As he spoke the general touched Harry on the shoulder. The boy drew the
+sheet closer around his neck, and murmured:
+
+"Please go 'way."
+
+"We only want to know if you left the prison to-night to see Mr. Wyman.
+He is here with us."
+
+"No, I haven't been out of your old prison since you put us here."
+
+"But you intended to go."
+
+"Yes, but I changed my mind. I'm very apt to do that. I'm sorry if it
+put you out any, but I do not see why you couldn't wait until morning
+for my apologies."
+
+"But the jailor says he let one of you out to-night and that no one
+returned."
+
+"Your jailor is very silly. If he let one of us out and didn't let him
+back how could we both be here now? I don't want to cast any reflections
+on General What's-His-Name's intellect, but I should think he might
+figure that out for himself. Come around in the morning and we will talk
+it over. But I should advise you to look around for another jailor. This
+one's imagination is too strong."
+
+"Then if you did not leave the jail and you have changed your mind, you
+have no use for that pass that General Serano sent you," said the
+interpreter, with his genial smile. Bert looked at Harry in dismay. How
+was he to get out of this snarl?
+
+"No, that's quite true. Bert, will you get the pass for the general out
+of the pocket of my coat on the chair there?"
+
+"Your coat is not here, Hal," said Bert in apparent surprise as he
+stepped to the chair.
+
+"Not there? What nonsense. Tell the general that I shall hold his jailor
+responsible for my clothes. How under the sun am I to go about in my
+underclothes. It is not the value of the suit at all. It is pretty well
+used up now, but it's the principle of the thing."
+
+As Harry talked he thrashed about under the bed-clothing as if in anger.
+
+"And then there was nothing of importance in the pockets--no papers that
+could be of any possible value to any one. It is an outrage--tell
+General What-You-May-Call-Him that I consider it an outrage on a
+helpless prisoner to have his clothing sneaked away in the middle of the
+night, either for the profit of the jailor or the possible information
+of his captors. Mr. Wyman, is there nothing that can be done in this
+matter?"
+
+General Serano spoke a few words to the interpreter, who promptly
+repeated them with evident glee.
+
+"The general says you are to get out of bed."
+
+"It's all up now," thought Bert, and his face turned a shade paler.
+
+"The general is inconsiderate; however, since he insists I will take the
+chances of another chill."
+
+As Harry spoke he drew his legs up from under the sheet and stood down
+on the floor clad only in his underclothing. He had somehow managed to
+slip out of the girl's dress while he protested against the
+disappearance of his clothing. Bert drew a breath of relief; but the
+respite was brief. General Serano, either thoughtlessly or by design,
+threw back the sheet from Harry's bed as soon as he touched the floor
+and disclosed the dress from which he had with difficulty extricated
+himself.
+
+"Whose is this?" demanded the general, pouncing on the garment and
+holding it out for inspection.
+
+"Whose is this?" repeated the interpreter like a parrot.
+
+"How should I know," answered Harry.
+
+"Probably belongs to one of your former tenants."
+
+"It's a woman's dress."
+
+"Yes, it looks like it. Better look up your register and see who had
+this room last."
+
+At this moment there was a sound of hurrying footsteps in the corridor
+accompanied by a volley of Spanish expletives uttered in a frightened
+voice.
+
+"I wonder what's going to happen now," whispered Harry to Bert. "These
+people are so full of life it makes me tired to watch them."
+
+The turnkey burst into the room with hands uplifted and eyes bulging. He
+spoke a few panting words to General Serano who seized him by the neck
+in anger.
+
+"She is gone, fool? How can she be gone unless you let her out?"
+
+Then, as if struck by a sudden thought, he dropped his hold on the man
+and turning to Mr. Wyman, held out Juanita's dress excitedly.
+
+"See, she is gone."
+
+"Who is gone?" asked the consul, calmly.
+
+"She--she in the next cell. This dress is here; the boy's clothes are
+gone and some one left this room to-night."
+
+"You mean to infer that the boys contrived the escape of the woman in
+the next cell?" asked Mr. Wyman.
+
+"Yes, yes, what other inference is there?"
+
+"But can you explain how they could have communicated with her, how they
+could have exchanged clothes and how she could have left this cell?"
+
+"No, no, I cannot explain that, but here is the evidence--here and
+there;" and he pointed excitedly to the wall of the next cell.
+
+"The irascible old general seems to be wise on the passage," said Harry,
+under his breath.
+
+"How can that be evidence if you cannot explain it, general?" asked the
+consul, gravely.
+
+"No, he's not on, after all," whispered Bert.
+
+"They shall explain," said the general, sternly pointing to the boys.
+
+"We're in it again," said Bert. "I wish he wouldn't do that. It makes me
+nervous."
+
+The general seemed to be working himself into a fury. He raised his
+voice as he delivered what was apparently an ultimatum to the consul.
+
+"No, no, not that," cried Mr. Wyman, in frightened protest.
+
+Without a word in reply General Serano turned on his heel and strode out
+of the room.
+
+"What did the angry gentleman say, Mr. Wyman?" asked Harry.
+
+"He said that if you did not explain the disappearance of Miss Juanita
+within forty-eight hours you would be taken out into the jail yard and
+shot as spies."
+
+"Ah, Miss Juanita, eh. Then they know her," said the genial interpreter
+as he slunk from the room. "I must tell General Serano."
+
+Before the eyes of the boys there rose with vivid distinctness the
+picture of the jail yard at dawn.
+
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVIII
+
+CAPTAIN DYNAMITE FINDS JUANITA
+
+
+While these events had been transpiring in the Spanish town, Captain
+Dynamite had not been idle. As the last man of the little Cuban army
+filed down the mountain-side, he rose from his chair, and tightening his
+belt stretched his big body as was his custom when any action was
+imminent.
+
+"Well, my lad, I must be off. There is no time to spare if we hope to be
+of use. You will remain at Cubitas and when it is all over I will send
+Washington and a squad to pick you up."
+
+"Oh, no you won't, Cap. When it's all over I shall be right where you
+are."
+
+O'Connor could not repress a laugh. Mason bristled with indignation at
+the thought of being left behind.
+
+"There may be a good bit of fighting, my lad," said O'Connor.
+
+"Well, I'm not spoiling for a scrap, but I can't stay behind when I may
+be of some use to the fellows. Better let me go along with you, Cap, for
+I shall be close on your trail if you don't."
+
+"Suppose I have you locked up for safe keeping?"
+
+"Now you wouldn't do that, Cap, would you? You can't expect a fellow to
+sit still and chew his thumbs in safety while his chums are in danger.
+You wouldn't do it, would you?"
+
+"All right, youngster, come along. I don't blame you for wanting to have
+a hand in it. And you may be of some use after all."
+
+"I hope you will give me a try, Cap," said the Midget, straightening up
+his small form boldly.
+
+"Do you think you can stand the tramp? You haven't had much sleep and
+you may not get any more for twenty-four hours."
+
+"That little nap I got on the bench was as good as a night's rest.
+Besides, this country is so strenuous one doesn't need much sleep
+anyway. I think if I lived here long I should give up sleeping as a
+useless accomplishment."
+
+They started on down the mountain and before daybreak had overtaken the
+men camped on the bank of the narrow stream where they were preparing
+breakfast. O'Connor and Mason joined Gomez and his staff. They ate a
+light meal and were ready for the march again. The men all seemed to
+know O'Connor and the officers saluted him respectfully as he passed
+among them. After a conference with the general the latter called one of
+the officers to him, and said:
+
+"Captain Dynamite is in command. You will take your orders from him.
+With your company he will take the lead in the advance."
+
+The man saluted and then turned to O'Connor for instructions.
+
+"Report to me when you are ready to move."
+
+"I am ready now, sir."
+
+"Very well, detach your company and cross the ford. We will keep about
+half a mile in advance of the main body until I give you other
+instructions. Deploy your men in twos and advance as rapidly as you can.
+You know the rendezvous and understand the necessity for caution. That
+is all."
+
+The man saluted and in five minutes his men were fording the stream with
+O'Connor and Mason close in their rear. Across the open valley they made
+rapid progress, the men marching in regular order, but when they reached
+the wooded country at the foot of the next mountain the officer in
+command gave an order in Spanish and the men deployed in twos and
+disappeared like shadows into the brush. In a moment not a man was to be
+seen, and as O'Connor and Mason entered the woods there was not even a
+sound to be heard that would indicate that fifty men were making their
+way through the thick bushes ahead of them.
+
+The route O'Connor followed was not so precipitous as that taken by
+Washington and they reached the summit of the mountain by noon. Still
+O'Connor pushed on, stopping only to drink from a mountain stream and to
+dash the cool water over his head and face, an example that Mason
+quickly followed. They had scarcely spoken since leaving the ford,
+O'Connor saving breath for the work in hand. Once or twice he had turned
+to the Midget who toiled manfully on at his side and asked him if he
+felt tired. Satisfied with the boy's ready answer that he was "all
+right," he would plod on again.
+
+They had made their way about a mile down the mountain side when an
+officer stepped out of the bushes in front of them and saluted O'Connor.
+
+"Well, what is it?" asked the captain in Spanish.
+
+"A scout has brought in a prisoner."
+
+"Who is he?"
+
+"A boy. He is apparently faint from exhaustion."
+
+"A boy?" said O'Connor, wonderingly. "I wonder if they can have
+escaped?" He repeated the man's words to Mason who despite his own
+fatigue, leaped and capered wildly.
+
+"It's Hal Hamilton, I'll bet," he said joyfully. "They must have
+escaped. Trust Hal to fool the Dons."
+
+"He knows the countersign and your name, sir, and he keeps repeating
+them in a dazed way. That's why the captain thought you might want to
+see him."
+
+"I guess it's one of the boys all right, but I wonder where the other
+is. If I know them as I think I do one would not leave without the
+other. Where is he?" he asked turning again to the man.
+
+"About a mile below, sir. We found him lying in a little clearing."
+
+"All right, I will go to him."
+
+"Ask him how he was dressed," said Mason as they hastened on.
+
+The man described the boy's suit as well as he could.
+
+"That's Hal, sure," said Mason when the reply had been translated to
+him. "Bert can't be far away."
+
+"Did he have light hair?"
+
+The man shook his head.
+
+"Black," he answered.
+
+"Pshaw, he's made a mistake. It must be Hal."
+
+As they entered the clearing the prisoner sat with his back against a
+tree. His head was turned almost away from them, but Mason recognized
+the clothing and rushed forward with a glad cry.
+
+"Cheer up, Hal, old man," he shouted as he bounded across the clearing
+and dropped on his knees at the boy's side. He was on his feet in a
+moment, his face scared and white.
+
+"It's not Hal, Cap," he whispered as O'Connor approached at a more
+dignified pace. "But he's got Hal's clothes on."
+
+"What mystery is this?" said the big man as he strode around so that he
+could see the face of the prisoner. The next moment he turned as white
+as marble, but his eyes gleamed with joy as he sank down and took the
+almost inanimate form in his arms.
+
+"Juanita," he gasped. "Thank God, you are safe. Quick boy, some water."
+
+"Thunder, it's a girl," said Mason as he stooped and looked into the
+face that was now resting on Captain Dynamite's shoulder. He brought
+some water in his cap and O'Connor bathed the girl's head and chafed her
+hands until she began to show some signs of returning vitality. She
+raised her head and looked around in a dazed manner. Then her eyes fell
+on O'Connor.
+
+"Michael," she whispered, and her head sank again on his shoulder with a
+sigh of relief.
+
+The men knew well the story of O'Connor's love and they silently
+withdrew from the glade leaving only Mason and an orderly with the
+strangely reunited couple. Finally Juanita was strong enough to sit up
+and leaning back against the tree again, she smiled into O'Connor's
+anxious eyes.
+
+"I could go no further, Michael," she whispered, "but I thought you
+would find me here."
+
+"How did you escape, Juanita?" asked O'Connor, softly.
+
+"Ah, yes, the brave American boys saved me. Oh, I fear they will suffer
+much for it. I tried not to go for they are suspected already of being
+Cuban spies and this will make it worse for them; but the one they call
+Hal would listen to no reason, no argument. They had a friend in the
+American consul, he said, who would look out for them and I--I was
+already doomed."
+
+"Doomed," repeated O'Connor, starting forward, his eyes snapping.
+
+"Yes, it was to have been this morning at dawn."
+
+O'Connor choked back something suspiciously like a sob and for a few
+minutes neither spoke. The man was thinking with a chill at his heart
+how near to death she had been. Then he beckoned to Mason.
+
+"Come here, youngster, and hear what your brave comrades have been
+doing. This is the young woman we set out from the _Mariella_ to save.
+Your friends have done that nobly for us; now we must return the
+compliment with proper interest."
+
+The Midget bowed gravely and sat down on the ground beside O'Connor.
+
+"They are resourceful youngsters, Juanita, as I have reason to know, but
+how under the sun did they manage it? I see you are wearing the suit of
+one of them."
+
+"Their cell was next to mine. Night before last they heard me crying at
+my window. They could not see me but they spoke and asked me what they
+could do to help me. There was nothing to be done, so we talked and they
+tried to cheer me up and in some way they learned who I was and
+they--they told me you were safe and then I didn't mind so much. Then
+the guard came and we had to go away from the windows. As one of them
+jumped down from the table on which they had been standing, he touched
+the spring of an old secret passage between the cells. The next day, I
+don't know how, they got a pass from General Serano to visit the
+American consul. The pass was good anywhere within the lines. That
+night, just after dark, they touched the secret spring and rolled back
+the rock between the cells and one of them insisted that I should put on
+his suit and take the pass and escape. As I have told you he would
+listen to no form of argument and in the darkness of the cell I put on
+his clothes and he took my dress. I felt so strangely that I was sure
+the deceit must be discovered at once, but no one questioned me from
+the time I left the prison until I passed safely through the lines."
+
+"Hooray for Hal Hamilton," shouted Mason, enthusiastically. He had
+listened breathlessly to the girl's story of her escape and the part his
+chums had played in it.
+
+"But your escape must have been discovered in the morning if not before.
+What were the boys to do then? How was Hamilton to account for the
+absence of his clothes?"
+
+"They would not explain that or anything."
+
+"And why are they suspected of being Cuban spies?"
+
+"Because they will not explain their presence on the island for fear of
+endangering you."
+
+O'Connor leaped to his feet excitedly.
+
+"May Providence guard them until I get there. Juanita, our paths diverge
+here again for a little time. My duty lies where those boys are
+imprisoned. You will go on with an escort to the _Mariella_. She lies
+safely in the old place and your mother awaits you there."
+
+"Oh, Michael, how can I thank you?"
+
+O'Connor called the orderly.
+
+"Tell Captain Fernandez to send me a guard of ten men, all of whom know
+the route to the lagoon, and tell him that one of them must speak
+English." Then turning to Mason he said: "I am going to ask a favor of
+you. I cannot take Miss Juanita on with me, nor can I leave her here.
+Will you take command of the guard and escort her safely to the
+_Mariella_?"
+
+"Cap, I had hoped to get closer into the mix-up, but I see you are
+embarrassed by the presence of this young lady and I assure you, Miss
+and you, sir, that as a gentleman I am pleased to serve you both."
+
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIX
+
+DRAWING THE NET CLOSER
+
+
+"I hold, sir, that there has been no connection shown between the escape
+of the woman prisoner and the presence of this dress in the cell of
+these boys, and I therefore ask that the charge against them be
+dismissed."
+
+It was Consul Wyman who spoke, addressing General Serano who again sat
+in judgment on Harry and Bert in the Hall of Justice. It was two days
+after the discovery of the escape of Miss Juanita and following the dire
+threat of the general to have the boys shot as spies if they did not
+make a full and complete confession. There had been little sleep for
+them after the night visit to their cell, and the next day no one had
+visited them save the jailor with food. The following morning, however,
+after their breakfast had been served, they had been summarily hauled
+before the still fuming commander, heavy-eyed and pale, Harry wearing an
+old Spanish uniform which the jailor had given to him.
+
+Again they had been subjected to a severe cross-examination, and again
+they had firmly refused to answer any question that in any way
+endangered the safety of Captain Dynamite.
+
+Mr. Wyman, who fully appreciated the serious position in which the boys
+were placed, also showed the effects of loss of sleep. He was an able
+man and beneath his little exterior conceit about his powers of
+diplomacy, there beat an honest and fearless heart. He had come to the
+conclusion that the existence of the secret passage was unknown to the
+present authorities, and without this knowledge no case could be made
+out, legally, against the boys. He also knew that the legal rights of
+prisoners were not always considered by General Serano, and for this
+reason he had determined, as a last resort, to fall back on his official
+prerogatives and demand the release of the boys in the name of the
+United States, or, failing in this, a hearing before a higher authority
+in Havana.
+
+"Admitting that your contention in regard to the presence of the dress
+of the escaped prisoner in the room of the accused to be well taken, how
+can you account for the fact that the pass which was given to them in
+order that they might communicate with you was used by another?"
+
+General Serano smiled grimly as he put this question to the consul. Mr.
+Wyman staggered. He had forgotten the pass. For a moment he did not
+reply, and then, pulling himself together, he said:
+
+"We do not admit that fact, sir."
+
+"Very well. Let the captain of the guard step forward."
+
+A man with a sword clanking at his side stepped up and saluted.
+
+"What was your duty night before last?" asked the general.
+
+"I was in command of the picket line three miles outside of the city,"
+replied the man.
+
+"Did any one pass through the lines from the city while you were in
+command?"
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"Who?"
+
+"A boy."
+
+"A boy--are you sure of that?"
+
+"A person wearing boy's clothes, sir."
+
+"Very well; why did you let the person wearing boy's clothes pass
+through your lines?"
+
+"He--the person wearing boy's clothes showed a pass from you, sir."
+
+"At what hour was this?" continued General Serano, looking triumphantly
+at the consul, who bit his lip and thought hard.
+
+"About two hours after sundown."
+
+"That will do. Now, Mr. Wyman, can you explain this for the benefit of
+the prisoners?"
+
+"All this does not prove that the pass presented by a boy to this
+officer was the same pass that was given to the prisoners."
+
+"I issued but one pass that day."
+
+"There is nothing to show that that was the one."
+
+"Captain of the guard, what date did the pass bear?"
+
+"It was of even date."
+
+"Now, Mr. Wyman."
+
+The consul hesitated a moment and then stepped closer to the desk of
+General Serano. Lifting his arm impressively, and looking the general
+steadily in the eye, he said:
+
+"I still hold, sir, that there is not a scintilla of legal evidence
+against the prisoners. We might admit for the sake of argument, that the
+dress found in their room was that of the escaped woman prisoner; we
+might also admit, that the pass used by the boy in passing through the
+lines last night was the one issued by you to the prisoners, but what
+evidence is there to show that the one using the pass obtained it from
+these prisoners, or that it was the escaped prisoner?"
+
+"The evidence is absolutely circumstantial."
+
+"That is just it. It is purely circumstantial; there is no direct
+evidence connecting these boys in any way with the escape of the woman."
+
+"Let me inform you, Mr. Wyman," said General Serano, scowling savagely,
+"that I shall assume that the person who passed through the lines last
+night was the prisoner and further," here he leaned toward the consul,
+"I shall assume that the clothes she wore was the boy's missing suit."
+
+"Very well, then," said Mr. Wyman, calmly, "let us admit that the person
+was the woman, and the clothes she wore were the boy's, do not all the
+known facts point to a plot conceived and executed by those outside
+rather than inside a prison cell? Those inside had absolutely no means
+of communication; those outside had easy access to both cells. Unless
+some method can be shown by which these prisoners could have
+communicated with the prisoner in the next cell there can be no legal
+construction of the present evidence that will connect either of the
+boys with the escape of the woman. You know the strength of your locks
+and the thickness of your jail walls. How could these two boys here have
+contrived to release this woman through stone and iron? By way of the
+barred windows, ten feet apart? Even if the exchange of clothing could
+have been accomplished by this means, which I contend is impossible, who
+liberated her, General Serano? There was only one means of escape and
+that was through the door of her cell. If these boys, themselves,
+confined by locks, walls, and bars, could have unlocked the door of her
+prison-house, then they are possessed of supernatural powers that should
+enable them to walk out of your jail themselves. No, General Serano,
+unless you can establish the fact of physical communication between
+these prisoners and the escaped woman they can in no way be held
+responsible for her disappearance, and I ask that the unfounded charge
+against them be dismissed."
+
+Mr. Wyman bowed to the general and stepped back. He had made a good
+fight and fired his last shot in the boys' behalf. General Serano,
+impressed by the wisdom of his argument, was silent for a time, as if
+thinking. Then he leaned forward to the consul and said in a low tone:
+
+"There is one thing more, Mr. Wyman. After the discovery of the escape
+of the woman prisoner her name was not spoken in your presence nor in
+the presence of the other prisoners, and yet when I had left the cell
+you referred to her by her given name. Will you tell me how this was?"
+
+Mr. Wyman's face flushed, and he drew himself up defiantly, as he
+replied:
+
+"It is immaterial to this case how I came by that knowledge."
+
+"It is material so far as it influences my decision."
+
+Mr. Wyman bowed without speaking. Nothing could be gained by dwelling
+upon this unfortunate occurrence. At this point an aged and decrepit man
+was led into the room by two soldiers. He was so weak that he had to be
+supported on either side. General Serano looked up and scowled at him as
+an intruder, and turned to an aide for an explanation, when the smiling
+interpreter glided to his side and whispered in his ear. He started back
+in eager surprise, and then cast another glance of triumph at the consul
+as he said:
+
+"Bring him forward."
+
+All eyes were now turned on the tottering old man as he was slowly led
+to a chair which was placed in front of General Serano's desk.
+
+"You have some information in regard to this case which you wish to
+impart to me?" asked the general.
+
+"What case?"
+
+The old man's dim eyes turned in the direction of the speaker like those
+of one who is almost blind. He seemed dazed and frightened.
+
+"Well, never mind the case. Were you ever the warden of the jail here?"
+
+"Oh, yes sir, but that was many, many years ago."
+
+"Yes, I know," said the general, coaxingly, "but what do you know about
+the jail?"
+
+"Nothing much now, sir, not for many, many years."
+
+"No, no, what do you know that no other man now living knows?"
+
+"Much, sir, much, for they have all gone on before."
+
+"Do you know any secret of the jail?"
+
+"Secret? Oh, yes, a secret. No man knows but me, no man knows."
+
+The old man shook his head stupidly, and rubbed his gnarled hands.
+
+"What is the secret?" General Serano leaned forward to catch the answer.
+
+"I have forgotten."
+
+"No, no, you knew it ten minutes ago--think."
+
+"No man knows--they've all gone before," muttered the old man.
+
+Mr. Wyman uttered a sigh of relief. The old jailer evidently knew of the
+existence of the secret passage, but his mind was so far gone that the
+consul was hopeful that General Serano's examination might fail.
+
+"Do you know of any secret passage?" asked the general in an insinuating
+tone.
+
+"Passage--who said passage," said the old man bristling up and looking
+around the room with unseeing eyes. "There is no passage; it's a lie. No
+one knows--no one knows but the old jailer."
+
+The interpreter stepped up to the old man and whispered something in his
+ear. The wrinkled face cracked into a hideous grin that showed his
+almost toothless gums.
+
+"Money," he chortled, "yes, give me money--gold." He reached out his
+gnarled hands and grasped at the air. The interpreter at a sign from
+General Serano, placed a peseta in one of his outstretched palms. He
+felt it for a moment, and then held it close to his nearly sightless
+eyes.
+
+"No, no, you can't fool the old jailer," he whined. "That's silver.
+Gold, give me gold. The secret's worth it. 'Sh. You can go at night.
+Just touch the spring and slowly--slowly the stone will roll back. And
+then the rack. Ha, ha, the rack--that makes 'em talk."
+
+Mr. Wyman shuddered when he thought of the scenes of horror the old
+jailer might have witnessed.
+
+"Here is gold; will you show us the passage, now?"
+
+"Yes, come."
+
+The man started to his feet, and the interpreter, taking the place of
+one of the soldiers, guided his steps toward the door. General Serano
+rose from his seat and followed.
+
+"Mr. Wyman, will you accompany us? The old man's mysterious secret
+passage may interest you."
+
+"The old man is imbecile. His evidence is valueless."
+
+"But his secret passage cannot be imbecile too."
+
+"He is dreaming."
+
+"Let us see. Bring the prisoners." He motioned to an officer, who
+detailed two men to accompany the boys. Harry and Bert were ignorant of
+what had been going on, all having spoken in Spanish, and as they
+followed the old man to the jail, Mr. Wyman explained to them briefly
+what had taken place. Harry's first thought was of the girl.
+
+"Then Miss Juanita has gotten away safely," he said with satisfaction.
+
+"Yes," replied Mr. Wyman, "I think there is no doubt she is all right,
+but think of the price."
+
+"We haven't paid it yet, Mr. Wyman."
+
+When they reached the jail the old man was led directly into the boys'
+cell. He was weary from his exertion, and sank into a chair and his head
+fell on his breast. In a moment he was fast asleep. The interpreter, who
+seemed to be general factotum to Serano, shook him roughly by the
+shoulder.
+
+"Come, come, you have your gold, now show us the passage."
+
+The man roused himself and looked stupidly around the room. By chance
+his eyes rested upon the big slab in the wall, but he could not see it.
+Still he raised his bony finger either by intuition or luck, and pointed
+directly at it.
+
+"It is there," he said, and his head dropped again.
+
+Mr. Wyman shuddered. The scene was a gruesome one, and the possibility
+that the man might disclose the passage was so imminent that his nerves
+were at their greatest tension. All hope of clearing the boys of the
+charge of being Cuban spies it seemed would be lost if the old man's
+mind should clear sufficiently for him to indicate the secret spring.
+
+"Yes, yes, it is there, old man, but where is the spring?"
+
+Again he raised his head and looked blankly at the wall, and then once
+more his head drooped.
+
+"I cannot remember," he murmured. Mr. Wyman drew a long breath. It was
+at least another respite. There was a sound of clanking chains in the
+jail corridor. The old man trembled and raised his head feebly.
+
+"What's that?" he whispered. "Chains?"
+
+Again the sound was heard.
+
+"Yes, yes, they're coming. Quick, we'll chain him down--chain him hand
+and foot. Quick--open the passage."
+
+He struggled to his feet and tottered to the wall. For a moment he
+groped in blindness, while the boys held their breath and then, with a
+low chuckle he placed his finger unerringly on the little diamond-shaped
+stone. The creaking and grinding noise began, and the stone slowly
+revolved before the astonished eyes of General Serano. When the passage
+was fully open the general stepped to the wall and inspected it
+curiously. Then he turned to Mr. Wyman and said:
+
+"The case against the accused is complete. You may inform them that the
+sentence imposed will be carried out unless they make a full confession
+before sundown to-night."
+
+"And I, General Serano, knowing that they are innocent of any connection
+with the cause of the insurgents, warn you in the name of their
+Government that you will commit an outrage for which you must pay
+dearly. I shall communicate with General Weyler at once."
+
+Serano shrugged his shoulders.
+
+"General Weyler has the utmost confidence in my judgment."
+
+"Will you suspend sentence until I can communicate with my Government?"
+
+"No. Your Government has nothing to do with the matter. All that can be
+settled afterward."
+
+"One last request, General Serano--give me forty-eight hours to
+communicate with General Weyler."
+
+"Oh, as it will be the same in the end, you may have the forty-eight
+hours."
+
+He turned to the jailer, who had watched the opening of the wall in
+wonder. "Take the prisoners to another cell where they cannot find a
+secret passage."
+
+As the boys were being led from the cell they passed the interpreter,
+who smiled genially at them. Harry could scarcely refrain from showing
+him how much he despised him.
+
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XX
+
+CAPTAIN DYNAMITE TO THE RESCUE
+
+
+Consul Wyman sat in his study in deep thought. His heart was heavy and
+in his mind plan after plan to save the boys from their threatened fate
+was formed, only to be abandoned as not feasible. His wife sat with him
+aiding now and then by a suggestion. She, too, was deeply interested in
+the fate of the American boys, of whose adventures and self-sacrifice
+her husband had told her.
+
+"Everything falls to the ground, Annie," he said finally. "There is only
+one hope and that is an appeal to the government."
+
+"But you know the red tape and delay that means, John," said his wife.
+
+"We have forty-eight hours from dawn to-morrow."
+
+"Far too short a time to reach Washington through Spanish sources, I
+fear."
+
+"I believe you are right."
+
+"And you cannot stir Serano?"
+
+"He is adamant."
+
+"Then I can see nothing but an appeal to Weyler."
+
+"There is scarcely time for that."
+
+"There can be no delay."
+
+"But the courier. I know of no one whom I can trust and who would act in
+the boys' interests. It is a diplomatic mission. There must be neither
+pleading nor threatening."
+
+"Then you must go, John."
+
+"That is what I have been thinking, my dear. I am glad you see it in the
+same way."
+
+"When will you start?"
+
+"Within an hour. If you will leave me now, I will prepare a brief to
+present to General Weyler."
+
+Mrs. Wyman left the room and the consul drew his chair closer to his
+desk where a student lamp burned. The room was large, opening by a
+casement window upon a garden filled with luxuriantly growing plants and
+shrubs. The night was warm and the window stood open, admitting the
+heavy perfume of flowers. The lamp, which was the only light in the
+room, cast a bright circle on the desk. All the rest of the apartment
+was in deep shadow.
+
+Mr. Wyman had been writing about half an hour when he turned to the
+window behind him as if he had heard an unusual sound. Then he returned
+to his writing. Again he swung around in his chair and listened. Then he
+rose and walked quickly to the window.
+
+"Annie, is that you?" he called.
+
+There was no reply.
+
+"I am sure I heard a sound in the garden," he said to himself.
+
+"Probably you are right, consul, although I tried to make as little
+noise as possible."
+
+Mr. Wyman started back involuntarily. The words which were spoken in a
+whisper, seemed to come from a clump of bushes at the right of the
+window. Mr. Wyman peered into the darkness but could see no one.
+
+"Who are you?" he asked loudly, "who comes stealing into my garden under
+the cover of darkness?"
+
+"Are you alone?" was the only reply.
+
+"And of what concern is that to you?"
+
+"Sure, and if you were me you would concern yourself a good bit about
+it."
+
+"Well, I am alone; now who are you and what is your business here at
+this time of night?"
+
+For answer a dark form crept stealthily out from the shadow of the bush,
+leaped lightly in the window, and as quickly drew the hanging curtain
+across it, shutting out all view from the outside. Although the night
+was warm, the man wore a coat with the broad collar turned up so as to
+conceal his face, and a broad sombrero slouched down over his eyes. He
+kept close within the shadows in the corner of the room.
+
+"Pardon me, Mr. Wyman, for entering your house in this unceremonious
+manner, but there was no other way that offered just at present. My
+mission is of the utmost importance, but it would not be well for either
+of us if I were discovered here. Can we depend upon being undisturbed?"
+
+"How do you know that I wish to be undisturbed? You seem to know me, but
+refuse to disclose your identity. I cannot consent to this one-sided
+interview. Who are you?"
+
+"If I tell you that I am a friend of the American boys, is that enough?"
+
+"Quite. You need have no fear; we shall be undisturbed here."
+
+The man, reassured, stepped forward and threw off his coat and hat. Mr.
+Wyman looked him over curiously for a moment and then pointed to a
+chair.
+
+"Be seated, Captain Dynamite," he said, quietly.
+
+O'Connor started back in some dismay.
+
+"You know me?" he said. "How?"
+
+"The boys described you to me very accurately. You have a pair of very
+staunch friends in those youngsters, sir."
+
+"Yes, yes, I know," said O'Connor, eagerly. "Tell me of them--they are
+safe?"
+
+"They are alive and well, but they are not safe."
+
+"What do you mean?"
+
+"In the first place tell me if Miss Juanita reached you in safety?"
+
+"Yes, thank God, and she has told me much of what the boys have risked
+for her and me. That is why I am here."
+
+"Yes, and there is not another man with a price upon his head who would
+place it in the lion's mouth as you are doing. Why did you come here
+alone? You can do no good single handed."
+
+O'Connor leaned forward and whispered:
+
+"But I am not alone. There are twelve picked men with me."
+
+"Where are they?"
+
+"Pardon me the liberty, but they are out there in your garden."
+
+"How did you get here?"
+
+"By methods known only to Indians and Cubans."
+
+"Humph," said Mr. Wyman, somewhat annoyed, "I may not get clear of this
+affair without getting shot myself. But what can twelve men do?"
+
+"Twelve such men as those can do much. But tell me, please, so that I
+may act with proper dispatch, just what the situation is in regard to
+the boys."
+
+The men drew their chairs closer together and in a low tone Mr. Wyman
+began to tell in sequence the events that had transpired since he had
+been involved in the affair.
+
+"So," said O'Connor, when Mr. Wyman had finished, "then I am not much
+too soon. Now, let us consider what is the best way to proceed. I shall
+probably have to ask you for a trifle of aid."
+
+"But I must be off to Weyler. I have not a minute to waste if I wish to
+reach him in time."
+
+"In time for what?" asked O'Connor, in surprise.
+
+"In time to secure a reprieve."
+
+"Nonsense, man."
+
+"May I ask what is nonsense, Captain Dynamite?" said Mr. Wyman, whose
+dignity was injured.
+
+"In the first place, it is nonsense to expect any aid from Weyler, who
+always staunchly supports his lieutenants, whether right or wrong, and
+in the second place, we do not want a reprieve. We've got to get them
+clean away from here before they will be safe--clean off the blooming
+island. I'll take them back to the old _Mariella_--that's the safest
+place for them. I wish to goodness they had never left her."
+
+"But how, my good sir--how under the sun are you going to get them to
+the _Mariella_ when they are locked up in a Spanish jail?"
+
+"No jail is impregnable."
+
+"But you cannot storm it in the face of a garrison of men with a handful
+of twelve."
+
+"There are more than fifty times twelve almost within gunshot, but I
+still think the twelve will be sufficient for my purpose."
+
+"Do you mean that the city is threatened by insurgents?" Mr. Wyman
+looked worried. "I must get my wife away, sir."
+
+"Don't worry, consul. If it comes to that the American flag is sacred to
+the insurgents; but if there is any fighting it will be on the picket
+line only, I fancy."
+
+"But what is your plan?"
+
+"To take the boys out of that jail first."
+
+"How?"
+
+"Is it strongly guarded?"
+
+"Inside and out. It is a military prison."
+
+"How many men?"
+
+"Four outside and four within, in charge of an officer."
+
+"Oh, that's easy."
+
+"But the first sound of a conflict would arouse the garrison, which is
+directly in the rear of the prison."
+
+"There will be no sound of conflict after we get to work, Mr. Wyman."
+
+"How can I aid you?"
+
+"By securing permission to visit the boys in their cell. Can you do it?"
+
+"I am not sure. General Serano's mood is not the best in the world just
+now. The boys have tantalized him beyond measure. He cannot seem to beat
+them, and aside from his official pride, his personal dignity has
+suffered. My position as defender of the youngsters has gained for me
+his ill-will. But I will try. What am I to do?"
+
+"Simply leave the jail at a time that I shall fix. We will do the rest.
+You will not be involved in any way, except that you may be seemingly
+handled a little roughly, but that will only be done to divert suspicion
+from yourself. Do not resist."
+
+"There will not be too much violence, I hope?"
+
+"No more than is needed, sir. I do not like violence myself. There may
+be a broken head or two, but they are soon mended. It it now nine
+o'clock. What time does the watch change?"
+
+"At midnight."
+
+"Very well. Now, if you will permit me, I will call one of my men."
+
+"Make what use you please of me and my house. I wish to aid you in any
+way I can."
+
+O'Connor stepped to the window and drew aside the curtain. As he did
+so, a dark form darted into the shadow of a bush. O'Connor saw it and
+paused.
+
+"There is someone in your garden beside my men," he whispered to the
+consul.
+
+"Impossible. The servants have gone to bed."
+
+"Someone was listening at this window."
+
+"Whom can it be?"
+
+"Someone who suspects you. Can you think whom it would be?"
+
+"No." The consul shook his head nervously.
+
+"Very well, we'll see."
+
+O'Connor turned and darted out of the window. In a moment he returned
+holding General Serano's official spy by the scruff of the neck. The
+interpreter's genial smile had given place to a look of terror and he
+trembled with fear. O'Connor swung him around so that he faced the
+consul.
+
+"Do you know him?" he asked.
+
+"Yes," answered Mr. Wyman, as he looked the man over with an expression
+of disgust, "he is General Serano's man Friday." Then to the man he said
+sternly: "What are you doing here, in my garden, at this time of night?"
+
+"Preoccupation, Mr. Wyman, preoccupation of the mind. I must have
+strayed in by mistake. I hope you will pardon me."
+
+"Well, we will think that over, my man," interrupted O'Connor. "How
+long had you been listening at the window?"
+
+"Listening! O, sir, far be it from me to listen at the window of our
+esteemed consul."
+
+"You weren't very far from it just now."
+
+"I had just discovered my error, sir, and was about to retrace my
+steps----"
+
+"Having heard all that you wished," O'Connor broke in.
+
+"I hope the gentleman is jesting. I should be grieved indeed if he held
+so evil an opinion of me."
+
+"Please consider yourself grieved. Now, Mr. Wyman, I should like to
+still further impose on your hospitality. This gentleman, I believe, is
+very anxious to serve me--is that not true, Mr. Friday?"
+
+"Oh, quite true, sir; it shall be my pleasure; but the name, sir, is not
+Friday--it is Villamonte."
+
+"Mr. Wyman, can I trouble you for a short piece of rope?"
+
+The consul left the room and returned with a piece of clothes-line about
+three feet long which he handed to O'Connor.
+
+"Now Mr. Monte, I shall have to ask you to extend your hands behind
+you."
+
+"Surely your excellency will not bind me?"
+
+"My excellency sure will. Stick 'em out and be quick about it."
+
+"I protest. General Serano shall hear of this outrage."
+
+"I am quite confident of that, but I am not ready to lose your company
+yet, Monte."
+
+O'Connor turned the man around much as he might have done a child, and
+bound his hands behind him. Then he led him to a chair into which he
+thrust him and lashed his hands tightly to the back, Villamonte
+jabbering vehemently in Spanish the while.
+
+"Now, Mr. Wyman," said O'Connor, when he finished, "this gentleman's
+providential preoccupation of mind will relieve you from the necessity
+of visiting General Serano. I think he will be very glad to carry out
+any instructions I may give him." As O'Connor spoke, he carelessly
+removed a pistol from his belt, and as he examined it he held the muzzle
+so that it covered the trembling Villamonte, who cowered back in the
+chair.
+
+"Won't you, Mr. Monte?"
+
+"Whatever his excellency wishes shall be my pleasure," stammered the
+interpreter.
+
+"Good; now we understand each other, Monte."
+
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXI
+
+GENERAL SERANO MEETS CAPTAIN DYNAMITE
+
+
+The new cell in which the boys had been placed when the escape of Miss
+Juanita was discovered, looked out through its barred windows onto the
+main street of the little straggling town. In the distance, although the
+house was concealed from view by intervening buildings, they could see
+the American flag floating over the consulate. This outlook had afforded
+them some occupation during the day, and even when night fell they stood
+together gazing silently out into the deserted street, lighted only by
+the brilliant moon. They began now to feel that their position was
+critical, and Bert, who more easily yielded to the depressing effects of
+circumstances, bemoaned his fate and all the series of events that had
+led up to their present unenviable plight. He was inclined to blame
+Harry for the initial step.
+
+"If you only hadn't taken it into your Quixotic head to try to aid
+Captain Dynamite, who is able to take care of himself, we might now be
+safe on the _Mariella_," he growled, "instead of waiting patiently for
+some one to take us out and shoot us."
+
+"Why, Bert, old man, we've got two more days before we step out and play
+targets. Many things may happen in that time."
+
+"Nothing to help us out of this scrape that I can see."
+
+"Mr. Wyman will surely do all that lies in his power to aid us."
+
+"Yes, but you know yourself that since Serano suspects his connection
+with the escape of Miss Juanita his power has been very much curtailed."
+
+"Well, there's Captain Dynamite yet to be counted on."
+
+"Humph, where is he and what could he do if he were here?"
+
+"I don't know, Bert, but you can't make me believe that he would abandon
+us completely to our fate. It's not like him, I tell you."
+
+"If all the hope we have is centred in Dynamite or Wyman I think it is
+time we began to think of doing something for ourselves."
+
+"Sure," answered Harry in surprise, "but what under the sun can we do,
+Bert?"
+
+"We might----" Bert hesitated and glanced nervously at his companion;
+"we might effect some compromise with Serano."
+
+"How?" asked Harry, coldly.
+
+"We might agree to tell him what he wants to know about how we got to
+the island when we can be assured that it will injure no one."
+
+"There are two reasons why that plan would be useless. In the first
+place how are we going to tell when Captain Dynamite is safe, and in the
+second place the affair has gone so far now that I do not think Serano
+would be satisfied with simply that information. He is pretty well
+convinced that in some way we are connected with the Cuban cause."
+
+"Oh, gee, I wish I had never gone sailing."
+
+"That's going back a long way to make a connection between cause and
+effect, Bert," said Harry, who could not help smiling at his companion's
+hopeless view of the situation.
+
+They were silent again for a time. Not a sound broke the stillness of
+the night save the regular steps of the sentinel below them. Some light
+clouds scurried across the moon, shutting off for a time the flood of
+silver light and throwing a gray shadow over the street.
+
+"Look," said Harry, suddenly. "Didn't you see a man creeping along
+there?"
+
+"Where?" asked Bert, eagerly.
+
+"In the deep shadow close in by the wall of that house."
+
+"I can see no one," said Bert, after straining his eyes in an effort to
+penetrate the darkness.
+
+"Watch," whispered Harry. "I know I saw some one creeping along as if
+he did not want to be seen."
+
+"Even if you did, what does it signify?"
+
+"Captain Dynamite would come that way," answered Harry, confidently.
+
+Suddenly the clouds swept on and again the street was flooded with a
+radiance that made the shadows cast by the walls of the houses as black
+as the darkest night in contrast.
+
+"Then did you see?" asked Harry, excitedly.
+
+Bert nodded quickly in the affirmative.
+
+As the moon flashed out they had both seen a man dart closer into the
+protection of the deep shadow of the wall.
+
+"There's another," whispered Bert, pointing out through the bars in his
+eagerness, to a point about ten feet beyond where the first man had
+appeared. "What if the guard should see them too?"
+
+"The sentinels are on the same level and cannot see as well as we can up
+here. I wonder who they are. See, there is another."
+
+"Who can they be?"
+
+"I'll bet you a dinner when we get home that Captain Dynamite is in
+town."
+
+"O, Hal, do you think we will ever get home?"
+
+"I'm beginning to feel very sure of it. See, there are other men in the
+distance and all are coming toward the jail."
+
+The prison stood in a narrow plaza or square facing the main street.
+Toward the dark shadow of a building that formed a corner of the square
+the indistinct forms of the men seemed to be making their way. The boys
+counted nearly a dozen, closely hugging the walls of the low houses,
+slip one by one into the wider shadow of the corner building. Still the
+regular steps of the guard below told that the mysterious gathering had
+not been discovered.
+
+Presently four men emerged boldly from the shadow, and arm in arm, and
+with unsteady gait approached the prison. In hiccoughing tones they sang
+a Spanish drinking song. In the bright glare of the moonlight the boys
+could see that they wore the uniform of Spain.
+
+"Pshaw," said Harry, in a disgusted tone. "They are only a lot of
+drunken Spanish soldiers after all, making their way back to the
+barracks."
+
+Harry was keenly disappointed. He had been confident that the strange
+movements of the men indicated that some action was on foot which he
+imagined Captain Dynamite was directing.
+
+"But where are the others?" whispered Bert. "There are more in the
+shadow."
+
+"Probably waiting a chance to slip into the barracks without attracting
+too much attention from their officers."
+
+The four men reeled on. The regular pacing of the sentinel ceased and he
+hailed the approaching quartet in a jocular way. They answered with
+thick tongues and coarse laughter. Presently they passed out of view of
+the boys, having come close within the shadow of the wall below them.
+
+Then suddenly there was a muffled sound as of one trying to cry out with
+a heavy pressure on his throat, the hard breathing of men desperately
+struggling, and then silence.
+
+The boys looked at one another in wonderment. What could it mean?
+Possibly a drunken squabble between the men and the guard. Now the slow
+pacing of the sentinel was resumed. Apparently the difficulty had been
+adjusted.
+
+"I think we might as well get to bed," said Harry, after they had waited
+for ten minutes without any further developments. "There is nothing
+doing to-night, I guess."
+
+As he spoke, the cry of a night bird sounded on the still air, but,
+strangely enough, it seemed to come from directly below their window,
+instead of from the air above. Almost immediately an answering call was
+heard in the distance, and then all was still again.
+
+"I am not so sure, after all, that those men were Spaniards," said
+Harry, as he turned eagerly to the window again.
+
+"Why?"
+
+"Did you hear those signals?"
+
+"I heard a bird."
+
+"I don't think it was a bird."
+
+"Listen; if they were birds we shall hear them again."
+
+The boys listened patiently for several minutes, but the sound was not
+repeated.
+
+"I believe they were signals, and--look--look! Isn't that Captain
+Dynamite himself coming out of the shadow further up the street?"
+
+"It certainly looks like him," gasped Bert, "but who is that with him
+and how does he dare to walk openly in the streets?"
+
+"It's the Spanish interpreter," whispered Harry, after a minute's
+inspection; "and--and Captain Dynamite, sure. Hooray."
+
+"Don't hooray yet," said Bert, wagging his head disconsolately.
+"Remember there are more Spaniards in the shadow there."
+
+"Yes, if they are Spaniards."
+
+"And see how closely the interpreter walks. Can Captain Dynamite be a
+prisoner?"
+
+"Not of that little man," sniffed Harry. "Look at the size of him beside
+O'Connor."
+
+The two men whom the boys had seen in the distance were indeed O'Connor
+and Villamonte. They came on through the bright moonlight apparently as
+unconcerned as if there were not a price on the head of one. And they
+walked as close together as bosom friends, but a pistol in the coat
+pocket of Captain Dynamite pressed closely against the side of his
+companion.
+
+"Now you are sure you know your part, Monte?" said O'Connor, as they
+neared the prison.
+
+"Sure, your excellency."
+
+"And you know what it means to play any tricks, do you?" As he spoke
+O'Connor emphasized his remark by jabbing the muzzle of the pistol into
+Villamonte's ribs.
+
+"Surely your excellency can trust me," quaked the interpreter.
+
+"Yes, under the circumstances. You also want to recollect that I
+understand Spanish, so you cannot fool me in that way--- and my finger
+is always on the trigger. At the first word or sign of warning off it
+goes. Now take that scared expression off and look pleasant; we are
+nearly there."
+
+At the door of the prison they were met by a Spanish officer, who
+received Villamonte with great deference and looked wonderingly at
+O'Connor, who wore his cloak and sombrero so that little of his face was
+visible.
+
+"Now you've got your cue," said O'Connor, in English, in a low tone, at
+the same time pressing the pistol harder into Villamonte's side.
+
+"We come from General Serano," said the interpreter reluctantly. "He
+wishes the American boys removed secretly to the government house, as he
+anticipates a plot to release them."
+
+The officer bowed and Villamonte and O'Connor passed into the jail.
+
+"Do you wish your escort to enter also?" asked the officer.
+
+Villamonte turned in surprise and saw eight men close upon their heels,
+but as he quickly noted that they all wore Spanish uniforms, he smiled
+triumphantly.
+
+"Yes," said O'Connor, in English, and again the pressure against his
+side brought Villamonte to his senses.
+
+"Yes," he repeated to the officer, and the men filed silently in and the
+door was closed behind them.
+
+"Now," said O'Connor, turning to the officer in command, and for the
+first time speaking in Spanish, "if you will kindly conduct us to the
+cell of the American prisoners we shall be obliged to you, and if we
+wish to please General Serano, haste is essential."
+
+The officer preceded them down the corridor, which was lighted dimly,
+and then ascended a winding stone staircase to the floor above. He
+opened the door of a cell and stood aside for them to enter.
+
+As Harry saw O'Connor's big form in the doorway he rushed forward with a
+glad cry:
+
+"I knew it, Bert, it's Captain Dynamite. I told you he would come."
+
+"Hush," said O'Connor, as he took the youngsters in his arms, much as
+one would two children and gave them a bear-like hug, "not so loud. We
+can take no chances, for we are not out of the woods yet."
+
+"It's the terrible Captain Dynamite," cried the officer in dismay. Then
+he turned and fled down the stairs. Villamonte, relieved from the
+pressure on his ribs, slunk towards the door. O'Connor saw him and
+laughed.
+
+"Run along, Monte, if you wish. I don't need you any more."
+
+"But he will give the alarm," said Harry, in a frightened tone.
+
+"No, I think not; but gather up your things, if you have any, for we
+must lose no time in getting out of here."
+
+"We've got nothing but what we stand in, Cap," said Harry, laughing,
+"and this old Spanish uniform does not fit me very well, at that. Maybe
+Miss Juanita is through with my clothes by this time."
+
+"God bless you, youngster, they served her well."
+
+"She is all right?"
+
+"Right as a trivet and safe aboard the old _Mariella_ by this time,
+thanks to you."
+
+As they reached the lower corridor one of the men saluted and said:
+
+"We put them in there, sir," pointing to a room opening off the
+corridor, which was used by the officer in command of the watch.
+O'Connor looked in and burst into one of his hearty laughs.
+
+"Come here, youngsters, and take a last look at the valiant jailers," he
+said. The boys stepped forward and looked into the room. The four
+soldiers, gagged and bound hand and foot, were sitting with their backs
+against the wall, and facing them, and also bound in the same
+ignominious manner, were the commander and Villamonte.
+
+Harry could not refrain from gloating a little over his fallen enemy.
+
+"How about the glory of Spain, Mr. Interpreter?" he enquired. Villamonte
+scowled but did not reply.
+
+"Come now, boys, we must be moving. This place is pretty hot for me,"
+said O'Connor.
+
+At this moment some one knocked loudly on the door of the prison and a
+deep voice called in Spanish:
+
+"Open, captain of the guard; it is I."
+
+"Who is I?" asked O'Connor.
+
+"Open at once. I am General Serano."
+
+The boys caught the name and it struck terror to their souls. O'Connor
+smiled.
+
+"Is General Serano alone?" he enquired.
+
+"Yes; why do you keep me here. Open, I say."
+
+O'Connor motioned to the boys to step behind the men, who were grouped a
+few feet in the rear of the corridor awaiting instructions. Then he
+threw open the prison door and stood back for General Serano to enter.
+
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXII
+
+THE ESCAPE--VILLAMONTE AGAIN BEATEN.
+
+
+As General Serano stepped ever the threshold of the jail, O'Connor
+slipped the heavy bolts and turned the big key in the lock; then he
+placed the key in his pocket.
+
+"Who are you, and where is the captain of the guard?" asked Serano,
+starting back in surprise when he saw O'Connor.
+
+"The captain is engaged at present," said O'Connor, bowing and smiling
+impudently; "what can I do for your excellency?"
+
+"Take me at once to the American prisoners. I have decided to revoke the
+two days' reprieve. Their sentence shall be executed in the morning
+unless they choose to bend their stubborn spirits and tell me for whom
+they are acting. They are not alone in this thing. Even now their
+friends may be gathering and threatening our outposts."
+
+"That is quite true, your excellency; it certainly is wise to take every
+precaution. Your visit was very well timed, as a few minutes later you
+might have found the prisoners out. They were just starting for a little
+airing. The prison is very close, don't you think?"
+
+Serano looked puzzled, and O'Connor said, in English:
+
+"Step forward, boys, and say 'How-de' to his excellency."
+
+Harry and Bert came from behind the men, and stopping in front of the
+general, saluted him gravely.
+
+"What does this mean?" demanded Serano, looking from the boys to
+O'Connor, as a suspicion that all was not right flashed into his mind.
+"Where is the captain of the guard? I insist that he shall report to me
+at once. And who are you, sir, who usurps the authority of the
+commandant here?"
+
+"I am Captain Dynamite, at your service, your excellency," said
+O'Connor, making an elaborate bow and doffing his sombrero so that his
+features were revealed to the now thoroughly frightened general.
+
+Serano leaped back and for a moment seemed dazed. Then his eyes fell on
+the eight soldiers standing back of the boys. His waning courage
+returned, and drawing himself up, he pointed his finger at O'Connor as
+he addressed the men.
+
+"There is a price on that man's head. Seize him and see to it that he
+does not escape."
+
+Not a man stirred. O'Connor, who had rolled a cigarette, turned to
+Serano.
+
+"May I trouble you for a light, general. There is no reason why we
+should not talk this thing over calmly."
+
+"Dogs," continued the general, stamping his foot, "why do you not obey
+me? Seize that man. He is a desperate outlaw."
+
+Some of the men jeered and others took a threatening step or two in the
+direction of the general, who jumped back into a corner of the corridor.
+
+"What plot is this?" he gasped.
+
+"Those are my men, general," said O'Connor calmly. "I should advise you
+not to be so violent. They do not like your language, you see. May I
+trouble you for that light?"
+
+Serano drew out his match box and held it at arms length, lest O'Connor
+come too near him.
+
+"Have no fear, sir," said O'Connor, who saw his perturbation, "No harm
+will come to you if you are wise enough to follow my instructions. You
+see, you are helpless. We hold the jail and no one will discover the
+plot until the watch is changed at midnight. Your guards are bound and
+gagged, and enjoying a siesta with your spy, Villamonte, in there."
+"Villamonte, too," exclaimed Serano, in surprise.
+
+"Yes; he was kind enough to secure for me the entree to your jail, a
+favor any one in town would have been eager to grant, I doubt not, but
+Monte was the first to present himself. Perhaps you would like to see
+him. You will find him in there with the others."
+
+General Serano walked to the door of the officers' room and looked in.
+He started back with an expression of anger.
+
+"This is an outrage on her majesty's soldiers for which you shall pay
+dearly, sir."
+
+"Let's not talk about pay between gentlemen, General Serano. I think you
+will admit that if it came to a settlement I have rather the best of it
+just now, and if I were so inclined, I could remove one of Cuba's most
+implacable enemies with one stroke of a machete. But I am not here for
+that purpose. There are others who will undoubtedly attend to that
+later. Now, all that I require of you is that you sit down at that table
+and write me a pass that will take me and my friends through your
+lines."
+
+"Never, sir. I will call the outside guard," and the general made a leap
+for the door.
+
+"The night is warm, general. Don't over-exert yourself. The door is
+locked and the key is in my pocket, and besides, if I should let you out
+you would only fall into the hands of more of my men. Your outside guard
+is also bound and gagged, and reclining against the wall of the jail in
+the shadow. The sentinels you saw on patrol when you approached the jail
+are my men. You see, there is no escape."
+
+"But the uniforms--they are Spain's."
+
+"Yes, they belonged to unfortunate men who fell fighting for your cause.
+We Cubans have quite a stock of them on hand. I think you said you would
+write that pass."
+
+"No, sir, never," roared the general, with a rattling Spanish oath.
+
+"Very well, then I am sure you will pardon a few liberties."
+
+O'Connor turned to the waiting men and said: "Remove the general's
+uniform."
+
+"What is the meaning of this new outrage?" gasped Serano, backing into
+his corner again as O'Connor's men started to execute his order.
+
+"Your uniform will serve as a passport if you refuse to write the pass,"
+said O'Connor laughing.
+
+"I'll write the pass," said the general quickly, and O'Connor motioned
+back his men. "My uniform shall never be so disgraced."
+
+"Suit yourself, general--uniform or pass--it's all the same to me. There
+is pen and ink."
+
+Serano sat down and with ill grace wrote something on a piece of paper
+which he handed to O'Connor. The latter read it and handed it back, with
+a shake of his head.
+
+"You will have to try again, general," he said. "Now write as I
+dictate."
+
+"Never, sir."
+
+"Your nevers come trippingly on the tongue, general. Boys, the general's
+uniform, please."
+
+"No, no, I'll write it."
+
+"Very well, but please to remember that I have no time for elocutionary
+exercises. One more never and off comes that uniform. I'll give you just
+three minutes to write this: 'Pass Captain O'Connor and his party
+through all Spanish lines and outposts.' That's right; now sign it."
+
+Reluctantly Serano affixed his signature.
+
+"Thank you," said O'Connor, with mock respect, as he took the paper.
+"Now there is just one more little favor that I feel sure you will be
+pleased to grant me, and that is to step upstairs with my men and see
+how you like the room the American boys have just vacated. You will find
+it quite comfortable. Our accommodations are a little overtaxed just
+now. Don't forget to leave your key at the office when you go out, and
+don't blow out the gas. Now boys, show the new guest to his room."
+
+O'Connor laughed until he was forced to hold his sides as his men,
+delighted with their task, roughly hustled the astonished and fuming
+officer along the corridor and up the steps. They heard an iron door
+slam and the men returned and saluted with grinning faces.
+
+"Always find it a good thing to let your men have a little enjoyment
+mixed in with their work. Come on now, let's say good-bye to Monte and
+go. It only lacks an hour of midnight and when the watch changes it will
+not be long before our little game is discovered."
+
+As he spoke, O'Connor walked to the door of the officer's room and
+looked in, followed by the boys.
+
+"Good-bye, Mr. Interpreter," said Harry, "what are the quotations on
+glory to-night?"
+
+Villamonte wagged the ends of his waxed mustache in an effort to speak.
+O'Connor laughed and turning to the door, unlocked it, and slipping back
+the bolts, gave a low whistle, like the one the boys had heard from
+their cell window. In a moment the answer came.
+
+"Come on," said O'Connor, "the coast is clear."
+
+They passed silently out into the night. The eight men joined their
+comrades and the next moment, one by one, they darted across the streak
+of moonlight and disappeared in the deep shadow of the building at the
+corner of the square. O'Connor stopped and looked around to see if they
+had been observed, but the streets were deserted.
+
+"Aren't you afraid that General Serano will yell through the window and
+give an alarm?" asked Harry, looking up to the bars of the cell they had
+so recently occupied.
+
+"My men never leave a prisoner so that he can yell," said O'Connor,
+chuckling. "We have about an hour's start, and if we make the best of
+that we should be well out of the woods before the escape is
+discovered."
+
+O'Connor walked rapidly and they soon reached the outskirts of the
+little straggling town without meeting anyone to question them. Now and
+then Harry saw dark forms ahead gliding along in the shadows of the low
+buildings or darting swiftly across patches of moonlight, and he knew
+O'Connor's men were within call. O'Connor, himself, walked openly, with
+a boy on each side of him. In half an hour they had left the last of the
+huts of the reconcentrados behind them and struck boldly out into the
+open country, the twelve men, at a command from O'Connor, falling into
+marching order behind him.
+
+In the dim distance lay their haven of safety: the dark, wooded
+foothills of the mountain that towered in black, ragged outlines before
+them, and the low-lying jungle at its base, within whose shelter
+O'Connor knew nearly a thousand determined men lay, only waiting word
+from him that his mission had failed, to move like a whirlwind on the
+unsuspecting outposts entrenched between them and the town.
+
+"We must be getting close to their lines," said O'Connor, looking at his
+watch. Then he turned quickly and put his hand to his ear in a listening
+attitude. At first the boys could not distinguish the sound that his
+quick ear had caught, and then indistinctly a faint, hollow clatter came
+over the plain from behind them. They strained their eyes but could see
+nothing that might cause it.
+
+"It's a horse--galloping hard," said O'Connor, and his mouth set into
+that straight line that the boys knew so well. "Lie down."
+
+O'Connor set the example and dropped on his stomach, with his ear to the
+ground. After a moment he raised his head slightly, and said:
+
+"I think there is only one, but it will be safer to get under cover.
+Crawl to those bushes and lie low."
+
+They all wriggled along the ground until they were partially concealed
+from view by one of the clumps of low trees and shrubs that dotted the
+plain.
+
+"Do you think they have discovered our escape?" asked Bert.
+
+"Can't tell yet," answered O'Connor, who was standing up behind a tree,
+trying to catch a glimpse of the rider whose approach was heralded by
+the vigorous pounding of his horse's hoofs. "I am satisfied that there
+is but one horse and it hardly seems likely that one man would set out
+in pursuit of a dozen, nor can I think it is a courier riding so hard at
+this time of night."
+
+The clatter of hoofs now became distinct, and away in the distance they
+could see a speck that grew larger each minute, until it took the form
+of a horse and rider. The course he was taking would bring him within an
+eighth of a mile of the party. As he came nearer O'Connor strained his
+eyes to make out the rider. The moon was getting low, but there was
+still light enough on the plain to make it possible to distinguish faces
+at some distance.
+
+On came the horse, and the watchers could see that his rider was urging
+him with voice and spur. Nearer and nearer they came until the foam
+flecks shone white in the moonlight.
+
+"By thunder," said O'Connor, suddenly; "it's the old villain, Monte. How
+did he get out?"
+
+"Who is it?" asked Harry, eagerly.
+
+"Villamonte, the interpreter."
+
+"Then the escape has been discovered."
+
+"Undoubtedly."
+
+"But what is he doing out here alone?"
+
+There was a moment's silence while O'Connor watched the panting horse
+come tearing on. Now he was almost abreast of the clump of trees, and
+even the boys, with their untrained eyes, could make out their
+persistent enemy, Villamonte.
+
+"He's riding for the outpost to revoke this pass," said O'Connor, slowly
+tapping the pocket that contained the paper. "They think that is the
+best means of trapping us."
+
+"It's all up with us then, if he gets there first," said Bert, "and we
+have no horses to stop him."
+
+"No, but we have something just as good," said O'Connor, turning quickly
+to the man behind him; "let me have your Mauser, Pedro."
+
+He took the rifle and stepped out into the open. Dropping on his knee,
+he raised the weapon to his shoulder and seemingly without aiming at the
+flying mark, fired. The boys shrank back involuntarily. Bloodshed, no
+matter how necessary, was revolting. Still, they could not help watching
+to see the result of O'Connor's shot. The horse pitched forward and
+rolled over on his side, pinning his rider beneath him.
+
+"Shoot the horse if he is not already dead, and bring in the man," said
+O'Connor, coolly handing the rifle back. Two men started on a dog trot
+for the fallen horse and rider.
+
+"Is--is he dead?" asked Harry, hesitatingly.
+
+"The horse or the man?"
+
+"The man."
+
+"No, there is nothing the matter with Monte more than a broken arm
+perhaps. I shot at the horse. I am sorry--I would almost rather have
+shot the man. But it had to be done."
+
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIII
+
+BACK TO THE MARIELLA
+
+
+Perspiration dripped from the drooping ends of Villamonte's waxed
+mustache as the men brought the discomforted interpreter before
+O'Connor. He had suffered nothing worse than a few bruises, but he was
+covered with dust and dirt and his expression was a strange mixture of
+fear and amazement. He could not seem to comprehend what had happened.
+
+"We couldn't lose you, could we, Monte?" said O'Connor laughing. "I am
+sorry to have had to deprive you of your horse, but you were riding
+faster than the speed limit. Now I think the safest thing to do with you
+is to take you right along with us. You seem to like our company. Pedro,
+bind the gentleman's hands behind him and slip a gag into his mouth. We
+cannot take any more chances with you, Mr. Interpreter."
+
+Villamonte, who knew that it would be useless to protest, contented
+himself with scowling at O'Connor and the boys. Then they took up the
+march again and met with no further obstacle until they were challenged
+by the outposts at the trenches. General Serano's pass took them into
+the presence of the officer in command, who looked the party over with
+some surprise.
+
+"You are escorting a prisoner, Captain O'Connor, I see," he said.
+"General Serano does not mention him in his pass."
+
+"I did not know that General Serano had to explain his affairs to his
+subordinates, sir."
+
+"It is a little unusual."
+
+"I should advise you to ask no questions in this matter. It is a mission
+in which the general is deeply interested. These two young men have been
+for some days his guests, awaiting an opportunity to get to the coast.
+This prisoner is a man of so desperate a character that it is not deemed
+safe to even grant him ordinary privileges. I dare not remove the gag
+from his mouth even while safe within the lines, lest some secret signal
+he might utter bring a horde of insurgents about our ears. There is a
+price on his head. General Serano does not mention him in the pass,
+captain, because of this. In the strictest confidence I will mention a
+name to you that will explain the need for extraordinary caution."
+
+O'Connor lowered his voice almost to a whisper as he leaned
+confidentially toward the officer and said:
+
+"Captain Dynamite is in this party."
+
+"Ah! He is the terrible Captain Dynamite?" gasped the commander, taking
+a few steps backward and pointing at Villamonte. O'Connor put his finger
+to his lips and said:
+
+"'Sh! Remember I have not said so."
+
+"I understand, Captain O'Connor. I am honored by your confidence. Pass
+on with your prisoner with what speed you may."
+
+The party made their way rapidly through the lines and within an hour,
+with O'Connor as guide, they had reached the shelter of the thick brush
+that separated them from the lagoon where the _Mariella_ lay.
+
+"Now, boys," said O'Connor, as he slackened his pace, "you are as safe
+as if you were under your own roof trees. There are a thousand men at
+our command lying within these woods and stretched from the coast to the
+mountain yonder. All of Spain's army could not fight its way through
+that line."
+
+"Why have we not been challenged by the sentries?" asked Harry. "The
+Spaniards might creep among them as we have done."
+
+"O, no, we are expected and our approach has been watched and covered by
+ready guns for some time. There are men now within ten feet of us. See?"
+
+O'Connor uttered that peculiar bird cry, which was answered at once from
+the bushes near at hand, and the next moment, as silently as an Indian,
+a man stepped out in front of them and saluted O'Connor.
+
+"Where is the general?" asked the captain.
+
+"At his headquarters in the clearing. He wished to be notified of the
+safe arrival of your party."
+
+"We will go to him at once. Take this prisoner and keep him securely
+bound, but you can remove the gag now. My dear Monte, you will kindly
+accompany this gentleman. And now, my men," he continued to his twelve
+companions, who still grouped themselves about him, "you have done your
+part well. I thank each of you for your fidelity. You can join your
+separate companies and present my thanks to your commanders."
+
+The men, as they passed O'Connor, shook his hand warmly. There was
+something about the man that made everyone with whom he came in contact
+glad to serve him.
+
+"Now, come on, boys; we will go to the general and thank him for his
+aid."
+
+"What general is it?" asked Bert.
+
+"General Gomez, bless him," answered O'Connor, doffing his sombrero to
+an imaginary presence.
+
+"Then we shall see General Gomez," said Harry, eagerly.
+
+"That ye will, and a fine bit of a fighter ye'll see, too."
+
+With O'Connor in the lead they pushed their way through the dense brush
+until they came out into an open space that had been cleared by axe and
+machete, but that it was no new rendezvous was evident from the
+directness with which O'Connor approached it through the pathless
+underbrush. It was about forty feet square and in the middle there had
+been erected a rough shelter, or hut, without walls, the thatched roof
+being supported by four poles. Under this, in a reclining camp chair,
+sat the grizzled old warrior, with several of his staff officers. He
+rose as they entered the clearing and advanced toward O'Connor with his
+hand extended in greeting.
+
+For some time they talked earnestly together, O'Connor making a report
+of his expedition into the town and the rescue of the prisoners. Now and
+then the old general would turn his weather-beaten face toward the boys,
+and in the flickering light of the camp fire they could see the
+expression of cold severity melt away into a smile as soft and gentle as
+a woman's. Presently, the conference ended, he stepped over to Harry and
+Bert, shook each by the hand, and then retired to the hut again, and at
+once began to issue orders to his staff. One by one they saluted and
+left him.
+
+"Are they going to attack the town?" asked Harry.
+
+"No, my boy, not now. Had we not appeared the attack would have been
+made within an hour. As it is, the general will return to Cubitas to
+continue his campaign as originally planned, and Captain Morgan, who
+moved up here to co-operate with the general, will return and cover the
+removal of our cargo. All that remains now is to take the old _Mariella_
+safely out of these waters and then we can say, 'All's well that ends
+well!' In the meantime, as I am a bit anxious myself to get away, we
+will press on and make the lagoon by dawn. Then you boys will have a
+chance to put in a little sleep, for, as our friend Washington would
+say, I'm not such a mucher at guessing, but I'll warrant you are running
+a little short of rest since your arrival on these lively shores."
+
+The boys were indeed completely fagged out. The reaction following the
+nervous strain and the excitement of the past few days was beginning to
+set in, and Harry felt that if he could once more climb into his bunk on
+the _Mariella_ he could sleep for twenty-four hours. Still, they pulled
+themselves together and struck out again into the bush close in the wake
+of O'Connor, who seemed to be made of iron.
+
+As they reached the shores of the lagoon the sky was just brightening
+with the gray dawn. The outlines of the _Mariella_ were dimly
+discernable. Bert and Harry, now completely exhausted, threw themselves
+at full length on the beach. O'Connor put his fingers to his lips and
+again that strange bird cry floated out on the still air over the dark
+lagoon. There was no answer, but in a moment the sound of creaking ropes
+could be heard, and then there was the splash of a boat in the water,
+followed presently by the regular sound of oars. O'Connor lighted a
+match and held it for a second above his head as a signal to the rowers.
+
+A boat's keel grated on the sand and Suarez leaped out and seized
+O'Connor's hand in both of his.
+
+"Glad to see you back safe, sir," he said, earnestly. "Miss Juanita and
+her mother are safe on board and I see you have the two young gentlemen
+with you, so we are all accounted for again."
+
+"Good, Suarez, and how about the cargo?"
+
+"Nearly all on shore. We shall be ready for sea again by midnight if
+Morgan returns to take charge of the removal on shore."
+
+"Morgan and his men will be here within a few hours. Keep the cargo
+moving; I shall not feel at rest until I get well out to sea again."
+
+Suarez turned toward the boat and the boys heard him mutter:
+
+"Petticoats always do knock the pluck out of a man."
+
+As they rowed alongside of the _Mariella_, day had dawned and the boys
+could distinguish Miss Juanita, Mason, and Washington leaning over the
+rail. Little Mason swung his cap and shouted in his joy.
+
+At this point Washington seized him and dragged him back, at the same
+time placing his finger on his own lips to indicate that he should be
+quiet.
+
+"O, bother," grunted Mason, "who's afraid now the cap's back?"
+
+Miss Juanita greeted them warmly as they came over the side. She took a
+hand of each boy and kissed it with a pretty little courtesy. Washington
+was so jubilant that he could not refrain from a few steps of a double
+shuffle on the deck.
+
+"Ah guessed Massa Cap'n Dynamite'd bring 'em all back all right, all
+right, an' ah ain't such a mucher at guessin' either," he said, with a
+wide grin.
+
+The boys, quite abashed by Miss Juanita's demonstrative thanks,
+stammered a few words in reply and turned to greet their eager
+companion.
+
+"Say, fels, tell me all about it," said the Midget, dragging them off to
+the forward part of the deck.
+
+"First got to go to the galley with George Wash Jenks and get some
+coffee and bite to eat. Ah bet you suah hungry, Misser Harry an' Misser
+Bert."
+
+"We suah are, Washington. What have you got to eat in there?"
+
+"Ah guess ah got some suah 'nough fresh doughnuts."
+
+"Oh, doughnuts for ours," cried the boys in chorus.
+
+"Also for mine, Wash," said Mason solemnly. "I may not be a hero, but
+I've got just as good an appetite for fresh doughnuts as if I had
+rescued the maiden all forlorn. How about that, Wash?"
+
+"Suah, Misser Mason, you get doughnuts too."
+
+"Very well, then, lead on."
+
+They followed the grinning and happy negro into the galley, while
+O'Connor and Miss Juanita joined her mother on the after deck. For half
+an hour they were busy tucking away Washington's doughnuts and coffee,
+while Mason waited patiently for the story of their adventures. Full
+stomachs and a sense of safety after a period of excitement and danger,
+however, brought about a lethargy that only rest and sleep could dispel,
+and with heavy eyes and weary legs they dragged themselves aft to their
+stateroom, and crawling into their bunks, fully dressed as they were,
+fell into a heavy sleep despite the disgusted protests of Mason, who was
+finally obliged to leave them to their dreamless slumber.
+
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIV
+
+THE ESCAPE FROM THE LAGOON
+
+
+When the boys awoke it was dark again. They had slept through the day
+without a break. Mason, who had been hovering around restlessly all day,
+poked his head into the stateroom just as Harry was rubbing his eyes.
+
+"O, say, you chaps, have you returned to life again? Do you know you
+have been pounding your ears for thirteen hours?"
+
+"Where are we, Midget?" asked Harry, yawning.
+
+"Still in the blooming lagoon."
+
+"Oh, yes, I remember now." Harry sighed comfortably and turned over.
+
+"Oh, say, you fellows; turn out. You have had sleep enough and I am as
+lonely as a cow in a strange pasture. You've had all the fun; now the
+least you can do is to get up and tell me about it."
+
+"Fun, eh?" said Bert, who had been awakened by the conversation. "I wish
+you had had my part of the enjoyment. More quiet amusement will do for
+me."
+
+"I am as hungry as a bear," said Harry, jumping out of bed. "If you
+won't let us sleep we must eat. Have you had supper yet?"
+
+"No; Cap said he was going to wait until you waked up."
+
+"All right; if you'll get a bucket of water we'll be ready in short
+order. I've got to wash up. I'm as dirty as a digger Indian."
+
+When Harry turned out he found his own suit, carefully mended and
+pressed, laid out over a chair. He gladly discarded his badly fitting
+Spanish uniform, and after a good wash, donned his own clothing again
+and made quite a presentable appearance as he walked out on deck, where
+he found O'Connor and Miss Juanita and her mother lounging lazily in
+steamer chairs.
+
+O'Connor jumped up and warmly welcomed the boys, and Miss Juanita
+insisted upon presenting them to her mother as "the brave American lads
+who had saved her from the vengeance of General Serano."
+
+"And now, youngsters," said O'Connor, as soon as they had blushingly
+acknowledged the warmly expressed gratitude of Miss Juanita's mother, "I
+know you are hungry and dinner waits. My Waldorf chef has done himself
+proud in honor of the occasion and George Wash Jenks, his assistant, has
+begged to be allowed to serve us. Let's get busy." He rose as he spoke
+and the boys saw that he had dressed himself with scrupulous care
+again, in a suit of light flannel, yachting cap, and immaculately white
+canvas shoes.
+
+It was a merry party that gathered around the cabin table, which, with
+its elaborate setting of crystal and silver, would have been a credit to
+any domestic establishment. Washington, in a white coat and apron, his
+face wide ajar with a happy grin, served them skillfully. After dessert
+had been cleared away and O'Connor had secured permission from the
+ladies to smoke his cigarette, Mason, who had been for many hours
+impatiently waiting to hear the story of his comrades' adventures, saw
+his opportunity, and rising and bowing to the company with his funny,
+grave expression, said:
+
+"Ladies and gentlemen, and our distinguished host: Little as I am
+accustomed to public speaking, I wish right here to say that I consider
+that I have been very shabbily treated. Fickle fortune robbed me of an
+opportunity to become a hero, and it looks as if I would now be denied
+even the poor gratification of enjoying the thrilling adventures of my
+brave comrades by word of mouth. I know I'm little and perhaps my suit
+would not have fitted Miss Juanita as well as my friend Hamilton's, but
+it was not because of my size that unkind fate singled him out for the
+hero part and left me not so much as an understudy. It was pure hard
+luck, and now I demand, as the slighted party, that the story of the
+rescue from the Spanish prison be told in the minutest detail for the
+benefit of the assembled company by those who acted the principal parts.
+Captain Dynamite, I leave it to you if it is not due to a disappointed,
+would-be hero?"
+
+O'Connor laughed heartily at the boy, who kept a serious and sober face
+during his harangue.
+
+"Your position is well taken, Master Mason," he said. "I propose that
+Master Hamilton begin the story at the point where he and his companion
+fell into the hands of the Spaniards."
+
+After some urging Harry told in an easy narrative style the story of his
+and Bert's adventures, to which Mason listened breathlessly, while
+Washington, who had been permitted to stand behind O'Connor's chair,
+alternately grinned and stared in amazement. The story of the misfortune
+of Villamonte seemed to amuse him greatly, and as Harry described his
+expression as he lay bound and gagged in the prison, the negro slapped
+his leg in glee, and for a moment forgetting himself, cried out.
+
+"Ah guess Misser Tree Card Monte not bother Massa Cap'n Dynamite no
+more. He, he, ha, ha."
+
+They all joined with Washington in his mirth, and in the midst of their
+hilarity the cabin door opened and Suarez, with a reproachful
+expression, looked in at O'Connor and waited for the noise to subside.
+
+"Captain Morgan's sentinels on the point report a light off shore, sir,"
+he said, as soon as he could make himself heard.
+
+"What sort of a light, Suarez?" asked O'Connor, without showing any
+excitement.
+
+"Probably a vessel's light, sir."
+
+"Very well. Call me if it seems to be making in shore."
+
+Suarez cast another glance at O'Connor that seemed to say, "Petticoats
+are out of place on filibusters," but he wisely refrained from
+expressing any such opinions aloud.
+
+Harry continued his narrative and O'Connor appeared to listen with as
+great an interest as if he were not familiar with the details already.
+Harry noticed, however, that every now and then he cast a glance at the
+door as if he expected Suarez to return. He had reached that point in
+his story where they discover Villamonte riding madly after them on the
+plain and Washington's eyes were bulging with excitement, when the door
+again opened and Suarez stepped in and saluted.
+
+"I think you had better come on deck, sir," he said, quietly.
+
+"All right, Suarez," said O'Connor, jumping up quickly. "Go on with your
+story, my boy, I will join you again shortly. Keep up the interest;
+you've got your audience in the proper mood now." With a light laugh,
+intended to allay any anxiety Suarez's words might have caused his
+guests, O'Connor left the cabin.
+
+Harry realized that some danger threatened them, but catching a
+significant look in the eyes of the captain as he left the room, fell in
+with his purpose readily and continued his story as if nothing had
+happened.
+
+"What is it, Suarez?" asked O'Connor, as soon as they were alone on
+deck.
+
+"She's headed in shore and directly for the inlet, sir."
+
+"Can you make her out yet?"
+
+"I have not been ashore, sir, but Morgan's men say they can only see her
+lights."
+
+"Lower a boat and let me take your glasses. I do not want to alarm the
+ladies by returning to the cabin for mine."
+
+"Women are a bit of a nuisance at such times, sir," said Suarez, who
+could no longer refrain from expressing his views, however mildly.
+
+"No, you are wrong there, Suarez," said O'Connor, who understood the
+mate's aversion to everyone and everything that was not working
+directly for the good of the cause. "They are only an incentive to extra
+caution, which you must admit is an admirable thing for me." Suarez
+shook his head doubtfully as he went forward to get the boat in the
+water and O'Connor laughed at his officer's crochet.
+
+A boat was quickly lowered and manned, and O'Connor was rowed to the
+point of land that separated the lagoon from the ocean. He made his way
+to a group of men who, in the shelter of some palm trees, were watching
+the red and green lights of an approaching vessel.
+
+"Can you make her out?" asked O'Connor, eagerly.
+
+"No, sir. We have no glasses. Perhaps you can tell what she is."
+
+O'Connor took a long look at the lights, which were yet mere specks.
+
+"I can't make her out yet," he said, as he lowered his glasses, "but
+whoever she is she must know the coast hereabouts pretty well to head in
+so close."
+
+He sat down with his back to one of the trees and his face to the sea
+and rolled a cigarette. He smoked calmly for ten minutes and then put
+his glasses to his eyes again.
+
+"She's a gunboat," he said finally. "Let me know in fifteen minutes if
+she still holds her course."
+
+He turned back to his boat and was rowed rapidly back to the _Mariella_.
+Suarez met him at the gangway.
+
+"Did you make her out, sir?" he asked eagerly.
+
+"Yes, she's a gunboat--I think our old friend the _Belair_, and if it be
+she there is no significance in her presence here. She has probably been
+cruising up and down the coast since we left her trying to solve the
+mystery of our sudden disappearance. But in any event you better prepare
+for the worst; but quietly, Suarez, quietly. We do not want to alarm the
+ladies unnecessarily."
+
+"Bother the ladies," grumbled Suarez to himself, as he went forward to
+carry out the captain's orders. O'Connor leaned on the rail facing the
+black point of land that hid them from view. Presently a boat put out
+from the shore and as she came under the _Mariella's_ quarter, O'Connor
+whispered:
+
+"Well?"
+
+"Only the red light shows now, sir," answered a man in the small boat.
+
+"She has changed her course, then. Good. Keep a sharp lookout and let me
+know at once if she changes again."
+
+"It seems to be steady, sir. I think she has come to anchor."
+
+"Whew," whistled O'Connor; "that's bad."
+
+The little boat put back to shore and O'Connor stood leaning over the
+rail in deep thought. Meanwhile dark shapes moved quickly, but silently,
+across the deck as the men took their quarters. The mate aroused
+O'Connor from his reverie.
+
+"All is ready, sir," he said.
+
+"Very good, Suarez. I think I know what her game is now. She's beating
+the coast for just such hidden spots as this lagoon. Get word at once to
+the men on the point to watch carefully for the approach of a launch or
+small boat. There is to be no demonstration unless they find the inlet.
+In that case let them see that no one gets out again. And Suarez, the
+machete--no guns. There must be no noise to tell the _Belair_ what has
+happened."
+
+O'Connor rejoined the party in the cabin with a smile on his lips that
+belied the weight of anxiety on his mind.
+
+"Now ladies," he said cheerily, "if Harry has finished his tale of
+adventure we will bid you good night, as I have to make ready for sea.
+You will occupy my cabin, as I have no doubt the boys will be quite
+willing to bunk with me in a spare stateroom forward."
+
+The boys bade the ladies good night and retired to the deck with the
+captain.
+
+"What's up, Cap?" asked Harry, as soon as the door closed behind them.
+
+"Can't fool you, eh?" laughed O'Connor.
+
+"I knew something had gone wrong, sir, as soon as you left the cabin."
+
+"Well, I suppose I might just as well tell you boys, for you will find
+out sooner or later, but I do not want a word of it to reach the ladies;
+you understand?"
+
+"We'll be as silent as clams at high water," said Mason, "but I should
+like to have it thoroughly understood that I am next in line for any
+hero parts."
+
+"There is a Spanish gunboat--the same one we had the little mix-up with
+coming down, I think--lying just off the inlet. I believe that her
+commander suspects that we have hidden away in some such place as this
+and he is beating the shore with small boats in the hope of locating
+us."
+
+"But what chance would a small boat have if she did discover us?"
+
+"If the boat crew discovered us and got away the gunboat could shell us
+out or sink us in the lagoon."
+
+"Another cheery outlook," groaned Bert. "I thought we were safe on the
+_Mariella_ and it seems that it is only a choice between Spanish guns
+ashore and Spanish shells at sea."
+
+"Oh, it's not quite so bad as that, Master Wilson," said O'Connor
+laughing, but with an anxious look in the direction of the cabin. "If
+they do not discover our hiding-place we shall sneak out all right under
+cover of darkness, and if they do discover it, we shall have to fight
+for it; but in either event we shall get out." O'Connor's mouth
+tightened into that straight line that indicated his desperate moods. He
+stepped over to the rail and fixed his eyes on the black shore of the
+lagoon. It was his usual abrupt method of closing a conversation, and
+the boys who were now familiar with his peculiarities, did not attempt
+to question him further.
+
+The tide was running into the inlet and the _Mariella_ had swung around
+on her anchor chains until she was pointed directly for the hidden
+opening to the sea. The boys left O'Connor to his thoughts and strolled
+forward. The sky was partially overcast and the moon, which had just
+risen, was almost obscured by heavy, slowly moving clouds. Now and then,
+however, it broke through a rift, flooding the lagoon with its silvery
+light and throwing the black sides of the _Mariella_ into bold relief.
+Not a breath of air stirred leaf or twig.
+
+"We are ready for action," whispered Harry, as they passed the silent
+forms of the men standing quietly at their stations. "They won't catch
+Captain Dynamite napping, any way."
+
+Near the fo'c'sle deck they found Washington at his post, a Mauser in
+his hand and machete and pistols in his belt.
+
+"Hullo, Wash," said Mason, "are we going to have another mix-up?"
+
+The negro grinned and bobbed his head rapidly at the same time placing
+his finger on his lips.
+
+"What's the matter? Lost your tongue again?"
+
+"'Sh. George Wash Jenks can't talk on fightin' duty."
+
+"That's right, Wash; obey orders," said Harry, as they passed on.
+
+The dark forms of the waiting men, the dead silence that hung over the
+steamer, and the tense air of anxiety and doubt that pervaded all began
+to have a disquieting effect upon the boys who, at first, full of
+confidence in the courage and experience of O'Connor, had regarded their
+situation as only remotely dangerous. For a long time they stood looking
+off at the screen of trees and vines that separated them from the sea,
+where the gunboat lay in wait for its prey.
+
+A black cloud that had obscured the face of the moon slowly passed over
+it, and again the shores of the lagoon stood out in detail, almost as if
+the sun shone upon them. Harry placed a hand quickly on Bert's shoulder
+and pointed ahead of them. There was a commotion in the leafy screen as
+if something was forcing its way through. The next moment the bow of a
+boat crept slowly out until its full length was visible within the
+lagoon. Another cloud began to draw a fleecy fringe across the moon, but
+before its darker center passed over the shining disc, the boys could
+see many black moving spots on the surface of the water, rapidly
+approaching the boat from behind.
+
+"We must tell the captain," said Harry, turning quickly, only to find
+O'Connor with folded arms standing silently behind them, watching the
+scene with contracted brow. He did not appear to notice the presence of
+the boys.
+
+"Now, quick," he hissed between his teeth, as if coaching someone in the
+distance, and at the same time the boys saw the black spots rise from
+the water, as many arms shot up and seized the gunwale of the boat. Then
+a veil of darkness shut out the dramatic scene as the cloud shut out the
+light of the moon.
+
+There was a sound of splashing water, a low cry or two and then silence
+again. O'Connor turned away and joined the mate, who had watched the
+brief spectacle from the bridge.
+
+"It was well done, Suarez," said O'Connor.
+
+"Aye, aye, sir; it was a neat job. Trust Morgan's men for that." The
+splash of oars alongside interrupted them and the sentries' boat
+appeared again. O'Connor leaned over the bridge.
+
+"Boat and four men captured at the inlet, sir," called a voice from out
+of the darkness.
+
+"Good; anyone hurt?"
+
+"Not a soul, sir. We were two to one and they threw up their hands when
+we climbed over the stern of their boat. What shall we do with the
+prisoners?"
+
+"Turn them over to Captain Morgan; and now, Suarez, when can we go to
+sea?"
+
+"Whenever you please, sir. The cargo is all ashore."
+
+"Get up steam at once."
+
+"Are you going to take her out to-night, sir, in the face of the
+_Belair_?"
+
+"If I don't take her out to-night we shall have to run the gauntlet in a
+hail of solid shot. It will not be long before they will suspect that
+something has happened to that boat. By daybreak the _Belair_ will move
+in. Our only chance is to get out under cover of darkness. She is well
+within range now, but we can get clear of the inlet with a bit of speed
+on before she discovers us, and if we've got to fight I prefer the open
+sea."
+
+"Very well, sir. Shall I heave the anchors?" asked Suarez.
+
+"You can't heave the anchors until you get up steam, man."
+
+"I told you we were ready for sea, sir," said Suarez, in a reproachful
+tone. "The _Mariella_ is always at your command."
+
+Fifteen minutes later O'Connor stood in the pilot house with his hand on
+the wheel. He looked back for a moment at the two sentinel palms and
+then he rang the bell for full speed ahead.
+
+The engines throbbed, the screws churned the still water of the lagoon
+into a white froth and the _Mariella_, with rapidly increasing speed,
+poked her nose into the green foliage that barred her passage to the
+sea. Branches and vines scraped along her sides for a moment and then,
+released from their impeding embrace, she forged ahead with a tremble
+and start into the open sea. The red portlight of the waiting gunboat
+gleamed in the darkness a few points off her port bow. O'Connor swung
+her head around until the light was off the _Mariella's_ quarter. Then
+he turned the wheel over to the steersman who stood beside him.
+
+"Keep her steady, now," he said, as he left the pilot house and returned
+to the bridge, where Suarez stood with his glasses trained on the red
+light.
+
+"No sign of movement, yet, sir," he said.
+
+"You have no lights burning?"
+
+"Not a light aboard, sir, except in the binnacle."
+
+"All depends upon the moon then. She'll hardly make us out against the
+shore. If the moon stays in for fifteen minutes we shall be out of range
+of her guns and we can outfoot her in a stern chase."
+
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXV
+
+HOME AGAIN
+
+
+Mrs. Hamilton sat on the broad veranda of her cottage looking wistfully
+out to sea. She was pale and languid from the weight of many anxious
+days and sleepless nights. Before her lay the treacherous ocean, now
+calm and peaceful, rippling laughingly in the summer sunshine. The white
+sails of tiny pleasure craft skimmed lightly over its placid surface,
+and in striking contrast to her unhappy mood, nature and the world
+seemed to show their cheeriest faces. The laughing voices of merry
+youngsters, the twitter of the sparrows in the trees, the soft notes of
+a girl's happy song wafted to her from a passing yacht, all grated
+harshly on her overwrought nerves. Day in and day out, in sunshine and
+storm, since Harry's disappearance, she had sat in a sheltered corner of
+the veranda and--waited.
+
+Mr. Hamilton stepped out of the cottage, and drawing a chair beside her,
+took her hand gently in his and caressed it silently.
+
+"There is no word yet?" she said, finally, without taking her eyes from
+the dancing water.
+
+"None."
+
+"And you have been unable to learn anything of the steamer,--the
+_Mariella_?"
+
+"All that my agents can find out is that she is apparently a tramp, and
+that she cleared from Boston for southern ports with a cargo of general
+merchandise."
+
+"And she has not been reported since?"
+
+"No."
+
+"There can be little hope then?"
+
+"We must not despair yet."
+
+"There could have been no mistake in the name of the steamer that picked
+them up?"
+
+"I hardly think so. I saw the captain of the steamer that reported them
+and he is positive that he could have made no mistake in reading the
+signal."
+
+"Then she should have arrived at some port long ago."
+
+"Yes; but these tramp steamers are sometimes very slow and it is not
+unusual for them to be many days overdue and turn up all right. I think,
+Mary, it is best that you should go home. This anxiety is killing you
+and the surroundings here keep you constantly overwrought. I have every
+point covered from which a report of the steamer might be received, and
+then, who knows, if Harry should land in the South, he might go West at
+once."
+
+Mrs. Hamilton shook her head and pointed out over the sea.
+
+"No, Edward, that is the way he went and I shall wait for him here."
+
+A boy on a bicycle rode up to the house.
+
+"Telegram for Mr. Hamilton," he called, as he jumped from his wheel.
+
+"Quick, Edward, it may be news from Harry," said Mrs. Hamilton, rising
+eagerly as her husband took the yellow envelope from the boy and broke
+the seal hastily.
+
+"The _Mariella_ is bound in," he almost shouted, as he passed the paper
+to his wife. She took it in her trembling hands and read:
+
+
+EDWARD HAMILTON,
+Cliff Cottage,
+Cottage City, Mass.
+
+  Tramp steamer _Mariella_ just reported passing in. Bound for Boston.
+
+WILLIAM COFFIN, Nantucket.
+
+
+
+Mrs. Hamilton sank back into her chair, an expression of eager hope
+lighting up her wan face.
+
+"Do you suppose that Harry is on board, Edward? Can it be that he is
+coming home at last?"
+
+"I hope so, Mary, but I cannot understand it. Where has the steamer been
+and why has she not been reported out?"
+
+"Can this be a mistake?" asked the woman plaintively, holding out the
+telegram.
+
+"No, I think not."
+
+"Then let us go to Boston at once and meet him."
+
+"That would be unwise. By the time we could reach there, Harry--if he is
+aboard--might be on his way here. It is best to wait, Mary, and hope for
+the best. In the meantime, I will wire to my agent in Boston to meet the
+steamer."
+
+With a sigh of resignation, Mrs. Hamilton resumed her weary vigil.
+Suddenly she started up with a new idea.
+
+"Edward," she said, "if she is coming in she will pass out there."
+
+"Yes, but too far out for you to see her, Mary."
+
+"Never mind; bring me the glasses. It will help to pass the weary hours
+of waiting."
+
+Mr. Hamilton brought her a pair of marine glasses, and rearranging the
+cushions behind her head with a tender hand, he left her eagerly
+scanning the horizon for some sign of a passing steamer.
+
+When he returned from the telegraph office she called to him eagerly:
+
+"Look, Edward, just off the point. There is a steamer."
+
+"Yes, probably a collier."
+
+"But she seems to be headed this way."
+
+"They go up the sound to New York."
+
+"But might she not be the--the----"
+
+"No, Mary; she would have to head out around Cape Cod to make Boston."
+
+"I know, I know, but perhaps she may land him here."
+
+"That would take her out of her course and mean the loss of time. Her
+captain would not do that."
+
+For fifteen minutes more, Mrs. Hamilton watched the steamer in silence
+and then she turned again to her husband, and said:
+
+"She is not going up the sound, Edward; she is headed in here." Mr.
+Hamilton took the glasses and scanned the steamer.
+
+"She does seem to be headed this way."
+
+"It is the _Mariella_, Edward."
+
+Mrs. Hamilton spoke in a low tone of deep conviction. Her husband looked
+at her anxiously.
+
+"You are trying to make coincidences fit your wishes, Mary," he said.
+"Do not build up false hopes; the disappointment will be too much for
+your worn nerves."
+
+"I shall not be disappointed, Edward; see, she is headed straight in
+now."
+
+"It is strange," said Mr. Hamilton, beginning himself to take an
+interest in the steamer, which was now certainly headed almost for the
+cottage.
+
+"Quick, Edward, the glasses; I can see people on her decks."
+
+Mrs. Hamilton rose from her chair as she spoke and almost snatched the
+glasses from her husband's hands in her eagerness. For a long time she
+stood like a statue with the glasses trained on the steamer, and then
+suddenly she took a white shawl from her shoulders and waved it wildly
+above her head.
+
+"It is Harry," she cried, sobbing with excitement, as she thrust the
+glasses into her husband's hands. "See, they have seen us, too, and
+Harry is waving his hat."
+
+Her overwrought nerves could not stand the excess of joy and she sank
+into her husband's arms.
+
+Mr. Hamilton carried her into a big room that overlooked the water and
+placed her gently on a lounge. When she recovered consciousness and
+opened her eyes, she looked up into the face of her son, who bent
+anxiously over her.
+
+"Harry," she whispered, her happiness sending the warm blood back into
+her face again.
+
+"Mother," he cried, seizing her in his strong young arms.
+
+When she was stronger they led her out to her seat on the veranda where
+she had kept her weary vigil, and she warmly greeted Bert and the
+Midget, who had just returned from the telegraph office, where they had
+sent word at once to their homes telling of their safe arrival in
+America. O'Connor who had come ashore at Harry's earnest solicitation,
+stood in the background talking with Mr. Hamilton, to whom he had
+briefly outlined the adventures of the three boys since they had been
+his guests on the _Mariella_.
+
+Harry took the big man by the hand and led him over to his mother.
+
+"Mother," he said, proudly, "I want you to know my friend, Captain
+Dynamite."
+
+"Captain Dynamite?" repeated Mrs. Hamilton, in wonder.
+
+"Captain O'Connor, I mean; they call him Dynamite because when you touch
+him off there's sure to be something doing. He saved our lives
+twice--once from the sea, and once from the Spaniards."
+
+"The Spaniards--my son, what are you talking about?"
+
+"That's a long story, mother. I will tell you that to-night."
+
+After much persuasion, O'Connor was induced to remain overnight on
+condition that all hands would dine on the _Mariella_. He went back to
+the steamer and sent a large boat ashore for his guests and no happier
+party could have been found that night than those who gathered around
+the table in the cabin of the old _Mariella_. Miss Juanita made Mrs.
+Hamilton's heart glow with the pride of a mother as she told of Harry's
+sacrifice to save her, and after dinner, as they all gathered on the
+after deck under the starlit sky, Mr. and Mrs. Hamilton listened with
+breathless interest as the various actors told the story of their
+adventures during the voyage with Captain Dynamite.
+
+It was long after midnight when all the farewells had been said and the
+boat that was to put the departing guests ashore left the side of the
+_Mariella_. As the sailors pushed off, O'Connor and Juanita stood at the
+rail, his big hand resting gently on hers.
+
+"Say, Cap," shouted the Midget, as they moved away, "count us in when
+you cut that wedding cake."
+
+
+[THE END.]
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of A Voyage with Captain Dynamite, by 
+Charles Edward Rich
+
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+    <title>
+      The Project Gutenberg eBook of A Voyage With Captain Dynamite, by Charles Edward Rich.
+    </title>
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+Project Gutenberg's A Voyage with Captain Dynamite, by Charles Edward Rich
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: A Voyage with Captain Dynamite
+
+Author: Charles Edward Rich
+
+Release Date: April 23, 2008 [EBook #25144]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK A VOYAGE WITH CAPTAIN DYNAMITE ***
+
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+Produced by Suzanne Shell and the Online Distributed
+Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net
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+</pre>
+
+
+
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 411px;">
+<img src="images/cover01.jpg" width="411" height="600" alt="cover" title="cover" />
+</div>
+
+<hr style="width: 45%;" />
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 361px;">
+<img src="images/frontis01.jpg" width="361" height="600" alt="Suddenly he half rose in the tossing boat and shouted to the rowers (Page 13)" title="Suddenly he half rose in the tossing boat and shouted to the rowers (Page 13)" />
+</div>
+
+
+<h1>A VOYAGE<br />
+WITH<br />
+CAPTAIN DYNAMITE<br /><br /></h1>
+
+
+<h3>BY</h3>
+<h2>CHARLES EDWARD RICH<br /></h2>
+
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 55px;">
+<img src="images/publishers_mark.png" width="55" height="50" alt="Publishers mark" title="Publishers mark" />
+<br /><br /></div>
+
+
+<h3><span class="smcap">New York</span><br />
+A. S. BARNES &amp; COMPANY<br />
+1907<br /></h3>
+
+<h3><span class="smcap">Copyright, 1907, by</span><br />
+A. S. BARNES &amp; COMPANY<br />
+All rights reserved<br />
+</h3>
+
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CONTENTS" id="CONTENTS"></a>CONTENTS.</h2>
+
+
+
+
+
+
+<div class='center'>
+<table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" summary="contents">
+
+<tr><td align='left'>CHAPTER</td>
+<td align='left'></td>
+<td align='right'>PAGE</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align='left'>I.</td>
+<td align='left'><span class="smcap">Caught in a Gale</span></td>
+<td align='right'><a href='#Page_1'>1</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align='left'>II</td>
+<td align='left'><span class="smcap">Carried Away to Sea</span></td>
+<td align='right'><a href='#Page_11'>11</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align='left'>III</td>
+<td align='left'>"<span class="smcap">She's Like a Warship Below.</span>"</td>
+<td align='right'><a href='#Page_24'>24</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align='left'>IV.</td>
+<td align='left'><span class="smcap">A Lesson in Patriotism</span></td>
+<td align='right'><a href='#Page_37'>37</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align='left'>V.</td>
+<td align='left'><span class="smcap">Sending the Message</span></td>
+<td align='right'><a href='#Page_51'>51</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align='left'>VI.</td>
+<td align='left'>"<span class="smcap">Viva, Cuba Libre</span>!"</td>
+<td align='right'><a href='#Page_63'>63</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align='left'>VII.</td>
+<td align='left'><span class="smcap">In the Danger Zone</span></td>
+<td align='right'><a href='#Page_73'>73</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align='left'>VIII.</td>
+<td align='left'><span class="smcap">A Brush with the Gunboat</span></td>
+<td align='right'><a href='#Page_86'>86</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align='left'>IX.</td>
+<td align='left'><span class="smcap">The Midnight Message</span></td>
+<td align='right'><a href='#Page_99'>99</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align='left'>X.</td>
+<td align='left'><span class="smcap">Into the Enemy's Country</span></td>
+<td align='right'><a href='#Page_112'>112</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align='left'>XI.</td>
+<td align='left'><span class="smcap">Captured by Spaniards</span></td>
+<td align='right'><a href='#Page_125'>125</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align='left'>XII.</td>
+<td align='left'><span class="smcap">On to Gomez</span></td>
+<td align='right'><a href='#Page_139'>139</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align='left'>XIII.</td>
+<td align='left'><span class="smcap">Harry Refuses to Betray Captain Dynamite</span></td>
+<td align='right'><a href='#Page_151'>151</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align='left'>XIV.</td>
+<td align='left'><span class="smcap">The Secret Passage</span></td>
+<td align='right'><a href='#Page_165'>165</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align='left'>XV.</td>
+<td align='left'><span class="smcap">The Execution at Dawn</span></td>
+<td align='right'><a href='#Page_177'>177</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align='left'>XVI.</td>
+<td align='left'><span class="smcap">The Escape</span></td>
+<td align='right'><a href='#Page_185'>185</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align='left'>XVII.</td>
+<td align='left'>"<span class="smcap">You Will Be Shot as Spies</span>"</td>
+<td align='right'><a href='#Page_198'>198</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align='left'>XVIII.</td>
+<td align='left'><span class="smcap">Captain Dynamite Finds Juanita</span></td>
+<td align='right'><a href='#Page_208'>208</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align='left'>XIX.</td>
+<td align='left'><span class="smcap">Drawing the Net Closer</span></td>
+<td align='right'><a href='#Page_218'>218</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align='left'>XX.</td>
+<td align='left'><span class="smcap">Captain Dynamite to the Rescue</span></td>
+<td align='right'><a href='#Page_231'>231</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align='left'>XXI.</td>
+<td align='left'><span class="smcap">General Serano Meets Captain Dynamite</span></td>
+<td align='right'><a href='#Page_242'>242</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align='left'>XXII.</td>
+<td align='left'><span class="smcap">The Escape&mdash;Villamonte Again Beaten</span></td>
+<td align='right'><a href='#Page_254'>254</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align='left'>XXIII.</td>
+<td align='left'><span class="smcap">Back to the Mariella</span></td>
+<td align='right'><a href='#Page_266'>266</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align='left'>XXIV.</td>
+<td align='left'><span class="smcap">The Escape From the Lagoon</span></td>
+<td align='right'><a href='#Page_275'>275</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align='left'>XXV.</td>
+<td align='left'><span class="smcap">Home Again</span></td>
+<td align='right'><a href='#Page_291'>291</a></td></tr>
+
+</table></div>
+
+
+
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_1" id="Page_1">[Pg 1]</a></span></p><hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2>A VOYAGE WITH CAPTAIN DYNAMITE</h2>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_I" id="CHAPTER_I"></a>CHAPTER I</h2>
+
+<h3><span class="smcap">Caught in a Gale</span></h3>
+
+
+<p>"Let go the jib halliards, Mason. Lay out there, Bert, and get in that
+slack sail. It's blowing a bit. Gee, see that bank of wind coming up."</p>
+
+<p>The little pleasure boat careened and took aboard a few barrels of water
+as she faced a sudden puff of wind that almost put her on her beam ends.
+But she was a game little craft, and came back from the onslaught of the
+elements with a sturdiness that indicated strong timbers, and a build
+that was meant to cope with the sudden squalls that come out of a clear
+sky off the coast of Martha's Vineyard during the early autumn days.</p>
+
+<p>"She's good for anything that you will get around these parts, and she
+is the fastest boat of her length in these waters."</p>
+
+<p>This recommendation by Tom, the veteran skipper of the summer fleet, had
+been sufficient to complete the sale of the sloop to three enthusiastic
+boys. And the boat had made good her reputation and served her purpose
+well.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_2" id="Page_2">[Pg 2]</a></span>
+During the two months that the boys had owned her, there had been
+few days when she had not been in commission, either cruising for blue
+fish, or skimming along the shores of the island in a pleasant, summer
+way, lazily passing the days away for the youngsters, who lolled
+contentedly on her deck.</p>
+
+<p>Since we shall follow the crew of the yacht through many adventures, let
+us make their acquaintance at once. At the helm stood Harry Hamilton, a
+boy of sixteen, strong of build and an athlete of renown within the
+circles of his school. Honest and straightforward in all his dealings,
+and with a cheery disposition, he commanded the respect and admiration
+of his fellows, and because of his natural characteristics, was usually
+looked upon as the leader in their sports. With his parents he was
+spending his vacation at their summer home at Cottage City.</p>
+
+<p>With him were two schoolmates, Geoffrey Mason and Bertram Wilson, who
+were staying with him. Bertram was about Harry's age. Geoffrey,
+nicknamed "Midget" Mason, or the "Midget," was a year younger than his
+chums, and although small for his age, was strong and wiry. Light
+hearted and fun loving, he was always the life of any gathering of boys.
+He was one of Harry Hamilton's staunchest friends<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_3" id="Page_3">[Pg 3]</a></span> and admirers. For
+weeks the boys had enjoyed the sailing, bathing, fishing, golf, and
+other sports, but their particular diversion was sailing. Under the
+instruction of old Tom, the boys were soon able to handle alone the
+little boat that they had bought by clubbing together their resources.</p>
+
+<p>"Don't worry, mother, she's as safe as a scow," Harry would say, as he
+saw the expression of anxiety spread over his mother's face when he
+announced that they were off for a day's cruising.</p>
+
+<p>On this day they had started early in the morning for a blue-fishing
+cruise, and all had gone well until the homeward voyage. The cockpit was
+full of big fish and the boys took much pleasure in anticipating their
+reception when they made fast to the pier. The little sloop was skimming
+along under full sail, when just off Edgartown a stiff puff of wind
+struck them.</p>
+
+<p>Harry jammed the helm hard down and the boat responded gamely, coming
+quickly up into the wind. It was then that he called sharply to Mason to
+let go the jib halliards. The sail was so light and the wind slapped it
+from side to side with such angry vehemence that it would not run down
+on the stay. Harry dropped the helm, and holding it down with the
+pressure of his leg, seized the down haul and brought the jib, flapping
+and pounding, down to the bowsprit.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_4" id="Page_4">[Pg 4]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Get out there and furl that jib, Bert," he shouted. "We'll have to reef
+down the mainsail soon."</p>
+
+<p>Bert climbed cautiously out of the cockpit and made his way along the
+slippery deck until he reached the bowsprit. Clinging to the mainmast,
+he steadied himself while he surveyed the thrashing sail, whose folds of
+canvas hung over and trailed in the water until, caught every now and
+then by the wind, it bellied out like a balloon. A wave bigger than the
+rest completely submerged the bowsprit as the boat plunged into the
+trough of the sea.</p>
+
+<p>To furl the jib it was necessary to climb out on the lower stay, which
+acted as a foot rope, and it required the agility of a cat to hang on
+and drag the water-soaked, wind-thrashed sail onto the bowsprit and make
+it fast with canvas stops. For a moment Bert hesitated, but Harry waved
+to him eagerly to go on. Bert nodded in assent and began to climb
+gingerly out onto the stay. Harry held the boat up into the wind to aid
+his companion in getting in the wet and flapping sail.</p>
+
+<p>They plunged into wave after wave, carrying Bert almost completely
+under, as a bather goes under a comber in the surf. But he hung onto the
+light spar with one hand while he dragged in the sail with the other.
+When his task was com<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_5" id="Page_5">[Pg 5]</a></span>pleted and he climbed inboard again, Bert was as
+wet as if he had been overboard.</p>
+
+<p>Then came the task of reefing the mainsail, which the boys accomplished
+successfully, though not without a hard struggle, for the wind increased
+in violence every moment. Holding the boat, which now carried only a few
+square yards of canvas, well up into the wind, they pounded along with
+the gunwale under the rushing water. She rode a little easier and the
+boys settled down for a breathing spell.</p>
+
+<p>"There is nothing to be done now but to let her run," said Harry, as he
+gripped the helm hard to meet a sudden plunge into a head sea.</p>
+
+<p>"But we are heading straight out to sea," said Bert, with a tone of
+worriment in his voice.</p>
+
+<p>"Can't be helped. This wind has not reached its limit yet, and I would
+not dare to try to take her in before it. It might take the mast out of
+her."</p>
+
+<p>"It's getting dark, too," said Mason, nervously.</p>
+
+<p>"That can't be helped either."</p>
+
+<p>"Can't you ease her off for the Massachusetts shore?"</p>
+
+<p>"I tell you, Bert, there is nothing to be done with safety but to keep
+her right up into the eye of the wind."</p>
+
+<p>"But this blow may last for a day or two."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_6" id="Page_6">[Pg 6]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Now look here, Bert, you and I have been caught in one or two hard
+blows and we have pulled out all right together. If you think you know
+more about handling this boat than I do, I will turn the helm over to
+you and you can have your own way."</p>
+
+<p>"Skipper," said Bert, with a return of his natural good humor, "I seek
+neither the honor nor the responsibility. Keep the helm and sail her on
+to whatever port this blooming gale may be heading us for. It looks to
+me as if we would make the coast of Ireland for our first stop."</p>
+
+<p>"She is not making as much headway as she appears to be. I have got her
+jammed way up into the wind."</p>
+
+<p>The sky was constantly growing darker and the wind seemed each moment to
+increase in fury. To add to the discomfort of the situation, it began to
+rain. The wind howled and shrieked and lashed the surface of the water
+into a white foam, lifting at times the crests from the waves and
+hurling the fine spray into the faces of the boys.</p>
+
+<p>Darkness was falling rapidly, and away off in the distance behind them
+the lights of Cottage City flashed out as the cottagers began to light
+the lamps.</p>
+
+<p>Harry sat silently at the helm, with his eyes fixed on the sail, now and
+then changing their course<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_7" id="Page_7">[Pg 7]</a></span> a little as the gusty wind veered a point or
+two.</p>
+
+<p>On they plunged into the teeth of the ever increasing gale. Soon
+complete darkness shut in around them and it was impossible to see
+beyond the bow of the boat, that at times rose high on the crest of a
+rushing wave and then swooped down to meet the next with a crash that
+sent a shiver through her timbers. But she was a sturdy little craft,
+and shaking herself like an animal, she would rise lightly to the top of
+the next wave, ready to fight it out to the end.</p>
+
+<p>Mason and Bert perched grimly on the windward rail of the cockpit.
+Neither had spoken for a long time.</p>
+
+<p>"Take a turn at the pump, Bert," said Harry, "I think she is taking
+water."</p>
+
+<p>Bert started towards the pump, slipped on the fish that filled the
+cockpit and pitched head-foremost into the lee scuppers.</p>
+
+<p>"Throw half a dozen of those fish into the cuddy and chuck the rest
+overboard," said Harry, who, notwithstanding their serious situation,
+could not refrain from laughing at Bert's frantic efforts to regain his
+feet among the slippery cargo. "We may need some of them for food before
+we get out of this, but the others are in the way."</p>
+
+<p>Mason climbed down from his perch with care and helped to throw the fish
+overboard.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_8" id="Page_8">[Pg 8]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Pretty dangerous situation, skipper," said the imperturbable youngster,
+"when we have to sacrifice the cargo. However, over they go."</p>
+
+<p>The little cabin, or cuddy, of the boat was so low that it was with
+difficulty that one could crawl into it. On either side the boys had
+fitted up small bunks that served for lounging during calm weather, and
+in the middle of this space, on the centreboard box, they had arranged a
+table on which stood a small oil stove. Here they frequently cooked
+their luncheons when cruising.</p>
+
+<p>After the fish were disposed of, Bert manned the pump, and for five
+minutes was busy getting the water out of the hold.</p>
+
+<p>"This blow has opened up some of her seams," said Harry, as Bert began
+to puff. "We shall have to work to keep the water out of her, boys."</p>
+
+<p>"What about eating?" asked Mason, whose stomach never quailed, even in
+the face of danger.</p>
+
+<p>"We'll go without eating for the present, young man, and you may think
+yourself very lucky if you get out of this even with an empty stomach."</p>
+
+<p>"O, fudge, I can sneak down into the cuddy and fix up a nice mess of
+baked beans that will make your mouth water. There are three cans left.
+Besides, if we are going to drown, what's the use of drowning on empty
+stomachs?"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_9" id="Page_9">[Pg 9]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Don't you even put your head in that cuddy, Midget," said Harry,
+sharply. "If anything should happen to this boat you would be drowned
+like a rat in a trap, in there."</p>
+
+<p>"Pish, pish and tush, tush, what's the use of having a skipper if he is
+going to upset his craft? Bert, it is high time the crew mutinied.
+What&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>At this moment a big wave struck the bow of the boat and swept her from
+stem to stern, filling Mason's open mouth with salt water.</p>
+
+<p>"Skipper," he sputtered, as soon as he could speak, "I confidently
+believe you did that on purpose."</p>
+
+<p>"This is not a time for your nonsense, Mason," said Harry, somewhat
+sternly.</p>
+
+<p>As he spoke, a fiercer gust of wind, veering a point or two, caught the
+sloop amidships, and before Harry could let go the sheet or bring her
+closer up, she heeled over to the blast until the water poured in a
+torrent into the cockpit. Harry jammed down the helm and let go the
+mainsheet and she righted herself, trembled under the strain and plunged
+ahead once more into the seas.</p>
+
+<p>It was mere chance that both Bert and Mason were not swept into the sea
+by the sudden careening of the boat. As it was, they were thrown into
+the cockpit, and when they climbed back in the darkness to their places
+on the weather rail,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_10" id="Page_10">[Pg 10]</a></span> the Midget wore a much more serious expression on
+his naturally comical face.</p>
+
+<p>"You are right, Hal," he said, solemnly, "I guess it's no joke after
+all."</p>
+
+<p>The rain was now coming down in vicious torrents that beat in the boys'
+faces, almost blinding them.</p>
+
+<p>Suddenly in the blackness ahead there flashed a bright, green light like
+the eye of some monster of the deep. It appeared to be about as high
+above them as the mast head of the sloop. They each saw it at the same
+time, and each knew, with a thrill of horror, what it meant.</p>
+
+<p>"Hold fast," shouted Harry, in tones that could just be heard above the
+howling of the gale, and at the same time he put the helm hard down.
+"She's almost on us."</p>
+
+<p>It was too late. There was a crash and the sound of splintering timbers.</p>
+
+<p>The big steamer cut the little craft in two as cleanly as with a knife.</p>
+
+
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_11" id="Page_11">[Pg 11]</a></span></p>
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_II" id="CHAPTER_II"></a>CHAPTER II</h2>
+
+<h3><span class="smcap">Carried Away to Sea</span></h3>
+
+
+<p>As the big, black hull of the steamer crashed into the sail boat, a loud
+shout went up from her deck. The note of fright in it penetrated even
+through the shrieks of the gale.</p>
+
+<p>"Boat under our starboard bow, sir&mdash;we've run her down."</p>
+
+<p>The warning shout and the cry that announced the disaster were
+punctuated only by a breath. Then followed a babel of orders and the
+quick clanging of signal bells in the engine room. The sudden churning
+of the screws in the angry waters told that the steamer's engines were
+reversed.</p>
+
+<p>A man rushed out of the cabin and took a commanding place on the
+steamer's bridge.</p>
+
+<p>"Where did she go down?" he shouted in the ear of the mate, who clung to
+the rail and peered back into the darkness.</p>
+
+<p>"About a hundred feet aft, sir," the man answered, pointing into the
+blackness that enveloped the steamer.</p>
+
+<p>"Lower the port lifeboat," shouted the newcomer on the scene to the men
+who were collected on the forward deck.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_12" id="Page_12">[Pg 12]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>He darted back toward the cabin as he spoke and the sound of creaking
+ropes told that his orders were being rapidly carried out.</p>
+
+<p>"The boat will never live in this sea," shouted the mate.</p>
+
+<p>The man turned at the cabin door with a scowl.</p>
+
+<p>"You heard my orders," he said, sharply. "There are lives to be saved
+and it is not a question whether the boat will live. We will make her
+live. Call for volunteers if the men have any scruples about trusting
+themselves with me, but get the boat into the water at once. Every
+minute counts."</p>
+
+<p>He was gone but a second and emerged from the cabin in a heavy suit of
+oilskins. He sprang nimbly down the companionway to the deck.</p>
+
+<p>"Who goes with me in the boat?" he shouted to the assembled crew.</p>
+
+<p>"I, sir, and I," cried the men in chorus, all anxious to be in the boat
+with their commander.</p>
+
+<p>"You, and you, and you," he shouted, as he designated six men with a
+quick movement of his forefinger. The men tumbled over the side into the
+boat that was tossing like a cockle shell in the waves that threatened
+to dash her to pieces against the big steamer. The captain slipped over
+the side and took his place in the stern. It was a difficult task to get
+the boat safely off, but<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_13" id="Page_13">[Pg 13]</a></span> it was finally accomplished by skill and
+strength; and as she rode away from the side on the top of a nasty
+roller she was greeted with a cheer from the disappointed men who had
+been left behind and who longed to be with their commander in his
+perilous undertaking.</p>
+
+<p>As they rowed away from the steamer there was no sign in the darkness of
+the little boat they had run down, but the man at the tiller steered as
+determinedly as if he knew for just what point in the blackness he was
+headed. With his head bent slightly forward and his big body swaying
+with the rock and pitch of the lifeboat he kept his eyes fixed straight
+ahead.</p>
+
+<p>Suddenly he half rose in the tossing boat and shouted to the rowers, who
+were bending their backs to the oars that every now and then would sink
+deep into a towering wave and the next instant swing viciously through
+the air as the boat rolled up on the crest of a big billow.</p>
+
+<p>"Steady all," he called in a deep growl. "Now hold her."</p>
+
+<p>The men dug their oars into the tumbling sea in an effort to bring the
+boat to a standstill, but the waves caught her and hurried her on. The
+sailors caught a fleeting glimpse in the darkness of the bottom of an
+upturned boat to which three boys were clinging. The man at the tiller<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_14" id="Page_14">[Pg 14]</a></span>
+swung the boat's head around as they swept by and, caught broadside on
+by a big wave, she rolled for a moment as if she was about to capsize.
+But the trained sailors held stoutly to the leeward oars, and the boat
+righted herself and rose like a cork on the wave and settled down so
+close to the wrecked yacht that the man in the stern leaned over and
+tossed the end of a rope beyond the heads of the boys.</p>
+
+<p>"Catch it and make fast to something," he cried, as the rope fell. "We
+cannot get any closer to you without smashing this boat. Jump!"</p>
+
+<hr style='width: 45%;' />
+
+<p>When Harry came to the surface after the collision he found that he was
+not hurt and, shaking his head like a dog, he prepared to make a fight
+for his life against the sea. His first thought was of his companions,
+but it was impossible to tell what their fate had been. It took all his
+strength to battle with the waves and keep himself afloat. Now and then,
+as he was carried helplessly to the crest of a big billow, he tried to
+peer into the darkness that surrounded him. He could see nothing but
+empty blackness. It was impossible to swim, had he known in which
+direction to head. All he could do was to husband his strength to keep
+on the surface and to breast and rise with each wave that passed under
+him.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_15" id="Page_15">[Pg 15]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>He knew it would be useless to shout, for his voice was weak from his
+exertions and could not be heard above the howling of the wind and the
+lash of the sea. He could faintly hear the commotion on the steamer and
+see the lights from her portholes when she rode a high wave. But he had
+no hope that any boat that might be lowered could reach him in that sea.</p>
+
+<p>Once he thought he heard faint cries for help near him, and as he sank
+into the trough of a sea, a black mass swept by him. He groped wildly to
+reach it and his hand touched a dangling rope. He seized it with the
+frenzy of a drowning man and the next instant had pulled himself
+alongside of what proved to be the wreck of the yacht. He dragged
+himself up and threw his arms over the keel and for the first time since
+he had been swept under the surface of the water drew a long breath. The
+touch of something solid in that angry sea put new life into him and he
+shouted feebly for very joy.</p>
+
+<p>An answering cry, weak as his own, came from the other side of the wreck
+and he saw two heads just above the line of the keel. Bert and Mason had
+also been fortunate enough to reach the upturned half of the boat, and
+for a time at least all were saved from the maw of the sea.</p>
+
+<p>Just then the lifeboat reached them and the rope cast by the captain's
+strong hand fell over<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_16" id="Page_16">[Pg 16]</a></span> their heads. Harry caught it and managed to make
+it fast to a ring bolt. Then without hesitation the boys one by one
+dropped off into the water and half swimming and half dragging
+themselves by the rope, made their way from the wreck to the lifeboat
+into which they were pulled by strong hands. As soon as they were
+dragged aboard, the boys sank to the bottom of the boat exhausted.</p>
+
+<p>"How many of you were there?" asked the captain, as the last of the
+three boys was pulled into the boat.</p>
+
+<p>"Only three," answered Harry, weakly.</p>
+
+<p>"All right, then," said the captain, with a tone of relief in his voice,
+"You are all accounted for. Pull men."</p>
+
+<p>By the time they reached the steamer the boys had revived and were able
+to scramble up the rope-ladder that was lowered over the side. The
+captain was the last to go aboard. As he reached the deck he looked at
+the bedraggled youngsters with a good-natured smile.</p>
+
+<p>"Better come below and get on some dry clothes," he said, as he nodded
+his head to the mate on the bridge.</p>
+
+<p>The bells in the engine-room jingled and the big steamer began to forge
+ahead again into the storm as if nothing had happened to delay her<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_17" id="Page_17">[Pg 17]</a></span>
+voyage. The drenched boys gladly followed the captain into his cabin. He
+was a man of enormous build, big-boned and muscular. His head was
+covered with a mass of curling blond hair and his face was clean-shaven.
+As he threw off his oilskins and tossed them into a corner of the cabin
+the boys saw to their astonishment that he wore a fashionable suit of
+summer flannels and a handsome neglig&eacute;e shirt. His trousers, which were
+turned up at the bottom in the latest mode, were suspended by a fancy
+leather belt and his feet were encased in low tan shoes. He looked like
+the owner of a yacht off on a summer pleasure cruise, but to the eye of
+the veriest land lubber it would be at once apparent that the steamer
+which he commanded was not a yacht. He was about thirty years old and
+carried his size and weight with an ease that showed the training of an
+athlete.</p>
+
+<p>After he had thrown aside his oilskins, he began to rummage through a
+big chest and finally threw out a lot of old togs for the inspection of
+his involuntary guests.</p>
+
+<p>"Good deal like a Baxter Street fit, I guess," he said, laughing. There
+was just a touch of brogue in his voice. "Never mind. Chuck off the wet
+ones. These will have to do until we can get the others dried in the
+engine-room. Roll<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_18" id="Page_18">[Pg 18]</a></span> up the trousers and sleeves and look out that I don't
+tread on the tails of your coats."</p>
+
+<p>The boys were glad to get out of their wet and chilled clothing and
+needed no second invitation. They were a funny looking trio when they
+had rigged themselves out in the captain's duds. The sleeves of the
+Midget's coat hung to the ground and his trousers' legs doubled up twice
+before he could walk. Harry was the tallest of the three and yet the
+captain's clothes hung on him like a sack on a pole.</p>
+
+<p>"Now I'll bet you are hungry," said the captain as he surveyed the boys
+with a twinkle of amusement in his eyes. "What do you say to a cup of
+hot coffee and bite of biscuit? This ship is no hotel, as you will find
+before you get through with her. Nothing better in the cabin than in the
+fo'c'sel. But we have plenty of the sort we have and as often as we want
+it."</p>
+
+<p>He stepped to the door of the cabin as he spoke and called to a man on
+deck:</p>
+
+<p>"Send the cook aft."</p>
+
+<p>"Aye, aye, sir," came an answering shout through the howling of the
+wind. Presently another man appeared in the doorway and stood
+respectfully awaiting orders.</p>
+
+<p>"Cook, have these clothes taken to the engine-room to dry and then bring
+us a pot of coffee and<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_19" id="Page_19">[Pg 19]</a></span> some biscuits. And serve coffee to the men on
+watch&mdash;it is a nasty night."</p>
+
+<p>"Aye, aye, sir," answered the man cheerily. It was plain the men were
+glad to serve their captain.</p>
+
+<p>In a short time the boys were sitting around the small table in the
+cabin eagerly discussing the coffee and hardtack as if it had been the
+most delicious repast.</p>
+
+<p>A remark made by the captain had stuck in Harry's mind, and he took the
+first opportunity to put the question that was bothering him.</p>
+
+<p>"Where are you going to land us, captain?"</p>
+
+<p>The big man leaned back in his chair and laughed long and loud. The boys
+looked at him in surprise. It was not an agreeable laugh although there
+was no ill-humor in it.</p>
+
+<p>"What in thunder does he see to laugh at?" whispered Bert to Harry in a
+disgusted tone.</p>
+
+<p>"Wait, we shall find out in good time."</p>
+
+<p>"We should like to be put ashore at Cottage City, if you please,"
+continued Harry, ignoring the captain's merriment, "but if that is too
+much out of your way, Nantucket will do and we can take the boat home in
+the morning."</p>
+
+<p>Again the captain went off into a paroxysm of laughter. The peals of
+loud guffaws grated on the ears of the anxious boys.</p>
+
+<p>"He can't be a bad man at heart," whispered<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_20" id="Page_20">[Pg 20]</a></span> Mason to Harry, "or he
+wouldn't have taken so much trouble and run so much risk to pick us up
+after his steamer ran us down."</p>
+
+<p>"No, I don't understand it. I feel as if I were being kidnapped," said
+Bert.</p>
+
+<p>Presently the captain's fit of humor passed and his face became serious
+again.</p>
+
+<p>"Boys," he said, "I shall have to ask you to take things as they are and
+ask no questions. You are my guests. Do not worry."</p>
+
+<p>"But, captain, we must get home," said Mason petulantly.</p>
+
+<p>The man smiled at the speaker.</p>
+
+<p>"I hope we will all get home sometime," he said, quietly.</p>
+
+<p>"You speak as if there were some doubt about it," said Harry quickly.</p>
+
+<p>"There is," answered the captain, slowly.</p>
+
+<p>The boys looked at one another in dismay. What did it mean? Harry was
+the first to recover his composure.</p>
+
+<p>"You surely intend to land somewhere," he said, half questioningly.</p>
+
+<p>"Sure&mdash;if we are lucky."</p>
+
+<p>"You mean that this storm is so bad that there is danger we may not
+weather it?"</p>
+
+<p>Again the captain laughed his big laugh.</p>
+
+<p>"We'll weather this all right. It's only a cap<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_21" id="Page_21">[Pg 21]</a></span>ful of wind for the old
+<i>Mariella</i>. She has ridden out many a storm that would make this one
+look like thirty cents."</p>
+
+<p>"Then if there is no danger from the weather, we demand that you land us
+at the nearest port."</p>
+
+<p>Harry drew himself up and looked very important as he spoke. The captain
+only smiled indulgently.</p>
+
+<p>"You might as well learn at the start, young gentlemen," he said
+quietly, "that there is no such word as <i>demand</i> recognized by Captain
+Dynamite."</p>
+
+<p>"Sounds like a pirate name," whispered the irrepressible Midget, loud
+enough to be heard by the captain.</p>
+
+<p>"I am something of a pirate," said the big man as if in reply. "Now I
+will be quite frank with you. I shall not make any port except that of
+my destination and that will be, if we have luck, in about six days from
+to-night. I am sorry that you will have to remain with me against your
+wishes, but you will admit that I am not responsible for your coming
+aboard. In fact, if you will pardon the allusion to the little accident
+back there, you are very lucky to be where you are and not tucked away
+in Davy Jones' locker. I shall consider you my guests and you may have
+the free run of the ship, but it will be impossible<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_22" id="Page_22">[Pg 22]</a></span> for you to leave it
+until we reach port. Make the best of the situation, boys. It has been
+forced on us both."</p>
+
+<p>Harry jumped up impulsively, and held out his hand to the big man across
+the table.</p>
+
+<p>"Do not think we are ungrateful, sir. We know that we owe our lives to
+you and that you risked yours to save us from drowning. But you forget
+that we have folks ashore who will think we are drowned if we cannot get
+some word to them."</p>
+
+<p>The big skipper jumped to his feet, grasped Harry's outstretched hand
+and shook it warmly.</p>
+
+<p>"My boy," he said, "it is unfortunate and I regret it as much as you,
+but it cannot be helped. If we pull through this voyage all right, you
+will be able to get a message to your folks in the course of two weeks.
+Now, it is pretty well into the night and I must go on deck for the last
+watch, so you had better turn in."</p>
+
+<p>As he spoke, the captain opened a door that led off the cabin and
+disclosed a room as large as an ordinary stateroom with two berths on
+each side.</p>
+
+<p>"Here are four bunks. Turn in and sleep well. By the way, begin to feel
+any little qualms at the stomach yet?"</p>
+
+<p>The steamer, while like a house in comparison with the small boat in
+which they had been tossed<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_23" id="Page_23">[Pg 23]</a></span> about, was still rolling and heaving in the
+heavy seas with which she was battling. But the boys were all good
+sailors and none of them felt anything like an attack of seasickness.</p>
+
+<p>Harry, whose anxiety for the worry and pain which his absence would
+cause those on shore, could not get off his mind the subject, and in a
+persistent way returned to it like a terrier to a bone.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, captain," he said, "admitting that for some reason which you do
+not care to tell us, it is impossible for you to land until the end of
+your voyage; will it not be possible to hail some passing vessel and
+send a message back that we are safe and sound?"</p>
+
+<p>The captain's face darkened, and a look such as the boys had not seen
+there before, spread over his countenance. Instinctively they fell back
+from him in his anger.</p>
+
+<p>"I have told you that the situation cannot be remedied. Let us not
+discuss the matter further. You are my guests. Do not force me to make
+you my prisoners."</p>
+
+
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_24" id="Page_24">[Pg 24]</a></span></p>
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_III" id="CHAPTER_III"></a>CHAPTER III</h2>
+
+<h3>"<span class="smcap">She's Like a Warship Below.</span>"</h3>
+
+
+<p>As the captain left the cabin the boys looked at one another without
+speaking, for some minutes.</p>
+
+<p>"What do you make out of him?" asked Bert, who was the first to break
+the silence.</p>
+
+<p>"Sure enough pirate" said the Midget, confidently. "Gee, did you see his
+face?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, he evidently has a very bad temper and it will be well for us not
+to cross him too far," said Harry, thoughtfully; "but I don't propose to
+stay on this ship any longer than is necessary, whatever her mission,
+and I shall keep my eyes open for a chance to get ashore, or to signal
+some passing vessel."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, we cannot do anything in the escape line to-night, so we might as
+well take his advice and turn in," said Bert, with a yawn.</p>
+
+<p>An inspection of the stateroom showed a very comfortable room fitted
+with two narrow bunks on each side. They were neatly made up, and the
+linen was fine and clean. Thoroughly worn out, the boys prepared for bed
+and for the time cast their troubles aside.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_25" id="Page_25">[Pg 25]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>As they were about to jump into their bunks, a slight grating noise was
+heard. They all stopped and waited in silence. There was no further
+sound. It seemed to have come from the cabin beyond. After a second's
+thought, Harry stepped quickly out of the stateroom and to the door that
+led to the deck.</p>
+
+<p>"We are no longer guests," he said, quietly, as he turned back into the
+stateroom and jumped into his bunk with resignation.</p>
+
+<p>"What do you mean?" asked Bert, in a whisper.</p>
+
+<p>"I mean that we are prisoners," answered Harry. "The door of the cabin
+is locked on the outside. That is the noise we heard. However, we can do
+nothing to-night, and as I am very tired and sleepy I am going to turn
+in."</p>
+
+<p>"Say, Hal," said Mason, in an awed tone, "what are we up against?"</p>
+
+<p>"Search me," replied Harry, in a sleepy voice. "We may be able to learn
+something in the morning. Let's go to sleep now. We may need all our
+wits by and by."</p>
+
+<p>Notwithstanding the mystery of their situation the boys were soon fast
+asleep, and when they awoke, the sun was streaming through the port
+holes of the cabin. The steamer seemed to be moving along on an even
+keel. Apparently they had ridden out the storm of the night before.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_26" id="Page_26">[Pg 26]</a></span>
+Harry was the first to spring from his bunk. He hastened to the cabin,
+his first impulse being to try the door and see if they were still
+prisoners. He started with surprise when he reached the outer room. At
+the table in the centre sat the captain working at some maps and papers.
+He looked up pleasantly as Harry entered.</p>
+
+<p>"Good morning," he said cheerily, "did you sleep well after your
+ducking?"</p>
+
+<p>"Perhaps we should have slept better if we had not been locked in,"
+answered Harry, a little surprised at his own temerity.</p>
+
+<p>The man laughed good-humoredly.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, that should not have disturbed you," he said. "You see we did not
+seem to understand each other very well last night when I left you. I
+think we shall do better to-day. Now what do you say to some breakfast?
+You have slept pretty late. It is twelve o'clock. There are your
+clothes. You all better tumble out and get dressed. I am hungry myself
+and just about to turn in. I have been on deck all night. The storm has
+passed, and we are making very good time on our voyage, you will be glad
+to hear, no doubt."</p>
+
+<p>All the temper of the night before had disappeared, and the captain was
+again the big, bluff, good-natured man that had first impressed the
+boys. There was nothing to do but to follow<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_27" id="Page_27">[Pg 27]</a></span> his advice and watch for
+developments, and Harry, putting aside any thought of further prying
+into the affairs of the mysterious ship and her strange skipper for the
+present, returned to the stateroom and began to dress. The captain went
+to the door of the cabin and called. Again the same man answered with a
+respectful salute.</p>
+
+<p>"Tell the cook to serve breakfast."</p>
+
+<p>"Aye, aye, sir."</p>
+
+<p>These words seemed to be the extent of the man's vocabulary. The boys
+soon learned that it was the only spoken formula of the ship's crew
+unless in reply to questions, which were rarely asked. The captain's
+words were commands. He ruled the entire ship's company with a power as
+absolute as that of a monarch. But the yoke did not seem to gall. The
+men's obedience was the sort that is given to one loved and honored.</p>
+
+<p>By the time the boys had gotten into their clothes, which had been
+carefully dried and pressed, they found that breakfast had been spread
+in the cabin. It was as tempting as a meal at home. The hard tack of the
+night before had been replaced by an omelet, hot biscuits, fried
+potatoes, and a steaming pot of coffee, which from previous experience
+the boys knew to be good. The savory odor of the food appealed strongly
+to their appetites, and for the moment<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_28" id="Page_28">[Pg 28]</a></span> they forgot everything except
+that they were very hungry and that there were good things to eat at
+hand. The captain took his place smilingly at the head of the table, and
+the Midget whispered to Harry:</p>
+
+<p>"He's not such a bad sort, after all. I wonder what kind of a pirate he
+is, anyway."</p>
+
+<p>"Sit down, boys, and buckle to. Hard tack does not stay long by you, but
+I told you last night I only eat what I give my men so that I could
+offer you nothing better then. I hope you will enjoy your breakfast. I
+have a very good cook. Used to sub at the Waldorf but got into a little
+trouble on shore and is trying the sea. Stuck his mate under the rib
+with a carving knife and is taking a voyage with me for the benefit of
+his health."</p>
+
+<p>"Aren't you afraid he might do the same to you some time if he lost his
+temper?" asked Mason, looking at the captain with his eyes as big as
+saucers. He did not like the idea of sailing with a desperado of that
+sort.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, no," answered the big man, carelessly; "I should stick first, you
+know, and then it was in self defense that the blow was struck. Let me
+give you some of this omelet. You will find it as good as any you could
+get at home."</p>
+
+<p>The boys looked at the strange man in won<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_29" id="Page_29">[Pg 29]</a></span>der. They could not make out
+his character. But they ate their breakfast with a relish just the same,
+and the captain entertained them with tales of the sea that made them
+alternately laugh at his drollery or wonder at his daring. Not that he
+ever brought himself into the stories, but the boys knew that he was the
+hero of the adventures which he related, because they felt that he would
+have acted in just the way his heroes did. There was a strange air about
+the man that attracted them to him. They felt that he would be a firm
+friend and an unrelenting enemy. They liked to be with him, liked to
+hear him talk, liked to see him smile, but they all felt that they
+should dread to incur his anger.</p>
+
+<p>He was rough and unpolished, but he dressed like a dandy. He had
+evidently changed his clothing since coming off watch, for he wore at
+breakfast another flannel suit and low, patent leather shoes. His
+trousers were carefully creased and turned up. He resembled more, in
+appearance, a prosperous broker than the captain of a steamer whose
+mysterious character made him seem all the more out of place aboard.
+When they had finished breakfast he took a gold cigarette case from his
+pocket, and offered it to the boys.</p>
+
+<p>"Smoke?" he asked, carelessly.</p>
+
+<p>The boys declined with thanks. The captain<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_30" id="Page_30">[Pg 30]</a></span> stretched himself and yawned
+as he rose from the table.</p>
+
+<p>"Now, young gentlemen," he said, "I am going to turn in. Make yourselves
+at home. I take it that I have your word that you will not concern
+yourselves with that which does not concern you."</p>
+
+<p>"That depends upon how you construe the remark," said Harry, promptly.
+"I should prefer to remain a prisoner in this cabin than not to use my
+senses to my own advantage. For one, captain, I shall not promise except
+that I will not do anything that might be considered prying into your
+affairs. We feel sufficiently under obligations to you to prevent us
+from taking advantage of your hospitality. It might be proper for me to
+tell you, though, that I shall make every effort to get off your ship.
+Not that I object to your company, but because we all feel that we owe
+it to the folks at home."</p>
+
+<p>The captain laughed. He did not seem at all annoyed at Harry's frank
+statement.</p>
+
+<p>"Begorra, I like you for your honesty. Go on deck and get the air. You
+will find that I have not much to fear in the way of losing your company
+just at present. Believe me, though, youngsters"&mdash;here he became serious
+again&mdash;"if I could do so&mdash;with&mdash;what shall I say&mdash;with safety, I should
+be only too glad to put you ashore<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_31" id="Page_31">[Pg 31]</a></span> and to relieve the anxiety of those
+who are waiting for you. But in this matter I must be the judge, for
+there are more persons involved and more interests at stake in the
+voyage of the <i>Mariella</i> than you can conceive. But I will put no
+restrictions on you. Go on deck and amuse yourselves as well as you can
+and make the best of the situation. Before we part company you will
+understand my position better. Wait, I will introduce you to the mate."</p>
+
+<p>He stepped to the cabin door and called:</p>
+
+<p>"Suarez."</p>
+
+<p>"Aye, aye, sir," came the prompt response, and a small man appeared in
+the doorway.</p>
+
+<p>"Suarez," said the captain, "these are the young gentlemen we picked out
+of the sea last night. They are rather unwilling voyagers, for which
+they cannot be blamed. Take them on deck and let them have the run of
+the ship."</p>
+
+<p>The mate looked up quickly at the captain in a questioning manner, as if
+he would like to protest, if he dared. The captain smiled.</p>
+
+<p>"The run of the ship, Suarez," he repeated, as if in answer to the
+unspoken protest.</p>
+
+<p>Again the mate saluted, and turned gravely to the deck, followed by the
+boys. He was a small, swarthy man, in great contrast to the captain. He
+looked like a Spaniard. His hair<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_32" id="Page_32">[Pg 32]</a></span> was black and he wore a mustache and
+goatee, and his small, black eyes were as alert as a cat's and seemed to
+take in everything at once in all parts of the ship. His expression was
+one of keen shrewdness, but there was a look of care and anxiety that
+softened it. His actions and manner were those of a man who does not
+wish to attract attention. As they reached the deck he turned to the
+boys, and bowing, said with a slight foreign accent:</p>
+
+<p>"Good morning, young gentlemen. I hope you rested well after your
+unfortunate experience. The captain says you are to have the run of the
+ship. Make yourselves at home, and if there is anything that I can do to
+add to your pleasure, pray call upon me without reserve."</p>
+
+<p>His voice was soft, and he spoke with a great politeness of manner.</p>
+
+<p>"He's too smooth," whispered Mason. "He will bear watching."</p>
+
+<p>The mate did not seem inclined to further conversation. He bowed again,
+waved his hand as if to indicate that the ship was theirs, and turned
+and walked to the bridge.</p>
+
+<p>The boys looked around them. There was nothing to be seen but an expanse
+of water. There was not a sign of land or a vessel. The storm of the
+night before had subsided, except<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_33" id="Page_33">[Pg 33]</a></span> that the waves were still running
+high under a brightly shining sun. Harry put his hand to his eyes to
+shade them, and scanned the horizon in every direction, but there was
+not even a speck to be seen.</p>
+
+<p>"The captain was right when he said there was not much danger of losing
+our company," he said, as he finished his observation.</p>
+
+<p>"Unless we jump over and swim for it."</p>
+
+<p>"What would we swim for?"</p>
+
+<p>"I am very well satisfied to keep the planks under my feet and wait for
+something to turn up."</p>
+
+<p>"Me, too," piped the Midget. "Let's make a round of the ship."</p>
+
+<p>The steamer was comparatively small. In the darkness of the night and
+the storm, and viewed from the little sloop, she had looked like an
+ocean liner as she suddenly came upon them. Everything about her was
+spick and span. The decks were as clean as holy stone and water could
+make them, and all the brasswork shone brightly in the sun. The decks
+seemed strangely deserted. Suarez, the mate, paced the bridge stolidly.
+On the forward deck two men were on lookout. In the pilot-house a sailor
+stood at the wheel, while behind him stood a man whose eyes roamed
+constantly from the compass to the horizon.</p>
+
+<p>The boys walked to the gunwale and looked<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_34" id="Page_34">[Pg 34]</a></span> over at the broad expanse of
+sea. For some time no one spoke. Each was thinking of the worry and
+anxiety that those at home were suffering.</p>
+
+<p>"Say, Hal," said Bert, finally, "what do you make out of this craft? Of
+course it is out of the question to think of a pirate in these days, but
+there is certainly some mystery about this steamer and her captain."</p>
+
+<p>"Did you notice he said that if he could do so with safety he would put
+us ashore? What does that word 'safety' mean? There is no danger from
+the elements, he admits. What other danger threatens him if he goes
+ashore? There is some mystery here and as we have become a part of it it
+is up to us to find out what it is."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, but how?"</p>
+
+<p>"By keeping our eyes and ears open is all I can suggest now."</p>
+
+<p>"Let's go forward and take a look around."</p>
+
+<p>The boys strolled along the deck that narrowed into a passage about
+three feet wide as they reached the forward house, which apparently
+contained the petty officers' rooms. In the centre was the door that
+opened into the engine-room. Only the upper works of the big engines
+were visible. The boys stopped. A man, evidently the engineer, or one of
+his assistants, sat<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_35" id="Page_35">[Pg 35]</a></span> on a leather-covered seat facing the levers and
+indicators. He looked up for a moment from the paper he was reading, and
+nodded to the boys with a smile, and then returned to his reading
+without a word.</p>
+
+<p>"Fine morning, sir, after the storm," said Bert.</p>
+
+<p>The man nodded again without raising his eyes from his paper.</p>
+
+<p>"Cheery lot of conversationalists," said Bert, in disgust, as they moved
+on.</p>
+
+<p>At the forward end of the house was the galley. As they reached this a
+black, woolly head popped out of the open half-door. The negro grinned
+widely and quickly drew back his head.</p>
+
+<p>"Good morning, Sambo," said the persistent Bert.</p>
+
+<p>The negro bobbed his head, and grinned still more broadly, but did not
+speak a word.</p>
+
+<p>"All lost their tongues," said Bert.</p>
+
+<p>Just forward of the deck house a small hatch stood open. It led to a
+narrow iron ladder that ran almost perpendicularly down into the dark
+depths below. The boys peered into the blackness without being able to
+distinguish anything.</p>
+
+<p>"I am going down," said Harry, after a moment's pause.</p>
+
+<p>He stepped over the edge and placing his foot<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_36" id="Page_36">[Pg 36]</a></span> on the first rung of the
+ladder, began to descend with great caution. The others watched him
+anxiously until he disappeared in the darkness. They waited at the hatch
+for a long time before he reappeared. When he did he climbed out with a
+serious face and drew his companions away to the other side of the
+steamer's deck.</p>
+
+<p>His expression indicated that he had discovered something of more than
+ordinary interest.</p>
+
+<p>"What is it?" whispered Bert, when they were out of range of the galley
+and engine-room.</p>
+
+<p>Harry leaned toward his companions impressively as he answered in an
+awed tone:</p>
+
+<p>"Say, fellows, she's a regular warship down below."</p>
+
+
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_37" id="Page_37">[Pg 37]</a></span></p>
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_IV" id="CHAPTER_IV"></a>CHAPTER IV</h2>
+
+<h3><span class="smcap">A Lesson in Patriotism</span></h3>
+
+
+<p>The boys huddled together at an obscure part of the deck and Harry
+described to them what he had seen below decks.</p>
+
+<p>"There are two eight pounders and two rapid fire guns with their noses
+poked against port holes that can be opened at a moment's notice. And
+besides these, there is an arsenal of small arms like rifles, pistols,
+swords, and cutlasses. Everything seems to be in apple pie order and all
+ready for use. If we were living in the days of the old pirate ships, I
+should say that we were likely to fly the black flag at any moment."</p>
+
+<p>"What do you make of it, Hal?" asked Bert.</p>
+
+<p>"I tell you I cannot make anything of it. It is beyond me. The only
+thing we can do is to keep our weather eyes open and watch for
+developments. It is certainly a ship of mystery and the captain does not
+apparently propose to enlighten us as to her character. But he seems to
+be an honest man, and I think we are perfectly safe in leaving all to
+him, and I believe that sometime we shall know what we are up against.
+In the meantime, however, as I warned him, I shall<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_38" id="Page_38">[Pg 38]</a></span> make every effort to
+get off the ship, or to notify some passing craft that we are on board
+safe and sound, so that word may be carried to those on shore. They must
+believe that we are drowned by this time, particularly if they have
+picked up the wreck of the yacht."</p>
+
+<p>"Let's go aft and take a look over the cabin while the captain is
+asleep. All's fair in love and war, you know, and we are certainly
+entitled to find out all we can about our surroundings, particularly in
+view of Hal's investigations below."</p>
+
+<p>The boys strolled leisurely aft, taking care not to arouse the
+suspicions of any one about the decks. They entered the cabin. All was
+still. The sun shone brightly through the port holes and lay in a wide
+beam on the big map that the captain had been studying when the boys
+turned out of bed.</p>
+
+<p>"Let's have a look at this," said Bert, quickly approaching the table as
+he spoke. "It may tell us something of our destination."</p>
+
+<p>The boys gathered eagerly around.</p>
+
+<p>The map was a hydrographic chart of the Caribbean Sea. Cuba and Porto
+Rico appeared on a large scale. The boys studied it in silence and
+finally Mason shook his head in despair.</p>
+
+<p>"That does not tell much," he said. "We may be going to Cuba or Porto
+Rico, but if we<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_39" id="Page_39">[Pg 39]</a></span> are, why all this secrecy and those firearms?"</p>
+
+<p>"They may fit in together more closely than you think," said Harry, who
+had been studying the map thoughtfully.</p>
+
+<p>"What do you mean?" asked Bert.</p>
+
+<p>"I do not mean anything yet. Let us wait. Speculation and guessing will
+not solve this mystery."</p>
+
+<p>"Look here," said the Midget, who had been browsing around the cabin. He
+had lifted one of the cushions from a settee and disclosed beneath a
+locker which contained a number of flags of different colors and shapes.</p>
+
+<p>"What are those?" asked the boys in chorus.</p>
+
+<p>"They are signal flags. Now let's find the code and then we can signal
+some passing ship."</p>
+
+<p>"Here's the code," announced Harry, who, as soon as Mason had spoken had
+gone to a little book shelf on the wall of the cabin. "But how are we to
+get the flags up without attracting attention?"</p>
+
+<p>"Easy. We will make up our signal and then take the flags necessary to
+show it and conceal them where we can get them at any moment. Then when
+we sight a vessel we can bend them onto the halliards and have them
+aloft before anyone can interfere. It would be a minute or two before
+they could haul them down, even if<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_40" id="Page_40">[Pg 40]</a></span> they discovered them at once, and in
+that time it is likely that the other ship would have read them. Anyway,
+it is worth trying."</p>
+
+<p>"I think you are right," said Harry. "Nothing venture, nothing have.
+Let's make the signal."</p>
+
+<p>He took the code book from the shelf and opened it on the table.</p>
+
+<p>"In the first place, it is necessary to know what you want to say before
+you pick out your flags. Now what shall the message be?"</p>
+
+<p>"Say we have been kidnapped by a pirate ship and want assistance,"
+suggested the Midget, wisely.</p>
+
+<p>"Nonsense," replied Bert, "we don't want to say anything about the ship.
+We have nothing against her, nor her captain. Didn't they save our
+lives? All that we want is to be taken off and if that is not possible
+to have word sent home that we are all right, and then we can see the
+thing out comfortably. In fact, I for one, would much prefer staying
+aboard if it were possible to get word ashore. We do not know what
+interesting adventures may be in store for us aboard this strange
+craft."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, anyway, let's frame a message."</p>
+
+<p>"It's got to be short, for we cannot use any more flags than is
+absolutely necessary, as we may be discovered before we can get them up.
+How's this: 'Report Hamilton, Mason, and Wilson<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_41" id="Page_41">[Pg 41]</a></span> picked up from wrecked
+yacht off Cottage City by steamer <i>Mariella</i>. All well.'"</p>
+
+<p>"Fine," said Mason. "Hal, your massive intellect astonishes me more and
+more each day."</p>
+
+<p>After some discussion, the boys selected the proper flags and laid them
+to one side. The problem of getting them aloft then presented itself.</p>
+
+<p>"There must be halliards already bent for the use of signals," said
+Harry. "I will go out on deck and have a quiet look for them."</p>
+
+<p>He returned shortly from his inspection.</p>
+
+<p>"Everything is ready for instant use," he reported, "but we must have
+the flags bent onto a separate piece of rope so that all we shall have
+to do is to fasten the rope to the halliards and send the flags aloft.
+And then we must also stow the flags somewhere where we can get at them
+easily as soon as we see another vessel."</p>
+
+<p>"Leave that to me, captain," said Mason, saluting with a grin. "Right
+under my bunk is a place. All you fellows watch where I put them, so
+that if I am not with you when the ship comes along you can do the
+trick. No telling when a man of my fiery temper may be put in irons on a
+ship like this."</p>
+
+<p>The boys carefully stowed away the flags after they had bent them in
+their proper order to a<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_42" id="Page_42">[Pg 42]</a></span> spare piece of rope which Mason picked up on
+deck. They now felt that they had done as much as lay within their power
+to relieve the anxiety of the folks at home, and all that remained was
+to keep a sharp lookout for a passing ship. They arranged watches so
+that one of them should be on deck during all of the daylight hours, and
+all hands were to keep their eyes open through the port holes and from
+such other points of vantage as they could take at all times when it was
+light enough to see a passing ship.</p>
+
+<p>This satisfactorily off their minds, the boys took more interest in a
+survey of their prison ship, for so they had begun to look upon her,
+although each one of them had made up his mind that he would like to see
+the adventure out.</p>
+
+<p>That night before dinner they met the captain again in the cabin. The
+maps were still lying on the table.</p>
+
+<p>"Do you see this big island here, boys?" he asked. "It looks big on the
+map, but it is a very small spot on the face of the earth, and yet its
+people have suffered more misery, injustice, and oppression than the
+world will ever know."</p>
+
+<p>"Discontented people always quarrelling with their government are
+usually unhappy. They bring most of their misery on themselves."</p>
+
+<p>Harry spoke carelessly. He was not much<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_43" id="Page_43">[Pg 43]</a></span> interested in the wrongs of
+Cuba. He was surprised to see the captain's eyes flash again with that
+fierce fire that had marked them when he first defied him.</p>
+
+<p>"Discontented, is it," almost shouted the captain. "And do you know why,
+boy?"</p>
+
+<p>"I am sure I do not, Captain Dynamite, except that it is apparently born
+in them."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, that's the way most of the world, ignorant of poor Cuba's trials,
+looks at the matter. Statesmen have investigated and reported back to
+the halls of Congress and Cuba and her wrongs have been laid away in the
+dusty archives."</p>
+
+<p>"Look," he said, pointing again at the map, and involuntarily the boys
+gathered closer around him and peered at the parchment. "That land, as
+God made it, was the fairest that the eye ever looked upon."</p>
+
+<p>Captain Dynamite paused for a moment and seemed to grow more calm. He
+seated himself with his elbows on the table behind him and deftly rolled
+a cigarette with one hand. The boys, interested now because of his
+intense feeling, waited for him to continue.</p>
+
+<p>"Youngsters," he said finally, "let me give you a little piece of
+history of these 'discontented' folks and perhaps you will regard their
+condition with different eyes and hearts. Your text-books<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_44" id="Page_44">[Pg 44]</a></span> at school
+have undoubtedly told you that Spanish rule in Cuba began in 1511, when
+Diego Valesquez subjugated the peaceful natives, and the Spanish methods
+of conquest made a record that lives to this day.</p>
+
+<p>"See this island here," said the captain, pointing to Hayti. "At that
+time almost uninhabited, its wild shores and hidden inlets served as
+places of concealment for buccaneers. These pirates of the Spanish Main
+not alone indulged in the adventurous pastime of smuggling, but they
+attacked and plundered Spanish trading ships and even made forceful
+expeditions upon land, ravaging cities and towns. They were encouraged
+in their depredations by other nations unfriendly to Spain. Henry
+Morgan, one of these buccaneers, who was commissioned as a privateer,
+was knighted by England in 1671 because of his prowess as a legalized
+pirate.</p>
+
+<p>"In 1762, Havana was besieged by the English and the Seven Years War
+began. The British were successful and under English rule the ports of
+Cuba were opened to free trade and an era of progress was inaugurated.
+But it was short lived, and in 1763 Cuba fell again into the hands of
+Spain, England trading the island for Florida. The two first governors
+under the new Spanish r&eacute;gime were liberal, just, and progressive. They<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_45" id="Page_45">[Pg 45]</a></span>
+were Luis de Las Casas, appointed in 1790, and the Count of Santa Clara,
+who succeeded him in 1796.</p>
+
+<p>"It was about 1810 that the general discontent of the colonist with the
+tyrannical home government resulted in the formation of political
+societies whose purpose was to plan insurrections in the hope of
+wresting the island from Spanish rule, as did Buenos Ayres, Venezuela,
+and Peru. There was no open revolt for ten years, when the revolutionary
+leaders proclaimed a governing law, and after two years of turmoil the
+king yielded to their demands. But as Spain's promises were made only to
+be broken, other insurrections soon sprang up among the colonists. One
+of the most important revolutionary movements of those days was led by
+Narciso Lopez, a Venezuelan. This was in 1848. He was unsuccessful, but
+escaped with many of his followers to New York, where he found many
+sympathizers and practical aid. The United States government frustrated
+his attempt in 1849 to return to Cuba with a small invading force. A
+year later he reached the island with six hundred men, but was forced to
+take to his ship again, and with a Spanish gunboat close astern, made
+Key West and disbanded the expedition.</p>
+
+<p>"By this time the Lopez revolution had gained<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_46" id="Page_46">[Pg 46]</a></span> much fame and many
+sympathizers in the United States who, while they were not inspired with
+the patriotic sentiment that stirred him, were strong admirers of his
+courage and determination. With a small band of four hundred and fifty
+men, and with Colonel Crittenden, of Kentucky, a West Pointer who won
+his title in the Mexican War, as second in command, Lopez started for
+Cuba from New Orleans the next year. On landing, Crittenden and one
+hundred and fifty men remained near the shore to guard the supplies,
+while Lopez, with the rest of the little invading army, marched inland.
+Both parties were discovered by the Spaniards, surrounded, and after a
+desperate resistance, completely wiped out."</p>
+
+<p>"Do you mean that Lopez and Crittenden were both killed?" asked Bert,
+who had listened to the captain's recital with intense interest.</p>
+
+<p>"Lopez and Crittenden and every man jack of the expedition," replied the
+captain, solemnly.</p>
+
+<p>"Who was the next to try it?" asked Harry, whose eyes shone with
+excitement.</p>
+
+<p>"Up to this time the grievances that inspired the Cuban colonists to
+revolt were mostly of a political character, based upon that bone of
+contention that inspired your own revolution against the
+British&mdash;taxation without representation. The little island to-day pays
+to Spain<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_47" id="Page_47">[Pg 47]</a></span> every year over $20,000,000 in revenue. In 1868, a lawyer
+named Cespedes declared independence of Spanish rule on a little
+plantation at Yara. He had back of him only one hundred and twenty-eight
+men, but in a few weeks after his declaration ten thousand men gathered
+under his leadership. A republican form of government was established,
+with Cespedes at its head. General Quesada commanded the poorly equipped
+but determined and patriotic army. Until 1878 the insurgents held the
+field with about fifty thousand men. They constantly met and vanquished
+the Spanish forces under the Count of Valmaseda, but the resources of
+the Spaniards were greater, and finally the Cubans were disintegrated,
+but still maintained a guerilla warfare, constantly harassing and
+defeating the Spanish forces sent against them. But neither side made
+any progress toward the end and at the end of the year both were ready
+for a compromise, which resulted in the treaty of El Zanjon. At this
+time the Spaniards were commanded by General Campos, and the insurgents
+by Gen. Maximo Gomez&mdash;that grand old warrior who still holds the field
+for Cuba against the forces of Spain&mdash;I kiss his hand."</p>
+
+<p>Captain Dynamite, as he mentioned the name of Gomez, rose to his feet,
+bowed solemnly and reverentially, and lifted to his lips an imaginary
+hand.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_48" id="Page_48">[Pg 48]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Fighting, still fighting for Cuba," he whispered as he resumed his
+seat. After a moment's pause he shook himself as if awakening from a
+dream and continued his narrative.</p>
+
+<p>"That treaty promised Cuba representation in the Spanish Cortes, or
+congress, but while it was kept in the letter it was broken in spirit.
+The government obtained control of the polls and the deputies, or
+representatives elected were always government tools or sympathizers. So
+poor Cuba, after her long struggle, was no better off than before, and
+in 1894 Jos&eacute; Marti, at the head of a new insurrection, set sail from New
+York with three ships, men, and munitions of war. But the United States
+authorities stopped them. Marti then joined Gomez in Cuba and was killed
+in a skirmish. He was succeeded in command by General Gomez, who still
+fights on with a hungry, ill-clad handful of men against the best of
+Spain's army. One hundred and forty-five thousand men have been sent
+against him but he still fights; he still lives to fight, although he is
+over seventy-five years old.</p>
+
+<p>"I have told you of the dogged determination, the splendid patriotism of
+the men who are fighting to lift the yoke of Spain from poor Cuba.
+Surely there must be something more than mere political wrongs to
+inspire such a spirit. You<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_49" id="Page_49">[Pg 49]</a></span> have heard of Weyler&mdash;'Butcher Weyler' they
+call him, and he is proud of the title. Frightened by the courage and
+resistance of the insurgent army, Spain looked about for a man capable
+of crushing the indomitable spirit of the rebels. In Weyler she thought
+she had found the man. He arrived in Havana in 1896. Among his first
+acts looking to the pacification of Cuba was his order of concentration.
+You have heard perhaps of the wretched 'reconcentrados?' They are the
+product of Weyler's order. Under this policy nearly a million peaceful
+Cubans, farmers and dwellers in the country, have been driven from their
+homes into nearby cities and their deserted houses burned to the ground.
+These people are mostly women and children and old men&mdash;non-combatants.
+In this way Weyler sought to stop the aid that was being given to the
+insurgents in the field. From the 'pacificos,' as they are known the
+rebels could at any time secure food, clothing, and shelter.</p>
+
+<p>"Concentrated in the towns, without food or money to buy it, and many
+without clothing, these reconcentrados quickly became the victims of
+famine and disease. A part of Weyler's order of concentration provided
+for the gifts of ground to cultivate, and the Spaniard's answer to the
+charge of inhumanity is a shrug of the shoulders<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_50" id="Page_50">[Pg 50]</a></span> and the reply that the
+reconcentrados starve because they are too lazy to work. 'We give them
+the land,' he says, 'and they will not till it.' True, they gave them
+land, but no seed to sow and no tools to reap and they have no money to
+buy them. Everything they owned is in the heap of ashes that marks the
+spot where the little thatched cottage once stood. Thousands and
+thousands of human beings are herded together like cattle, with no means
+to feed themselves, and, unlike cattle, with no one to feed them.</p>
+
+<p>"Why, I have seen&mdash;I have been told by those who have seen it&mdash;of little
+children with the skin drawn like parchment over their bodies. And boys,
+when you think that among these poor victim's of Spain's pacification
+policy are the wives and children, sisters and sweethearts of the
+struggling insurgents in the field, is it any wonder that the spirit of
+independence will not down in the Pearl of the Antilles?"</p>
+
+<p>That the captain was a man of feeling and education there could be no
+further doubt in the minds of the captive boys. That he should have
+taken the trouble to thus enlighten them on the subject of Cuba's wrongs
+was a compliment to their understanding which was not lost.</p>
+
+
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_51" id="Page_51">[Pg 51]</a></span></p>
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_V" id="CHAPTER_V"></a>CHAPTER V</h2>
+
+<h3><span class="smcap">Sending the Message</span></h3>
+
+
+<p>The captain no longer interfered in any way with the actions of his
+young guests. They were entirely free to do as they pleased on the ship,
+and apparently were under no surveillance. As they came on deck on the
+fourth morning at sea, the day was beautifully bright and clear. The sky
+was taking on that peculiar blue that is seen only in the lower
+latitudes. The atmosphere seemed to have thinned, and the horizon to
+have moved away a mile or two. The sea was as smooth as glass and the
+steamer was ploughing her way along at the rate of fifteen knots (miles)
+an hour. As usual, the decks were deserted, with the exception of the
+man at the wheel and the two lookouts who were always on post, day and
+night, no matter how clear the day, or how unnecessary the double watch
+might seem.</p>
+
+<p>It was the custom of the boys in the morning to distribute themselves
+around the deck so that they could take in all the points of the
+compass, and for a time each would study the horizon with careful
+scrutiny, in the hope of sighting some vessel to which they might
+signal. Every<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_52" id="Page_52">[Pg 52]</a></span>thing had been carefully arranged so that as soon as a
+ship of any sort was seen, word was to be passed quietly from one to
+another without attracting the attention of anyone on deck, and then
+each knew his duty.</p>
+
+<p>Hamilton was the custodian of the flags. On him rested the
+responsibility of displaying the signal so that the passing ship might
+read the message.</p>
+
+<p>The boys had studied the compass and the maps that were each day
+displayed in the captain's cabin, and they knew that they were headed
+south. Although that gave them little or no clew to their ultimate
+destination, they felt some comfort in the knowledge that the shore of
+America lay to the starboard, and away off somewhere beyond the dreary
+horizon was the country they all loved, and where their anxious friends
+and families were awaiting some word from them.</p>
+
+<p>Bert's post was a little forward of the beam on the starboard side. As
+he took his place this morning, his heart was heavy. He was thoroughly
+tired of the monotony of the voyage, and the mystery that enveloped the
+ship was beginning to wear upon him. For days now they had sailed
+without seeing anything but a dreary expanse of water on every side,
+unbroken by anything that was human. Porpoises played<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_53" id="Page_53">[Pg 53]</a></span> around the bows
+of the steamer, and gulls shrieked as they swooped above her. Now and
+then a fish leaped out of the water as the steamer ploughed through the
+waves.</p>
+
+<p>Bert leaned on the rail with his chin resting in his hands and his eyes
+fixed upon the blank before him. Suddenly he raised his head, and an
+expression of surprise crept into his face. He turned and looked
+stealthily around him. Harry was slowly walking up and down the main
+deck just aft of the fo'c'sle where the lookouts were stolidly pacing.</p>
+
+<p>Bert again turned his eyes toward the horizon. What appeared like a
+thread in comparison with the vastness of space around them wavered
+above a small black speck. Bert watched it with eager eyes. At this
+moment Harry stopped in his walk as he approached the starboard side,
+and placing his arms on the rail looked out over the sea in the
+direction of the black thread. Then the boys turned to one another and a
+questioning glance passed between them. Little by little they moved in
+toward one another until they met.</p>
+
+<p>Harry looked carefully around him before he whispered:</p>
+
+<p>"Bert, I think it is a steamer."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_54" id="Page_54">[Pg 54]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"I'm sure of it, Hal. Have you got the signals ready?"</p>
+
+<p>"I can get them in a minute, but she is too far away yet."</p>
+
+<p>"You know passing vessels always study one another with a glass."</p>
+
+<p>"But I do not believe she could make out our signals even with a glass,
+yet."</p>
+
+<p>At this moment one of the men on lookout turned and looked up at the
+second mate, who silently paced the bridge.</p>
+
+<p>"Steamer off the starboard bow, sir," he said, quietly.</p>
+
+<p>"Keep closer watch. I've seen her," replied the mate, gruffly.</p>
+
+<p>"Aye, aye, sir," came the usual response, without a change in tone.</p>
+
+<p>Involuntarily the boys turned their eyes aft to the captain's cabin. As
+they did so the door opened gently and the natty, flannel-garbed figure
+of the commander moved out onto the deck and to the bridge. He carried a
+glass in his hand, which he raised to his eyes after he had spoken a few
+words to the mate.</p>
+
+<p>"I thought so," said Bert, dolefully. "You can't lose him."</p>
+
+<p>"Never mind," said Harry, "if she comes near enough I will get the
+signals up before he can<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_55" id="Page_55">[Pg 55]</a></span> stop me, and we will have to take chances on
+their being read before he can get them down."</p>
+
+<p>"But aren't you afraid of what he may do?" asked Bert, in some fear.</p>
+
+<p>"What can he do?"</p>
+
+<p>"He seems to be capable of doing a whole lot that might be unpleasant.
+For instance, he might put you in irons and chuck you down in the hold."</p>
+
+<p>"I do not think he would dare do that. But anyway, I am going to take
+the chance. We owe it to the folks at home."</p>
+
+<p>"You are right there, Hal. I'm with you whatever comes of it."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, he's not a cannibal, or a pirate. He might be pretty mad and
+perhaps use us a bit rough at first, but I think he would laugh at it
+afterward, when he recovered his temper."</p>
+
+<p>"Gee, but think of all the unpleasant things that might happen before he
+decided that it was time to laugh."</p>
+
+<p>Harry smiled at the mournful face of his chum, and turned again to look
+at the speck in the distance. Seemingly, it had grown larger. The
+captain, who had finished his scrutiny, looked down at them and smiled
+and waved his hand.</p>
+
+<p>"Sleep well, lads?" he called to them pleasantly.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_56" id="Page_56">[Pg 56]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>They nodded sheepishly in reply.</p>
+
+<p>"I can't help liking him," replied Bert.</p>
+
+<p>"There is something big and honest about him like a Newfoundland dog,"
+answered Harry. "I feel sort of mean about trying to trick him. He would
+be a good friend and a mighty bad enemy."</p>
+
+<p>The captain took another look at the approaching vessel, spoke in a
+confidential tone to the mate, and again disappeared into his cabin.</p>
+
+<p>"She's coming on," said Harry, with satisfaction. "Unless she changes
+her course, I will send up the signals in five minutes." He looked at
+his watch as he spoke. "Pshaw, I'm always forgetting that the salt water
+has somewhat interfered with the internal arrangements of this affair,"
+he continued, laughing.</p>
+
+<p>By this time the strange steamer was pretty well hull up and the boys
+could distinguish her masts and funnel as well as see what appeared to
+be flags fluttering in the breeze.</p>
+
+<p>"In order that we shall not cause any suspicion, Bert," said Harry,
+presently, "you go and get the Midget and stroll forward. I do not need
+your help any more than to distract attention from me as much as
+possible."</p>
+
+<p>Bert turned, and walking around the deck, joined Mason who, while he had
+heard the call<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_57" id="Page_57">[Pg 57]</a></span> of the lookout man and knew that there was a steamer in
+sight, had not deserted his post, although he was keen with anxiety when
+Bert reached him.</p>
+
+<p>"Where is she?" he asked, eagerly.</p>
+
+<p>"She's off the starboard bow, but don't ask fool questions. Move up
+forward so that Hal can get a chance to have the flags up."</p>
+
+<p>Although burning with a desire to watch the proceedings, the boys kept
+their faces steadfastly turned to the bow as Harry began in an
+unconcerned manner to work his way aft. He slowly climbed the
+companionway that led to the upper deck, and carelessly approached the
+mast to which the signal halliards were attached.</p>
+
+<p>He stood there for a moment as if watching the oncoming steamer, but his
+eyes were scanning the decks and the bridge on which the second mate
+slowly paced to and fro. Then he turned his back to the mast and as he
+stood with his hands clasped behind him, he cast off the halliards from
+the cleat to which they were fastened. He was almost concealed from view
+by the big mast.</p>
+
+<p>When he had loosened the ropes, he turned quickly, and taking the end of
+another rope from under his coat tied the two together. After one final
+peep around the mast he threw his coat open boldly, made several quick
+turns and unwound from his body the rope to which the signal<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_58" id="Page_58">[Pg 58]</a></span> flags were
+attached. Then with a strong pull he began to send them aloft rapidly.</p>
+
+<p>As the colors sped upward and broke into the wind, his heart almost
+stopped beating from excitement.</p>
+
+<p>Now they were half way up to the masthead and no one had seen them. The
+second mate still paced the bridge with his back to him. He glanced at
+the captain's cabin. No one appeared from there.</p>
+
+<p>"I shall get them up," he whispered to himself through his tightly shut
+teeth, "but will they be read?"</p>
+
+<p>Now they were chock with the pulley block and he made the ends of the
+halliards fast to the cleat and stood back to view his work. It seemed
+scarcely possible that they should not be seen and read by the passing
+steamer which was now so close that he could almost make out her colors
+with the naked eye.</p>
+
+<p>With a feeling of triumph he looked aloft at the flags that, aided by a
+friendly breeze and the motion of the steamer, were fluttering out
+straight from the masthead. As he dropped his eyes from aloft he started
+back with a slight cry of fear and surprise.</p>
+
+<p>The head of Suarez, the mate, appeared above an after companionway, his
+eyes flashing with<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_59" id="Page_59">[Pg 59]</a></span> anger. He rushed at the boy like an enraged animal,
+but Harry, determined to protect his signal as long as possible, stepped
+to the mast and took a capstan bar from its place at the base and stood
+defiantly awaiting the onslaught of the mate, who rushed upon him
+regardless of his threatening attitude. Before Harry knew what had
+happened the bar flew out of his hands, and he lay sprawling on the deck
+from a blow from the open hand of the mate.</p>
+
+<p>Suarez paid no further attention to him, but seizing the halliards
+hauled down the signal. The scuffling of feet and the fall of the heavy
+capstan bar caused the second mate to turn quickly, and at the same
+moment the captain's door opened and he stepped out on the deck. His
+face flushed with anger as he saw the signal-flags, and then he turned
+quickly to the other vessel.</p>
+
+<p>As he did so, Harry, whose eyes followed his, saw what he believed to be
+an answering signal, creep up the mast of the passing steamer. Suarez
+saw it, too, for he turned to Harry with an ugly look in his eyes.</p>
+
+<p>"The mischief is done, you young devil," he said.</p>
+
+<p>"I hope so," answered Harry, quietly rubbing the arm on which he had
+fallen. "Your hand is heavy, Suarez."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_60" id="Page_60">[Pg 60]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"I am sorry if I hurt you, Master Hamilton," said the man, somewhat more
+calmly, "but you are guilty of insubordination and you have broken your
+word to the captain."</p>
+
+<p>"You are mistaken, Suarez," said a deep voice behind them, and they both
+looked quickly around to find Captain Dynamite beside them, his glass
+raised to his eyes as he scanned the passing steamer. "Master Hamilton
+made me no promise; in fact, he warned me that he would take the first
+opportunity that presented itself to get ashore, or to communicate with
+a passing ship. He has been too sharp for us, that is all."</p>
+
+<p>"Message received all right, captain?" asked Harry, eagerly.</p>
+
+<p>Dynamite smiled at the boy's assurance.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, received and acknowledged," he answered; and then turning to
+Suarez he continued, in a low tone:</p>
+
+<p>"I do not think it has done any harm. She does not apparently wish to
+learn anything further of us."</p>
+
+<p>"Captain Dynamite," said Harry, warmly, "there is a big load off my
+mind, and now we will stick to you through thick and thin. We owe our
+lives to you, and we are not ungrateful. Whether you wish to take us
+into your confidence or not, I do not believe, whatever may be the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_61" id="Page_61">[Pg 61]</a></span>
+mystery of your voyage, that there is anything dishonorable about it,
+and you can count on us as part and parcel of your crew. We have
+succeeded in getting word to our friends at home as I told you I would
+try to do; now we are yours to command."</p>
+
+<p>The captain looked down into Harry's earnest face, his own quite serious
+and solemn.</p>
+
+<p>"You are a fine lot of lads," he said, "and if I was on a pleasure
+cruise I would not ask for better companions, but look you, this voyage
+of mystery, as you call it, is a very serious piece of business and I
+wish you were all safe ashore and well out of it."</p>
+
+<p>"But we don't want to be out of it, captain," asserted Harry,
+stubbornly. Bert and Mason had now joined the group on the after deck.</p>
+
+<p>"No, captain," piped the Midget, "we are in it so far and we want to
+stick. You can't chuck us overboard very well, and as long as we have
+got to be a part of your expedition, I think you better muster us in as
+a part of the crew."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, youngsters, as much as I regret it, you may have to cast your
+fortunes in with ours after all, but until that necessity arises we will
+go along as we are, I your host and you my unwilling guests."</p>
+
+<p>"No, not unwilling now, cap," replied Mason.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_62" id="Page_62">[Pg 62]</a></span> "So long as the folks know
+we are safe and sound I think I had rather be aboard this queer craft
+with you than any place I can think of just now. What do you say, Bert?"</p>
+
+<p>"Right, as usual."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, boys, while I have perfect confidence in your integrity and all
+necessity for further secrecy is about past, still I think for your own
+good, in view of possible happenings, it is best that I and my mission
+remain a mystery to you."</p>
+
+<p>The captain turned toward his cabin as he spoke, as if to terminate the
+conversation.</p>
+
+<p>"Perhaps it is not such a mystery after all, captain," said Harry,
+quietly. "We must be pretty near the coast of Cuba."</p>
+
+<p>The man turned quickly, a glint of that fierce light in his eyes, and
+then he burst into a hearty laugh.</p>
+
+<p>"Pretty sharp youngsters, eh, Suarez?" he said. "We may be able to make
+some use of them yet. I think they better dine with us to-night."</p>
+
+
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_63" id="Page_63">[Pg 63]</a></span></p>
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_VI" id="CHAPTER_VI"></a>CHAPTER VI</h2>
+
+<h3><span class="smcap">Viva, Cuba Libre!</span></h3>
+
+
+<p>Although used to the eccentricities of costume in which the captain
+indulged, Harry was not prepared for the formal gentleman who greeted
+them as they entered the cabin that night.</p>
+
+<p>Captain Dynamite was in full evening dress, and Harry could not help
+thinking how well he looked with his big, athletic form draped in
+conventional attire. But he had not looked for such dress on shipboard,
+or at least on a ship of the mysterious character of the <i>Mariella</i>.</p>
+
+<p>"Welcome to our little dinner party," said the captain, solemnly, as he
+shook each boy by the hand and pointed to seats on the big divan. "This
+is the first time that strangers have graced our board on this occasion.
+I hope it portends a successful ending to our voyage."</p>
+
+<p>"We certainly hope so too, captain. We should be very sorry to feel that
+our presence on your steamer might cause trouble to you."</p>
+
+<p>"O, one never knows what the morrow may bring. This is our farewell
+night. To-morrow we enter the zone of danger. But to-night we will be
+merry. Is not that an excellent idea?"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_64" id="Page_64">[Pg 64]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"The idea is all right, captain, but where is the danger?"</p>
+
+<p>"Ah, that you may know to-morrow."</p>
+
+<p>"All right, cap," said Mason, carelessly throwing one leg over the other
+and thrusting his thumbs into the armholes of his vest, "we'll stick to
+you."</p>
+
+<p>"I believe you will, boys, but it will be my care to keep you free from
+harm if possible. That is one reason why I have made so much of a
+mystery to you of the voyage of the <i>Mariella</i>. Whatever may befall us
+you will have had no part in the purpose of this voyage, and remember,
+above all things, that you are American citizens. There are American
+consuls in every port and Uncle Sam will take care of his own, perhaps
+not with the alacrity that we sometimes could wish for, but in due
+course of time. So shout loudly for Uncle Sam if you need him and if he
+does not hear you, don't forget that John Bull speaks your language."</p>
+
+<p>The boys were puzzled by the captain's speech, but they knew him well
+enough to realize that it would be useless to question him. At this
+point the mate entered the cabin. His appearance was so odd that Bert
+had to hide his face behind his handkerchief to laugh. His expression
+was as solemn as the captain's. He wore a pair<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_65" id="Page_65">[Pg 65]</a></span> of blue pilot cloth
+trousers, a vest with brass buttons and an old-fashioned swallow-tailed
+coat. The trousers, which were badly creased and puckered from long
+service inside the tops of his sea boots, were now pulled down outside,
+but the wide tops of the boots showed in a ring at the knee.</p>
+
+<p>The captain greeted him in the same dignified way that he had received
+the boys, and he gravely took a seat on the divan beside them. The next
+to put in an appearance was the engineer, who wore his service uniform.
+The second mate was the last to arrive. He was dressed in blue flannel
+vest and trousers and a Tuxedo coat. Notwithstanding his own almost
+faultless attire, the captain did not seem to notice the neglig&eacute; of his
+men. He greeted each warmly and in the same sober manner. When they had
+all assembled, he rang a bell and the steward promptly responded.</p>
+
+<p>"You may serve dinner," he said. "There are seven at table to-night."</p>
+
+<p>"A fair prospect for a good run to-morrow, captain," said Suarez,
+rubbing his hands with the air of one who looked forward with pleasure
+to a coming event.</p>
+
+<p>"Sure one never knows what the daylight will show," answered the
+captain, with a touch of his brogue. "We may find ourselves in the very<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_66" id="Page_66">[Pg 66]</a></span>
+divil of a hornets' nest when the sun shows over the horizon. But Suary,
+me boy, we have pulled together out of many a bad hole, haven't we, old
+man, and we are ready for another, eh?"</p>
+
+<p>"The captain knows he can count on me when there is any fighting to be
+done in the good cause."</p>
+
+<p>"Fighting, eh," whispered Bert to Harry. "What do you suppose these
+queer guys are talking about?"</p>
+
+<p>"I think I begin to have a small notion."</p>
+
+<p>"What do you divine, most noble chief?"</p>
+
+<p>"I do not think it would be wise to say until I am surer of my facts."</p>
+
+<p>"And do your suspicions point to some dreadful mystery of the deep?"
+whispered Mason, with mock fear, while his mischievous eyes sparkled
+with fun.</p>
+
+<p>"Something perhaps a little more serious than we have been mixed up in
+before, if I am right."</p>
+
+<p>"Really."</p>
+
+<p>"As serious as powder and bullets can be."</p>
+
+<p>"Powder and bullets," repeated Bert in some alarm. "What do you mean,
+Hal?"</p>
+
+<p>"I tell you I cannot speak until I am surer of my ground. You know I
+made an expedition into the hold to-day while the hatches were open."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, but you did not tell us that anything that you saw there was at
+all suspicious."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_67" id="Page_67">[Pg 67]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"I do not know that it is, but I can tell you this: instead of carrying
+a general cargo of merchandise for trading purposes, as we are supposed
+to do, we are loaded to the gunwales with guns and ammunition."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, guns and ammunition are perfectly legitimate articles of
+merchandise."</p>
+
+<p>"That all depends upon where and for what purpose they are shipped."</p>
+
+<p>"What do you mean?"</p>
+
+<p>"If two nations are at war and a nation supposed to be friendly to each
+should send arms and ammunition to one or the other, it would be a
+violation of international law, and would be looked upon as an act of
+war on the part of the friendly nation."</p>
+
+<p>"But suppose the nation had nothing to do with it and that the cargo was
+shipped by individuals who were in sympathy with the cause of one or the
+other?"</p>
+
+<p>"The friendly nation is supposed to see to it that no such cargo is
+shipped from its shores, and the vessel undertaking such a task ranks as
+a pirate and is called a filibuster."</p>
+
+<p>"But there are no two nations now at war, so that theory cannot hold
+good."</p>
+
+<p>"There are no two nations at war, but there is a nation that has had on
+its hands for many years<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_68" id="Page_68">[Pg 68]</a></span> a warfare within its own borders as Captain
+Dynamite told us very entertainingly to-day."</p>
+
+<p>"O, Cuba?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, Cuba."</p>
+
+<p>"And do you think that Captain Dynamite is one of those buccaneers that
+he told us about?"</p>
+
+<p>"Let us wait and see."</p>
+
+<p>"Say, but that would be fine, wouldn't it, Hal?"</p>
+
+<p>"You might not think it so fine if a Spanish warship should open fire on
+us."</p>
+
+<p>"But we will not mix up in their quarrel."</p>
+
+<p>"No, but a Spanish gunboat would mix it up with us very quickly if she
+saw us first."</p>
+
+<p>"What right would she have to interfere with a ship flying the American
+flag?"</p>
+
+<p>"If we could not give a proper account of ourselves in her waters she
+would stand on very little ceremony."</p>
+
+<p>"And do you think we are likely to get mixed up in any real fighting
+with real powder and bullets?" asked Bert, in some dismay.</p>
+
+<p>"I don't know. Look out, the captain is watching us."</p>
+
+<p>"Gee," whispered Mason, "I wish I was back in Cottage City."</p>
+
+<p>Captain Dynamite, who had been talking with his officers while the boys
+discussed their situation in whispers, now looked over at them
+curiously.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_69" id="Page_69">[Pg 69]</a></span> Harry did not care at present to have to explain his
+suspicions. At this moment, fortunately, the steward entered with the
+soup and created a diversion. Captain Dynamite rose, and waving his arm
+toward the table, said:</p>
+
+<p>"Gentlemen, dinner is served. Let us be seated."</p>
+
+<p>The captain took his place at the head of the table, and his men grouped
+themselves around him while the boys found seats near the bottom and
+facing all. It was certainly a curious gathering for a dinner table: the
+four bronzed, earnest-faced men at one end of the table and the three
+fresh-faced, wondering youngsters at the other. For a moment there was a
+deep silence, and Bert leaned over to Harry and whispered:</p>
+
+<p>"Say, Hal, I feel as if something ought to explode, or the captain ought
+to break out the black flag. This atmosphere is getting too tense for
+me."</p>
+
+<p>"'Sh, keep quiet," said Mason, "don't you see old Dynamite is going to
+say something? Perhaps he may let us into his secret. He seems to be
+feeling pretty good natured."</p>
+
+<p>"Gentlemen," said the captain, rising at his seat, "fill your glasses."</p>
+
+<p>As he spoke, he passed a black bottle that stood at his right hand to
+the mate, who filled<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_70" id="Page_70">[Pg 70]</a></span> his glass and passed the bottle on to the
+engineer.</p>
+
+<p>"There is lemonade in that pitcher at your hand, youngsters," said the
+captain. "Fill your glasses."</p>
+
+<p>The boys did as directed and the captain raised his glass of grog high
+in air. His men rose silently from their seats and did likewise.</p>
+
+<p>"Here's to the good cause and confusion to its enemies," he said, in a
+deep voice.</p>
+
+<p>"Good luck to the cause," shouted the men as they dashed off their
+liquor and sat solemnly down again.</p>
+
+<p>For half an hour scarcely a word was spoken, as they all did full
+justice to the cook's excellent dinner. When they were through, the
+steward removed the cloth and the captain brought out a box of cigars
+which he passed around, this time not overlooking the boys, but they
+each refused, with thanks. The steward replaced the black bottle and it
+made another circuit of the table. After a short silence, during which
+the men puffed vigorously on their cigars, the captain said quietly:</p>
+
+<p>"Men, to-morrow we begin to get busy. You all know what dangers we are
+facing and you have all been through them before. I know you will acquit
+yourselves well if it comes to a tight rub,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_71" id="Page_71">[Pg 71]</a></span> for your hearts are all
+with the cause. That we may all know to what end to bend our individual
+endeavors, and in case anything should happen to any of us, I will now
+read to you the orders under which we are sailing. Always remember our
+compact. We have our numbers. If number one falls, number two takes
+command, and to him you give your true allegiance, always with your
+minds free from personal ambitions and petty jealousies, working only as
+human machines for the good of the cause."</p>
+
+<p>The men turned and looked nervously in the direction of the boys. The
+captain noticed their suspicious glances.</p>
+
+<p>"Do not fear," he said, addressing particularly the furtive-eyed Suarez,
+"I will answer for them. They are my guests."</p>
+
+<p>There was in the captain's tone just a touch of defiance, as if he
+challenged opposition to his views.</p>
+
+<p>"Now listen, and mark well the directions in the order. It is in
+Spanish, but I will read it to you in English, as I believe none among
+you, save Suarez and myself, understand Spanish."</p>
+
+<p>The captain produced from a large wallet a paper which he read slowly,
+dwelling long upon those passages containing detailed instructions:><br /><br /></p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_72" id="Page_72">[Pg 72]</a></span></p>
+
+<div class="blockquot">
+<span class="smcap">Headquarters of the Independent Government at Cubitas.</span>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">To Captain Dynamite,<br /></span>
+
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Boston, Massachusetts, U. S. A.</p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Greeting</span>:</p>
+
+<p>When, with the assistance of a power higher than mortal endeavor, you
+shall have safely brought your expedition within the lines of the
+enemy's ships, proceed with all possible dispatch to that point on the
+coast mutually agreed upon by us at our last meeting. There, should a
+kind and just Providence so will it, you will find your landing
+covered by five hundred men under Captain Morgan, who is your friend.
+From him you will receive any necessary further instructions. May our
+just cause shield you from harm and bring you safely through your
+dangerous mission to the arms of your friends who kiss your hand.</p>
+
+
+<p style="text-align: right">(Signed) <span class="smcap">Betancourt.</span></p>
+
+<p style="text-align: right"><span class="smcap">Gomez.</span></p>
+</div>
+
+<p>"You know those names, my friends," said Dynamite, after reading the
+order. "In their name and in ours, out of the fullness of our hearts, I
+give you our toast&mdash;Viva Cuba Libre!"</p>
+
+<p>The men sprang to their feet and raising their glasses while their eyes
+shone with the fever of excitement, shouted:</p>
+
+<p>"Viva, viva, Cuba libre!"</p>
+
+<p>"I thought so," said Harry, as the sound died away.</p>
+
+<p>"What does that lingo mean?" asked Bert.</p>
+
+<p>"It means 'hurrah for free Cuba,'" answered Harry.</p>
+
+
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_73" id="Page_73">[Pg 73]</a></span></p>
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_VII" id="CHAPTER_VII"></a>CHAPTER VII</h2>
+
+<h3><span class="smcap">In the Danger Zone</span></h3>
+
+
+<p>Harry was awakened the next morning by the clanking of heavy chains,
+rumbling of iron trucks, banging of doors, creaking of cordage, and the
+hoarse shouts of men. Above the unusual din the voice of the captain
+rose deep and resonant. Harry sat up in his bunk in wonderment. The
+usually quiet and methodical ship seemed to have in an instant been
+transformed into what to the ear might easily resemble an iron foundry.
+The noise also aroused Bert and Mason.</p>
+
+<p>"What's our friend the buccaneer up to now?" queried Mason, rubbing his
+sleepy eyes.</p>
+
+<p>"The sooner we get on deck, the quicker we shall find out," answered
+Harry, jumping from his bunk and beginning to dress hurriedly.</p>
+
+<p>"Sounds to me suspiciously like a pirate chief and his blood-thirsty
+crew preparing to board an unsuspecting ship," said the irrepressible
+Midget, as he poked his head into his shirt. "Shouldn't be a bit
+surprised when we get on deck to find a lot of evil-faced men armed to
+the teeth&mdash;you know pirates are always evil-faced. By the way, did you
+ever know how the expression<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_74" id="Page_74">[Pg 74]</a></span> 'armed to the teeth' originated? Well, you
+see, after a pirate has stuck his belt full of pistols and cutlasses,
+and has both hands full of guns, he just chucks a dirk in his mouth and
+then, of course, he is armed to the teeth. Singular how you fellows are
+always drawing on my fund of general information. One dollar, please."</p>
+
+<p>"Stop your nonsense, Midget," said Harry. "Remember what Captain
+Dynamite said last night. We are in the zone of danger to-day."</p>
+
+<p>The noise had now somewhat subsided, and by the time the boys were
+dressed the usual quiet pervaded the ship.</p>
+
+<p>Harry stepped from their stateroom into the main cabin and was surprised
+to see the captain sitting quietly at the table with his back turned to
+him. His elbows were resting on the table and his face was in his hands.
+He was looking intently at some object in front of him. He did not move
+as Harry approached, and the boy could see that he was gazing at a
+portrait.</p>
+
+<p>"Good morning, sir," said Harry, stopping at a respectful distance.
+"Have we struck the danger zone, yet?"</p>
+
+<p>"Danger&mdash;danger?"</p>
+
+<p>The captain almost shrieked the words as he leaped to his feet, and
+clasping the portrait to his breast as if to protect it, turned fiercely
+on the boy.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_75" id="Page_75">[Pg 75]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"O, it's you," he said quickly, on recognizing Harry. Then he passed his
+hand over his eyes as if returning from a trance.</p>
+
+<p>"I was with her when you spoke," he said softly, "and then the thought
+of danger drives me mad. See&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>The captain held out the photograph for the boy's inspection. It was the
+picture of a beautiful young woman of Spanish type, with dark hair and
+eyes.</p>
+
+<p>"This time I take her home as my bride. She has promised it. I have left
+her too long at the mercy of Weyler's bloodhounds. But Gomez will see
+that no harm comes to my Juanita. He has promised. The general has
+promised, and soon&mdash;very soon, I shall take her away&mdash;away from this
+danger zone."</p>
+
+<p>The big man seemed dreaming again as his eyes rested with an expression
+as soft as a woman's on the fair face of the girl. Then with that
+characteristic shake of his huge body he placed the portrait carefully
+in an inner pocket, next his heart, and turned again to Harry with his
+dare-devil laugh on his lips.</p>
+
+<p>"Ha, ha! Danger zone? Oh, sure, we are in it. But we are ready for 'em,
+my boy. All's in shipshape for friend or foe. We've set a smiling face
+to the fore, my lad, but a broad laugh would<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_76" id="Page_76">[Pg 76]</a></span> uncover some moighty sharp
+teeth." At this moment the mate hurriedly entered the cabin and saluted.</p>
+
+<p>"What is it, Suarez?" asked the captain, quickly.</p>
+
+<p>"Smoke off the starboard bow, sir."</p>
+
+<p>"Can you make her out?"</p>
+
+<p>"Not yet, sir."</p>
+
+<p>"Call me when you can."</p>
+
+<p>The mate saluted again and retired. The captain turned away from Harry
+unceremoniously, and Bert and Mason having joined him, the boys went on
+deck. There was no change apparent that would have accounted for the
+strange noises that had awakened them, except that the hatches were now
+fastened down with heavy iron bars and the little forward hatch where
+Harry had made his first tour of inspection was guarded by two men, who
+stood with folded arms on either side. There were now two men on lookout
+aft as well as forward. They paced slowly to and fro, their eyes fixed
+astern. Amidships, on both the starboard and port sides, a man walked
+backward and forward over a space of about fifteen feet, always closely
+scanning the sea on either side. Off the starboard bow could be seen a
+thin thread of smoke that rose almost perpendicularly in the still air.</p>
+
+<p>The boys had never before seen so many men<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_77" id="Page_77">[Pg 77]</a></span> on deck at the same time.
+Not a word was spoken as the lookouts fore and aft passed and repassed
+each other. On the bridge both mates were on duty.</p>
+
+<p>"Say, where do you suppose all these dummies sprang from, anyway?" asked
+Mason, as he surveyed the scene in astonishment. "I wonder if there are
+any more where they came from?"</p>
+
+<p>"Let's go down and interview our friend Sambo," said Harry. "He has been
+growing communicative lately. Yesterday he deigned to say 'Yas, sah.'
+Maybe we can coax something more out of him."</p>
+
+<p>When they reached the galley, to the boys' great surprise, the negro
+poked his head out over the half door and grinning broadly, said:</p>
+
+<p>"Mornin', sahs."</p>
+
+<p>"Why, Sambo," said Bert, in astonishment, "where did you find your
+tongue?"</p>
+
+<p>"Always pick it up again in danger zone, sah."</p>
+
+<p>"There goes that danger zone again," said Mason, in disgust. "I don't
+believe there is any danger between here and the equator, Sambo."</p>
+
+<p>"Name not Sambo, sah. George Washington Jenks, New York, U. S. A., at
+yo' service, gents."</p>
+
+<p>Finding the negro in such an unusual mood the boys grouped themselves
+about the door intending to draw the man out if possible, and learn
+what<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_78" id="Page_78">[Pg 78]</a></span> they could that might serve to confirm their suspicions as to the
+purpose of their cruise. As Harry stepped up to the door and brought the
+man's entire body into view, he noticed with amazement that he wore a
+cartridge belt and pistol holster from which the butt of a revolver
+peeped.</p>
+
+<p>"Why, George, what are you carrying a pistol for this morning. Afraid
+the crew will mutiny?"</p>
+
+<p>"Always carry gun in danger zone, sah," replied the negro, grinning
+still more.</p>
+
+<p>"The whole ship has gone crazy over the danger zone," said Bert.</p>
+
+<p>"Yas, sah," said George Washington. "May have mix-up bime-by," and he
+jerked his thumb over his starboard shoulder.</p>
+
+<p>"Mix-up with the captain?"</p>
+
+<p>"Humph. George Wash'n Jenks not such a blame fool's that. Mix-up with
+steamer coming up to starboard. May be, may be not. Not such a mucher at
+guessing."</p>
+
+<p>"Is that why you are carrying a pistol; because a steamer is coming up?"</p>
+
+<p>"Always carry gun in danger zone, sah," and again the negro grinned
+tantalizingly.</p>
+
+<p>"George Washington Jenks, New York, U. S. A., I have a nice, green one
+dollar bill saved from a watery grave," said Harry, "and if<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_79" id="Page_79">[Pg 79]</a></span> you will
+tell us what the danger zone is, you can have it."</p>
+
+<p>As Harry spoke he pulled a bill out of his pocket and displayed it
+temptingly before the negro. George Washington Jenks looked at it
+covetously out of the corner of his eye. Then he shook his head proudly.</p>
+
+<p>"Better go ask Cap'n Dynamite. Might be he need the money. George Wash
+Jenks don't."</p>
+
+<p>"I guess you are true blue, Wash," laughed Harry, as he put the money
+back in his pocket.</p>
+
+<p>"You pretty good guesser, sah. Not such a mucher myself."</p>
+
+<p>The boys, convinced that they could gain no information from the negro,
+and realizing the uselessness of attempting to question any others of
+the crew, strolled aft again. It seemed to Harry that the thread of
+smoke had grown a little thicker. The captain opened his door and
+stepped out on deck, glass in hand. He signalled to Suarez, who came aft
+at his bidding.</p>
+
+<p>"Can you make her out yet, Suarez?"</p>
+
+<p>"Not yet, captain, but she is headed to cross our bow and should be hull
+up in a few minutes."</p>
+
+<p>For five minutes both men stood with their glasses trained on the smoke.
+Finally Suarez<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_80" id="Page_80">[Pg 80]</a></span> dropped his to his side with the air of a man who has
+learned what he wished to know.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes?" said the captain, interrogatively.</p>
+
+<p>"It's the little one we dodged last time."</p>
+
+<p>"The <i>Belair</i>. So I thought. Change the course two points to starboard.
+We will go astern unless she gets curious and I suppose she will. Yes,
+see, she is heading up for us. Hold your course; it would be folly to
+change it now. If we can't bluff it through, why we can&mdash;well, do the
+next best thing, Suarez, eh&mdash;call her hand."</p>
+
+<p>Dynamite threw back his head and laughed heartily.</p>
+
+<p>"Everything is in readiness for the call, sir," said the mate, gravely.</p>
+
+<p>"Very well, Suarez; tell Battersea to notify the men below to stand by."</p>
+
+<p>The boys looked at one another in mute wonder. Then there were other men
+below, and for what? Harry's mind reverted to that forward compartment
+so well stocked with munitions of war.</p>
+
+<p>"Bert," he whispered, "I guess they were right about that danger zone,
+and although I'm not 'such a mucher' at guessing, as our friend Jenks of
+New York, says, maybe we'll have that mix-up."</p>
+
+<p>For nearly an hour the quiet routine aboard the <i>Mariella</i> continued.
+The captain slowly paced the after deck, now and then scanning<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_81" id="Page_81">[Pg 81]</a></span> the
+oncoming stranger through his glasses. There was an air of suppressed
+excitement in the silence. By this time the other steamer was clearly
+discernible with the naked eye, and the boys could see that she was a
+small gunboat flying a foreign flag, which they guessed to be Spanish.
+She had two large guns mounted forward, and a number of rapid fire guns
+aft and amidships.</p>
+
+<p>She was a tiny craft for a fighter and apparently had once been a
+pleasure yacht; but she looked saucy and dangerous as she came on toward
+them. As Harry looked along the quiet decks of the staid and sober
+<i>Mariella</i> he could not help comparing her to a big dignified
+Newfoundland dog with a snapping terrier perking boldly up to her.</p>
+
+<p>They could now distinguish the forms of men on the gunboat's decks.</p>
+
+<p>"Come over here to the starboard rail, boys," said the captain, suddenly
+turning to them. "You may help to carry out more successfully the little
+farce we are about to attempt. Show yourselves as much as possible and
+act as if you were curiously interested in our friend, the gunboat, as
+no doubt you are."</p>
+
+<p>At this moment a black-bearded little man, who had been strutting
+pompously on the bridge of the gunboat, raised a megaphone to his lips
+and a volley of foreign words, perfectly unintel<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_82" id="Page_82">[Pg 82]</a></span>ligible to the boys,
+was shot out into the atmosphere.</p>
+
+<p>In a moment the captain sent back a reply to what had evidently been a
+demand for a description of his ship.</p>
+
+<p>"The <i>Mariella</i>, Boston for San Juan, Porto Rico; general merchandise
+and three passengers returning from school."</p>
+
+<p>"That's us," whispered Mason. "Look important now. This is as good as
+playing charades. Can you guess the word, Hal?"</p>
+
+<p>For a few minutes those on the deck of the gunboat seemed to be
+discussing the reply. The little man on the bridge gesticulated
+violently as he apparently argued with a subordinate officer. Finally he
+put his marine glasses to his eyes again and for fully a minute Harry
+felt that he was studying them and Captain Dynamite, who stood facing
+him, his big form looming up to its full height, while a smile played
+around the corner of his mouth.</p>
+
+<p>Suddenly the little man danced up and down like a jumping jack, shot his
+arms in the air and waved them wildly. Then he seized the megaphone and
+aimed it at the captain's head. This time the boys could understand the
+words that he poured out, for he spoke in broken English.</p>
+
+<p>"Ah, ah," he shouted, "I know you now, you el Capitaine Dynamite, el
+filibust, el buccaneer, el<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_83" id="Page_83">[Pg 83]</a></span> pirate. Surrend&mdash;surrend in Queen's name."</p>
+
+<p>The little man's words had an electrical effect on the captain. The
+smile faded away and his mouth became a set, straight line. In a moment
+he was all action.</p>
+
+<p>"Go ahead full speed, Suarez," he shouted. "All hands to quarters."</p>
+
+<p>In a moment his orders were transmitted from mouth to mouth and as
+quickly the quiet decks became transformed. Men in a seemingly endless
+stream rushed up through the forward hatch from below and scattered
+about the decks with soldier-like regularity, each taking, without the
+least confusion, a station to which he had apparently been assigned.
+Every man was armed with sword, pistol, and rifle, and almost before the
+boys had recovered from the first gasp of astonishment, the bulwarks
+were lined with rows of fully armed, determined looking men, who stood
+silently at their posts awaiting further orders.</p>
+
+<p>George Washington Jenks stepped out of his galley, his black, shining
+face as usual on a broad grin. He looked aft at the boys, pointed to the
+gunboat and chuckled.</p>
+
+<p>"George Wash Jenks is not such a bad guesser after all," said Harry.
+"Mix-up has arrived all right."</p>
+
+<p>"Say, but Hal, do you think there is going to<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_84" id="Page_84">[Pg 84]</a></span> be any real fighting?"
+asked Bert. All of the boys were intensely excited and nervous from
+their unusual surroundings.</p>
+
+<p>"It looks a heap like it."</p>
+
+<p>"And here we are right in the middle of it without as much as a hat pin
+to do business with," moaned Mason.</p>
+
+<p>The captain, who had darted into his cabin a moment before, now emerged
+with a cartridge belt buckled around his flannel coat and two army
+pistols at his sides. He carried three other pistols in his hands.</p>
+
+<p>"Here, boys," he said, as he approached them and handed one to each;
+"these are for protection only. Do you know how to use them?"</p>
+
+<p>"Only give us something to shoot at and we will show you," piped the
+Midget.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, if you have to shoot, there are your marks," was the reply, as he
+pointed to the gunboat.</p>
+
+<p>In the meantime equal activity had been displayed on the Spaniard. Her
+decks swarmed with men, and over the still water was borne a jargon of
+unintelligible orders.</p>
+
+<p>Suddenly there came a sharp command from the little man on the bridge.
+Dynamite understood it and raised his hand as if to warn the boys back.
+There was a puff of smoke at the gunboat's bow and then a loud report.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_85" id="Page_85">[Pg 85]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>A solid shot whistled across the bows of the <i>Mariella</i> and ricochetted
+over the water into the distance.</p>
+
+<p>"Crowd on all steam, Suarez," shouted the captain, shaking his fist at
+the gunboat. "We will first try the wise man's course and run away, but
+if we cannot shake off that little terrier, we'll have to show our
+teeth."</p>
+
+<p>Then turning to the Spaniard again he put his megaphone to his lips and
+shouted to the little commander, who still capered and gesticulated on
+the bridge:</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, I <i>am</i> el Capitaine Dynamite. Come on and take me if you can.
+Viva, Cuba Libre."</p>
+
+
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_86" id="Page_86">[Pg 86]</a></span></p>
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_VIII" id="CHAPTER_VIII"></a>CHAPTER VIII</h2>
+
+<h3><span class="smcap">A Brush with the Gunboat</span></h3>
+
+
+<p>The <i>Mariella</i> swung slowly around until she presented only her stern
+and the width of her hull as a mark for her enemy, and then under a full
+head of steam she started to show her heels to the Spaniard. But clouds
+of heavy, black smoke began to roll upward from the gunboat's funnel,
+showing that she, too, was crowding on steam for the chase.</p>
+
+<p>The puff of smoke, the bark of the gun, the shot skipping over the water
+across their bows, much as a child scales a flat stone across a mill
+pond, opened the boys' eyes to the seriousness of the situation. They
+fingered their revolvers nervously and watched the black bow of the
+Spaniard anxiously, expecting to see another white burst of smoke.</p>
+
+<p>But the little commander evidently believed he could rely on the speed
+of his vessel to overtake the <i>Mariella</i>, for after the warning shot, he
+did not fire again, and with throbbing engines the steamers settled down
+to a trial of speed.</p>
+
+<p>"If we could only imagine that as a starting gun this would make a
+first-rate yacht race," said<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_87" id="Page_87">[Pg 87]</a></span> Bert, after they had been running for some
+minutes.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, and for a richer stake than ever a yacht raced for before,"
+replied the captain, who had overheard the remark. Harry thought of the
+portrait of the beautiful girl that lay next the man's heart, and
+wondered if he meant her, but when he remembered the ringing defiance in
+his voice as he shouted back to the Spaniard, "Viva, Cuba Libre," he was
+inclined to believe that the man's spirit of patriotism rose superior to
+his love just now.</p>
+
+<p>By this time the veil of mystery that had hung over the ship and her
+purpose had been pretty well lifted by the sequence of events, and the
+boys were convinced that they were a part of some secret mission against
+Spain in the interests of Cuba.</p>
+
+<p>Harry had little time for speculation as to the motives that inspired
+the captain, for another puff of white smoke appeared at the gunboat's
+bow and a shot whistled by close to the starboard rail. The <i>Mariella</i>
+had been slowly drawing away from her pursuer, and the Spanish commander
+evidently feared his prey would escape.</p>
+
+<p>Suarez, on the bridge, turned anxiously aft as if expecting
+instructions, but Captain Dynamite only set his lips into that firm,
+straight line and raised his glasses to watch the enemy's movements.</p>
+
+<p>Another puff of smoke, a sharp report, and a<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_88" id="Page_88">[Pg 88]</a></span> shot struck the water one
+hundred yards astern, but in direct line with the <i>Mariella</i>.</p>
+
+<p>"They've got the direction, but not the range," muttered the captain.
+"Hard a-starboard, Suarez, for half a minute, and then take your course
+again. We'll give that gunner another guess."</p>
+
+<p>The <i>Mariella</i> swung to starboard just enough to take her out of the
+direct course of her pursuer.</p>
+
+<p>"Now, try it again, Mister Sharpshooter," sung out the captain, although
+the Spaniard was by this time far out of range of his voice. "It will
+take you some time to pick up your target once more."</p>
+
+<p>The Spaniard sent two other shots after them in quick succession, but
+they fell harmlessly to port. The quick swinging of the <i>Mariella</i> out
+of her course had disconcerted the gunners.</p>
+
+<p>"Don't you think you youngsters better go below?" said the captain,
+joining the boys, while he calmly rolled a cigarette. "I haven't much
+respect for their marksmanship, but you never can tell where a stray
+shot may fall."</p>
+
+<p>By this time the sensation of nervousness and anxiety that had followed
+the first shot had passed, and the boys were as eager to see the affair
+to an end as if they had been spectators at a play. They did not yet
+seem to feel themselves<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_89" id="Page_89">[Pg 89]</a></span> a part of the drama that might so easily be
+turned into a tragedy.</p>
+
+<p>"If we are not in the way I should much prefer to remain here," said
+Harry, "and if we are going to be shot I had rather have it done on deck
+than in a stuffy cabin."</p>
+
+<p>"Very well, I guess you are safe enough. Anyway, we shall be out of
+range in about fifteen minutes. Ah, she's going to try it again."</p>
+
+<p>Another shot fell only a few feet astern.</p>
+
+<p>Captain Dynamite placed his glasses on the roof of the deck house,
+tossed his cigarette over the side, and removing his coat, folded it
+carefully and placed it beside the glasses.</p>
+
+<p>"You are getting a little too close, Mister Goodshot," he said, rolling
+back his cuffs. "I guess a dose of your own medicine is about due."
+Turning to the bridge, he called:</p>
+
+<p>"Keep her steady, Suarez."</p>
+
+<p>"Aye, aye, sir," responded the mate. There was a note of glee in his
+voice and he rubbed his hands together with an air of great
+satisfaction, as he watched his commander's preparations. He seemed to
+know what they portended, although the boys could see no purpose in
+them.</p>
+
+<p>The captain now stepped quickly to the after rail, and placing his
+finger underneath it, seemed to be pressing upon something. A square
+section<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_90" id="Page_90">[Pg 90]</a></span> of the deck began to slide silently and mysteriously away,
+leaving a black hole up through which there rose slowly a rapid fire
+gun. There was a sharp click of snapping bolts as the new section of
+deck came into place.</p>
+
+<p>"Now there will be something doing," whispered Bert.</p>
+
+<p>Quickly taking his place on the saddle of the gun the captain trained it
+with the hand of an expert. It seemed but a second from the time he ran
+his eye along the sights before the discharge came. Without waiting to
+see the result of his shot, he turned the muzzle a little to the right,
+sighted it again quickly and fired.</p>
+
+<p>The boys watched breathlessly, straining their eyes to see the result,
+but without avail. Captain Dynamite rose, wiped his hands with a silk
+handkerchief and walked to the deck house for his glasses.</p>
+
+<p>"They are both out of commission, bedad," he said, after a minute's
+inspection. "Scoot for the inlet, Suarez, me boy."</p>
+
+<p>"Aye, aye, sir," replied the mate, gleefully. "Don't you think you
+better give them one more for good measure, sir?"</p>
+
+<p>"Enough's a-plenty, Suarez. We'll have her hull down before eight bells.
+Would you like to see what a little gun like that can do?"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_91" id="Page_91">[Pg 91]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>He turned to Harry as he spoke and handed him the marine glasses. They
+were a powerful pair and as Harry regulated them to his vision he seemed
+to be almost on board the Spanish gunboat. All was confusion on her
+decks. The "both" referred to by the captain as being out of commission,
+were the port and starboard guns, with which she had been potting at the
+<i>Mariella</i>. Captain Dynamite's shots had each scored a bull's-eye.</p>
+
+<p>In the turmoil, Harry could see that someone had been injured and was
+being borne away by his companions. He lowered the glasses and held them
+out to the captain.</p>
+
+<p>"You have laid up a man for repairs, I think, sir," he said.</p>
+
+<p>The captain waved the glasses back with something like a shudder.</p>
+
+<p>"I am sorry," he said, quietly. "The poor chap was only doing his duty.
+I aimed at metal and not human bodies. I hope he is not much hurt."</p>
+
+<p>He turned to the rail again, touched the spring, and the gun slowly sank
+out of sight, the section of the deck that concealed it slipping into
+place again with a click. Putting on his coat he entered the cabin,
+leaving the boys in possession of the glasses. For some time they were
+greatly inter<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_92" id="Page_92">[Pg 92]</a></span>ested in watching, turn by turn, the proceedings on the
+deck of the gunboat, but finally the <i>Mariella</i> made such good use of
+her heels that even with the glasses, they could make out nothing but
+the outlines of the Spaniard.</p>
+
+<p>When they turned again to the deck of their own steamer, they were
+surprised to see that it had once more resumed its usual appearance. The
+armed men had disappeared, the second mate paced the bridge, and only
+the lookouts occupied the decks. It was now twelve o'clock, and eight
+bells sounded clearly on the still, tropical air. The boys recollected
+for the first time that they had had no breakfast, just as Captain
+Dynamite stuck his head out of the cabin door.</p>
+
+<p>"Come on, lads," he called, cheerily; "sure we've let the Spanish
+terrier cheat our stomachs."</p>
+
+<p>The exciting events of the morning had not impaired the boys' appetites,
+and they promptly responded to the call. When they went on deck again
+only a speck on the horizon marked the pursuing gunboat.</p>
+
+<p>"Few of their old tubs can measure paces with the old <i>Mariella</i>," said
+the captain, with satisfaction, as he swept the sea with his glasses.</p>
+
+<p>"She looked as if she had once been a pleasure yacht," said Harry.</p>
+
+<p>"So she was, my boy. The Spaniards bought<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_93" id="Page_93">[Pg 93]</a></span> her from a New York
+millionaire, but she was an old model then, and they have top-hampered
+her with armor and guns until they have knocked what little speed she
+had out of her. We'll not even see a whiff of their smoke in half an
+hour."</p>
+
+<p>"Will she continue so hopeless a chase?"</p>
+
+<p>"O, sure she will. She hopes to trap us down the coast. See, there are
+the shores of Cuba."</p>
+
+<p>The boys turned quickly as he pointed over their starboard bow and saw a
+low dark line in the distance.</p>
+
+<p>"Hurrah," shouted Bert.</p>
+
+<p>"Hurrah for what?" asked the captain, smiling at the enthusiastic boy
+who swung his cap as he shouted.</p>
+
+<p>"Why, just hurrah," answered Bert, sheepishly. "I began to think all
+land had disappeared from the face of the ocean."</p>
+
+<p>"Then you don't like the water?"</p>
+
+<p>"Heretofore I always considered myself dead stuck on it, but hereafter
+terra firma for mine. Something that you can dig your heels into and
+where disagreeable Spaniards don't send bullets whistling around your
+ears. How soon will we make Havana, captain?"</p>
+
+<p>One of Dynamite's roaring laughs greeted this question of Bert's.</p>
+
+<p>"Me boy," he said, as soon as he caught his<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_94" id="Page_94">[Pg 94]</a></span> breath, "if we should sail
+into Havana harbor every mother's son of us would be shot by sunrise
+to-morrow."</p>
+
+<p>"But you are going to land somewhere?" questioned Harry.</p>
+
+<p>"Sure there's a fine bit of a place down the coast that we'll take a
+peep into before the moon's high to-night&mdash;barrin' any more Spanish
+terriers. Sure they're thick on this coast. A pack of snarling mongrels,
+and all snapping at the heels of Captain Dynamite. It's a proud man I
+should be with a head on me that's worth five thousand dollars to the
+man who can take it to Weyler."</p>
+
+<p>"Do you mean that the Spaniards have put a price of five thousand
+dollars on your head?" asked Harry in amazement, as he backed away from
+the man instinctively.</p>
+
+<p>"That was before my last voyage," chuckled the captain. "I would not be
+surprised if they had boosted the quotation a point or two since then.
+Gomez will know the latest market price."</p>
+
+<p>The boys looked at him with awe. Here was a man who, though sailing into
+the enemy's waters, boldly laughed at the thought that there was a price
+on his head.</p>
+
+<p>"He's the finest buccaneer I ever met outside of story books," whispered
+Mason, as if meeting<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_95" id="Page_95">[Pg 95]</a></span> buccaneers was an every day occurrence with him.</p>
+
+<p>"Suarez," called the captain, "lay off and on until eight bells, then
+call me. I'm going to take a nap. We can't make the inlet until
+sundown."</p>
+
+<p>Slowly Cuba rose out of the sea as the <i>Mariella</i> ploughed her way
+toward her shores. The long dark line began to take shape against the
+azure sky and to form itself into hills and valleys. The dark mass
+turned to a deep shade of brown and then to green as the brilliant
+verdure of the island caught the rays of the sun. When they were near
+enough to distinguish the contour of the coast line, the steamer's
+course was changed and for a time she stood out to sea again.</p>
+
+<p>"What are we doing that for?" enquired Bert, anxiously.</p>
+
+<p>"Didn't you hear the captain tell Suarez to stand off and on until eight
+bells? We are probably going to make a landing somewhere here, but it is
+not yet time."</p>
+
+<p>At this moment eight bells struck and without waiting to be called,
+Captain Dynamite opened the door of the cabin and stepped out on deck.
+Once again he had changed his costume and was now attired in white duck
+and wore a white yachting cap. As a breeze blew his coat aside, the boys
+could see that he still wore the cartridge belt and pistols. He scanned
+the shore for a<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_96" id="Page_96">[Pg 96]</a></span> moment and then turning to the mate, who still stood on
+the bridge, he said:</p>
+
+<p>"Well done, Suarez. At sundown I will take her in."</p>
+
+<p>The coast at this point seemed covered with a thick, tropical growth of
+palms and high, rank weeds, interlaced thickly with vines that reached
+to the water's edge. Back a few hundred feet the land rose abruptly,
+forming the foothills of the mountainous inland. The boys looked closely
+for some inlet or bay into which the <i>Mariella</i> might steam, but there
+seemed to be no break in the thick foliage so far as the eye could
+reach. In the silhouette formed by the rising hills two palms, taller
+than the others, stood out against the sky like lone sentinels guarding
+the shore against invading buccaneers.</p>
+
+<p>At dinner, the captain was in a particularly agreeable mood.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, my young pirates, how are you enjoying your cruise?" he asked
+jokingly. "It's pretty nearly at an end and all danger for you is about
+past. In an hour or so we shall be safely within the sheltering arms of
+Cuba, and I think it is about time I introduced myself to you. I am
+plain Michael O'Connor, sometimes known as Dynamite Mike, but more
+generally styled Captain Dynamite&mdash;at your service. I am neither a<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_97" id="Page_97">[Pg 97]</a></span>
+buccaneer, pirate, nor privateer, but an humble Cuban sympathizer who
+takes his life in his hand now and then to bring arms and ammunition to
+the men who are fighting for the good cause of Cuba libre. I do this,
+first, because I love Cuba; second, because it is a very lucrative
+profession; third, because I like danger."</p>
+
+<p>"But, Captain Dynamite, why should an Irishman love Cuba?" asked Harry.</p>
+
+<p>"Sure, I'm only half Irish. My mother was a Cuban and I was born on the
+island on my father's little sugar plantation. The Spaniards shut him up
+as an insurgent. He died in jail&mdash;tortured to death I shall always
+believe&mdash;and my mother died of a broken heart in the arms of my
+childhood sweetheart, Juanita. I was not there. I left the island when
+only a youngster, to shift for myself in the States. I took to the sea
+and I shall always be thankful that I did, for it has enabled me in some
+measure to avenge the death of my father. But now to your own affairs,
+my boys. After we have safely disposed of our cargo, I shall be free to
+make a straight run for the States, and as I shall have others aboard
+for whose safety I shall be responsible, I think probably you had better
+stick to the old <i>Mariella</i>. I did think of getting you onto the
+railroad to Havana, but your lack of passports might cause you
+trouble."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_98" id="Page_98">[Pg 98]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"We'll stick by the <i>Mariella</i>, captain," said Harry. "What do you say,
+fellows?"</p>
+
+<p>"Sure, the <i>Mariella</i> for us."</p>
+
+<p>"All right, that's settled. I think it's about time to run to cover."</p>
+
+<p>As they stepped out on deck the tropical twilight was fading and the
+steamer was now close within the dark shadow of the shore. Captain
+Dynamite went forward to the bridge.</p>
+
+<p>"Turn in, Suarez. It has been a long day for you. I will take her now."</p>
+
+<p>The mate saluted and left the bridge. The captain entered the wheelhouse
+and the man relinquished the spokes and stood silently to one side. The
+captain swung the wheel over quickly, with a sure, firm hand, and the
+bow of the <i>Mariella</i> came around until she was headed directly for the
+wooded shore. Harry saw him raise his eyes and look once at the sentinel
+palms.</p>
+
+<p>Then the engine-room bell clanged loudly and the <i>Mariella</i> shot at full
+speed, head on for the shore.</p>
+
+
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_99" id="Page_99">[Pg 99]</a></span></p>
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_IX" id="CHAPTER_IX"></a>CHAPTER IX</h2>
+
+<h3><span class="smcap">The Midnight Message</span></h3>
+
+
+<p>Harry clutched the rail involuntarily. It seemed as if at any moment
+they would strike the shore with a crash, and yet he could not but
+believe that the captain knew what he was doing. He stood quietly at the
+wheel, scarcely moving it after he had once taken his course, but his
+eyes were fixed intently ahead.</p>
+
+<p>Nearer and nearer they rushed to the shore. Now they were almost upon
+it. Harry steadied himself, and cast one quick glance at the captain.
+Now the bow cut the thick foliage like a knife, but there was no shock,
+and the <i>Mariella</i>, with trees and vines scraping her sides and rising
+almost to her funnel-top, shot into a broad lagoon that lay completely
+hidden by the dense foliage at the entrance.</p>
+
+<p>As they passed in, Harry looked back. The passage through which they had
+entered was scarcely wider than the steamer, and formed on either side
+by two points of rock. It needed a bold and skillful hand to bring them
+safely through that naturally-masked channel. The foliage dropped partly
+back again but there still remained<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_100" id="Page_100">[Pg 100]</a></span> a gaping hole to show where the
+steamer had pushed her way through.</p>
+
+<p>Again the bells in the engine-room clanged, the screw churned the water
+violently; there was a roar and rattle of the anchor chains, and within
+twice her own length the <i>Mariella</i> came to a standstill and her
+dangerous voyage was safely terminated.</p>
+
+<p>"Washington," called the captain, leaning out of the wheelhouse; "shut
+the door."</p>
+
+<p>"Aye, aye, sah," responded the negro, as he emerged from the galley.
+"George Wash Jenks knows his duty."</p>
+
+<p>Two of the men lowered a boat and jumped in. The negro followed with a
+long boat hook. They rowed back to the entrance of the inlet, and Jenks
+with his hook, deftly pulled the vines and creeping plants across it
+again. In five minutes none could have told that the luxurious growth
+had been disturbed.</p>
+
+<p>The tropical night now began to settle rapidly over the still lagoon.
+The business of making the steamer snug at her anchorage, which is
+usually attended by the creaking of cordage, the clanking of chains, and
+the discordant shouts of sailors and commanders, was carried on almost
+in silence. The orders of the captain and mate were given in tones
+scarcely louder than used in<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_101" id="Page_101">[Pg 101]</a></span> ordinary conversation, but the men
+responded with alacrity. Within half an hour the <i>Mariella</i>, her
+throbbing engines stilled, lay silently at anchor and not a sound broke
+the stillness of the night. The shore of the main coast piled up in a
+black mass, without shape or color, in front of them, while the
+protecting arm that shielded them from the ocean loomed high above the
+steamer's funnel, showing in silhouette against the star-lighted sky in
+fantastically waving lines of palm leaves.</p>
+
+<p>Tired out with the exciting and unusual events of the day, the boys,
+after gazing for a time at the strange, silent scene around them,
+retired to their bunks, and were soon fast asleep.</p>
+
+<p>Captain Dynamite lay dreamily back in a steamer chair on the quarter
+deck, lazily puffing a cigarette, but his eyes were intently fixed on
+the black shore. The steamer was in total darkness. Not a lamp was
+lighted except a small red lantern, like a signal light, that hung over
+the side facing the shore.</p>
+
+<p>The captain lighted a match and looked at his watch.</p>
+
+<p>"Five minutes to midnight," he murmured. "They are late. Can anything
+have gone wrong? Ah, there's the signal now."</p>
+
+<p>A small red light flashed out of the darkness of the shore. Three times
+it showed, and then<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_102" id="Page_102">[Pg 102]</a></span> disappeared. A dark figure that had been standing
+by the light on the <i>Mariella</i> swung it three times from side to side.</p>
+
+<p>Captain Dynamite rose from his chair, stretched his great body lazily
+and walked to the rail. As he did so, he threw open his coat and eased
+up one of the pistols in its holster. His hand remained resting on the
+butt.</p>
+
+<p>A small boat with two rowers, and a man in the stern, shot out from the
+black shadow of the shore onto the star-lighted surface of the lagoon.
+They rowed without the splash of an oar straight to the <i>Mariella</i>.</p>
+
+<p>"Who goes there?" called Dynamite in a whisper, as the boat shot under
+the steamer's quarter.</p>
+
+<p>"<i>Independencia</i>," came the prompt reply, and in a second the dark form
+amidships tossed over a rope ladder. In a moment more the man in the
+stern of the small boat had scrambled over the rail of the <i>Mariella</i>
+and strode rapidly aft. He sprang lightly up the steps to the
+quarter-deck, and seizing the hand of Captain Dynamite, who met him at
+the companionway, shook it vigorously.</p>
+
+<p>"Captain Morgan, sure it's glad I am to see ye again."</p>
+
+<p>"God bless you, O'Connor. Another of your<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_103" id="Page_103">[Pg 103]</a></span> dare-devil expeditions safely
+ended. We didn't look for you for two nights yet."</p>
+
+<p>"Fair weather and only one little brush with a small gunboat.
+Altogether, quite an uneventful trip. And how goes the cause of
+independence, Captain?"</p>
+
+<p>"We still hold our own, O'Connor, despite the butcher's boasts. We left
+them two hundred dead and wounded at our last three meetings, while our
+loss was only five killed and ten wounded."</p>
+
+<p>"Bravo, Morgan, we'll wear them out yet. Let them pour their troops into
+Cuba by the thousand. Disease, our insidious ally and insurgent bullets
+will take care of all they can send."</p>
+
+<p>"Aye, but the bullets are getting scarce, O'Connor."</p>
+
+<p>"Ah, but there are enough here to do for ten thousand Spaniards," cried
+Dynamite, stamping excitedly on the deck, "and there will always be
+enough to go around so long as O'Connor lives, and the planks of the
+<i>Mariella</i> hold together."</p>
+
+<p>The woolly head and grinning countenance of George Washington Jenks
+showed above the top step of the companionway.</p>
+
+<p>"And what of Gomez, Morgan?"</p>
+
+<p>"Gomez is now with President Betancourt at Cubitas, waiting for a report
+of your expedition."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_104" id="Page_104">[Pg 104]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"He shall have it within forty-eight hours Are your men ready for the
+landing?"</p>
+
+<p>"The lagoon is guarded inland and shore. There is not a Spaniard within
+twenty miles."</p>
+
+<p>"Then we will begin at once. What are you doing on the quarter-deck, you
+black rogue?"</p>
+
+<p>The captain had just discovered Jenks as he stood respectfully at the
+head of the companionway, apparently awaiting orders.</p>
+
+<p>"Sut'nly, the Cap'n call?"</p>
+
+<p>"No, I didn't call, blockhead. Get below."</p>
+
+<p>"Ah, ain't such a mucher as a guesser, but sut'nly I guess the cap'n
+stamp him foot."</p>
+
+<p>"You're right, Washington. I did stamp, but I didn't want you. However,
+as long as you are here bring out a chair for Captain Morgan and that
+box of cigars on my cabin table."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, Washington, you are back in Cuba with a whole skin again," said
+Morgan, cordially extending his hand to the negro.</p>
+
+<p>"Cap'n Morgan, suah," said Jenks, carefully rubbing his hand on his
+trousers before accepting the captain's. "Ah'm right glad to see you
+again, sah. O yes, sah, George Wash Jenks' skin am whole, sah. Cap'n
+Dynamite, he see to that, sah. Nevah leave Cap'n Dynamite, sah."</p>
+
+<p>"That's right, Washington, stick to the cap<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_105" id="Page_105">[Pg 105]</a></span>tain and he'll pull you
+through, and Cuba needs a few more honest hearts like yours."</p>
+
+<p>"Ah serve Cap'n Dynamite, sah. He serve Cuba."</p>
+
+<p>With great dignity the negro turned away and entered the cabin.</p>
+
+<p>"An honest fellow, O'Connor, and seems devoted to you."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, I think Washington would follow me to the ends of the earth; but
+what are the orders, captain? We must be up and doing. I should not like
+to lie here long enough for the Spaniards to discover our
+landing-place."</p>
+
+<p>"Ah, there I am as ignorant as you. Here are sealed instructions from
+Gomez."</p>
+
+<p>Captain Morgan handed a packet to O'Connor, who broke the seal eagerly.
+When he had read what the message contained the hand that held it
+dropped nervelessly by his side. He gasped as if for breath, and pulled
+nervously at the collar of his shirt like a man choking. Morgan, who
+noticed his singular actions started toward him.</p>
+
+<p>"What's the matter, O'Connor?" he asked, anxiously. "Are you ill?"</p>
+
+<p>For a moment the captain did not answer, and then he said, faintly:</p>
+
+<p>"Wait. I must think."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_106" id="Page_106">[Pg 106]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Morgan, wondering, but respecting his mood, stepped back. Captain
+Dynamite folded his arms and his head sank low on his chest. For fully
+five minutes he sat thus, and then suddenly leaped to his feet, clenched
+his hands, straightened up to his full heighth, and stamped his foot,
+loudly on the deck. The negro appeared with the steamer chair. He
+stopped in terror at the wild appearance of Captain Dynamite, and
+believing that he was the cause of his anger, stammered and stuttered in
+an effort to speak.</p>
+
+<p>"Ah, sut'nly, came as fast as ah could, sah. George Wash Jenks no
+loafing nigger, sah."</p>
+
+<p>"Call Suarez," said Dynamite, in a low voice, ignoring the negro's
+attempted apologies.</p>
+
+<p>"Misser Suarez turned in, sah."</p>
+
+<p>"Call Suarez," roared the captain, taking a threatening step in the
+direction of Jenks.</p>
+
+<p>"Yas, sah," answered Jenks, his eyes big with wonder. "Needn't be so
+uppish. Ah shall sut'nly call Misser Suarez." Jenks backed away to the
+companionway in an effort to keep his face to the angry skipper and
+miscalculating his distance rolled backward down the stairs.</p>
+
+<p>"You clumsy idiot," bellowed Dynamite, stepping to the top of the stairs
+and peering down into the darkness, out of which came a whisper:</p>
+
+<p>"Yas, sah. Ah shall sut'nly call Misser Suarez."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_107" id="Page_107">[Pg 107]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Dynamite stepped back, and without speaking to Morgan, who watched him
+anxiously, paced the quarter-deck with nervous strides. Suarez appeared
+in his pajamas, rubbing his eyes. The captain stopped as he saluted, and
+looked from one to the other of the men. Finally he said, holding out
+the message to Suarez:</p>
+
+<p>"Suarez&mdash;Morgan&mdash;here are the instructions regarding the removal of the
+cargo. They are simple. There is also news&mdash;bad news&mdash;but that concerns
+only me. Take this paper, Suarez, and with Captain Morgan's assistance
+carry out the orders to the letter. You are in command."</p>
+
+<p>Then he turned to Washington, who had followed Suarez to the
+quarter-deck.</p>
+
+<p>"Bring me my night coat, Washington, and my rifle. Suarez, have the gig
+lowered. I am going ashore."</p>
+
+<p>"Alone, captain?"</p>
+
+<p>"Alone."</p>
+
+<p>"And may I ask the captain where at this hour of the night?"</p>
+
+<p>"To Gomez."</p>
+
+<p>"Take a file of my men, O'Connor. The country between here and Cubitas
+is full of Spaniards."</p>
+
+<p>"Thank you, Morgan. I have good, true men of my own who know the country
+as well as I do myself, but they would only hamper me. I<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_108" id="Page_108">[Pg 108]</a></span> must make
+speed&mdash;speed, do you hear? Suarez, why do you stand there like a wooden
+Indian? Get my gig into the water."</p>
+
+<p>"If you are bent upon going, O'Connor, and I know how useless it is to
+try to swerve you, why not take my boat. It is manned and lying at the
+ladder."</p>
+
+<p>"That is better, Morgan. I will send it back to you. Come on, you lazy
+rascal, with that coat."</p>
+
+<p>He seized his coat and rifle, and ran down the stairway to the
+companionway, and along the deck to the point where Morgan's boat lazily
+floated on the black water.</p>
+
+<p>"Take your orders from Captain Dynamite," called Morgan to his men as
+O'Connor slid down into the boat. The negro who had followed close at
+his heels peered over the side and whispered pleadingly:</p>
+
+<p>"Cap'n Dynamite, sah, you'se not going without George Wash Jenks?"</p>
+
+<p>"To the shore, lads, and pull for your lives," said O'Connor. The boat
+shot away from the steamer's side and was soon lost in the dark shadow
+of the shore.</p>
+
+<p>Washington shook his head deprecatingly, and returned to the
+quarter-deck, where he gravely saluted the mate.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_109" id="Page_109">[Pg 109]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Your servant, sah," he said. "Cap'n Dynamite he say you in command."</p>
+
+<p>"Bring a lantern, Washington, quick," said Suarez. Then turning to
+Morgan, he continued:</p>
+
+<p>"What do you suppose the bad news can be that has so affected the chief
+and which he says concerns only him?"</p>
+
+<p>"Gomez's message will tell. Quick, boy, with that lantern."</p>
+
+<p>As Jenks stepped into the cabin, Harry, fully dressed, came out of his
+stateroom. The unusual noise on deck and the loud commands of the
+captain had awakened him.</p>
+
+<p>"What's up, Wash?" he asked.</p>
+
+<p>"Plenty. Cap'n Dynamite get bad news in message, and bang&mdash;he scoot for
+shore."</p>
+
+<p>"Captain gone ashore, to-night?"</p>
+
+<p>"Suah, enough."</p>
+
+<p>"What's the bad news, Wash?"</p>
+
+<p>"Nobody knows yet. George Wash Jenks get cap'n's lantern and then we
+find out."</p>
+
+<p>He took the lantern from the hook, and with Harry behind him returned to
+the deck. Morgan took the light and held it so that Suarez could read
+the message.</p>
+
+<p>"Ah, here it is" said the mate, after he had scanned the instructions.
+He read aloud:<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_110" id="Page_110">[Pg 110]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"'My heart is full of grief for you. Notwithstanding the heavy guard
+maintained around the house the Spaniards succeeded last night in
+seizing Juanita and have taken her to prison. She is charged with aiding
+the rebels. Come to me at once that we may plan together to effect her
+escape or rescue.'"</p>
+
+<p>"Spaniards got Missee Juanita?" shouted Washington, who had listened
+eagerly while Suarez read. "I guess I go to cap'n."</p>
+
+<p>The negro made a flying leap for the rail and in another instant would
+have dived into the sea toward the shore. Morgan was too quick, though,
+and seizing him by the collar dragged him back to the deck.</p>
+
+<p>"Never was such a mucher at guessing," murmured the negro.</p>
+
+<p>"What do you say to putting the boy ashore and letting him join
+O'Connor?" asked Morgan. "He knows the country and might be of much
+assistance to that stubborn man in his dangerous journey."</p>
+
+<p>"Please, Misser Suarez, sah, lemme go after Cap'n Dynamite. He and
+Missee Juanita need George Wash Jenks."</p>
+
+<p>The negro dropped on his knees as he pleaded with the mate.</p>
+
+<p>"And we will go with you, Washington."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_111" id="Page_111">[Pg 111]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>It was Harry who spoke, and the men turned to him in astonishment.</p>
+
+<p>"You do not know the danger, my boy," said Suarez, quietly.</p>
+
+<p>"We'll chance it. We owe Captain Dynamite a big debt. If there is a
+chance to help him in his trouble it is our duty to do so."</p>
+
+<p>"It is a question whether you would help or hinder him."</p>
+
+<p>Suarez was undecided. While he bore the boys no malice he had always
+chafed at their presence on the ship. No interest in them as individuals
+would have caused him to oppose their wishes. His thoughts, hopes,
+desires, and ambitions were all Cuba's. The fate of the three boys whose
+lives meant nothing to the cause, was nothing to him. Deep down in his
+heart he would be glad to rid the ship of them. But he feared the wrath
+of his chief. He walked the deck in silence for a few minutes and then,
+as if speaking to himself he said:</p>
+
+<p>"If any one should take one of the boats and make the shore during the
+night, their escape might not be discovered until daylight."</p>
+
+<p>As he finished speaking, George Washington Jenks beckoned to Harry, and
+together they made their way silently down to the main deck.</p>
+
+
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_112" id="Page_112">[Pg 112]</a></span></p>
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_X" id="CHAPTER_X"></a>CHAPTER X</h2>
+
+<h3><span class="smcap">Into the Enemy's Country</span></h3>
+
+
+<p>Harry called Bert and Mason and explained the situation to them. Both
+were eager to accompany the expedition on shore. Washington was busy
+forward when the boys joined him. He had gathered and piled up under the
+rail a supply of guns and ammunition sufficient to arm a company of men.
+He had made good use of the few minutes the boys had occupied in
+dressing, for a small boat already lay alongside the steamer. Harry
+surmised that the men, who were all exceedingly fond of their commander,
+had assisted Washington in order that he might set out to give what aid
+he could to Captain Dynamite. There was scarcely a man among them but
+had made several voyages with him, and they well knew the danger that
+attended a journey through that part of the island, and the fate that
+awaited their chief if he should fall into the hands of the Spaniards.
+The mate was still in close conference with Captain Morgan, and either
+intentionally, or because of his preoccupation, paid no attention to the
+preparations of the little expedition.</p>
+
+<p>"What are you going to do with all those<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_113" id="Page_113">[Pg 113]</a></span> guns?" asked Harry, as he
+surveyed the pile.</p>
+
+<p>"May be some big shooting," replied Washington, nodding his head,
+wisely. "More guns, more shooting."</p>
+
+<p>"But how are we to carry that arsenal? If I am not mistaken travelling
+hereabouts is not the easiest thing in the world, and we shall want as
+little to hamper as possible."</p>
+
+<p>"I guess young gemman right," said Washington, looking regretfully at
+the heap of guns.</p>
+
+<p>"Let us each take a gun and a pistol&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"And machete&mdash;machete," interrupted the negro, his eyes bulging, while
+he swung his arm as if wielding one of the short Cuban swords.</p>
+
+<p>"All right, Washington, machete if you choose. They may do to cut our
+way through the underbrush."</p>
+
+<p>"Cut way through Spaniard," said Washington, still waving his arm
+excitedly.</p>
+
+<p>"You can do all that kind of cutting, George Wash Jenks. Perhaps you
+would prefer a razor."</p>
+
+<p>"No, machete."</p>
+
+<p>"All right; machete it is, and I hope you will find something to use it
+on and work off some of that cutting energy."</p>
+
+<p>They then each selected from the supply of arms a rifle, pistol, and all
+the ammunition they could comfortably carry. They lowered them<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_114" id="Page_114">[Pg 114]</a></span> into the
+small boat and were about to climb in when Harry stopped them.</p>
+
+<p>"What about food, Washington?" he asked. "We'd better tote some along, I
+think."</p>
+
+<p>With his usual energy, Harry had naturally taken command of the
+expedition.</p>
+
+<p>"How much of a tramp is it to where Captain Dynamite is going?"</p>
+
+<p>"Captain Dynamite go to Gomez&mdash;Gomez at Cubitas."</p>
+
+<p>"That does not mean anything to us. How far is it from here to Cubitas
+and how long will it take us to reach it?"</p>
+
+<p>"'Bout two days."</p>
+
+<p>"All right. Now Washington, you get some ship biscuit, dried beef, and
+coffee from your stock in the galley and we will each carry our own
+rations. I guess we can get through on that grub for two days."</p>
+
+<p>"And ah guess a leetle lasses for coffee, Misser Harry," pleaded the
+negro.</p>
+
+<p>"How under the sun are you going to carry molasses, Washington? I guess
+you will have to take your coffee black and without sweetening."</p>
+
+<p>"Never was such a musser at guessing," murmured Washington, as he turned
+into the galley. He soon reappeared with the rations, four oilskin
+jackets, and a coffee pot. They<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_115" id="Page_115">[Pg 115]</a></span> divided the food and each bundled up
+his supply in an oil skin and tied the package on his back. They were
+now ready to begin their journey, and one by one they silently slipped
+over the side and dropped into the boat below.</p>
+
+<p>"Washington, you take the tiller," said Harry. "You know the way."</p>
+
+<p>"Yas, sah."</p>
+
+<p>"Do you know where to make a landing in the dark?"</p>
+
+<p>"George Wash Jenks knows every inch of the coast hereabouts with him
+eyes shut."</p>
+
+<p>"All right then. You get up in the bow, Midget, and keep a lookout
+ahead. Bert and I will row. It's not more than three hundred feet to the
+shore."</p>
+
+<p>The boys bent to the oars and the little boat shot across the narrow
+streak of starlit water into the shadow of the rugged shore.</p>
+
+<p>"Stop!" whispered Mason quickly, when they were within a few feet of the
+beach. The boys backed water and brought the boat up within her own
+length.</p>
+
+<p>"What is it?" asked Harry, anxiously.</p>
+
+<p>"There's a man on shore with a gun aimed plumb at us," replied Davis,
+pointing into the darkness ahead.</p>
+
+<p>"Him one of Misser Morgan's men," said<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_116" id="Page_116">[Pg 116]</a></span> Washington. "Him all right, ah
+guess, maybe."</p>
+
+<p>The boys started to row again when a loud command from shore made them
+rest on their oars with great dispatch.</p>
+
+<p>"Halt, or I'll fire."</p>
+
+<p>The words came out of the darkness in deep, determined tones. The boys
+could dimly distinguish the form of a man standing on a little bluff
+above them, with his rifle aimed with disturbing accuracy directly at
+their boat.</p>
+
+<p>"We are friends from the <i>Mariella</i>," called Harry, "and are on our way
+to join Captain Dynamite."</p>
+
+<p>"Captain Dynamite passed through the lines half an hour ago. He said he
+was travelling alone."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, that's right," answered Harry. "He thinks he is, but we want to
+help him. Let us come ashore and I will explain to you."</p>
+
+<p>"Halt, or I fire," again came the command.</p>
+
+<p>"Don't you think we better go back, Hal?" whispered Mason, who had
+crouched down in the bow out of the way of a stray bullet. "I don't care
+much for this real gun business. It's too exciting for my constitution."</p>
+
+<p>"Don't you understand," persisted Harry, "that we are friends of Captain
+Dynamite and the cause?"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_117" id="Page_117">[Pg 117]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Friends of the cause will give the countersign," said the voice in the
+same even tone.</p>
+
+<p>"Washington, you ought to know the countersign," whispered Harry to the
+negro, who had listened to the conversation with open mouth. He shook
+his head as if he did not comprehend.</p>
+
+<p>"You know&mdash;the word that tells people that you are a friend of Cuba."</p>
+
+<p>"O, dats de password&mdash;suah." Washington grinned with joy.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, the password then; what is it?"</p>
+
+<p>"Ah guess it is 'Independencia.'"</p>
+
+<p>"I hope you have guessed right this time."</p>
+
+<p>"Not such a mucher," murmured Washington, deprecatingly.</p>
+
+<p>"Independencia," repeated Harry, loud enough for the man on shore to
+hear.</p>
+
+<p>"Advance friends," said the sentinel, quickly lowering his gun.</p>
+
+<p>The party landed without further opposition and found instead of one
+man, whose form they had been able to distinguish from the boat, ten or
+a dozen more a few feet back from the shore, squatting around a small
+fire, the light of which was masked by a thick growth of underbrush.
+They were all dark-skinned men with heavy growths of black beard. They
+looked up without displaying any particular interest as the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_118" id="Page_118">[Pg 118]</a></span> boys
+landed, but the sentinel who had challenged them came forward and held
+out his hand in greeting. He was undoubtedly an American.</p>
+
+<p>"Glad to see any one who speaks English," he said, as Harry approached
+and took his offered hand. "What are you boys doing here?"</p>
+
+<p>"That's a long story," replied Harry, smiling. "Briefly, though, Captain
+Dynamite ran down our sail boat while we were sailing off Martha's
+Vineyard, picked us out of the water and brought us along whether we
+would or no."</p>
+
+<p>"And where are you going now?"</p>
+
+<p>"To join Captain Dynamite. He may need our assistance."</p>
+
+<p>The man smiled.</p>
+
+<p>"I am afraid you will be more likely to need his if you persist in your
+purpose," he said.</p>
+
+<p>"That, of course, is a matter of opinion," replied Harry, drawing
+himself up indignantly. "And to return the compliment may I ask what you
+are doing in Cuba?"</p>
+
+<p>"Certainly," laughed the man. "I came with Morgan. We are soldiers of
+fortune."</p>
+
+<p>"Then you are not a patriot?"</p>
+
+<p>"Not exactly. I believe in the cause and I also believe that we will
+eventually win."</p>
+
+<p>"And then you expect your reward?"</p>
+
+<p>"That's what we are fighting here for."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_119" id="Page_119">[Pg 119]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Sort of playing with fortune," chimed in Mason.</p>
+
+<p>"Not exactly&mdash;sort of throwing dice with fate."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, come on, fellows," said Harry. "We are losing time and letting
+the captain get more of a lead on us."</p>
+
+<p>"So you are determined to go on?"</p>
+
+<p>"I see no reason yet to turn back," replied Harry.</p>
+
+<p>"But you do not know the country and its dangers."</p>
+
+<p>"We have a good guide," said Harry, pointing to Washington.</p>
+
+<p>The man leaned forward and peered in the darkness at the negro.</p>
+
+<p>"Why, it's George Wash Jenks," he said in surprise. "Captain Dynamite's
+man. How are you, Wash?"</p>
+
+<p>"Ah guess ah's all right, sah."</p>
+
+<p>"Still guessing I see, Wash."</p>
+
+<p>"Not such a mucher, sah," the negro grinned broadly.</p>
+
+<p>"Well boys, you are right about your guide. You can't go wrong around
+here while Wash is with you. Good luck to you. You will have to travel
+fast to catch up to Dynamite though. He was making express time and
+would not even stop to shake hands. All I could get out of him<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_120" id="Page_120">[Pg 120]</a></span> was:
+'Gomez&mdash;I must get to Gomez.' Nothing wrong, is there?"</p>
+
+<p>"No, nothing&mdash;nothing that concerns the cause. Good-bye. Come on,
+Washington."</p>
+
+<p>Harry turned and started into the brush.</p>
+
+<p>"Not that way, Misser Harry," called Washington. "We keep by the shore a
+piece yet. Never get no further than six feet in there, ah guess."</p>
+
+<p>He turned along the narrow beach below an overhanging bluff. For half an
+hour they hugged the shore.</p>
+
+<p>"Did the captain come this way do you think, Washington?" asked Harry.</p>
+
+<p>"Don't guess this time, Misser Harry. No other way to come."</p>
+
+<p>So far the going had been comparatively easy. They had to now and then
+clamber over jagged points of rocks that made out into the sea, and in
+the darkness they several times stumbled and fell, but no one was much
+hurt. Most of the way, however, had been along the sandy beach. Now
+Washington stopped and seemed to be looking for something. He peered out
+into the darkness over the sea and then shook his head. Then he stepped
+back toward the water and looked up at the skyline of the quickly rising
+inland country.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_121" id="Page_121">[Pg 121]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Lost the trail?" enquired Harry, after he had watched the negro's
+movements for some time in silence.</p>
+
+<p>"Not lost 'em, Misser Harry. Tryin' to find 'em. Big tree on leetle
+island. Can't see 'em." He pointed out over the sea where he had been
+gazing. Then he turned and pointed inland. "Big tree there. Can see him
+all right."</p>
+
+<p>The boys looked up to where he pointed over the land and saw a large
+palm rising high above its fellows and clearly marked against the sky.
+It resembled the two big trees that had guided Captain Dynamite in
+making the entrance to the hidden lagoon. Evidently Washington was
+searching for some spot that was to be discovered by bringing the big
+tree on shore and the now invisible one on the island into line.</p>
+
+<p>"George Wash Jenks, he find 'em. Don't worry 'bout dat," he said, as he
+walked about five feet to the right and then faced about and approached
+the bluff, which at this point was twenty feet high and thickly grown
+with brush and low entangling plants. He fumbled around among the vines
+and then turning to the boys called: "All right now."</p>
+
+<p>As Harry came up he pointed at the bluff and then pulling aside the
+underbrush began to slowly work his way inward. The boys followed him.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_122" id="Page_122">[Pg 122]</a></span>
+The branches scratched their faces and the ground vines clung to their
+feet. They were entering a narrow cleft in the hill which was filled
+with rank vegetation.</p>
+
+<p>"Keep a pushin'," said Washington. "Not so bad when we get in leetle
+more."</p>
+
+<p>They struggled on for about one hundred feet when the brush became less
+thick and finally they reached a narrow lane that had been hewed and
+trampled through the high growth. Their progress now became easier and
+with Washington in the lead they pushed ahead rapidly. They had made
+their way about half a mile inland when out of the brush came a voice
+that brought them to a standstill with a start.</p>
+
+<p>"Alto! Quien Va?"</p>
+
+<p>"Dat another Misser Morgan's men," whispered Washington.</p>
+
+<p>"Independencia," said Harry, when he had recovered his breath, for the
+challenge coming unexpectedly from one concealed by the darkness and the
+bushes was somewhat startling. There was a low reply in Spanish and they
+proceeded without molestation.</p>
+
+<p>About every half a mile a mysterious voice challenged them, but the
+countersign secured for them uninterrupted progress. Through the waning
+night they pushed on, until the light in the sky<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_123" id="Page_123">[Pg 123]</a></span> told them that day was
+breaking. Then Washington stopped. He had scarcely spoken since they
+took the trail.</p>
+
+<p>"Missers," he said, as they halted, "better have breakfast now."</p>
+
+<p>"Can we light a fire here safely?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, now; not bime bye."</p>
+
+<p>They unslung their improvised knapsacks and gathering some dry brush
+soon had a small fire burning. Washington made the coffee, procuring
+water from a stream that ran through the brush. The boys, thoroughly
+tired out, threw themselves down for a brief rest. They munched their
+crackers and dried beef with relish and drank coffee in turn from a tin
+cup that Washington had had the foresight to provide.</p>
+
+<p>"This seems very much like camping up at school," said Mason.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, only I would prefer to have the boys in the bushes than a lot of
+Spaniards and Cubans with real bullets in their guns," replied Bert.</p>
+
+<p>"You always do look at the unromantic side of things, Bert. We haven't
+seen a Spaniard yet."</p>
+
+<p>"Good and plenty when we get in the open," said Washington.</p>
+
+<p>"How do you know this country so well, Washington?" asked Harry.</p>
+
+<p>"Born here, Misser Harry. I'se Cuban nigger."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_124" id="Page_124">[Pg 124]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"I thought you said you were 'George Wash Jenks, New York, U. S. A.?'"</p>
+
+<p>"I suah are now, sah. I was only a picaninny when I ranned away with
+Massa Cap'n Dynamite."</p>
+
+<p>"So you ran away with your young master, eh?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yas, sah, dat's it."</p>
+
+<p>"And you've been with him ever since?"</p>
+
+<p>"Him couldn't lose me, sah." George grinned.</p>
+
+<p>"And who is Miss Juanita?"</p>
+
+<p>"Missee Juanita live on next plantation. She and Massa Capt'n Dynamite
+goin' to get married bime bye. He tell her so when he ranned away."</p>
+
+<p>"Well Washington, it's sun up now and we better be moving if we expect
+to catch up with Massa Captain Dynamite."</p>
+
+<p>"We not catch Cap'n until we get to Cubitas."</p>
+
+<p>"Why not?"</p>
+
+<p>"Cap'n travel through this country faster'n any mule, and he not stop
+'til he get there."</p>
+
+<p>"Not stop to sleep?"</p>
+
+<p>"No sleep, no eat. Missee Juanita in danger. I know the Massa Cap'n."</p>
+
+
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_125" id="Page_125">[Pg 125]</a></span></p>
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XI" id="CHAPTER_XI"></a>CHAPTER XI</h2>
+
+<h3><span class="smcap">Captured by Spaniards</span></h3>
+
+
+<p>The party, after breaking their fast, packed up their rations and
+started on again. The tangled forest of low growth through which they
+struggled began to thin out, and they found themselves in an almost open
+country at the foot of a range of mountains. Before they left the
+shelter of the bushes, Washington motioned the boys back, and dropping
+on his stomach, wriggled to the edge of the woods, where he made a long
+survey of the country. Seemingly satisfied, he beckoned to the others to
+come on, and they all cautiously crept out into the open country.</p>
+
+<p>"Must keep eyes peeled now for Spaniards," said Washington. "Plenty of
+'em 'tween here'n Cubitas."</p>
+
+<p>"Which way now, Washington?" asked Harry.</p>
+
+<p>The negro pointed straight ahead.</p>
+
+<p>"Over that mountain?" queried Mason, in dismay.</p>
+
+<p>"Suah&mdash;and then another&mdash;but that's Cubitas."</p>
+
+<p>They toiled on while the hot sun began to mount high in the sky. The
+perspiration dripped from their faces as they walked. The mountain<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_126" id="Page_126">[Pg 126]</a></span> was
+thickly wooded to its very base and they made as rapid progress as
+possible in the wake of the doggedly plodding negro in the effort to
+gain the shade and the security of the trees.</p>
+
+<p>"Half hour more and we find good place for siesta. Can't go on 'til sun
+goes down," said Washington, who had noticed the boys' fatigue.</p>
+
+<p>When they reached the foot of the mountain the negro struck off into the
+thick woods, and after a long climb they came out into a small glade,
+through which trickled a tiny stream. The boys drank greedily of the
+cool water, and Washington gathered boughs and leaves and soon rigged up
+a temporary shelter under the trees. Throwing themselves down beneath
+this, with their coats for pillows, all hands dropped off into a deep
+sleep.</p>
+
+<p>When Harry awoke it was late afternoon. Bert was sitting up rubbing his
+eyes. Washington and Mason still slept on.</p>
+
+<p>"I'm getting very tired of this sort of thing, Hal," whispered Bert, "I
+am afraid I was not cut out for a strenuous life. Do you think there are
+any Spaniards loafing around in this neighborhood?"</p>
+
+<p>"Let's take a look while the others finish their nap," suggested Harry.</p>
+
+<p>The boys picked up their rifles and cautiously<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_127" id="Page_127">[Pg 127]</a></span> entered the woods,
+moving from tree to tree and dodging around rocks and boulders in true
+Indian fashion. The excitement of thus picking their way through the
+woods caused them to forget that they were proceeding in anything but a
+direct line, and when they at last bethought themselves, neither could
+tell in which direction the camp lay behind them.</p>
+
+<p>They dared not shout, and they looked at each other in dismay.</p>
+
+<p>"We are a brilliant pair," said Bert in disgust. "Now what are we to do?
+Have you any idea how far we have come, or in what direction?"</p>
+
+<p>"I think I have a general notion. Let's work back anyway."</p>
+
+<p>They faced about and began to make their way as rapidly as possible in
+the direction from which they believed they had come. Both were pretty
+well frightened for they realized the danger of becoming separated from
+their guide in that wild country, aside from the possibility of falling
+into the hands of Spaniards. In their nervous scare they hurried
+recklessly on, tripping now and then over trailing vines and plunging
+head on into thickets. Still they did not come upon the glade from which
+they had so unwisely strayed.</p>
+
+<p>At last, convinced that they were not proceeding in the right direction,
+they stopped and<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_128" id="Page_128">[Pg 128]</a></span> tried again to figure out the position of the camp. It
+was useless. They were now hopelessly lost. Harry looked up at the sun
+anxiously. It was getting low.</p>
+
+<p>"It looks as if you and I were in another scrape, Bert," he said, trying
+to smile.</p>
+
+<p>"We might wander for days without getting out of this labyrinth."</p>
+
+<p>"It's not so bad as that. We can get into the open all right by simply
+following the mountain down. But I do not know what good that would do
+us, for we could never find the pass through which we came."</p>
+
+<p>"No, and then there are the Spaniards."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, I suppose the Spaniards are a pretty serious proposition to
+Washington, who is their natural enemy, but I do not think they would do
+us much harm. We're American citizens, you know."</p>
+
+<p>"They are not looking for American citizens out here, and we should have
+a hard time explaining. We couldn't say we came on the <i>Mariella</i>."</p>
+
+<p>"No, that would hardly do. Still, we have not done anything to injure
+Spain, and we were certainly unwilling passengers on the <i>Mariella</i>. I
+do not see how they can do anything very disagreeable."</p>
+
+<p>"Judging from what Captain Dynamite says,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_129" id="Page_129">[Pg 129]</a></span> they are inclined to consider
+every one except a Spaniard as an enemy and a Cuban sympathizer."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, we've got to take some sort of a chance, so we might as well
+shout."</p>
+
+<p>"All right, both together."</p>
+
+<p>They sent up a "holloa" that rang through the trees.</p>
+
+<p>"Mason&mdash;Washington," they shouted. "Answer. We have lost you."</p>
+
+<p>Away in the distance they heard a faint answering call. In their efforts
+to retrace their steps they had wandered still further from their
+companions. They could not distinguish the words of the reply, but the
+sound gave them the direction, and with glad hearts they set off.</p>
+
+<p>Suddenly they heard a crackling in the bushes behind them.</p>
+
+<p>"Quien Vio?" called a voice. Their hearts sank within them. Turning
+quickly, they looked into the muzzles of four rifles.</p>
+
+<p>"Gee, it's the Spaniards at last," whispered Bert. "Still I don't know
+but I had rather see them than no one. It was getting mighty lonesome."</p>
+
+<p>"They may be more of Morgan's men," said Harry.</p>
+
+<p>"By jove, that's so. Let's try the countersign on them."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_130" id="Page_130">[Pg 130]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Don't," commanded Harry, quickly, catching his arm. "Suppose they were
+not. The word would convict us at once."</p>
+
+<p>"You're right."</p>
+
+<p>Had Washington been with them he would have recognized the Spanish
+challenge.</p>
+
+<p>In the meantime the men had advanced, keeping the boys covered with
+their guns as if they were a pair of desperadoes who might attack them
+at any moment. They wore old and dirty uniforms, but it was plain that
+they had once been of regulation color and pattern.</p>
+
+<p>"They are Spaniards fast enough," whispered Harry, as the men
+approached. "Cubans have no regular uniform." Then to the men he said:</p>
+
+<p>"Good afternoon, gentlemen. We are glad to see you. We are lost out here
+on your mountain. They are your mountains, I believe. We're Americans,
+you know."</p>
+
+<p>"Ah, Americanos," said one of the men. "Surrend."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, Americanos if you prefer it so, but what do you want us to
+surrender?"</p>
+
+<p>"Surrend," repeated the man, laying his hand roughly on Harry's rifle.</p>
+
+<p>"O, the guns? Certainly. They are of no use to us, apparently."</p>
+
+<p>Harry and Bert believing it to be the best policy<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_131" id="Page_131">[Pg 131]</a></span> to be tractable, held
+out their guns with amiable smiles. They were snatched rudely from them.
+When the rifles were safely in the hands of the soldiers, a little fat
+man whom they had not seen before stepped out of the bushes, where he
+had evidently intended to remain until the prisoners were disarmed. He
+was an officer, judging from his side arms, and with great pomposity he
+now advanced, puffing and blowing, toward the boys. He said something in
+Spanish to one of the men, who replied: "Americanos."</p>
+
+<p>"Who you are doing here?" he demanded of Harry.</p>
+
+<p>"O, sir," said Harry, "it is an agreeable surprise to find a gentleman
+who speaks our language so fluently," and he advanced with hand
+extended. The little man jumped back as if he feared the boy was about
+to strike and dodged behind his men, jabbering rapidly in Spanish.
+Evidently in response to some command, the four men rushed upon the boys
+and pinioned their hands behind their backs, tying them with gun straps.</p>
+
+<p>"Look here," said Harry, indignantly. "I don't know who you are, but
+this is an outrage on two American citizens&mdash;do you understand?" He
+walked boldly up to the fat officer as he spoke and notwithstanding the
+boy's hands were now tied, the man backed away from him in fright.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_132" id="Page_132">[Pg 132]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"You will have to answer for this to the United States&mdash;do you
+understand that?" continued Harry.</p>
+
+<p>"Poof to United States," said the little man, snapping his fingers. He
+then gave another order in Spanish, and two of the men took up a
+position in front of the boys and two behind. The men in front began to
+march and those behind prodded the prisoners in the back with their
+guns, to indicate that they were to go on. There was nothing for the
+boys to do but submit, and slowly they began the descent of the
+mountain, the valorous commander keeping well to the rear.</p>
+
+<p>"These are your gentle Spaniards who wouldn't do a thing to you," said
+Bert, as they marched unwillingly along between their guards.</p>
+
+<p>"O, this pompous little fat man is some subordinate officer who is
+puffed up with his own importance. We will be all right when we get to
+headquarters and can see the commanding officer."</p>
+
+<p>"I'm not so sure of that. They do not seem to be bubbling over with
+kindly respect for the United States."</p>
+
+<p>"Wait till we see the consul. You know O'Connor told us to call for our
+consul if we got into trouble."</p>
+
+<p>"They may not let us see him."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_133" id="Page_133">[Pg 133]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Then we'll&mdash;what will we do then, Bert?"</p>
+
+<p>"Then it will be a case of measuring our wits against these fellows',
+and trying to make our escape. We may be able to get word to Captain
+Dynamite. Anyway Mason and Washington will probably discover that we
+have been captured and will go on to the captain."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, but he has troubles of his own now to attend to."</p>
+
+<p>"Still I do not think he is the man to desert us entirely. He might get
+his friend Gomez to do something for us."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, a great deal depends on whether we have fallen into the hands of
+a small or large detachment of Spaniards. If it is only a skirmishing
+party, Gomez or Morgan might rescue us."</p>
+
+<p>"Let us hope it is a small outfit. I don't like the spirit these chaps
+show, nor the contempt in which their fat commander seems to hold the
+United States."</p>
+
+<p>They were now getting near the foot of the mountain. Suddenly Harry
+clutched Bert's arm.</p>
+
+<p>"What is it?" asked Bert, startled by Harry's movement.</p>
+
+<p>"Don't look to right or left. I just saw the Midget's white face peeking
+out at us as we passed that last clump of bushes. It's all right now.
+They know we are prisoners and you can trust<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_134" id="Page_134">[Pg 134]</a></span> Mason for getting a move
+on." The boys tramped along with lighter hearts now that they were
+confident that their companion knew of their predicament.</p>
+
+<p>"I hope they will not get pinched too," said Bert.</p>
+
+<p>"Don't always look on the dark side of things, old chap," said Harry, a
+little testily. "Cheer up."</p>
+
+<p>They were now in the open country again and made more rapid progress.
+The Spaniards moved along without any attempt at caution now. They well
+knew the Cuban methods of warfare, and did not fear an attack in the
+open. Opposed always by much superior numbers, the insurgents had
+learned that the only way to successfully cope with their enemy was to
+keep under cover and prosecute a guerilla warfare.</p>
+
+<p>As they climbed the top of a small hill the boys were surprised to see
+in front of them the outlying buildings of what seemed to be a town or
+city of some size and importance. When they approached nearer they found
+that these buildings were but poor huts or cabins, and formed a sort of
+irregular, narrow street that led into the town, which was situated
+about a mile beyond. As they entered the street the character of these
+shed-like habitations flashed upon the boys. They were the homes of the
+"reconcentrados" of whom<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_135" id="Page_135">[Pg 135]</a></span> O'Connor had told them. The boys shuddered as
+they passed them and for a time scarcely dared to look to one side or
+the other for fear that they might see some horrible sight, so forcibly
+had O'Connor's description impressed them. Most of the huts were without
+doors and the interiors were open to a passing view. So hopeless were
+the miserable inmates that they did not even care to hide their
+suffering from the heartless eyes of the curious. The men laughed and
+joked as they passed on and Harry could not but feel that their jests
+were pointed by the misery of the reconcentrados.</p>
+
+<p>Finally a horrible curiosity turned their heads and they saw in front of
+one of the huts a group of four persons. They were a man, a woman, a
+child of perhaps fourteen, and a babe in its mother's arms. The man lay
+stretched at full length on his back at the roadside. His eyes, which
+were open, were turned upward to the sky. The woman sat with her back to
+the mud wall of the hut. Her eyes were fixed on the man at her feet. The
+child stood in the doorway looking with expressionless eyes out into
+space. The few rags that covered them only served to emphasize the
+emaciation of their bodies and limbs. It needed no trained eye to tell
+that they were starving. As the party passed, not one of the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_136" id="Page_136">[Pg 136]</a></span> four
+changed position or once turned their eyes. In their mute suffering they
+seemed unconscious of their surroundings.</p>
+
+<p>One of the guards looked and laughed brutally.</p>
+
+<p>Harry tugged at his bonds. In his fierce indignation he would have
+struck down the man.</p>
+
+<p>Finally they passed out of this street of misery and entered the town.
+The boys had forgotten their own troubles in the contemplation of the
+suffering of the unhappy creatures behind them. The guards who had been
+slouching along at a swinging gait now straightened up and assumed a
+more soldierly air. At a word of command from their fat commander they
+halted before a building which was more imposing in appearance than its
+neighbors, and looked to be a public edifice of some sort. They marched,
+with their prisoners still between them, up the few steps that led to a
+wide doorway and into a large room on the right, where an officer was
+reclining in a lounging chair, lazily puffing a cigarette. It was now
+growing dark outside and the room was dimly lighted by a lamp that stood
+on the flat desk in front of the only occupant.</p>
+
+<p>The man straightened himself up as the squad entered, and the little
+commander saluted with great deference.</p>
+
+<p>"I told you so," said Harry, who noticed the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_137" id="Page_137">[Pg 137]</a></span> air of deep respect that
+now marked their captor. "The little fat man is only an understrapper.
+Now we shall have a hearing."</p>
+
+<p>While the little officer reported to his superior, the latter looked the
+boys over with some apparent curiosity. He asked a few questions and
+then uttering something that sounded like a judicial decision, he sank
+back in his chair again and lighted another cigarette.</p>
+
+<p>The guard faced about, prodded the boys in the back again with their
+guns to indicate that they were to move on, and the procession filed out
+into the street again. For a moment the boys could scarcely realize that
+they were to have no hearing, and then Harry turned to the fat man
+indignantly.</p>
+
+<p>"Are we not to be permitted to tell our story?" he demanded. "Where are
+you taking us? I demand a hearing as an American citizen in the presence
+of the American consul."</p>
+
+<p>The little man, who evidently understood much of what he said, chuckled,
+and the men, taking their cue from their commander, jabbed the boys once
+more in the back.</p>
+
+<p>"It's no use, Hal," said Bert. "We might as well wait and see what they
+intend to do with us."</p>
+
+<p>They passed from one narrow street to another<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_138" id="Page_138">[Pg 138]</a></span> until they again halted
+in front of a building whose narrow windows were closely barred.</p>
+
+<p>"Looks uncomfortably like a jail," said Harry, as he surveyed the white
+front of the gloomy structure. A door on the level with the street
+opened, the guns prodded the boys in the back again, and they entered
+through the low portal into a dark corridor. The door closed behind them
+and they found they were alone with a black-bearded man who carried a
+bunch of large keys that jangled unpleasantly.</p>
+
+<p>He motioned silently for the boys to follow him, and as they had no
+choice in the matter, they did so. At the end of the corridor the man
+opened a door and pointed in. The boys entered and the door swung to
+behind them silently.</p>
+
+<p>It was almost dark, but through the barred window of the room just
+enough twilight crept to show the boys that they were in a room that
+contained only a wooden table, two chairs, and two low wooden beds.</p>
+
+
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_139" id="Page_139">[Pg 139]</a></span></p>
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XII" id="CHAPTER_XII"></a>CHAPTER XII</h2>
+
+<h3><span class="smcap">On to Gomez</span></h3>
+
+
+<p>When Mason and Washington awoke and discovered that their companions
+were missing, the negro became greatly excited.</p>
+
+<p>"You stay here, Misser Midget," he said. "I go see if I can find 'em.
+They get lost in these woods, or catched by Spaniards. Don't you move
+'til George Wash Jenks come back or you get lost too."</p>
+
+<p>Washington took his rifle and disappeared among the trees, while Mason
+anxiously paced the small glade. The time passed slowly and the boy's
+nerves were strung to their highest tension. He started at the smallest
+rustle of the leaves in the trees around him, and began to imagine all
+sorts of disagreeable possibilities. What if Washington should be unable
+to find his way back or should fall into the hands of the Spaniards? And
+what if the Spaniards should discover him before Washington returned.
+His excited mind began to reflect pictures of a lone boy starving to
+death in the woods. And then the picture would change and he would be
+struggling against an overwhelming number of Spaniards, who<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_140" id="Page_140">[Pg 140]</a></span> would seize
+and bind him and rush him off to suffer the horrors of the inquisition.</p>
+
+<p>Suddenly in the distance he heard the boys' shout. It sent the blood
+tingling through his veins. At least he was not quite alone in the woods
+while his companions were within hailing distance. He sent up a glad cry
+in response. Again came the shout and again he replied, and then with
+his heart more at ease, he sat down on a rock and waited for them to
+appear.</p>
+
+<p>There was a slight crackling in the bushes behind him. He turned
+quickly. Washington burst into the clearing, his eyes bulging with
+excitement.</p>
+
+<p>"Quick, Misser Midget," he said, seizing the boy's arm and dragging him
+off into the thicket.</p>
+
+<p>"Spaniards got Misser Harry and Misser Bert and comin' this way."</p>
+
+<p>Crouching low in the bushes, they saw the prisoners marched by and were
+helpless to aid them. Once Washington gripped his gun and made a
+movement to dash out of cover, but his better sense prevailed.</p>
+
+<p>"No use," he whispered. "Spaniards too many and must be more close by."</p>
+
+<p>When the party was well down the mountain, Washington pushed aside the
+bushes and straightened up. Turning to Mason, who was pale from<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_141" id="Page_141">[Pg 141]</a></span>
+excitement, he said: "Now we make tracks for Massa Cap'n Dynamite. They
+take Missers where they take Missee Juanita. Massa cap'n he come back
+with one&mdash;two&mdash;three hundred men and he and Cap'n Morgan they make 'em
+sorry."</p>
+
+<p>As there seemed to be nothing else to do but to seek reinforcements,
+Mason, with a heavy heart picked up his bundle and his rifle, and
+followed Washington through the woods. Their progress was slow, as the
+negro proceeded now with more caution. Darkness soon came upon them and
+made their advance still more difficult. The route that Washington was
+following often necessitated a climb up the almost perpendicular face of
+a rock as the mountain became more precipitous. Mason's hands bled from
+contact with the rough rocks, and he panted for breath. Still Washington
+pushed on, and when morning broke they found themselves at the top of
+the mountain.</p>
+
+<p>"Take short rest," said Washington, unslinging his pack and sitting down
+with his back to a boulder. "Eat a bite and Wash make some coffee. Heap
+easier goin' down mountain."</p>
+
+<p>"But you said there was still another mountain to climb, Washington,"
+said Mason, wearily.</p>
+
+<p>"Yas, sah, but Cubitas and Massa Cap'n Dynamite on top that one. May
+meet 'em<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_142" id="Page_142">[Pg 142]</a></span> comin' down with one&mdash;two&mdash;three hundred men."</p>
+
+<p>"I hope we meet them at the foot, Washington. I do not long for another
+climb like this one."</p>
+
+<p>"Pretty tough one, suah 'nough, sah."</p>
+
+<p>The descent was of course much easier than the climb, but nevertheless
+they found many obstacles in their way, and as caution dictated that
+they should keep well aside from any open trail, their progress down the
+mountain was scarcely more rapid than their climb had been. But they had
+the advantage of daylight and passed over the rough places with fewer
+bruises and cuts. They made one more short stop at about noon, and then
+pushed on again although the sun was now excessively hot, even as it
+filtered through the thick foliage. It was late afternoon when they
+reached the bottom of the mountain and entered the valley between the
+two ranges of hills. This valley was about a mile wide and through it
+flowed a narrow stream. The shores were wooded, but the rest of the
+country was an open plain. They waded the little river, and as they were
+about to clamber out on the other side, the familiar challenge rang out:</p>
+
+<p>"Alto!"</p>
+
+<p>"That General Gomez man. Say password," said Washington.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_143" id="Page_143">[Pg 143]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Independencia," said Mason, with a slight quaver in his voice.</p>
+
+<p>These unexpected challenges from invisible sentinels were somewhat
+wearing on the nerves. They passed on without interference.</p>
+
+<p>"Where was that man stationed, Washington?" asked Mason.</p>
+
+<p>"Up top of head in big tree," chuckled the negro. "Good place to pop
+over Spaniard if he comes along. Not get by the next one so easy."</p>
+
+<p>Washington was right. When they reached the foot of the mountain they
+were again challenged, and although Mason promptly gave the countersign,
+they were at once surrounded by a dozen armed men, who talked rapidly in
+Spanish. Washington, who spoke the language imperfectly, explained that
+they were the bearers of an important message for Captain Dynamite, and
+after many conferences aside and further questioning, two men were told
+off to accompany them, and they were allowed to proceed practically as
+prisoners.</p>
+
+<p>"All right now," said Washington, with a broad grin. "Got a suah 'nough
+body guard."</p>
+
+<p>A wide, well-used trail made the ascent of this mountain comparatively
+easy. When they reached the top, Mason was surprised to find a small
+settlement in the middle of which was a<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_144" id="Page_144">[Pg 144]</a></span> large, low, wooden building,
+all four sides of which were patroled by sentinels. Toward this building
+their guard headed. They entered through a wide doorway and found
+themselves in a large, square room, with three other occupants. It was
+now quite dark, so that for a moment Mason did not recognize Captain
+Dynamite as one of the men. The three were in earnest converse at a long
+table, and for some time did not notice the new comers, who paused on
+the threshold.</p>
+
+<p>"That Massa Cap'n Dynamite, General Gomez, and President Betancourt,"
+said Washington, pointing to the notable group.</p>
+
+<p>Mason looked with interest at the old general who stood at the head of
+the table. He was easily distinguished because of his military bearing
+and accoutrements, for the grizzled warrior had one little weakness&mdash;a
+love of display. He was a much smaller man than Mason expected to see,
+but there was that in his rugged, tanned face and firm chin that at once
+commanded respect and attention. He bore his seventy odd years lightly
+and his slight form was as straight as a ramrod. His uniform, unlike
+those of his faithful followers, was immaculately spotless. His carbine,
+on which he rested, was gold mounted; the sabre at his side was
+elegantly chased and decorated, and the silver on his pistol handles
+glittered in the waning<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_145" id="Page_145">[Pg 145]</a></span> light. As he turned his eyes on the group in
+the doorway, his heavy iron-grey eyebrows contracted into a scowl and he
+spoke quickly to O'Connor. The latter turned and started from his chair
+angrily.</p>
+
+<p>"What are you doing here?" he demanded.</p>
+
+<p>"If you please, Massa Cap'n, ah&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Let me explain, Wash," said Mason, advancing a step when he felt the
+hand of one of the guards fall heavily on his shoulder. "I think,
+captain," he continued, pointing to the man, "that we can get along now
+without the protection of these gentlemen."</p>
+
+<p>O'Connor waved his hand and the two men saluted and filed out.</p>
+
+<p>Mason advanced boldly to the table and facing O'Connor, said:</p>
+
+<p>"Captain Dynamite, you should not blame Washington. It is his love for
+you and Miss Juanita that brings him here."</p>
+
+<p>"I suppose you are right, boy," said the captain, still scowling, "but I
+am in great trouble and I do not like to have my plans interfered with.
+But what brings you here?"</p>
+
+<p>"Well, we heard that you were in trouble, and as Washington was going to
+join you, we thought we would come along, too, and be of what assistance
+we could."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_146" id="Page_146">[Pg 146]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>The scowl faded from the man's face. He turned to General Gomez and
+spoke to him in Spanish. When he had finished, the old warrior looked
+the Midget over from head to foot and the stern lines of his face broke
+into a genial smile, gentle and reassuring. O'Connor stepped forward,
+and taking Mason's hand, shook it warmly.</p>
+
+<p>"I thank you, my boy, for your good intentions. You must have made
+excellent time over a rough and dangerous road, for you are here close
+at my heels. And your journey has left its marks, I see," he said, as he
+noticed Mason's cut and bruised face and hands, and his torn clothing.
+"But where are your friends?"</p>
+
+<p>"The Spaniards have got 'em," said Mason, laconically.</p>
+
+<p>O'Connor looked first at the boy as if he thought it a joke, and then at
+Washington, in whose troubled face he read confirmation.</p>
+
+<p>"Yas, Massa Cap'n; Spaniards got 'em, suah 'nough," said Washington,
+nodding his head vigorously in the affirmative.</p>
+
+<p>"When, where, how did it happen?" asked O'Connor, rapidly.</p>
+
+<p>"It was on the far side of the fust mountain, after we pass the fust
+clearing. Boys left the camp and before George Wash Jenks could find 'em
+'long came Spaniards and snapped 'em up."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_147" id="Page_147">[Pg 147]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Why did you let them leave the camp, you rascal? You know this country
+too well for that."</p>
+
+<p>"Went while George Wash Jenks was asleep," answered the negro
+sheepishly.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, where did they take them?"</p>
+
+<p>"Leettle town 'bout mile down clearing, ah 'spect.".</p>
+
+<p>"Humph! You don't know, then?"</p>
+
+<p>"George Wash Jenks think it best to come to Massa Cap'n and not go
+snoopin' after Spaniard in the open. Got cotched too."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, I guess you are right. Now, what is to be done? I wonder if the
+boys will know enough to keep their tongues still about the <i>Mariella</i>?"
+The captain looked questioningly at Mason as he spoke.</p>
+
+<p>"You needn't fear, sir, that they will say or do anything likely to get
+you into trouble," said the boy, promptly.</p>
+
+<p>O'Connor smiled at the boy's defence of his comrades.</p>
+
+<p>"I was not thinking of myself, my boy; but if it were known that they
+were in any way connected with the expedition of the <i>Mariella</i> it might
+go hard with them."</p>
+
+<p>"I think they will understand that, sir."</p>
+
+<p>"Now, the next question is how to aid them. I think my own mission lies
+in their direction. But<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_148" id="Page_148">[Pg 148]</a></span> you need freshening up a bit, and I'll wager
+you are hungry. I will send a man with you to my quarters. You will find
+soap and water there and a tin basin. The accommodations are a little
+primitive and not quite up to the <i>Mariella's</i>, but you can get some of
+the dirt out of those cuts. We will sup here when you are ready.
+Washington, you know the way to the mess-room. Go and fill up that empty
+stomach of yours and then return to me. You go back to Captain Morgan in
+an hour."</p>
+
+<p>"O, Massa Cap'n, not goin' to send George Wash Jenks back?"</p>
+
+<p>"You will be best serving me, Washington. You will bear a dispatch of
+the utmost importance. It must be in Captain Morgan's hands within
+thirty-six hours in order that he may co-operate with us. I know of no
+other man who knows the road well enough to cover it in that time. You
+will also act as an escort to Miss Juanita's mother and her attendants."</p>
+
+<p>Proud of the distinction and eager to serve his master, as he insisted
+upon calling O'Connor, the negro straightened up.</p>
+
+<p>"Message shall be there, sah. Missee Juanita's mother shall have escort,
+too."</p>
+
+<p>O'Connor called an orderly and sent him with Mason to his quarters.
+After washing and<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_149" id="Page_149">[Pg 149]</a></span> tidying up his tattered clothing as well as he could,
+the boy returned to the military headquarters, where the three men were
+again in earnest conference. O'Connor motioned to a big wooden settee at
+one end of the room. Mason stretched out on this and, utterly worn out,
+his eyes closed and in five minutes he had dropped off into a heavy
+slumber.</p>
+
+<p>For half an hour longer the men continued their conference, and then,
+having come to some unanimous conclusion, they rose from the table.
+O'Connor, seeing the sleeping boy, stepped over to the settee and
+removing his coat, rolled it up and placed it gently under his head.
+Then, with a military salute to President Betancourt, he and General
+Gomez passed out of the building.</p>
+
+<p>Mason was suddenly awakened by the shouts of men and the jangling of
+guns and sabres. He sat up quickly and rubbed his eyes, looking around
+the room in a bewildered manner. At first the train of recent events
+would not form themselves properly in his mind. He could not for a
+moment recall the room in which he found himself, or how he got there.
+The moonlight was streaming in at the low open windows and fell upon the
+long table at which again sat the three men, while an orderly stood
+silently behind the chair of the general. They were apparently<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_150" id="Page_150">[Pg 150]</a></span> eating,
+and hunger gnawing at the boy's stomach dulled any sense of delicacy and
+he rose and walked directly to the table.</p>
+
+<p>"I think you said we would sup here, Captain," he said.</p>
+
+<p>O'Connor turned and motioned to the orderly to bring a chair.</p>
+
+<p>"I certainly did, my boy, but seeing you asleep I thought I would not
+disturb you at present. Sit down, and while you eat tell me all you know
+of the capture of the boys and the movements of their captors."</p>
+
+<p>Mason told the details of the boys' capture and O'Connor repeated it in
+Spanish to Gomez and Betancourt. In the meantime outside of the building
+all was confusion, and through the open door and windows the boy could
+see that armed men were rapidly gathering in response to the loud
+commands of leaders. As fast as one squad or company formed, it moved
+off and down the mountain trail by which Mason and Washington had
+approached the plateau. Another squad began forming at once. There
+seemed to be a constant stream of men pouring down the mountain side.</p>
+
+
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_151" id="Page_151">[Pg 151]</a></span></p>
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XIII" id="CHAPTER_XIII"></a>CHAPTER XIII</h2>
+
+<h3><span class="smcap">Harry Refuses to Betray Captain Dynamite</span></h3>
+
+
+<p>Harry and Bert had hardly time to inspect the bare room in which they
+were imprisoned, when the door opened again and two men entered. They
+removed the straps from the boys' wrists and retired without a word. A
+key grated in the lock after the door had closed. Harry walked over
+quickly and tried to open it. There was no handle or lock on the inside
+and it would not yield to pressure.</p>
+
+<p>"Well," said Harry, after a short silence, dropping onto one of the
+beds.</p>
+
+<p>"Well," repeated Bert in the same half-questioning tone.</p>
+
+<p>"We are prisoners hard and fast. What do you think they mean to do with
+us?"</p>
+
+<p>"Send us on to Havana, maybe, for the inspection of Weyler. But in the
+meantime what are we going to do? I don't believe in letting them have
+it all their own way, do you?"</p>
+
+<p>"No, not when I can get my breath, but their methods are so rapid and
+one-sided that they make me dizzy."</p>
+
+<p>"The first thing to consider is some plan of escape."</p>
+
+<p>"And if we escaped we wouldn't be any better<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_152" id="Page_152">[Pg 152]</a></span> off than we were in the
+woods. We wouldn't know where to go. However, it would be wise to make a
+more careful inspection of our prison house for possible future use."</p>
+
+<p>Acting on this suggestion the boys made a survey of the room. It was a
+square apartment, with walls of grey stone. The floor was composed of
+smooth stone slabs. The ceiling was heavily timbered. There were two
+barred openings in one of the walls just above their heads. They pushed
+over the table, and climbing up on it, looked out. In the moonlight,
+they could see that the outlook was on what was apparently the jail
+yard, a large space enclosed by a high wall. Nothing interposed between
+them and the free air outside but two iron bars. They shook these with
+all their strength, but they were sunk firmly in the stone frame and
+would not budge.</p>
+
+<p>"I don't think they need feel uneasy, for fear we will escape," said
+Harry, after they had finished their inspection.</p>
+
+<p>"Nothing left but to knock down the turnkey. Must always call 'em
+turnkeys in a stone jail like this."</p>
+
+<p>There was a sound of a key in the lock and the door swung open again.
+The man with the clanking keys entered, followed by two others, who
+promptly slipped a pair of handcuffs on<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_153" id="Page_153">[Pg 153]</a></span> the wrists of the boys, and
+taking each boy by the arm they led them out of the jail and back to the
+building into which they had first been ushered at the muzzles of the
+guns.</p>
+
+<p>The same dignitary who had ordered their incarceration still sat at his
+desk, although in a more dignified attitude. At his right, sat a man who
+seemed to be a clerk. On the left, stood the fat officer and the four
+soldiers. An elderly man with grey side-whiskers stood near the desk
+talking with the presiding personage. When the boys entered he
+approached them and held out his hand.</p>
+
+<p>"I am Consul Wyman. I understand you are Americans and in some sort of
+trouble."</p>
+
+<p>Both boys grasped his hand warmly. It was a great relief to find one who
+spoke their tongue and who could make their situation clear to their
+captors. And the thought that he represented officially the Government
+of the United States, restored much of their waning confidence in
+themselves.</p>
+
+<p>"Mr. Wyman," said Harry, "we certainly are glad to meet you. We are
+Americans and we are in trouble with these Spanish gentlemen. We do not
+know why yet. We did not know it was a crime, or against the laws to
+travel in Cuba or we should have selected some other country for our
+explorations."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_154" id="Page_154">[Pg 154]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"The trouble is that your presence in this part of the island strikes
+the authorities as suspicious. You have apparently passed through none
+of the regular ports of entry, for a careful watch is kept on all
+strangers here now, and travelling through a country so infested as this
+is with Cuban bandits&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Bandits?" interrupted Harry, looking Mr. Wyman straight in the eye.
+Captain Dynamite's teachings had taken very deep root in the heart of
+the American boys.</p>
+
+<p>"Well," said Mr. Wyman, "they call themselves insurgents, but they are
+not recognized belligerents you know." Here Mr. Wyman lowered his voice
+almost to a whisper: "And you know we have to be very diplomatic in
+dealing with these Spanish gentlemen, they are so sensitive."</p>
+
+<p>"Mr. Wyman," asked Harry, "are you an American or a Spaniard?"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, an American&mdash;an American always," replied the consul, proudly.</p>
+
+<p>"Then it seems to me, sir, that you should not let the Spaniards select
+your words for you," said Harry, with some indignation.</p>
+
+<p>"Ah, diplomacy, my son, diplomacy," said the consul, drawing himself up
+with comical dignity. "You do not understand the need for diplomacy.
+Why, I was selected by our President for this<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_155" id="Page_155">[Pg 155]</a></span> delicate mission, because
+of my large experience in matters diplomatic. But let us return to your
+own affairs. I see the general is getting nervous. This is the Bureau of
+Justice and I shall see that you have an impartial hearing."</p>
+
+<p>"Bureau of Justice," sniffed Bert. "Humph, a pretty one-sided old
+bureau. I should say it had lost a castor or two."</p>
+
+<p>"Ah, you misjudge General Serano," said Mr. Wyman. "He is an exceedingly
+fair-minded gentleman."</p>
+
+<p>The consul stepped before the desk of the general and beckoned to the
+boys to follow him. He spoke in Spanish for a few minutes, and then
+turned to the boys again.</p>
+
+<p>"The general will examine only one. He thinks that will be sufficient."</p>
+
+<p>"Very well," said Harry, stepping up to the desk. "I will go the general
+one round."</p>
+
+<p>"My young sir," said Mr. Wyman, with some concern, "let me advise you to
+treat the court with due deference. This gentleman will act as
+interpreter, as I understand you do not speak or understand the
+language."</p>
+
+<p>A man with a heavy black mustache waxed to needle points, and who seemed
+to wear a perpetual smile, took a position beside Harry, and the
+examination began.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_156" id="Page_156">[Pg 156]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"What is your name?"</p>
+
+<p>"Harry Hamilton."</p>
+
+<p>"Your age?"</p>
+
+<p>"Fifteen."</p>
+
+<p>"Your nationality?"</p>
+
+<p>"American," answered Harry, "but look here, Mr. Interpreter, I wish you
+would ask the general what right he has to ask me these questions; why I
+was interfered with by his soldiers; why I was prodded in the back by
+their guns; why I was thrust into your old prison; why I am handcuffed,
+and why I am here; and just tell him firmly, Mr. Interpreter, that I do
+not propose to answer any more of his questions until he answers a few
+of mine."</p>
+
+<p>The clerk, who was transcribing the testimony looked up in amazement as
+the interpreter began to literally and faithfully translate Harry's
+words. Mr. Wyman looked worried and leaned forward, and said:</p>
+
+<p>"Treat the court with due deference, my young sir, or even my diplomacy
+may not be powerful enough to save you from the wrath of the general."</p>
+
+<p>"I think I must have a few rights here, Mr. Wyman. I certainly have a
+right to know with what crime I am charged before I am examined."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, yes, that is quite true, quite true," re<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_157" id="Page_157">[Pg 157]</a></span>plied the consul,
+advancing to the desk and speaking to the general.</p>
+
+<p>"You are charged with being suspicious characters," said the
+interpreter, repeating the words of the presiding officer.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, thank you," said Harry, politely. "You can now tell the judge he
+may proceed."</p>
+
+<p>The interpreter wisely refrained from repeating Harry's words.</p>
+
+<p>"What are you doing in Cuba?"</p>
+
+<p>"Travelling."</p>
+
+<p>"How many were there in your party?"</p>
+
+<p>"Now, that's such a foolish question, general; that little fat officer
+there knows there were only two of us. In fact, here we are; you can see
+for yourself."</p>
+
+<p>"How did you reach Cuba?"</p>
+
+<p>"By steamer."</p>
+
+<p>"Where did you land?"</p>
+
+<p>"On the coast."</p>
+
+<p>"General Serano says your answers are not satisfactory," said the
+interpreter.</p>
+
+<p>"Surely he wants me to tell him the truth," said Harry, affecting
+surprise.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, but he wants all the truth."</p>
+
+<p>"I have answered his questions truthfully and directly. If he wants
+further information and doesn't know how to ask for it, he cannot expect
+the prisoner to supply the questions."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_158" id="Page_158">[Pg 158]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"At what point or place on the coast of Cuba did you land?"</p>
+
+<p>"I do not know."</p>
+
+<p>"Does your companion know?"</p>
+
+<p>"He is as densely ignorant on that point as I am."</p>
+
+<p>"What was the name of the steamer?"</p>
+
+<p>"I refuse to answer."</p>
+
+<p>The little fat officer poked one of his soldiers in the ribs in a very
+unmilitary fashion, and the general looked at the consul with an
+expression that said, "I told you so." The consul himself looked at
+Harry in honest amazement.</p>
+
+<p>"Do you refuse to answer on the ground that you might incriminate
+yourself?"</p>
+
+<p>"No, on the ground that I might incriminate someone else," answered
+Harry, promptly.</p>
+
+<p>"Who is that someone else?"</p>
+
+<p>"Now, general, that is another one of those foolish questions. If I
+could answer one I could answer the other."</p>
+
+<p>"Then you refuse again?"</p>
+
+<p>"I do."</p>
+
+<p>"Will you tell the court why you came to Cuba?"</p>
+
+<p>"Because I had to. I assure you we are not travelling for our health,
+and would have been very glad to have been back in the United States<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_159" id="Page_159">[Pg 159]</a></span>
+long before we met your little fat officer on the mountain."</p>
+
+<p>"Then why did you come?"</p>
+
+<p>"To be perfectly frank, general, we were out yachting off Martha's
+Vineyard&mdash;I don't suppose you know where that is&mdash;when a steamer ran us
+down during a storm, picked us up, and brought us along to Cuba&mdash;that's
+all."</p>
+
+<p>"And you still persist in refusing to give the name of the steamer?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, sir, but with due respect to the court," Harry smiled pleasantly
+at the consul. He looked upon the examination as a mere farce, and did
+not now regard their position as at all serious. Although he did not
+consider the consul a particularly forceful representative of the United
+States, he felt confident that the Spanish general would not dare to
+ignore his demands. Could he have forseen the occurrences of the next
+few days he would not have felt so easy in his mind. The general turned
+again and addressed the boy.</p>
+
+<p>"According to your testimony," repeated the interpreter, "your presence
+here on the island is entirely accidental, therefor it is difficult to
+reconcile this testimony with your refusal to answer the simple
+questions of the court. In this I wish to say that your consul and
+representative here concurs with me. I now warn you that you must<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_160" id="Page_160">[Pg 160]</a></span>
+answer the questions that I am about to ask you or take the consequences
+that your refusal will entail. Personally, I believe that you could, if
+you would, clear yourself and your companion of all suspicion, and if
+your explanation of your presence on board this mysterious steamer is
+true, and I believe it is, your refusal to answer the questions will
+only further complicate the case against you."</p>
+
+<p>"The general is quite right, my boy," said the consul earnestly. "You
+can see that he means to give you every opportunity to clear yourself."</p>
+
+<p>"Very well, sir. Suppose you have another try," said Harry, turning to
+General Serano. "I assure you that I will answer any question that I
+honorably can."</p>
+
+<p>"Very well: I repeat, what is the name of the steamer that brought you
+to Cuba?"</p>
+
+<p>"I cannot answer," replied Harry, promptly.</p>
+
+<p>"Remember, I have warned you. At what place on the coast did you land?"</p>
+
+<p>"I have told you, general, that I do not know."</p>
+
+<p>"How far from here in miles?"</p>
+
+<p>"I couldn't even guess that, general."</p>
+
+<p>"How long had you been away from the steamer when my men found you?"</p>
+
+<p>"I cannot answer."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_161" id="Page_161">[Pg 161]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Do you mean that you are unable to answer, or that you refuse?"</p>
+
+<p>"I refuse."</p>
+
+<p>"Where were you going?"</p>
+
+<p>"To tell the plain truth we were very well lost when your friend there
+overtook us."</p>
+
+<p>"But you had an objective point that you were trying to reach. What was
+that?"</p>
+
+<p>"I cannot answer."</p>
+
+<p>"Very well; you may step aside."</p>
+
+<p>After a few words from General Serano, the interpreter turned to Bert,
+and said:</p>
+
+<p>"Step forward, please. The general wishes to ask you a few questions
+also."</p>
+
+<p>"All right," answered Bert, stepping promptly to the front.</p>
+
+<p>"You have heard the questions that have been asked your companion?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, sir."</p>
+
+<p>"And you have heard those that he refused to answer?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, sir."</p>
+
+<p>"Will you answer them?"</p>
+
+<p>"No, sir."</p>
+
+<p>The answer was apparently not unexpected. The general and the consul
+began an earnest conversation in Spanish. The latter seemed to protest
+against the decision of General Serano<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_162" id="Page_162">[Pg 162]</a></span> who, however, was set and
+determined. Finally, Mr. Wyman turned to the boys.</p>
+
+<p>"I am very sorry," he said, "that for some reason which I cannot
+conceive you will not satisfactorily answer the questions of the court.
+I have endeavored to have you paroled in my custody, but the general
+will not permit it."</p>
+
+<p>"Do you mean that we are to be sent back to jail?" asked Harry, in
+surprise.</p>
+
+<p>"That is the general's intention. It is not too late for you to answer
+his questions, though, and I am sure that if you do, you will be
+promptly released."</p>
+
+<p>"And has the United States Consul no power or authority?"</p>
+
+<p>"He has the power to see that you have a fair and impartial hearing. You
+have had that, and must blame only yourselves for the position in which
+you now find yourselves. I shall not desert you, and if you care to make
+a confidant of me, perhaps I can suggest some way to extricate you from
+this tangle."</p>
+
+<p>"We will take a little time to think the matter over, Mr. Wyman, thank
+you. It is not alone ourselves who are involved, or would be involved,
+if we attempted now to clear ourselves."</p>
+
+<p>General Serano now indicated that he wished<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_163" id="Page_163">[Pg 163]</a></span> to speak to the prisoners,
+and the consul fell back.</p>
+
+<p>"Young men," repeated the interpreter, "the conditions in Cuba are such,
+and particularly in this province, that the utmost vigilance is
+necessary on the part of the authorities. Your explanation of the
+suspicious circumstances under which you are detained is entirely
+unsatisfactory to me. You are found alone in a country infested by men
+who are in revolt against the Government, travelling with seeming
+security; you admit having landed on the coast from a steamer whose name
+you refuse to tell; you are apparently headed for the center of the
+insurgent uprising. You will not tell where you are going or from whence
+you come. It is my duty to hold you, and you are therefore remanded to
+jail pending a further investigation. Perhaps in a few hours, or say
+to-morrow, you may be willing to answer my questions, in which case you
+may so inform your consul, and he will take such steps as are necessary
+to reopen the hearing. I am sorry that you will not be guided by the
+more mature mind of Mr. Wyman in a matter that may be more serious in
+its consequences than you imagine."</p>
+
+<p>The general waved his hand, and the fat officer, with a malignant smile
+of triumph marshalled his men and approached Harry and Bert with<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_164" id="Page_164">[Pg 164]</a></span> the
+muzzles of their guns once more extended toward them. A sharp word from
+General Serano caused them to lower their guns and assume a less
+dictatorial manner toward the prisoners.</p>
+
+<p>Once more the boys were conducted to the gloomy white jail and the doors
+of their prison room closed upon them.</p>
+
+
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_165" id="Page_165">[Pg 165]</a></span></p>
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XIV" id="CHAPTER_XIV"></a>CHAPTER XIV</h2>
+
+<h3><span class="smcap">The Secret Passage</span></h3>
+
+
+<p>Two men entered the room shortly after the door had closed on the boys,
+and removed the handcuffs. They passed out in the same silent manner,
+and the prisoners were left alone again. There was no light in the room,
+but the moonbeams entered through the barred windows, and cast two
+streaks of light across the floor that was sufficient to enable the boys
+to see almost as well as by daylight. They each sat down dejectedly upon
+a bed and for a long time neither uttered a word. Harry was trying to
+think out the true meaning of their position, which began to assume a
+more serious phase to him. There was no element of play in it, now.</p>
+
+<p>He reviewed his recent examination by General Serano, and wished he had
+not assumed quite so nonchalant an air, although he felt that he could
+not have answered the questions which would perhaps involve the safety
+of Captain Dynamite. They were unquestionably in a disagreeable
+situation. He realized that if he were to tell the entire truth they
+would be immediately released, but the truth would at once set the
+Spaniards on the heels of O'Connor, and Harry<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_166" id="Page_166">[Pg 166]</a></span> could not forget the
+personal risk the man had taken to save their lives after he had run
+them down, nor the kindness with which they, as unbidden guests on his
+ship, had been treated. To betray his confidence would be a dastardly
+act, for, even if he could have doubted the words of O'Connor, the
+actions of the commander of the gunboat were sufficient to indicate that
+it would go hard with the intrepid skipper of the <i>Mariella</i> if he
+should fall into the hands of the Spaniards.</p>
+
+<p>Mason and Washington were still to be counted on. He felt sure that they
+would continue on their way to O'Connor and that he would make some move
+to effect their rescue. There was one strong objection to waiting for
+O'Connor. Whatever plan he might adopt for their relief must necessarily
+be attended by violence, for in no other way could he approach their
+captors, except it be by strategy, and there seemed to be no chance of
+escape in that way.</p>
+
+<p>He feared for O'Connor's sake to take the consul into their confidence,
+except as a last resort. While he had the utmost respect for the man's
+integrity he feared the influence of General Serano. At all events there
+was nothing that could be done to-night. He turned to Bert who was
+sitting in an equally dejected frame of mind on the edge of his bed with
+his head in his hands.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_167" id="Page_167">[Pg 167]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Let's turn in, Bert, old man. Things may be brighter in the morning."</p>
+
+<p>"I don't see much hope. Do you think Captain Dynamite would care if we
+told that Spanish gentleman the whole truth as to how we came here?"</p>
+
+<p>"No, I don't," replied Harry, indignantly. "If O'Connor could advise us
+I know the man well enough to believe that the first thing he would tell
+us to do would be to make a clean breast of everything. But I would hate
+to say what I should think of myself, or of you, if either of us did
+such a thing. Why man, you know as well as I do that it would set the
+Spaniards after him like a pack of hounds on the trail. And you know
+there is a price on his head and a big one, too. Don't let any more such
+bubbles get into your think tank or you and I will have to part
+company."</p>
+
+<p>"You are right, Hal," said Bert, sheepishly. "I didn't think of the
+danger to him."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, then, let's go to bed."</p>
+
+<p>The boys threw off only their outer clothing and lay down on the hard
+husk mattresses and were soon fast asleep notwithstanding the
+uncertainty and danger of their predicament.</p>
+
+<p>The place was in almost total darkness when Harry awakened suddenly and
+sat bolt upright<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_168" id="Page_168">[Pg 168]</a></span> in bed. He listened for a moment intently, as if for
+the repetition of the sound that had awakened him.</p>
+
+<p>"What was it, I wonder. Something must have wakened me."</p>
+
+<p>He sat motionless for a long time, but not a sound broke the stillness
+of the night.</p>
+
+<p>"I know I heard something," he said to himself as he dropped back on the
+bed again. He could not sleep, however, for the sense that he had been
+awakened by a strange sound, and the mental effort that he had made to
+catch a repetition of it, had completely aroused him. He lay on his back
+looking up into the darkness when he heard a sound like a smothered
+sigh.</p>
+
+<p>"Bert," he whispered, as he sprang up and sat on the edge of his bed,
+"was that you?"</p>
+
+<p>"What's that? What's the matter, old man?" asked Bert, aroused from his
+sleep.</p>
+
+<p>"Was that you?"</p>
+
+<p>"Was what me&mdash;what's the matter with you, Hal?"</p>
+
+<p>"Have you been awake?"</p>
+
+<p>"No, not until you called me."</p>
+
+<p>"Then you didn't sigh?"</p>
+
+<p>"Not unless it was in my sleep."</p>
+
+<p>"This wasn't a sleepy sigh."</p>
+
+<p>"Say, Hal, what is the matter with you? You make me feel creepy."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_169" id="Page_169">[Pg 169]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"I heard a sigh."</p>
+
+<p>Bert groped his way over to Harry's bed and sat down beside him.</p>
+
+<p>"Say, old man, you're not asleep, are you?"</p>
+
+<p>"No; Listen! There it is again."</p>
+
+<p>The boys drew closer together and put out their hands until they touched
+one another. The sound they heard seemed to come from nowhere in
+particular.</p>
+
+<p>"What do you think it is, Hal?"</p>
+
+<p>"I don't know. Wait until we hear it again."</p>
+
+<p>By this time their eyes had become accustomed to the darkness of the
+room, and aided by the star-lighted sky, they could see into every
+corner. There was no one in the room. Somewhat reassured they waited.
+The next time the sound was an unmistakable sob, and it seemed to be
+wafted through the barred windows on the still night air.</p>
+
+<p>"I know what it is," said Harry, eagerly jumping from the bed and
+pulling the table under the window. "It's some one in the cell next to
+ours. Let's try to talk to him."</p>
+
+<p>"He's probably a Spaniard or a Cuban, and will not be able to understand
+you."</p>
+
+<p>"I'm going to try, anyway. Misery loves company, you know."</p>
+
+<p>Harry mounted the table and put his face between the bars.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_170" id="Page_170">[Pg 170]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Hist," he said.</p>
+
+<p>A low moaning cry answered him.</p>
+
+<p>"Bert, it's a woman," said Harry, turning in amazement to his companion,
+who now mounted the table beside him.</p>
+
+<p>"How do you know?"</p>
+
+<p>"Couldn't you hear? It was a woman's voice."</p>
+
+<p>"Hist," said Harry, again, as loudly as he dared. "Who are you? Can we
+help you in any way?"</p>
+
+<p>He hardly expected a reply for he felt, as did Bert, that they would not
+find any other English-speaking prisoners confined there. His surprise
+was great therefore, when a low voice, with just a suspicion of soft
+Spanish accent, asked:</p>
+
+<p>"Who are you?"</p>
+
+<p>"We are two American boys who would like to assist you if we can."</p>
+
+<p>"Are you prisoners also?"</p>
+
+<p>"We are."</p>
+
+<p>"Then I fear you can be of little assistance to me, but I thank you very
+much for your interest. What have they shut you up for; are you friends
+of the insurgents?"</p>
+
+<p>"We have one very good friend among them, but until we met him we did
+not know an insurgent from a Spanish regular. May I ask what offense you
+have committed against the laws of this fussy country?"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_171" id="Page_171">[Pg 171]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"I am a Cuban," said the soft voice, with a little gasping sob.</p>
+
+<p>"Is that a crime?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes; to be a true Cuban."</p>
+
+<p>"O, I see. You are what they call a sympathizer."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes."</p>
+
+<p>"How long have you been here?"</p>
+
+<p>"I have lost count of the days and nights. I think a week."</p>
+
+<p>"Have they ill-treated you?"</p>
+
+<p>"Not yet, but they threaten to if I do not give them the information
+they seek, to-morrow."</p>
+
+<p>"What do they want to know that you can tell them?"</p>
+
+<p>"Much, very much, about the insurgent arms."</p>
+
+<p>"And you will tell them to-morrow?"</p>
+
+<p>"Not to-morrow&mdash;not ever."</p>
+
+<p>The voice was low and full of tears, but there was a ring of
+determination that told of a strong heart despite her woman's weakness.</p>
+
+<p>"Hooray," whispered Bert. "Good for you."</p>
+
+<p>"And have you no friends who can aid you?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, one, but he may even now be dead or dying in a Spanish dungeon. It
+is for him I weep, not for myself. There is a price upon his head."</p>
+
+<p>"What," said the boys in a breath.</p>
+
+<p>"Is he Captain Dynamite of the <i>Mariella</i>?" asked Harry, excitedly.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_172" id="Page_172">[Pg 172]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"He is sometimes called so. His name is Michael O'Connor. What do you
+know of him?"</p>
+
+<p>The woman's voice trembled with excitement.</p>
+
+<p>"Hoop la," whispered Harry, hardly able to refrain from shouting.
+"Captain Dynamite is not in any dungeon cell, Miss Juanita, and if I am
+not mistaken he is already devising some plan with Gomez to effect your
+rescue."</p>
+
+<p>"Who are you," whispered the girl in amazement, "who know O'Connor and
+my name so well?"</p>
+
+<p>"I told you, Miss Juanita, that we had one friend among the Cubans; that
+is Captain Dynamite. We made the last trip with him on the <i>Mariella</i>,
+though not willingly. We'll tell you that story some other time when you
+are well out of this."</p>
+
+<p>"He was well?" nervously whispered the girl.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, until he got the dispatch from Gomez telling him that you had been
+captured. Then he was off to Cubitas like a shot in the middle of the
+night. We were trying to join him when they nabbed us."</p>
+
+<p>"But they have not learned from you where he is?"</p>
+
+<p>"Miss Juanita, you wrong us. We do not betray our friends."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, and it is because you will not betray him that you are here. I kiss
+your hands."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_173" id="Page_173">[Pg 173]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Permit us to kiss yours&mdash;figuratively&mdash;Miss Juanita," said Harry,
+gallantly, while Bert gulped down a lump in his throat when he thought
+of his suggestion to tell the Spanish general the truth.</p>
+
+<p>"But I wouldn't have done it, Hal, old man," he said, involuntarily.</p>
+
+<p>"Wouldn't have done what?"</p>
+
+<p>"Not when it came right down to bed rock."</p>
+
+<p>"What are you talking about, Bert?"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, nothing. I was just thinking."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, don't think so loud unless you are going to take me into your
+confidence. Any chance of getting out of that dungeon cell of yours,
+Miss Juanita?"</p>
+
+<p>"None."</p>
+
+<p>At this moment they heard the sound of regular footsteps outside.</p>
+
+<p>"'Sh," whispered the voice. "It is the guard. Go away from the window."</p>
+
+<p>The boys jumped down from the table, and as they did so, Bert stumbled
+and fell heavily against the wall. When he recovered his balance they
+heard a strange grinding sound like a heavy door creaking on rusty
+hinges. The boys listened in wonder.</p>
+
+<p>"Gee, but this is a creepy old place," said Bert, as the noise
+continued. "Now, what do you suppose that is?"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_174" id="Page_174">[Pg 174]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"It sounds as if it came from the wall there. Let's investigate."</p>
+
+<p>They moved nervously over to the stone wall that separated their prison
+room from that of Miss Juanita. The noise seemed nearer and more
+distinct, but they could see nothing that might cause it. Still the
+strange sound continued. In the semi-darkness they watched in wonderment
+the blank face of the wall from which the sound seemed to proceed.
+Suddenly Harry seized Bert by the arm.</p>
+
+<p>"Look!" he whispered in a tense voice. He pointed to a large stone in
+about the centre of the wall. "Doesn't it move?"</p>
+
+<p>The stone to which Harry referred was larger than any other, being three
+feet square, and placed about waist-high from the floor. Bert watched
+intently. It seemed to him that he could see a slight trembling movement
+and then an almost imperceptible jump as the hand of an electric clock
+advances with a jerk. The face of the stone, too, seemed to be out of
+line with the others.</p>
+
+<p>They advanced closer, and Harry passed his hand cautiously under the
+stone. Unquestionably it had moved, either by accident or design. The
+upper edge projected into the room beyond the line of the wall at least
+an inch and the lower edge receded in the same way. As Harry's hand<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_175" id="Page_175">[Pg 175]</a></span>
+rested on the stone he felt it tremble and jump and the upper edge
+advanced another quarter of an inch into the room.</p>
+
+<p>"That stone is revolving on a horizontal axis," said Harry, confidently,
+after his inspection. "Now the question is: How and why?"</p>
+
+<p>"It seems uncomfortably like the times of the inquisition," said Bert,
+shuddering.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, pshaw, don't you see that wall separates us from the cell of Miss
+Juanita, and the Spaniards would have nothing to do with opening this
+passage?"</p>
+
+<p>"Do you think she is doing it, then?"</p>
+
+<p>"No, for had she known of the stone she would have mentioned it when I
+asked her if there was any chance of escape from her prison. It has come
+about through an accident, I feel sure, but how? Of course there must be
+some secret spring that works it, but where is it and how and by whom
+has it been operated?"</p>
+
+<p>"Hal, I believe I did it," whispered Bert, excitedly.</p>
+
+<p>"What on earth do you mean?"</p>
+
+<p>"You know when I jumped down from the table I fell against the wall. It
+was immediately after that we heard the creaking."</p>
+
+<p>"Thunder, you are right. You must have touched the spring."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_176" id="Page_176">[Pg 176]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"I think so. Let's look for it."</p>
+
+<p>The boys carefully examined the wall near the place where Bert had
+stumbled, and to the left of the revolving stone they found a small,
+diamond-shaped stone that to the casual observer would appear to have
+been set in the wall to fill in the broken corner of one of the larger
+stones. Upon close inspection they found that it was set loosely in the
+wall without mortar. They dared not touch it for fear it might stop the
+invisible machinery that it had evidently set in motion.</p>
+
+<p>Slowly the stone continued its unsteady revolution, until at the end of
+about five minutes the creaking stopped, there was a clicking sound as
+if a cog had settled into place, and all movement ceased. The big slab,
+which was six inches thick, had now obtained a horizontal position,
+leaving an opening above and below into the next room, or cell. The axis
+upon which the stone revolved was a little above the centre, so that the
+lower opening was nearly eighteen inches high.</p>
+
+<p>The boys peered through into the darkness of the next cell.</p>
+
+<p>"Miss Juanita," called Harry, softly. "May we come in? Perhaps this
+scheme of opening walls may continue through to the outside world."</p>
+
+
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_177" id="Page_177">[Pg 177]</a></span></p>
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XV" id="CHAPTER_XV"></a>CHAPTER XV</h2>
+
+<h3><span class="smcap">The Execution at Dawn</span></h3>
+
+
+<p>"Who is there?" came a frightened voice from the farthest corner of the
+room.</p>
+
+<p>"It's the American boys who were talking with you at the window,"
+answered Harry, reassuringly. "We are friends. Do not fear."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh," came in a gasp of relief. "I thought they were about to inflict
+some new horror upon me. What have you done?"</p>
+
+<p>"We do not quite know ourselves. In some way we touched a secret spring
+that rolled over this stone and formed a passage between these two
+cells. It is just possible that there may be another one. May we come in
+and look?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, yes, come in. Oh, perhaps it is true&mdash;perhaps we shall be able to
+escape from this horrible place."</p>
+
+<p>"Do not hope for too much. It was only a chance thought of mine.
+However, we better see."</p>
+
+<p>The boys climbed through the opening without difficulty and found
+themselves in a room exactly similar to the one they had left, except
+that it was furnished a little more comfortably for a woman.</p>
+
+<p>The moon had set, but they were now so used to<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_178" id="Page_178">[Pg 178]</a></span> the darkness that with
+the little starlight that penetrated through the barred windows they
+were able to see quite well. They went at once to the wall directly
+opposite and began an eager search for a diamond-shaped stone. There was
+none, nor was there any big slab-like stone resembling the revolving one
+in the wall through which they had just passed. They tried the other two
+walls, but also without avail. It was evident that only these two cells
+were connected.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, Miss Juanita," said Harry, when they had assured themselves that
+there was no other opening, "we have only succeeded in widening our
+prisons. There is no other means of exit but the doors. I am very sorry
+to have raised your expectations."</p>
+
+<p>The girl, who had followed them eagerly from place to place as they
+examined the walls, held out her hands in protest at Harry's words.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, let me thank you for the ray of happiness you have brought me," she
+said, quickly.</p>
+
+<p>"I can't think that we have in any way lightened your burden, except
+that you may count on us to do anything in our power to help you, but I
+fear that is very little."</p>
+
+<p>"Ah, but you brought me news of him and&mdash;and the knowledge of the near
+presence of friends is cheering."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_179" id="Page_179">[Pg 179]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Yes, Miss Juanita, and I think you can bank on hearing more news from
+him in the very near future."</p>
+
+<p>"I hope so for&mdash;for all our sakes."</p>
+
+<p>"Now that we are literally up against a stone wall, I think we better
+climb back into our own cell before the guard takes it into his head to
+look around. Cheer up, Miss Juanita, Captain Dynamite will be on the
+march before long, I'll warrant you. Good night."</p>
+
+<p>"Good-night, my friends."</p>
+
+<p>"Now I wonder how the old stone works backwards?" said Harry, when they
+had returned to their own room.</p>
+
+<p>"Press the button and the stone will do the rest," said Bert, with a
+grim attempt at humor. He pressed the diamond-shaped stone as he spoke,
+but there was no answering creak, nor did the slab move.</p>
+
+<p>"It is not likely that the same spring does double duty. We will have to
+hunt up the other," said Harry. "Now, by all the laws of symmetry there
+should be another similar stone on the other side of the slab&mdash;and here
+it is."</p>
+
+<p>He pushed on this as he spoke, and at once the grinding sound began
+again and the stone slowly settled back into place.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, our discovery of the Don's secret in<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_180" id="Page_180">[Pg 180]</a></span>quisitorial passage does not
+appear to have done us much good," said Bert, as they stretched
+themselves out on their beds again.</p>
+
+<p>"I'm not so sure of that," replied Harry, thoughtfully. "I think I see a
+way by which at least one of us three can benefit by it."</p>
+
+<p>"How?"</p>
+
+<p>"Wait until I get it all thought out. In the meantime I am going to get
+a little more sleep."</p>
+
+<p>They did not return to their own cell any too soon, for they had no more
+than turned over for their second nap when a light flashed in their eyes
+and they sat up to find their silent jailor had opened the door
+noiselessly and was inspecting the room with the aid of a large lantern.
+He nodded his head in a satisfied way and passed out again.</p>
+
+<p>"Say, Hal, old man, this sort of thing is getting on my nerves," said
+Bert, when the man had gone.</p>
+
+<p>"I wouldn't mind a few streaks of daylight myself, Bert."</p>
+
+<p>Tired as they were, the boys' nerves were so worked upon that they were
+unable to go to sleep again and tossed on their cots until the gray dawn
+began to show through the windows. They lay in a sort of lethargy
+watching the sky grow brighter and brighter until they were aroused to
+action by the loud voices of men and the clanking of guns in the jail
+yard below.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_181" id="Page_181">[Pg 181]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Holloa, I wonder what's up now," said Harry, jumping up and climbing on
+the table to peer out.</p>
+
+<p>The yard was still full of dark shadows and the forms of men were not
+fully distinguishable, but Harry could make out a group of armed
+soldiers standing at ease, chatting and smoking cigarettes near one of
+the gray walls. An officer, apart from his men, strutted pompously up
+and down the yard.</p>
+
+<p>"I guess they must be going to drill," said Bert, who had climbed up
+beside Harry.</p>
+
+<p>"Pretty early for drill."</p>
+
+<p>"Time doesn't seem to cut any figure in this country. I've been doing
+something night and day ever since we struck the place. I should like to
+get home to a quiet life again."</p>
+
+<p>Another officer entered the yard and approached the man who paced to and
+fro. He handed him a paper which the other read, nodded as if in assent,
+and turning to the men gave an order in a sharp voice. The soldiers fell
+into a file of threes and at another word of command marched quickly
+into the jail, the officer following them, leisurely rolling a
+cigarette.</p>
+
+<p>In another moment the boys heard the tramp of feet at the lower end of
+the corridor outside of their cell.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_182" id="Page_182">[Pg 182]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Are they coming for us, do you think, Hal?" asked Bert, in a tremulous
+voice.</p>
+
+<p>The footsteps came nearer and nearer. Now they were just outside the
+door and the boys involuntarily caught their breath. They passed on
+without stopping and they heard them die away down the passage. Again
+there was silence and then a sound as if a heavy iron door had been
+closed with a bang. This was followed again by the regular tramp of the
+soldiers' feet as they returned along the corridor. They passed the door
+of the boys' cell and again the sound died away.</p>
+
+<p>Harry turned again to the window. The soldiers filed rapidly into the
+yard, but this time there was another in their ranks. A man in his shirt
+sleeves with his hands bound behind his back marched with head erect
+between the two middle ranks. He was a tall, muscular man, broad of
+shoulder and lithe of limb. His face was pale, but the expression was
+calm and determined. His step was firm and the soldiers at his back
+found no need to urge him on. They marched straight to the wall of the
+yard that faced the jail, and at a command from the officer, the
+soldiers parted, leaving the man standing with his back to the wall and
+facing his captors.</p>
+
+<p>As the soldiers fell back they formed ranks of six on either side of the
+prisoner, the butts of their<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_183" id="Page_183">[Pg 183]</a></span> rifles resting on the ground. Down this
+narrow human alley the commander strode until he stood face to face with
+the man against the wall. He spoke to him in Spanish and the prisoner
+replied briefly, at the same time lifting his head proudly and looking
+his questioner firmly in the eye. Although the boys could understand
+nothing that was said, it was easy to tell that the officer had made
+some offer which the other proudly rejected. The boys looked on with a
+feeling that they were about to witness a tragedy, but some strange
+fascination prevented them from turning away.</p>
+
+<p>The commander turned to the jail and lifted his hand as a signal. A
+friar in long solemn robes walked slowly down between the ranks of
+soldiers, his eyes fixed on the ground. As he reached the prisoner, he
+stopped in front of him and raised his head. In his thin, worn face
+there was an expression of gentle sorrow. He spoke a few words and
+raised a cross before the face of the other, who leaned eagerly forward
+and kissed it. The friar bowed his head and fell back a few paces. In a
+low voice he repeated what was apparently a prayer, and then once more
+holding the cross for a moment before the eyes of the doomed man, he
+turned and walked slowly back to the jail, his lips still moving in
+prayer.</p>
+
+<p>A man stepped out of the ranks and tied a silk<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_184" id="Page_184">[Pg 184]</a></span> handkerchief over the
+eyes of the prisoner. The boys, watching breathlessly through the bars
+of the window, were pale with the horror of the scene. They now
+understood the tragedy that was about to be enacted, but they could not
+shake off the desire to look.</p>
+
+<p>The soldier moved back into the ranks, there was another sharp command
+and the lines wheeled and marched in a single rank of twelve back to the
+jail wall. They were now directly under the boys and out of their line
+of vision. All they could see was the man with the bound hands and
+bandaged eyes standing calmly facing them.</p>
+
+<p>There was another quick command, followed instantly by a rattle of arms.</p>
+
+<p>The boys cast off the spell that had held them, and with a cry of horror
+jumped down from the table and throwing themselves on the beds placed
+their hands over their ears.</p>
+
+<p>Another command in a low tone, and the discharge of twelve guns as one
+ended it.</p>
+
+<p>"I hope she did not see," said Harry, raising his white face.</p>
+
+<p>He had scarcely uttered the words, when the wild shriek of a woman rang
+out on the morning air.</p>
+
+<p>A loud, coarse laugh from the jail yard followed the pitiful cry and
+Harry clenched his hand in futile anger.</p>
+
+
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_185" id="Page_185">[Pg 185]</a></span></p>
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XVI" id="CHAPTER_XVI"></a>CHAPTER XVI</h2>
+
+<h3><span class="smcap">The Escape</span></h3>
+
+
+<p>It was sometime before the boys recovered from the unpleasant effects of
+the scene they had witnessed in the jail yard.</p>
+
+<p>"I wonder who he was?" said Bert, after a long silence.</p>
+
+<p>"Probably an insurgent. But whoever he was, he was a brave man."</p>
+
+<p>The door of their cell quietly opened at this moment and a man brought
+food and set it on the table. The boys, who had not eaten anything for
+many hours, disposed of the porridge and some mysterious sort of meat
+stew with relish. They had scarcely finished their meal when the cell
+door opened again and the gentleman with the genial smile, who had acted
+as interpreter, appeared.</p>
+
+<p>"Good morning," he said, cheerily. "Did you sleep well?"</p>
+
+<p>"Very well, thank you," replied Harry, wondering what the purpose of the
+man's visit might be.</p>
+
+<p>"Thought I would drop in and see if there was any message you would like
+to send to the general or to Consul Wyman."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_186" id="Page_186">[Pg 186]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"You mean that you were sent to see if we were ready to talk yet, don't
+you?"</p>
+
+<p>"Just a different way of putting it."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, you may tell General What-You-May-Call-Him that we have nothing
+more to say than we said yesterday; and you may also inform him that our
+situation is known to our friends by this time, and that he will be held
+to a strict accounting by Uncle Sam for this outrage upon two American
+citizens."</p>
+
+<p>"You have communicated with your friends&mdash;how?"</p>
+
+<p>The genial smile on the man's face faded into a look of surprise and
+anxiety. He glanced quickly around the room to see if there was any
+means by which they could have communicated with the outside world.</p>
+
+<p>"That is another one of those questions that we claim the privilege of
+refusing to answer."</p>
+
+<p>"I will deliver your message, but I warn you that it will not be well
+for you to arouse the anger of General Serano. He fears no one."</p>
+
+<p>"It is entirely up to the general whether he gets angry or not. I really
+do not see any necessity for it."</p>
+
+<p>"Will you send any message to Consul Wyman?"</p>
+
+<p>"No&mdash;yes, come to think of it, I should like<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_187" id="Page_187">[Pg 187]</a></span> to speak to Mr. Wyman.
+Will you ask him if it will be too much trouble for him to see us here?"</p>
+
+<p>"General Serano will be pleased to furnish you with an escort to the
+consul's. The air will do you good this morning."</p>
+
+<p>"When I go to the American consul I shall go without an escort, as you
+call it&mdash;guard I think would be more like it."</p>
+
+<p>The man shrugged his shoulders.</p>
+
+<p>"I will send your message to the consul," he said.</p>
+
+<p>"What do you want of the consul, Hal?" asked Bert, when the man had
+gone.</p>
+
+<p>"He is a part of my secret-passage plot, but I do not know whether he
+will be game or not."</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Wyman did not keep them waiting long. He bustled in behind the
+turnkey and greeted them heartily.</p>
+
+<p>"Good morning, boys," he said. "I understand you want to see me. I hope
+you have changed your minds and will now sensibly answer the general's
+questions and set yourselves at liberty."</p>
+
+<p>"No, Mr. Wyman, we will never do that&mdash;at least not until we know that
+the one we might injure by so doing is quite safe. We did think,
+however, sir, that we would like to take you into our confidence."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_188" id="Page_188">[Pg 188]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"The best thing you can do, boys. I may be able to help you out of your
+trouble; at least, I can act with more intelligence in your interests."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, sir, so we thought," answered Harry meekly, glancing at Bert, who
+sat open mouthed, utterly in ignorance of Harry's plans. "Do you think
+there is any chance of our being disturbed?" he continued, looking at
+the door.</p>
+
+<p>"None whatever. The man with the key will not open the door until I rap
+three times."</p>
+
+<p>"Very well, sir, if you will take that chair I shall be quite
+comfortable here on the bed."</p>
+
+<p>The consul drew his chair up close to Harry and sat down. Bert also
+seated himself on the bed. Beginning with the wreck of their sail boat,
+Harry then told Mr. Wyman in sequence the events that had led up to
+their present incarceration in a Spanish jail in Cuba.</p>
+
+<p>"Now, sir," he said, as he concluded, "you can understand why we cannot
+tell anything that will in any way bring harm to Captain Dynamite."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, yes," said the consul, who had been deeply interested in the boy's
+story. "A marvelous man, and there are many more like him in the service
+of Cuba. I believe they will win. I&mdash;I hope they will win."</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Wyman lowered his voice and looked around the room as if to see
+whether there was<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_189" id="Page_189">[Pg 189]</a></span> anyone to overhear him. Harry looked at him in
+surprise.</p>
+
+<p>"I thought you were a Spanish sympathizer, Mr. Wyman," he said.</p>
+
+<p>"Diplomacy, my boy, only diplomacy."</p>
+
+<p>"I am very glad to hear you say so, sir; you may fall in with my plan
+quicker."</p>
+
+<p>"What plan?" asked the consul, suspiciously.</p>
+
+<p>"I will tell you presently, but I have not finished my story yet. You
+see that wall?" Harry pointed to the wall between their cell and the one
+occupied by Miss Juanita. The consul nodded. "Behind that wall is a
+young woman&mdash;a Cuban sympathizer&mdash;who is awaiting torture, perhaps
+death, at the hands of her captors, because she will not betray the
+cause. And that young woman is Miss Juanita, the sweetheart of Captain
+Dynamite."</p>
+
+<p>"How do you know this, boys?" asked Mr. Wyman, springing to his feet in
+excitement.</p>
+
+<p>"Do you see that big slab in the wall?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes."</p>
+
+<p>"That closes a secret passage between this room and hers. Last night we
+accidentally touched the spring that rolls back the stone, and we talked
+to her. If you can depend upon our not being disturbed, I will open it
+now and you can see for yourself."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_190" id="Page_190">[Pg 190]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"I will answer for the man with the key. He now and then gets a little
+present from me. I find it convenient to be in touch with all hands.
+Diplomacy, my boy, diplomacy."</p>
+
+<p>Harry stepped to the wall and pressed the diamond-shaped stone. The
+groaning and creaking of the rusty mechanism of the revolving stone
+began and in five minutes the passage was open. Harry peered through and
+started back with a cry.</p>
+
+<p>The young woman lay face downward on the stone floor of her cell.</p>
+
+<p>"Miss Juanita," called Harry, softly. "What is the matter? Get up. It is
+your friends again."</p>
+
+<p>She did not stir.</p>
+
+<p>"She may be dead," said Harry, in fear, as he climbed through the
+passage. He kneeled down beside her and turned her limp body over so
+that he could see her face. "No, she still breathes."</p>
+
+<p>"Perhaps she has fainted," said Mr. Wyman from the other side of the
+passage. "Take some water from that pitcher there and bathe her face."</p>
+
+<p>Harry did as directed and soon a faint sigh escaped from her pallid
+lips, and in a moment more she opened her eyes and looked up, dazed and
+frightened.</p>
+
+<p>"Do not be afraid, Miss Juanita," said Harry, nervously. "It is the
+American boys again. What has happened?"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_191" id="Page_191">[Pg 191]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"I think I fainted," she said, weakly. "Oh, it's all so terrible."</p>
+
+<p>Painfully she dragged herself to her feet and sank into a chair that
+Harry placed for her.</p>
+
+<p>"What is so terrible?" he asked.</p>
+
+<p>"First the shooting in the jail yard this morning. Did you see it?"
+Harry nodded his head. "I cried out. I tried not to, but the horror was
+too great. They laughed. They had wrung from me the first sign of
+womanly weakness. Then they came to me and repeated their demands for
+information. But I was strong again and they left me with curses.
+To-morrow I shall stand where he did in the jail yard. I must have
+fainted when they left me. But do not mind. It is soon over. Tell him
+when you see him that I died bravely for&mdash;for him and the cause."</p>
+
+<p>The woman buried her face in her hands and sobbed softly.</p>
+
+<p>"Do you mean, Miss," asked Mr. Wyman anxiously, through the opening,
+"that they told you that to-morrow&mdash;that to-morrow&mdash;&mdash;" He could not
+finish the sentence, but she understood him and nodded her head.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes&mdash;to-morrow&mdash;at dawn."</p>
+
+<p>Harry stooped down and whispered:</p>
+
+<p>"Do not fear, Miss Juanita, it will not be at dawn to-morrow, nor any
+other day. But much<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_192" id="Page_192">[Pg 192]</a></span> will depend upon yourself, so dry your eyes, Miss,
+and be ready to do your part when the time comes."</p>
+
+<p>The woman looked up at him wonderingly.</p>
+
+<p>"Have you heard from him?" she asked.</p>
+
+<p>"Not yet, but you will if you will only arouse yourself a bit and be
+ready to do as I tell you when I come back."</p>
+
+<p>Harry turned from her quickly and hastily climbing through the passage,
+touched the spring that closed it.</p>
+
+<p>"Now, Mr. Wyman," he said, as the stone rolled into place. "You have
+seen and heard."</p>
+
+<p>"What an outrage&mdash;what a horrible outrage," murmured the consul, gazing
+blankly ahead of him.</p>
+
+<p>"Will you listen to my plan now, Mr. Wyman?" said Harry.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, yes," replied the consul, eagerly. "What is it?"</p>
+
+<p>Harry drew him down on the bed beside him and in a whisper that even
+Bert could not hear, unfolded the scheme that had come suddenly into his
+head in nebulous shape when they had discovered the secret passage.</p>
+
+<p>"But think of the sacrifice," said the consul in an uncertain tone when
+Harry had concluded.</p>
+
+<p>"Never mind that, sir&mdash;that is for me to consider, and I have done so. I
+am willing to take the chance."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_193" id="Page_193">[Pg 193]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"But if you come to my house I shall be at once connected with the
+escape and that would bring my office into disrepute. I do not care for
+myself, but the United States must not be brought into the case."</p>
+
+<p>"But if I never reach your house you cannot in any way be responsible.
+Listen&mdash;all you have to do is to tell General What's-His-Name that I
+have promised you to tell the whole truth in regard to our landing, but
+that I insist that I shall be paroled and permitted to visit you alone
+and without guard. Bert will remain as hostage, so that there can be no
+suspicion."</p>
+
+<p>"Say, Hal," said Bert, nervously, "you are not going to leave me here
+alone?"</p>
+
+<p>"Not for long, old man. What do you say, Mr. Wyman? Think how you would
+feel if these men carried out their threat, and they are quite capable
+of it."</p>
+
+<p>"I'll do my best, my boy. Your risk is the greater, but it is a noble
+act."</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Wyman rose and shook Harry's hand vigorously. He rapped three times
+on the door and as the jailer opened it he turned again and said: "You
+will hear from me shortly, when I have laid your case before General
+Serano."</p>
+
+<p>"Say, Hal," said Bert, as soon as the door closed, "what is this plan of
+yours, and why am I kept in the dark like an outsider?"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_194" id="Page_194">[Pg 194]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Because I want to take all the responsibility and do not want to have
+you mixed up in it if it should fail."</p>
+
+<p>"But I am willing to take equal chances with you, old man. It isn't
+fair."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, yes, it is. You will understand later."</p>
+
+<p>Bert moped for a time in resentment, but as Harry refused to be affected
+by his mood, he soon cheered up and determined to watch for developments
+that might enlighten him as to the plot that Harry and the consul were
+hatching. But nothing developed. A guard brought in their dinner and it
+was nearly nightfall before their door opened again and the smiling
+interpreter entered.</p>
+
+<p>"So you have thought better of it, after all, young gentlemen?" he said.</p>
+
+<p>"I do not know whether it is better or worse, but we have thought
+differently, if that's what you mean," answered Harry.</p>
+
+<p>"I mean that you have decided to tell the general what he wants to
+know."</p>
+
+<p>"No, I have decided to tell Consul Wyman."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, but he will tell the general."</p>
+
+<p>"That will be his concern."</p>
+
+<p>"Very well. Here is a pass from General Serano through the guards. When
+you are<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_195" id="Page_195">[Pg 195]</a></span> ready to go, rap three times on the door and it will be opened.
+Only one of you is to leave this place; the pass is for only one. Should
+both of you attempt to use it you would be at once arrested. I simply
+warn you."</p>
+
+<p>"Thank you. We have no intention of trying to escape. We enjoy your
+hospitality too much and the longer we board with you the longer the
+score you will have to settle with Uncle Sam."</p>
+
+<p>Harry took the pass from the man, who then left the cell.</p>
+
+<p>"Now to work, Bert," said Harry, eagerly, as the door closed. "Listen!
+When it is dark I am going through the passage. You must close it at
+once, so that in case any one should come in it will not be discovered."</p>
+
+<p>"But suppose the jailor should come in; how can I account for your
+absence?"</p>
+
+<p>"You cannot understand him nor he you, and he would probably rush off to
+make a report of my escape. Before his return I will be back. But that
+will not be very likely to happen. When I have been in the other cell
+ten minutes, open the passage again, and when I come through do not
+speak, no matter what you may see or hear. Then close the passage at
+once. Do you understand?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_196" id="Page_196">[Pg 196]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"And after I have left this room see to it that the door is safely
+closed again, and then once more open the passage."</p>
+
+<p>"What for?"</p>
+
+<p>"Never mind that now. Do you know what you are to do?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes; close and open the passage twice and say nothing."</p>
+
+<p>"That's it."</p>
+
+<p>They did not have to wait long for darkness. Night was now falling
+rapidly. They sat in silence as the dark shadows began to fill the room.
+Harry was in a serious, thoughtful mood and talked but little. Finally,
+when the room became so dark that they could not see one another's
+faces, he rose.</p>
+
+<p>"It is time now, Bert," he whispered. "Remember your part."</p>
+
+<p>He stepped to the wall and groping around until he found the spring,
+pressed it and the stone began to revolve. When the passage was fully
+open, he peered through into the darkness of the other cell, and
+whispered:</p>
+
+<p>"Miss Juanita, do not be afraid; it is the American boys. Are you
+there?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes," came a soft answer.</p>
+
+<p>Harry climbed through the passage and Bert promptly touched the spring
+that closed it. The<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_197" id="Page_197">[Pg 197]</a></span> heavy stone moved slowly back into place and Bert
+was alone.</p>
+
+<p>He had no watch, so he counted the seconds. The ten minutes seemed an
+hour to him. At last they passed and he opened the passage again. For
+some reason he expected to see Harry and the young woman climb through,
+but only the form of the boy appeared in the gloom. He waited a moment
+to be sure that the girl did not follow, and then closed the passage. As
+the stone settled into place, the form moved quickly to the door and
+rapped three times. Almost instantly it swung open and the jailor with
+his lantern stood without. As the boy's form glided silently out past
+the stolid turnkey, Bert started back and with difficulty suppressed a
+cry of amazement. For a moment the light of the lantern had fallen on
+the face of the form in the doorway.</p>
+
+
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_198" id="Page_198">[Pg 198]</a></span></p>
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XVII" id="CHAPTER_XVII"></a>CHAPTER XVII</h2>
+
+<h3>"<span class="smcap">You Will Be Shot as Spies</span>"</h3>
+
+
+<p>When Bert had somewhat recovered from his surprise, he rushed to the
+wall and pressed the spring to open the passage. A form in girl's
+clothes climbed quickly through, but it was the voice of Harry that
+whispered:</p>
+
+<p>"Hustle, Bert, and close the passage. No telling when they may discover
+that the bird has flown. I must get under cover with these duds on."</p>
+
+<p>He jumped into bed and drew the sheet up close around his neck.</p>
+
+<p>"I'm quite ill, you know; sudden attack of malaria. Can't receive any
+callers."</p>
+
+<p>"Has Miss Juanita gone to see the consul?" asked Bert.</p>
+
+<p>"Not unless the consul has taken a trip to the mountains."</p>
+
+<p>"What do you mean&mdash;why don't you let me in on your plot now that you
+seem to have carried it out successfully?"</p>
+
+<p>"Can't be sure of success just yet, but I think it will work."</p>
+
+<p>"And when do we get out?"</p>
+
+<p>"I don't know; maybe we are in it tighter than<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_199" id="Page_199">[Pg 199]</a></span> ever. Sure to be if they
+find that we or rather I had anything to do with her escape, and I guess
+they must sooner or later."</p>
+
+<p>"Where has she gone?"</p>
+
+<p>"I hope by this time she is pretty well out of the town, headed for the
+open between here and the mountains. In the darkness she is all right
+and the deception will not be discovered. She makes a very good boy and
+as she is about the same heighth as I am my clothes fit her first rate.
+The pass will carry her through the lines all right and as she knows the
+country like a book, I hope she may make the mountains and the road to
+Cubitas before daylight. If she does she is safe, and I have a strong
+conviction that she will meet Captain Dynamite on the march before
+midday to-morrow. And gee, what a meeting that will be&mdash;I should like to
+be there and see the expression on big O'Connor's face when he sees
+her."</p>
+
+<p>"Then your plan did not have anything to do with our release from this
+place?"</p>
+
+<p>"Nope&mdash;only Miss Juanita's. She was in danger; we are not."</p>
+
+<p>"We may be after this."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, but I think we can depend upon O'Connor. Mason and Washington
+should have reached him by this time."</p>
+
+<p>"What can he do to help us?"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_200" id="Page_200">[Pg 200]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"I don't know, Bert, but I think he is the sort of man who will find
+something to do."</p>
+
+<p>"What are you going to do for clothes?"</p>
+
+<p>"That's another problem that will have to work itself out. Meanwhile I
+shall have to stick to Miss Juanita's dress. Didn't you think it fitted
+well? I shall have to have it let out around the waist a little, I
+think. I guess they don't serve any supper in this hotel, and as I got
+very little sleep last night, I think I will take a snooze while we wait
+for something to happen."</p>
+
+<p>Harry was soon fast asleep, but Bert, though also very tired, was more
+anxious as to the outcome of their affairs and sat for a long time on
+the edge of his bed, thinking. The moon rose in a clear sky and cast two
+bright beams through the barred windows and across the prison floor.
+Bert's revery was disturbed by the sound of hurrying feet in the
+corridor and the clamor of loud voices approaching their cell.</p>
+
+<p>"I guess something's going to happen," said Bert, nervously to himself.
+"Perhaps I better be asleep, too." He rolled over onto the bed and
+appeared to be deep in slumber when the door was thrown open roughly and
+three men entered the room. They were General Serano, who was scowling
+darkly; Consul Wyman and the ever-smiling interpreter.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_201" id="Page_201">[Pg 201]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"I wonder why he always mixes up in everything," thought Bert as he
+peeked at their visitors out of the corner of his eye.</p>
+
+<p>Serano stopped just beyond the threshold and in surprise pointed to the
+two occupied beds. Then he said something in Spanish to Mr. Wyman, who
+replied calmly:</p>
+
+<p>"I told you that neither of them had been at my house. You see for
+yourself that they are both here. There must be some mistake."</p>
+
+<p>"But there can be no mistake about one of them having left this place
+within two hours," said the interpreter. "The jailer let him out."</p>
+
+<p>"Then he must have let him in again, for there they both are soundly
+sleeping."</p>
+
+<p>"But the jailor says that he did not, and it was the boy's long absence
+that caused the general to send me to your house to see if he was there.
+You have not seen him; some one unquestionably left the prison; no one
+has returned and yet they are both here&mdash;what does it mean?"</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Wyman shrugged his shoulders and turned to the general.</p>
+
+<p>"The boys indicated to me that they were ready to give the information
+that you desired. I made arrangements as you know, to have one of them
+come to my house and there tell his story.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_202" id="Page_202">[Pg 202]</a></span> Neither of them came.
+Perhaps they changed their minds."</p>
+
+<p>"Let us question them."</p>
+
+<p>The interpreter stepped to Bert's bedside and as he did so the boy sat
+up and rubbed his eyes as if just awakened.</p>
+
+<p>"Good evening, gentlemen. Good evening, Mr. Wyman. What can we do for
+you? Is it morning yet?"</p>
+
+<p>"Did either of you leave the prison to-night?" asked the interpreter
+quickly, without preliminary. Bert, who was entirely ignorant of what
+course Harry intended to pursue, dared not answer, fearing that he might
+undo some of his companion's plans.</p>
+
+<p>"Why, I've been asleep for some time and my friend has a bad attack of
+malaria," he answered yawning. "I see that is moonlight and not
+daybreak. Can't you call around in the morning on your way to breakfast?
+We'd ask you to take a bite with us, but I do not think you would like
+the bill of fare."</p>
+
+<p>"Will you or not answer a plain question? The general waits."</p>
+
+<p>"Tell the general not to let me detain him. Ask him to drop in in the
+morning, too, when he has more time."</p>
+
+<p>The man turned to Serano and shook his head.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_203" id="Page_203">[Pg 203]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"They are impossible, sir."</p>
+
+<p>Bert saw an amused smile creep around the corners of the consul's mouth.</p>
+
+<p>"Let us try the other."</p>
+
+<p>As he spoke the general touched Harry on the shoulder. The boy drew the
+sheet closer around his neck, and murmured:</p>
+
+<p>"Please go 'way."</p>
+
+<p>"We only want to know if you left the prison to-night to see Mr. Wyman.
+He is here with us."</p>
+
+<p>"No, I haven't been out of your old prison since you put us here."</p>
+
+<p>"But you intended to go."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, but I changed my mind. I'm very apt to do that. I'm sorry if it
+put you out any, but I do not see why you couldn't wait until morning
+for my apologies."</p>
+
+<p>"But the jailor says he let one of you out to-night and that no one
+returned."</p>
+
+<p>"Your jailor is very silly. If he let one of us out and didn't let him
+back how could we both be here now? I don't want to cast any reflections
+on General What's-His-Name's intellect, but I should think he might
+figure that out for himself. Come around in the morning and we will talk
+it over. But I should advise you to look around for another jailor. This
+one's imagination is too strong."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_204" id="Page_204">[Pg 204]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Then if you did not leave the jail and you have changed your mind, you
+have no use for that pass that General Serano sent you," said the
+interpreter, with his genial smile. Bert looked at Harry in dismay. How
+was he to get out of this snarl?</p>
+
+<p>"No, that's quite true. Bert, will you get the pass for the general out
+of the pocket of my coat on the chair there?"</p>
+
+<p>"Your coat is not here, Hal," said Bert in apparent surprise as he
+stepped to the chair.</p>
+
+<p>"Not there? What nonsense. Tell the general that I shall hold his jailor
+responsible for my clothes. How under the sun am I to go about in my
+underclothes. It is not the value of the suit at all. It is pretty well
+used up now, but it's the principle of the thing."</p>
+
+<p>As Harry talked he thrashed about under the bed-clothing as if in anger.</p>
+
+<p>"And then there was nothing of importance in the pockets&mdash;no papers that
+could be of any possible value to any one. It is an outrage&mdash;tell
+General What-You-May-Call-Him that I consider it an outrage on a
+helpless prisoner to have his clothing sneaked away in the middle of the
+night, either for the profit of the jailor or the possible information
+of his captors. Mr. Wyman, is there nothing that can be done in this
+matter?"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_205" id="Page_205">[Pg 205]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>General Serano spoke a few words to the interpreter, who promptly
+repeated them with evident glee.</p>
+
+<p>"The general says you are to get out of bed."</p>
+
+<p>"It's all up now," thought Bert, and his face turned a shade paler.</p>
+
+<p>"The general is inconsiderate; however, since he insists I will take the
+chances of another chill."</p>
+
+<p>As Harry spoke he drew his legs up from under the sheet and stood down
+on the floor clad only in his underclothing. He had somehow managed to
+slip out of the girl's dress while he protested against the
+disappearance of his clothing. Bert drew a breath of relief; but the
+respite was brief. General Serano, either thoughtlessly or by design,
+threw back the sheet from Harry's bed as soon as he touched the floor
+and disclosed the dress from which he had with difficulty extricated
+himself.</p>
+
+<p>"Whose is this?" demanded the general, pouncing on the garment and
+holding it out for inspection.</p>
+
+<p>"Whose is this?" repeated the interpreter like a parrot.</p>
+
+<p>"How should I know," answered Harry.</p>
+
+<p>"Probably belongs to one of your former tenants."</p>
+
+<p>"It's a woman's dress."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, it looks like it. Better look up your register and see who had
+this room last."</p>
+
+<p>At this moment there was a sound of hurrying footsteps in the corridor
+accompanied by a volley<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_206" id="Page_206">[Pg 206]</a></span> of Spanish expletives uttered in a frightened
+voice.</p>
+
+<p>"I wonder what's going to happen now," whispered Harry to Bert. "These
+people are so full of life it makes me tired to watch them."</p>
+
+<p>The turnkey burst into the room with hands uplifted and eyes bulging. He
+spoke a few panting words to General Serano who seized him by the neck
+in anger.</p>
+
+<p>"She is gone, fool? How can she be gone unless you let her out?"</p>
+
+<p>Then, as if struck by a sudden thought, he dropped his hold on the man
+and turning to Mr. Wyman, held out Juanita's dress excitedly.</p>
+
+<p>"See, she is gone."</p>
+
+<p>"Who is gone?" asked the consul, calmly.</p>
+
+<p>"She&mdash;she in the next cell. This dress is here; the boy's clothes are
+gone and some one left this room to-night."</p>
+
+<p>"You mean to infer that the boys contrived the escape of the woman in
+the next cell?" asked Mr. Wyman.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, yes, what other inference is there?"</p>
+
+<p>"But can you explain how they could have communicated with her, how they
+could have exchanged clothes and how she could have left this cell?"</p>
+
+<p>"No, no, I cannot explain that, but here is the evidence&mdash;here and
+there;" and he pointed excitedly to the wall of the next cell.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_207" id="Page_207">[Pg 207]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"The irascible old general seems to be wise on the passage," said Harry,
+under his breath.</p>
+
+<p>"How can that be evidence if you cannot explain it, general?" asked the
+consul, gravely.</p>
+
+<p>"No, he's not on, after all," whispered Bert.</p>
+
+<p>"They shall explain," said the general, sternly pointing to the boys.</p>
+
+<p>"We're in it again," said Bert. "I wish he wouldn't do that. It makes me
+nervous."</p>
+
+<p>The general seemed to be working himself into a fury. He raised his
+voice as he delivered what was apparently an ultimatum to the consul.</p>
+
+<p>"No, no, not that," cried Mr. Wyman, in frightened protest.</p>
+
+<p>Without a word in reply General Serano turned on his heel and strode out
+of the room.</p>
+
+<p>"What did the angry gentleman say, Mr. Wyman?" asked Harry.</p>
+
+<p>"He said that if you did not explain the disappearance of Miss Juanita
+within forty-eight hours you would be taken out into the jail yard and
+shot as spies."</p>
+
+<p>"Ah, Miss Juanita, eh. Then they know her," said the genial interpreter
+as he slunk from the room. "I must tell General Serano."</p>
+
+<p>Before the eyes of the boys there rose with vivid distinctness the
+picture of the jail yard at dawn.</p>
+
+
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_208" id="Page_208">[Pg 208]</a></span></p>
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XVIII" id="CHAPTER_XVIII"></a>CHAPTER XVIII</h2>
+
+<h3><span class="smcap">Captain Dynamite Finds Juanita</span></h3>
+
+
+<p>While these events had been transpiring in the Spanish town, Captain
+Dynamite had not been idle. As the last man of the little Cuban army
+filed down the mountain-side, he rose from his chair, and tightening his
+belt stretched his big body as was his custom when any action was
+imminent.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, my lad, I must be off. There is no time to spare if we hope to be
+of use. You will remain at Cubitas and when it is all over I will send
+Washington and a squad to pick you up."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, no you won't, Cap. When it's all over I shall be right where you
+are."</p>
+
+<p>O'Connor could not repress a laugh. Mason bristled with indignation at
+the thought of being left behind.</p>
+
+<p>"There may be a good bit of fighting, my lad," said O'Connor.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, I'm not spoiling for a scrap, but I can't stay behind when I may
+be of some use to the fellows. Better let me go along with you, Cap, for
+I shall be close on your trail if you don't."</p>
+
+<p>"Suppose I have you locked up for safe keeping?"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_209" id="Page_209">[Pg 209]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Now you wouldn't do that, Cap, would you? You can't expect a fellow to
+sit still and chew his thumbs in safety while his chums are in danger.
+You wouldn't do it, would you?"</p>
+
+<p>"All right, youngster, come along. I don't blame you for wanting to have
+a hand in it. And you may be of some use after all."</p>
+
+<p>"I hope you will give me a try, Cap," said the Midget, straightening up
+his small form boldly.</p>
+
+<p>"Do you think you can stand the tramp? You haven't had much sleep and
+you may not get any more for twenty-four hours."</p>
+
+<p>"That little nap I got on the bench was as good as a night's rest.
+Besides, this country is so strenuous one doesn't need much sleep
+anyway. I think if I lived here long I should give up sleeping as a
+useless accomplishment."</p>
+
+<p>They started on down the mountain and before daybreak had overtaken the
+men camped on the bank of the narrow stream where they were preparing
+breakfast. O'Connor and Mason joined Gomez and his staff. They ate a
+light meal and were ready for the march again. The men all seemed to
+know O'Connor and the officers saluted him respectfully as he passed
+among them. After a conference with the general the latter called one of
+the officers to him, and said:</p>
+
+<p>"Captain Dynamite is in command. You will<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_210" id="Page_210">[Pg 210]</a></span> take your orders from him.
+With your company he will take the lead in the advance."</p>
+
+<p>The man saluted and then turned to O'Connor for instructions.</p>
+
+<p>"Report to me when you are ready to move."</p>
+
+<p>"I am ready now, sir."</p>
+
+<p>"Very well, detach your company and cross the ford. We will keep about
+half a mile in advance of the main body until I give you other
+instructions. Deploy your men in twos and advance as rapidly as you can.
+You know the rendezvous and understand the necessity for caution. That
+is all."</p>
+
+<p>The man saluted and in five minutes his men were fording the stream with
+O'Connor and Mason close in their rear. Across the open valley they made
+rapid progress, the men marching in regular order, but when they reached
+the wooded country at the foot of the next mountain the officer in
+command gave an order in Spanish and the men deployed in twos and
+disappeared like shadows into the brush. In a moment not a man was to be
+seen, and as O'Connor and Mason entered the woods there was not even a
+sound to be heard that would indicate that fifty men were making their
+way through the thick bushes ahead of them.</p>
+
+<p>The route O'Connor followed was not so pre<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_211" id="Page_211">[Pg 211]</a></span>cipitous as that taken by
+Washington and they reached the summit of the mountain by noon. Still
+O'Connor pushed on, stopping only to drink from a mountain stream and to
+dash the cool water over his head and face, an example that Mason
+quickly followed. They had scarcely spoken since leaving the ford,
+O'Connor saving breath for the work in hand. Once or twice he had turned
+to the Midget who toiled manfully on at his side and asked him if he
+felt tired. Satisfied with the boy's ready answer that he was "all
+right," he would plod on again.</p>
+
+<p>They had made their way about a mile down the mountain side when an
+officer stepped out of the bushes in front of them and saluted O'Connor.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, what is it?" asked the captain in Spanish.</p>
+
+<p>"A scout has brought in a prisoner."</p>
+
+<p>"Who is he?"</p>
+
+<p>"A boy. He is apparently faint from exhaustion."</p>
+
+<p>"A boy?" said O'Connor, wonderingly. "I wonder if they can have
+escaped?" He repeated the man's words to Mason who despite his own
+fatigue, leaped and capered wildly.</p>
+
+<p>"It's Hal Hamilton, I'll bet," he said joyfully. "They must have
+escaped. Trust Hal to fool the Dons."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_212" id="Page_212">[Pg 212]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"He knows the countersign and your name, sir, and he keeps repeating
+them in a dazed way. That's why the captain thought you might want to
+see him."</p>
+
+<p>"I guess it's one of the boys all right, but I wonder where the other
+is. If I know them as I think I do one would not leave without the
+other. Where is he?" he asked turning again to the man.</p>
+
+<p>"About a mile below, sir. We found him lying in a little clearing."</p>
+
+<p>"All right, I will go to him."</p>
+
+<p>"Ask him how he was dressed," said Mason as they hastened on.</p>
+
+<p>The man described the boy's suit as well as he could.</p>
+
+<p>"That's Hal, sure," said Mason when the reply had been translated to
+him. "Bert can't be far away."</p>
+
+<p>"Did he have light hair?"</p>
+
+<p>The man shook his head.</p>
+
+<p>"Black," he answered.</p>
+
+<p>"Pshaw, he's made a mistake. It must be Hal."</p>
+
+<p>As they entered the clearing the prisoner sat with his back against a
+tree. His head was turned almost away from them, but Mason recognized
+the clothing and rushed forward with a glad cry.</p>
+
+<p>"Cheer up, Hal, old man," he shouted as he bounded across the clearing
+and dropped on his<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_213" id="Page_213">[Pg 213]</a></span> knees at the boy's side. He was on his feet in a
+moment, his face scared and white.</p>
+
+<p>"It's not Hal, Cap," he whispered as O'Connor approached at a more
+dignified pace. "But he's got Hal's clothes on."</p>
+
+<p>"What mystery is this?" said the big man as he strode around so that he
+could see the face of the prisoner. The next moment he turned as white
+as marble, but his eyes gleamed with joy as he sank down and took the
+almost inanimate form in his arms.</p>
+
+<p>"Juanita," he gasped. "Thank God, you are safe. Quick boy, some water."</p>
+
+<p>"Thunder, it's a girl," said Mason as he stooped and looked into the
+face that was now resting on Captain Dynamite's shoulder. He brought
+some water in his cap and O'Connor bathed the girl's head and chafed her
+hands until she began to show some signs of returning vitality. She
+raised her head and looked around in a dazed manner. Then her eyes fell
+on O'Connor.</p>
+
+<p>"Michael," she whispered, and her head sank again on his shoulder with a
+sigh of relief.</p>
+
+<p>The men knew well the story of O'Connor's love and they silently
+withdrew from the glade leaving only Mason and an orderly with the
+strangely reunited couple. Finally Juanita was strong enough to sit up
+and leaning back against the tree<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_214" id="Page_214">[Pg 214]</a></span> again, she smiled into O'Connor's
+anxious eyes.</p>
+
+<p>"I could go no further, Michael," she whispered, "but I thought you
+would find me here."</p>
+
+<p>"How did you escape, Juanita?" asked O'Connor, softly.</p>
+
+<p>"Ah, yes, the brave American boys saved me. Oh, I fear they will suffer
+much for it. I tried not to go for they are suspected already of being
+Cuban spies and this will make it worse for them; but the one they call
+Hal would listen to no reason, no argument. They had a friend in the
+American consul, he said, who would look out for them and I&mdash;I was
+already doomed."</p>
+
+<p>"Doomed," repeated O'Connor, starting forward, his eyes snapping.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, it was to have been this morning at dawn."</p>
+
+<p>O'Connor choked back something suspiciously like a sob and for a few
+minutes neither spoke. The man was thinking with a chill at his heart
+how near to death she had been. Then he beckoned to Mason.</p>
+
+<p>"Come here, youngster, and hear what your brave comrades have been
+doing. This is the young woman we set out from the <i>Mariella</i> to save.
+Your friends have done that nobly for us; now we must return the
+compliment with proper interest."</p>
+
+<p>The Midget bowed gravely and sat down on the ground beside O'Connor.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_215" id="Page_215">[Pg 215]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"They are resourceful youngsters, Juanita, as I have reason to know, but
+how under the sun did they manage it? I see you are wearing the suit of
+one of them."</p>
+
+<p>"Their cell was next to mine. Night before last they heard me crying at
+my window. They could not see me but they spoke and asked me what they
+could do to help me. There was nothing to be done, so we talked and they
+tried to cheer me up and in some way they learned who I was and
+they&mdash;they told me you were safe and then I didn't mind so much. Then
+the guard came and we had to go away from the windows. As one of them
+jumped down from the table on which they had been standing, he touched
+the spring of an old secret passage between the cells. The next day, I
+don't know how, they got a pass from General Serano to visit the
+American consul. The pass was good anywhere within the lines. That
+night, just after dark, they touched the secret spring and rolled back
+the rock between the cells and one of them insisted that I should put on
+his suit and take the pass and escape. As I have told you he would
+listen to no form of argument and in the darkness of the cell I put on
+his clothes and he took my dress. I felt so strangely that I was sure
+the deceit must be discovered at once, but no one questioned me<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_216" id="Page_216">[Pg 216]</a></span> from
+the time I left the prison until I passed safely through the lines."</p>
+
+<p>"Hooray for Hal Hamilton," shouted Mason, enthusiastically. He had
+listened breathlessly to the girl's story of her escape and the part his
+chums had played in it.</p>
+
+<p>"But your escape must have been discovered in the morning if not before.
+What were the boys to do then? How was Hamilton to account for the
+absence of his clothes?"</p>
+
+<p>"They would not explain that or anything."</p>
+
+<p>"And why are they suspected of being Cuban spies?"</p>
+
+<p>"Because they will not explain their presence on the island for fear of
+endangering you."</p>
+
+<p>O'Connor leaped to his feet excitedly.</p>
+
+<p>"May Providence guard them until I get there. Juanita, our paths diverge
+here again for a little time. My duty lies where those boys are
+imprisoned. You will go on with an escort to the <i>Mariella</i>. She lies
+safely in the old place and your mother awaits you there."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, Michael, how can I thank you?"</p>
+
+<p>O'Connor called the orderly.</p>
+
+<p>"Tell Captain Fernandez to send me a guard of ten men, all of whom know
+the route to the lagoon, and tell him that one of them must speak
+English." Then turning to Mason he said: "I am going to<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_217" id="Page_217">[Pg 217]</a></span> ask a favor of
+you. I cannot take Miss Juanita on with me, nor can I leave her here.
+Will you take command of the guard and escort her safely to the
+<i>Mariella</i>?"</p>
+
+<p>"Cap, I had hoped to get closer into the mix-up, but I see you are
+embarrassed by the presence of this young lady and I assure you, Miss
+and you, sir, that as a gentleman I am pleased to serve you both."</p>
+
+
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_218" id="Page_218">[Pg 218]</a></span></p>
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XIX" id="CHAPTER_XIX"></a>CHAPTER XIX</h2>
+
+<h3><span class="smcap">Drawing the Net Closer</span></h3>
+
+
+<p>"I hold, sir, that there has been no connection shown between the escape
+of the woman prisoner and the presence of this dress in the cell of
+these boys, and I therefore ask that the charge against them be
+dismissed."</p>
+
+<p>It was Consul Wyman who spoke, addressing General Serano who again sat
+in judgment on Harry and Bert in the Hall of Justice. It was two days
+after the discovery of the escape of Miss Juanita and following the dire
+threat of the general to have the boys shot as spies if they did not
+make a full and complete confession. There had been little sleep for
+them after the night visit to their cell, and the next day no one had
+visited them save the jailor with food. The following morning, however,
+after their breakfast had been served, they had been summarily hauled
+before the still fuming commander, heavy-eyed and pale, Harry wearing an
+old Spanish uniform which the jailor had given to him.</p>
+
+<p>Again they had been subjected to a severe cross-examination, and again
+they had firmly refused to answer any question that in any way
+endangered the safety of Captain Dynamite.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_219" id="Page_219">[Pg 219]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Mr. Wyman, who fully appreciated the serious position in which the boys
+were placed, also showed the effects of loss of sleep. He was an able
+man and beneath his little exterior conceit about his powers of
+diplomacy, there beat an honest and fearless heart. He had come to the
+conclusion that the existence of the secret passage was unknown to the
+present authorities, and without this knowledge no case could be made
+out, legally, against the boys. He also knew that the legal rights of
+prisoners were not always considered by General Serano, and for this
+reason he had determined, as a last resort, to fall back on his official
+prerogatives and demand the release of the boys in the name of the
+United States, or, failing in this, a hearing before a higher authority
+in Havana.</p>
+
+<p>"Admitting that your contention in regard to the presence of the dress
+of the escaped prisoner in the room of the accused to be well taken, how
+can you account for the fact that the pass which was given to them in
+order that they might communicate with you was used by another?"</p>
+
+<p>General Serano smiled grimly as he put this question to the consul. Mr.
+Wyman staggered. He had forgotten the pass. For a moment he did not
+reply, and then, pulling himself together, he said:<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_220" id="Page_220">[Pg 220]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"We do not admit that fact, sir."</p>
+
+<p>"Very well. Let the captain of the guard step forward."</p>
+
+<p>A man with a sword clanking at his side stepped up and saluted.</p>
+
+<p>"What was your duty night before last?" asked the general.</p>
+
+<p>"I was in command of the picket line three miles outside of the city,"
+replied the man.</p>
+
+<p>"Did any one pass through the lines from the city while you were in
+command?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, sir."</p>
+
+<p>"Who?"</p>
+
+<p>"A boy."</p>
+
+<p>"A boy&mdash;are you sure of that?"</p>
+
+<p>"A person wearing boy's clothes, sir."</p>
+
+<p>"Very well; why did you let the person wearing boy's clothes pass
+through your lines?"</p>
+
+<p>"He&mdash;the person wearing boy's clothes showed a pass from you, sir."</p>
+
+<p>"At what hour was this?" continued General Serano, looking triumphantly
+at the consul, who bit his lip and thought hard.</p>
+
+<p>"About two hours after sundown."</p>
+
+<p>"That will do. Now, Mr. Wyman, can you explain this for the benefit of
+the prisoners?"</p>
+
+<p>"All this does not prove that the pass pre<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_221" id="Page_221">[Pg 221]</a></span>sented by a boy to this
+officer was the same pass that was given to the prisoners."</p>
+
+<p>"I issued but one pass that day."</p>
+
+<p>"There is nothing to show that that was the one."</p>
+
+<p>"Captain of the guard, what date did the pass bear?"</p>
+
+<p>"It was of even date."</p>
+
+<p>"Now, Mr. Wyman."</p>
+
+<p>The consul hesitated a moment and then stepped closer to the desk of
+General Serano. Lifting his arm impressively, and looking the general
+steadily in the eye, he said:</p>
+
+<p>"I still hold, sir, that there is not a scintilla of legal evidence
+against the prisoners. We might admit for the sake of argument, that the
+dress found in their room was that of the escaped woman prisoner; we
+might also admit, that the pass used by the boy in passing through the
+lines last night was the one issued by you to the prisoners, but what
+evidence is there to show that the one using the pass obtained it from
+these prisoners, or that it was the escaped prisoner?"</p>
+
+<p>"The evidence is absolutely circumstantial."</p>
+
+<p>"That is just it. It is purely circumstantial; there is no direct
+evidence connecting these boys in any way with the escape of the woman."</p>
+
+<p>"Let me inform you, Mr. Wyman," said Gen<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_222" id="Page_222">[Pg 222]</a></span>eral Serano, scowling savagely,
+"that I shall assume that the person who passed through the lines last
+night was the prisoner and further," here he leaned toward the consul,
+"I shall assume that the clothes she wore was the boy's missing suit."</p>
+
+<p>"Very well, then," said Mr. Wyman, calmly, "let us admit that the person
+was the woman, and the clothes she wore were the boy's, do not all the
+known facts point to a plot conceived and executed by those outside
+rather than inside a prison cell? Those inside had absolutely no means
+of communication; those outside had easy access to both cells. Unless
+some method can be shown by which these prisoners could have
+communicated with the prisoner in the next cell there can be no legal
+construction of the present evidence that will connect either of the
+boys with the escape of the woman. You know the strength of your locks
+and the thickness of your jail walls. How could these two boys here have
+contrived to release this woman through stone and iron? By way of the
+barred windows, ten feet apart? Even if the exchange of clothing could
+have been accomplished by this means, which I contend is impossible, who
+liberated her, General Serano? There was only one means of escape and
+that was through the door of her cell. If these boys,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_223" id="Page_223">[Pg 223]</a></span> themselves,
+confined by locks, walls, and bars, could have unlocked the door of her
+prison-house, then they are possessed of supernatural powers that should
+enable them to walk out of your jail themselves. No, General Serano,
+unless you can establish the fact of physical communication between
+these prisoners and the escaped woman they can in no way be held
+responsible for her disappearance, and I ask that the unfounded charge
+against them be dismissed."</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Wyman bowed to the general and stepped back. He had made a good
+fight and fired his last shot in the boys' behalf. General Serano,
+impressed by the wisdom of his argument, was silent for a time, as if
+thinking. Then he leaned forward to the consul and said in a low tone:</p>
+
+<p>"There is one thing more, Mr. Wyman. After the discovery of the escape
+of the woman prisoner her name was not spoken in your presence nor in
+the presence of the other prisoners, and yet when I had left the cell
+you referred to her by her given name. Will you tell me how this was?"</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Wyman's face flushed, and he drew himself up defiantly, as he
+replied:</p>
+
+<p>"It is immaterial to this case how I came by that knowledge."</p>
+
+<p>"It is material so far as it influences my decision."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_224" id="Page_224">[Pg 224]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Mr. Wyman bowed without speaking. Nothing could be gained by dwelling
+upon this unfortunate occurrence. At this point an aged and decrepit man
+was led into the room by two soldiers. He was so weak that he had to be
+supported on either side. General Serano looked up and scowled at him as
+an intruder, and turned to an aide for an explanation, when the smiling
+interpreter glided to his side and whispered in his ear. He started back
+in eager surprise, and then cast another glance of triumph at the consul
+as he said:</p>
+
+<p>"Bring him forward."</p>
+
+<p>All eyes were now turned on the tottering old man as he was slowly led
+to a chair which was placed in front of General Serano's desk.</p>
+
+<p>"You have some information in regard to this case which you wish to
+impart to me?" asked the general.</p>
+
+<p>"What case?"</p>
+
+<p>The old man's dim eyes turned in the direction of the speaker like those
+of one who is almost blind. He seemed dazed and frightened.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, never mind the case. Were you ever the warden of the jail here?"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, yes sir, but that was many, many years ago."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, I know," said the general, coaxingly, "but what do you know about
+the jail?"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_225" id="Page_225">[Pg 225]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Nothing much now, sir, not for many, many years."</p>
+
+<p>"No, no, what do you know that no other man now living knows?"</p>
+
+<p>"Much, sir, much, for they have all gone on before."</p>
+
+<p>"Do you know any secret of the jail?"</p>
+
+<p>"Secret? Oh, yes, a secret. No man knows but me, no man knows."</p>
+
+<p>The old man shook his head stupidly, and rubbed his gnarled hands.</p>
+
+<p>"What is the secret?" General Serano leaned forward to catch the answer.</p>
+
+<p>"I have forgotten."</p>
+
+<p>"No, no, you knew it ten minutes ago&mdash;think."</p>
+
+<p>"No man knows&mdash;they've all gone before," muttered the old man.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Wyman uttered a sigh of relief. The old jailer evidently knew of the
+existence of the secret passage, but his mind was so far gone that the
+consul was hopeful that General Serano's examination might fail.</p>
+
+<p>"Do you know of any secret passage?" asked the general in an insinuating
+tone.</p>
+
+<p>"Passage&mdash;who said passage," said the old man bristling up and looking
+around the room with unseeing eyes. "There is no passage; it's a lie. No
+one knows&mdash;no one knows but the old jailer."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_226" id="Page_226">[Pg 226]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>The interpreter stepped up to the old man and whispered something in his
+ear. The wrinkled face cracked into a hideous grin that showed his
+almost toothless gums.</p>
+
+<p>"Money," he chortled, "yes, give me money&mdash;gold." He reached out his
+gnarled hands and grasped at the air. The interpreter at a sign from
+General Serano, placed a peseta in one of his outstretched palms. He
+felt it for a moment, and then held it close to his nearly sightless
+eyes.</p>
+
+<p>"No, no, you can't fool the old jailer," he whined. "That's silver.
+Gold, give me gold. The secret's worth it. 'Sh. You can go at night.
+Just touch the spring and slowly&mdash;slowly the stone will roll back. And
+then the rack. Ha, ha, the rack&mdash;that makes 'em talk."</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Wyman shuddered when he thought of the scenes of horror the old
+jailer might have witnessed.</p>
+
+<p>"Here is gold; will you show us the passage, now?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, come."</p>
+
+<p>The man started to his feet, and the interpreter, taking the place of
+one of the soldiers, guided his steps toward the door. General Serano
+rose from his seat and followed.</p>
+
+<p>"Mr. Wyman, will you accompany us? The old<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_227" id="Page_227">[Pg 227]</a></span> man's mysterious secret
+passage may interest you."</p>
+
+<p>"The old man is imbecile. His evidence is valueless."</p>
+
+<p>"But his secret passage cannot be imbecile too."</p>
+
+<p>"He is dreaming."</p>
+
+<p>"Let us see. Bring the prisoners." He motioned to an officer, who
+detailed two men to accompany the boys. Harry and Bert were ignorant of
+what had been going on, all having spoken in Spanish, and as they
+followed the old man to the jail, Mr. Wyman explained to them briefly
+what had taken place. Harry's first thought was of the girl.</p>
+
+<p>"Then Miss Juanita has gotten away safely," he said with satisfaction.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes," replied Mr. Wyman, "I think there is no doubt she is all right,
+but think of the price."</p>
+
+<p>"We haven't paid it yet, Mr. Wyman."</p>
+
+<p>When they reached the jail the old man was led directly into the boys'
+cell. He was weary from his exertion, and sank into a chair and his head
+fell on his breast. In a moment he was fast asleep. The interpreter, who
+seemed to be general factotum to Serano, shook him roughly by the
+shoulder.</p>
+
+<p>"Come, come, you have your gold, now show us the passage."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_228" id="Page_228">[Pg 228]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>The man roused himself and looked stupidly around the room. By chance
+his eyes rested upon the big slab in the wall, but he could not see it.
+Still he raised his bony finger either by intuition or luck, and pointed
+directly at it.</p>
+
+<p>"It is there," he said, and his head dropped again.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Wyman shuddered. The scene was a gruesome one, and the possibility
+that the man might disclose the passage was so imminent that his nerves
+were at their greatest tension. All hope of clearing the boys of the
+charge of being Cuban spies it seemed would be lost if the old man's
+mind should clear sufficiently for him to indicate the secret spring.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, yes, it is there, old man, but where is the spring?"</p>
+
+<p>Again he raised his head and looked blankly at the wall, and then once
+more his head drooped.</p>
+
+<p>"I cannot remember," he murmured. Mr. Wyman drew a long breath. It was
+at least another respite. There was a sound of clanking chains in the
+jail corridor. The old man trembled and raised his head feebly.</p>
+
+<p>"What's that?" he whispered. "Chains?"</p>
+
+<p>Again the sound was heard.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, yes, they're coming. Quick, we'll chain him down&mdash;chain him hand
+and foot. Quick&mdash;open the passage."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_229" id="Page_229">[Pg 229]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>He struggled to his feet and tottered to the wall. For a moment he
+groped in blindness, while the boys held their breath and then, with a
+low chuckle he placed his finger unerringly on the little diamond-shaped
+stone. The creaking and grinding noise began, and the stone slowly
+revolved before the astonished eyes of General Serano. When the passage
+was fully open the general stepped to the wall and inspected it
+curiously. Then he turned to Mr. Wyman and said:</p>
+
+<p>"The case against the accused is complete. You may inform them that the
+sentence imposed will be carried out unless they make a full confession
+before sundown to-night."</p>
+
+<p>"And I, General Serano, knowing that they are innocent of any connection
+with the cause of the insurgents, warn you in the name of their
+Government that you will commit an outrage for which you must pay
+dearly. I shall communicate with General Weyler at once."</p>
+
+<p>Serano shrugged his shoulders.</p>
+
+<p>"General Weyler has the utmost confidence in my judgment."</p>
+
+<p>"Will you suspend sentence until I can communicate with my Government?"</p>
+
+<p>"No. Your Government has nothing to do with the matter. All that can be
+settled afterward."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_230" id="Page_230">[Pg 230]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"One last request, General Serano&mdash;give me forty-eight hours to
+communicate with General Weyler."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, as it will be the same in the end, you may have the forty-eight
+hours."</p>
+
+<p>He turned to the jailer, who had watched the opening of the wall in
+wonder. "Take the prisoners to another cell where they cannot find a
+secret passage."</p>
+
+<p>As the boys were being led from the cell they passed the interpreter,
+who smiled genially at them. Harry could scarcely refrain from showing
+him how much he despised him.</p>
+
+
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_231" id="Page_231">[Pg 231]</a></span></p>
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XX" id="CHAPTER_XX"></a>CHAPTER XX</h2>
+
+<h3><span class="smcap">Captain Dynamite to the Rescue</span></h3>
+
+
+<p>Consul Wyman sat in his study in deep thought. His heart was heavy and
+in his mind plan after plan to save the boys from their threatened fate
+was formed, only to be abandoned as not feasible. His wife sat with him
+aiding now and then by a suggestion. She, too, was deeply interested in
+the fate of the American boys, of whose adventures and self-sacrifice
+her husband had told her.</p>
+
+<p>"Everything falls to the ground, Annie," he said finally. "There is only
+one hope and that is an appeal to the government."</p>
+
+<p>"But you know the red tape and delay that means, John," said his wife.</p>
+
+<p>"We have forty-eight hours from dawn to-morrow."</p>
+
+<p>"Far too short a time to reach Washington through Spanish sources, I
+fear."</p>
+
+<p>"I believe you are right."</p>
+
+<p>"And you cannot stir Serano?"</p>
+
+<p>"He is adamant."</p>
+
+<p>"Then I can see nothing but an appeal to Weyler."</p>
+
+<p>"There is scarcely time for that."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_232" id="Page_232">[Pg 232]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"There can be no delay."</p>
+
+<p>"But the courier. I know of no one whom I can trust and who would act in
+the boys' interests. It is a diplomatic mission. There must be neither
+pleading nor threatening."</p>
+
+<p>"Then you must go, John."</p>
+
+<p>"That is what I have been thinking, my dear. I am glad you see it in the
+same way."</p>
+
+<p>"When will you start?"</p>
+
+<p>"Within an hour. If you will leave me now, I will prepare a brief to
+present to General Weyler."</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Wyman left the room and the consul drew his chair closer to his
+desk where a student lamp burned. The room was large, opening by a
+casement window upon a garden filled with luxuriantly growing plants and
+shrubs. The night was warm and the window stood open, admitting the
+heavy perfume of flowers. The lamp, which was the only light in the
+room, cast a bright circle on the desk. All the rest of the apartment
+was in deep shadow.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Wyman had been writing about half an hour when he turned to the
+window behind him as if he had heard an unusual sound. Then he returned
+to his writing. Again he swung around in his chair and listened. Then he
+rose and walked quickly to the window.</p>
+
+<p>"Annie, is that you?" he called.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_233" id="Page_233">[Pg 233]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>There was no reply.</p>
+
+<p>"I am sure I heard a sound in the garden," he said to himself.</p>
+
+<p>"Probably you are right, consul, although I tried to make as little
+noise as possible."</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Wyman started back involuntarily. The words which were spoken in a
+whisper, seemed to come from a clump of bushes at the right of the
+window. Mr. Wyman peered into the darkness but could see no one.</p>
+
+<p>"Who are you?" he asked loudly, "who comes stealing into my garden under
+the cover of darkness?"</p>
+
+<p>"Are you alone?" was the only reply.</p>
+
+<p>"And of what concern is that to you?"</p>
+
+<p>"Sure, and if you were me you would concern yourself a good bit about
+it."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, I am alone; now who are you and what is your business here at
+this time of night?"</p>
+
+<p>For answer a dark form crept stealthily out from the shadow of the bush,
+leaped lightly in the window, and as quickly drew the hanging curtain
+across it, shutting out all view from the outside. Although the night
+was warm, the man wore a coat with the broad collar turned up so as to
+conceal his face, and a broad sombrero slouched down over his eyes. He
+kept close within the shadows in the corner of the room.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_234" id="Page_234">[Pg 234]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Pardon me, Mr. Wyman, for entering your house in this unceremonious
+manner, but there was no other way that offered just at present. My
+mission is of the utmost importance, but it would not be well for either
+of us if I were discovered here. Can we depend upon being undisturbed?"</p>
+
+<p>"How do you know that I wish to be undisturbed? You seem to know me, but
+refuse to disclose your identity. I cannot consent to this one-sided
+interview. Who are you?"</p>
+
+<p>"If I tell you that I am a friend of the American boys, is that enough?"</p>
+
+<p>"Quite. You need have no fear; we shall be undisturbed here."</p>
+
+<p>The man, reassured, stepped forward and threw off his coat and hat. Mr.
+Wyman looked him over curiously for a moment and then pointed to a
+chair.</p>
+
+<p>"Be seated, Captain Dynamite," he said, quietly.</p>
+
+<p>O'Connor started back in some dismay.</p>
+
+<p>"You know me?" he said. "How?"</p>
+
+<p>"The boys described you to me very accurately. You have a pair of very
+staunch friends in those youngsters, sir."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, yes, I know," said O'Connor, eagerly. "Tell me of them&mdash;they are
+safe?"</p>
+
+<p>"They are alive and well, but they are not safe."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_235" id="Page_235">[Pg 235]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"What do you mean?"</p>
+
+<p>"In the first place tell me if Miss Juanita reached you in safety?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, thank God, and she has told me much of what the boys have risked
+for her and me. That is why I am here."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, and there is not another man with a price upon his head who would
+place it in the lion's mouth as you are doing. Why did you come here
+alone? You can do no good single handed."</p>
+
+<p>O'Connor leaned forward and whispered:</p>
+
+<p>"But I am not alone. There are twelve picked men with me."</p>
+
+<p>"Where are they?"</p>
+
+<p>"Pardon me the liberty, but they are out there in your garden."</p>
+
+<p>"How did you get here?"</p>
+
+<p>"By methods known only to Indians and Cubans."</p>
+
+<p>"Humph," said Mr. Wyman, somewhat annoyed, "I may not get clear of this
+affair without getting shot myself. But what can twelve men do?"</p>
+
+<p>"Twelve such men as those can do much. But tell me, please, so that I
+may act with proper dispatch, just what the situation is in regard to
+the boys."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_236" id="Page_236">[Pg 236]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>The men drew their chairs closer together and in a low tone Mr. Wyman
+began to tell in sequence the events that had transpired since he had
+been involved in the affair.</p>
+
+<p>"So," said O'Connor, when Mr. Wyman had finished, "then I am not much
+too soon. Now, let us consider what is the best way to proceed. I shall
+probably have to ask you for a trifle of aid."</p>
+
+<p>"But I must be off to Weyler. I have not a minute to waste if I wish to
+reach him in time."</p>
+
+<p>"In time for what?" asked O'Connor, in surprise.</p>
+
+<p>"In time to secure a reprieve."</p>
+
+<p>"Nonsense, man."</p>
+
+<p>"May I ask what is nonsense, Captain Dynamite?" said Mr. Wyman, whose
+dignity was injured.</p>
+
+<p>"In the first place, it is nonsense to expect any aid from Weyler, who
+always staunchly supports his lieutenants, whether right or wrong, and
+in the second place, we do not want a reprieve. We've got to get them
+clean away from here before they will be safe&mdash;clean off the blooming
+island. I'll take them back to the old <i>Mariella</i>&mdash;that's the safest
+place for them. I wish to goodness they had never left her."</p>
+
+<p>"But how, my good sir&mdash;how under the sun are you going to get them to
+the <i>Mariella</i><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_237" id="Page_237">[Pg 237]</a></span> when they are locked up in a Spanish jail?"</p>
+
+<p>"No jail is impregnable."</p>
+
+<p>"But you cannot storm it in the face of a garrison of men with a handful
+of twelve."</p>
+
+<p>"There are more than fifty times twelve almost within gunshot, but I
+still think the twelve will be sufficient for my purpose."</p>
+
+<p>"Do you mean that the city is threatened by insurgents?" Mr. Wyman
+looked worried. "I must get my wife away, sir."</p>
+
+<p>"Don't worry, consul. If it comes to that the American flag is sacred to
+the insurgents; but if there is any fighting it will be on the picket
+line only, I fancy."</p>
+
+<p>"But what is your plan?"</p>
+
+<p>"To take the boys out of that jail first."</p>
+
+<p>"How?"</p>
+
+<p>"Is it strongly guarded?"</p>
+
+<p>"Inside and out. It is a military prison."</p>
+
+<p>"How many men?"</p>
+
+<p>"Four outside and four within, in charge of an officer."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, that's easy."</p>
+
+<p>"But the first sound of a conflict would arouse the garrison, which is
+directly in the rear of the prison."</p>
+
+<p>"There will be no sound of conflict after we get to work, Mr. Wyman."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_238" id="Page_238">[Pg 238]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"How can I aid you?"</p>
+
+<p>"By securing permission to visit the boys in their cell. Can you do it?"</p>
+
+<p>"I am not sure. General Serano's mood is not the best in the world just
+now. The boys have tantalized him beyond measure. He cannot seem to beat
+them, and aside from his official pride, his personal dignity has
+suffered. My position as defender of the youngsters has gained for me
+his ill-will. But I will try. What am I to do?"</p>
+
+<p>"Simply leave the jail at a time that I shall fix. We will do the rest.
+You will not be involved in any way, except that you may be seemingly
+handled a little roughly, but that will only be done to divert suspicion
+from yourself. Do not resist."</p>
+
+<p>"There will not be too much violence, I hope?"</p>
+
+<p>"No more than is needed, sir. I do not like violence myself. There may
+be a broken head or two, but they are soon mended. It it now nine
+o'clock. What time does the watch change?"</p>
+
+<p>"At midnight."</p>
+
+<p>"Very well. Now, if you will permit me, I will call one of my men."</p>
+
+<p>"Make what use you please of me and my house. I wish to aid you in any
+way I can."</p>
+
+<p>O'Connor stepped to the window and drew<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_239" id="Page_239">[Pg 239]</a></span> aside the curtain. As he did
+so, a dark form darted into the shadow of a bush. O'Connor saw it and
+paused.</p>
+
+<p>"There is someone in your garden beside my men," he whispered to the
+consul.</p>
+
+<p>"Impossible. The servants have gone to bed."</p>
+
+<p>"Someone was listening at this window."</p>
+
+<p>"Whom can it be?"</p>
+
+<p>"Someone who suspects you. Can you think whom it would be?"</p>
+
+<p>"No." The consul shook his head nervously.</p>
+
+<p>"Very well, we'll see."</p>
+
+<p>O'Connor turned and darted out of the window. In a moment he returned
+holding General Serano's official spy by the scruff of the neck. The
+interpreter's genial smile had given place to a look of terror and he
+trembled with fear. O'Connor swung him around so that he faced the
+consul.</p>
+
+<p>"Do you know him?" he asked.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes," answered Mr. Wyman, as he looked the man over with an expression
+of disgust, "he is General Serano's man Friday." Then to the man he said
+sternly: "What are you doing here, in my garden, at this time of night?"</p>
+
+<p>"Preoccupation, Mr. Wyman, preoccupation of the mind. I must have
+strayed in by mistake. I hope you will pardon me."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, we will think that over, my man,"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_240" id="Page_240">[Pg 240]</a></span> interrupted O'Connor. "How
+long had you been listening at the window?"</p>
+
+<p>"Listening! O, sir, far be it from me to listen at the window of our
+esteemed consul."</p>
+
+<p>"You weren't very far from it just now."</p>
+
+<p>"I had just discovered my error, sir, and was about to retrace my
+steps&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Having heard all that you wished," O'Connor broke in.</p>
+
+<p>"I hope the gentleman is jesting. I should be grieved indeed if he held
+so evil an opinion of me."</p>
+
+<p>"Please consider yourself grieved. Now, Mr. Wyman, I should like to
+still further impose on your hospitality. This gentleman, I believe, is
+very anxious to serve me&mdash;is that not true, Mr. Friday?"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, quite true, sir; it shall be my pleasure; but the name, sir, is not
+Friday&mdash;it is Villamonte."</p>
+
+<p>"Mr. Wyman, can I trouble you for a short piece of rope?"</p>
+
+<p>The consul left the room and returned with a piece of clothes-line about
+three feet long which he handed to O'Connor.</p>
+
+<p>"Now Mr. Monte, I shall have to ask you to extend your hands behind
+you."</p>
+
+<p>"Surely your excellency will not bind me?"</p>
+
+<p>"My excellency sure will. Stick 'em out and be quick about it."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_241" id="Page_241">[Pg 241]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"I protest. General Serano shall hear of this outrage."</p>
+
+<p>"I am quite confident of that, but I am not ready to lose your company
+yet, Monte."</p>
+
+<p>O'Connor turned the man around much as he might have done a child, and
+bound his hands behind him. Then he led him to a chair into which he
+thrust him and lashed his hands tightly to the back, Villamonte
+jabbering vehemently in Spanish the while.</p>
+
+<p>"Now, Mr. Wyman," said O'Connor, when he finished, "this gentleman's
+providential preoccupation of mind will relieve you from the necessity
+of visiting General Serano. I think he will be very glad to carry out
+any instructions I may give him." As O'Connor spoke, he carelessly
+removed a pistol from his belt, and as he examined it he held the muzzle
+so that it covered the trembling Villamonte, who cowered back in the
+chair.</p>
+
+<p>"Won't you, Mr. Monte?"</p>
+
+<p>"Whatever his excellency wishes shall be my pleasure," stammered the
+interpreter.</p>
+
+<p>"Good; now we understand each other, Monte."</p>
+
+
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_242" id="Page_242">[Pg 242]</a></span></p>
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXI" id="CHAPTER_XXI"></a>CHAPTER XXI</h2>
+
+<h3><span class="smcap">General Serano Meets Captain Dynamite</span></h3>
+
+
+<p>The new cell in which the boys had been placed when the escape of Miss
+Juanita was discovered, looked out through its barred windows onto the
+main street of the little straggling town. In the distance, although the
+house was concealed from view by intervening buildings, they could see
+the American flag floating over the consulate. This outlook had afforded
+them some occupation during the day, and even when night fell they stood
+together gazing silently out into the deserted street, lighted only by
+the brilliant moon. They began now to feel that their position was
+critical, and Bert, who more easily yielded to the depressing effects of
+circumstances, bemoaned his fate and all the series of events that had
+led up to their present unenviable plight. He was inclined to blame
+Harry for the initial step.</p>
+
+<p>"If you only hadn't taken it into your Quixotic head to try to aid
+Captain Dynamite, who is able to take care of himself, we might now be
+safe on the <i>Mariella</i>," he growled, "instead of waiting patiently for
+some one to take us out and shoot us."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_243" id="Page_243">[Pg 243]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Why, Bert, old man, we've got two more days before we step out and play
+targets. Many things may happen in that time."</p>
+
+<p>"Nothing to help us out of this scrape that I can see."</p>
+
+<p>"Mr. Wyman will surely do all that lies in his power to aid us."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, but you know yourself that since Serano suspects his connection
+with the escape of Miss Juanita his power has been very much curtailed."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, there's Captain Dynamite yet to be counted on."</p>
+
+<p>"Humph, where is he and what could he do if he were here?"</p>
+
+<p>"I don't know, Bert, but you can't make me believe that he would abandon
+us completely to our fate. It's not like him, I tell you."</p>
+
+<p>"If all the hope we have is centred in Dynamite or Wyman I think it is
+time we began to think of doing something for ourselves."</p>
+
+<p>"Sure," answered Harry in surprise, "but what under the sun can we do,
+Bert?"</p>
+
+<p>"We might&mdash;&mdash;" Bert hesitated and glanced nervously at his companion;
+"we might effect some compromise with Serano."</p>
+
+<p>"How?" asked Harry, coldly.</p>
+
+<p>"We might agree to tell him what he wants to know about how we got to
+the island when we<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_244" id="Page_244">[Pg 244]</a></span> can be assured that it will injure no one."</p>
+
+<p>"There are two reasons why that plan would be useless. In the first
+place how are we going to tell when Captain Dynamite is safe, and in the
+second place the affair has gone so far now that I do not think Serano
+would be satisfied with simply that information. He is pretty well
+convinced that in some way we are connected with the Cuban cause."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, gee, I wish I had never gone sailing."</p>
+
+<p>"That's going back a long way to make a connection between cause and
+effect, Bert," said Harry, who could not help smiling at his companion's
+hopeless view of the situation.</p>
+
+<p>They were silent again for a time. Not a sound broke the stillness of
+the night save the regular steps of the sentinel below them. Some light
+clouds scurried across the moon, shutting off for a time the flood of
+silver light and throwing a gray shadow over the street.</p>
+
+<p>"Look," said Harry, suddenly. "Didn't you see a man creeping along
+there?"</p>
+
+<p>"Where?" asked Bert, eagerly.</p>
+
+<p>"In the deep shadow close in by the wall of that house."</p>
+
+<p>"I can see no one," said Bert, after straining his eyes in an effort to
+penetrate the darkness.</p>
+
+<p>"Watch," whispered Harry. "I know I saw<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_245" id="Page_245">[Pg 245]</a></span> some one creeping along as if
+he did not want to be seen."</p>
+
+<p>"Even if you did, what does it signify?"</p>
+
+<p>"Captain Dynamite would come that way," answered Harry, confidently.</p>
+
+<p>Suddenly the clouds swept on and again the street was flooded with a
+radiance that made the shadows cast by the walls of the houses as black
+as the darkest night in contrast.</p>
+
+<p>"Then did you see?" asked Harry, excitedly.</p>
+
+<p>Bert nodded quickly in the affirmative.</p>
+
+<p>As the moon flashed out they had both seen a man dart closer into the
+protection of the deep shadow of the wall.</p>
+
+<p>"There's another," whispered Bert, pointing out through the bars in his
+eagerness, to a point about ten feet beyond where the first man had
+appeared. "What if the guard should see them too?"</p>
+
+<p>"The sentinels are on the same level and cannot see as well as we can up
+here. I wonder who they are. See, there is another."</p>
+
+<p>"Who can they be?"</p>
+
+<p>"I'll bet you a dinner when we get home that Captain Dynamite is in
+town."</p>
+
+<p>"O, Hal, do you think we will ever get home?"</p>
+
+<p>"I'm beginning to feel very sure of it. See, there are other men in the
+distance and all are coming toward the jail."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_246" id="Page_246">[Pg 246]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>The prison stood in a narrow plaza or square facing the main street.
+Toward the dark shadow of a building that formed a corner of the square
+the indistinct forms of the men seemed to be making their way. The boys
+counted nearly a dozen, closely hugging the walls of the low houses,
+slip one by one into the wider shadow of the corner building. Still the
+regular steps of the guard below told that the mysterious gathering had
+not been discovered.</p>
+
+<p>Presently four men emerged boldly from the shadow, and arm in arm, and
+with unsteady gait approached the prison. In hiccoughing tones they sang
+a Spanish drinking song. In the bright glare of the moonlight the boys
+could see that they wore the uniform of Spain.</p>
+
+<p>"Pshaw," said Harry, in a disgusted tone. "They are only a lot of
+drunken Spanish soldiers after all, making their way back to the
+barracks."</p>
+
+<p>Harry was keenly disappointed. He had been confident that the strange
+movements of the men indicated that some action was on foot which he
+imagined Captain Dynamite was directing.</p>
+
+<p>"But where are the others?" whispered Bert. "There are more in the
+shadow."</p>
+
+<p>"Probably waiting a chance to slip into the barracks without attracting
+too much attention from their officers."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_247" id="Page_247">[Pg 247]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>The four men reeled on. The regular pacing of the sentinel ceased and he
+hailed the approaching quartet in a jocular way. They answered with
+thick tongues and coarse laughter. Presently they passed out of view of
+the boys, having come close within the shadow of the wall below them.</p>
+
+<p>Then suddenly there was a muffled sound as of one trying to cry out with
+a heavy pressure on his throat, the hard breathing of men desperately
+struggling, and then silence.</p>
+
+<p>The boys looked at one another in wonderment. What could it mean?
+Possibly a drunken squabble between the men and the guard. Now the slow
+pacing of the sentinel was resumed. Apparently the difficulty had been
+adjusted.</p>
+
+<p>"I think we might as well get to bed," said Harry, after they had waited
+for ten minutes without any further developments. "There is nothing
+doing to-night, I guess."</p>
+
+<p>As he spoke, the cry of a night bird sounded on the still air, but,
+strangely enough, it seemed to come from directly below their window,
+instead of from the air above. Almost immediately an answering call was
+heard in the distance, and then all was still again.</p>
+
+<p>"I am not so sure, after all, that those men were Spaniards," said
+Harry, as he turned eagerly to the window again.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_248" id="Page_248">[Pg 248]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Why?"</p>
+
+<p>"Did you hear those signals?"</p>
+
+<p>"I heard a bird."</p>
+
+<p>"I don't think it was a bird."</p>
+
+<p>"Listen; if they were birds we shall hear them again."</p>
+
+<p>The boys listened patiently for several minutes, but the sound was not
+repeated.</p>
+
+<p>"I believe they were signals, and&mdash;look&mdash;look! Isn't that Captain
+Dynamite himself coming out of the shadow further up the street?"</p>
+
+<p>"It certainly looks like him," gasped Bert, "but who is that with him
+and how does he dare to walk openly in the streets?"</p>
+
+<p>"It's the Spanish interpreter," whispered Harry, after a minute's
+inspection; "and&mdash;and Captain Dynamite, sure. Hooray."</p>
+
+<p>"Don't hooray yet," said Bert, wagging his head disconsolately.
+"Remember there are more Spaniards in the shadow there."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, if they are Spaniards."</p>
+
+<p>"And see how closely the interpreter walks. Can Captain Dynamite be a
+prisoner?"</p>
+
+<p>"Not of that little man," sniffed Harry. "Look at the size of him beside
+O'Connor."</p>
+
+<p>The two men whom the boys had seen in the distance were indeed O'Connor
+and Villamonte. They came on through the bright moonlight<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_249" id="Page_249">[Pg 249]</a></span> apparently as
+unconcerned as if there were not a price on the head of one. And they
+walked as close together as bosom friends, but a pistol in the coat
+pocket of Captain Dynamite pressed closely against the side of his
+companion.</p>
+
+<p>"Now you are sure you know your part, Monte?" said O'Connor, as they
+neared the prison.</p>
+
+<p>"Sure, your excellency."</p>
+
+<p>"And you know what it means to play any tricks, do you?" As he spoke
+O'Connor emphasized his remark by jabbing the muzzle of the pistol into
+Villamonte's ribs.</p>
+
+<p>"Surely your excellency can trust me," quaked the interpreter.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, under the circumstances. You also want to recollect that I
+understand Spanish, so you cannot fool me in that way&mdash;- and my finger
+is always on the trigger. At the first word or sign of warning off it
+goes. Now take that scared expression off and look pleasant; we are
+nearly there."</p>
+
+<p>At the door of the prison they were met by a Spanish officer, who
+received Villamonte with great deference and looked wonderingly at
+O'Connor, who wore his cloak and sombrero so that little of his face was
+visible.</p>
+
+<p>"Now you've got your cue," said O'Connor, in<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_250" id="Page_250">[Pg 250]</a></span> English, in a low tone, at
+the same time pressing the pistol harder into Villamonte's side.</p>
+
+<p>"We come from General Serano," said the interpreter reluctantly. "He
+wishes the American boys removed secretly to the government house, as he
+anticipates a plot to release them."</p>
+
+<p>The officer bowed and Villamonte and O'Connor passed into the jail.</p>
+
+<p>"Do you wish your escort to enter also?" asked the officer.</p>
+
+<p>Villamonte turned in surprise and saw eight men close upon their heels,
+but as he quickly noted that they all wore Spanish uniforms, he smiled
+triumphantly.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes," said O'Connor, in English, and again the pressure against his
+side brought Villamonte to his senses.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes," he repeated to the officer, and the men filed silently in and the
+door was closed behind them.</p>
+
+<p>"Now," said O'Connor, turning to the officer in command, and for the
+first time speaking in Spanish, "if you will kindly conduct us to the
+cell of the American prisoners we shall be obliged to you, and if we
+wish to please General Serano, haste is essential."</p>
+
+<p>The officer preceded them down the corridor, which was lighted dimly,
+and then ascended a<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_251" id="Page_251">[Pg 251]</a></span> winding stone staircase to the floor above. He
+opened the door of a cell and stood aside for them to enter.</p>
+
+<p>As Harry saw O'Connor's big form in the doorway he rushed forward with a
+glad cry:</p>
+
+<p>"I knew it, Bert, it's Captain Dynamite. I told you he would come."</p>
+
+<p>"Hush," said O'Connor, as he took the youngsters in his arms, much as
+one would two children and gave them a bear-like hug, "not so loud. We
+can take no chances, for we are not out of the woods yet."</p>
+
+<p>"It's the terrible Captain Dynamite," cried the officer in dismay. Then
+he turned and fled down the stairs. Villamonte, relieved from the
+pressure on his ribs, slunk towards the door. O'Connor saw him and
+laughed.</p>
+
+<p>"Run along, Monte, if you wish. I don't need you any more."</p>
+
+<p>"But he will give the alarm," said Harry, in a frightened tone.</p>
+
+<p>"No, I think not; but gather up your things, if you have any, for we
+must lose no time in getting out of here."</p>
+
+<p>"We've got nothing but what we stand in, Cap," said Harry, laughing,
+"and this old Spanish uniform does not fit me very well, at that. Maybe
+Miss Juanita is through with my clothes by this time."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_252" id="Page_252">[Pg 252]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"God bless you, youngster, they served her well."</p>
+
+<p>"She is all right?"</p>
+
+<p>"Right as a trivet and safe aboard the old <i>Mariella</i> by this time,
+thanks to you."</p>
+
+<p>As they reached the lower corridor one of the men saluted and said:</p>
+
+<p>"We put them in there, sir," pointing to a room opening off the
+corridor, which was used by the officer in command of the watch.
+O'Connor looked in and burst into one of his hearty laughs.</p>
+
+<p>"Come here, youngsters, and take a last look at the valiant jailers," he
+said. The boys stepped forward and looked into the room. The four
+soldiers, gagged and bound hand and foot, were sitting with their backs
+against the wall, and facing them, and also bound in the same
+ignominious manner, were the commander and Villamonte.</p>
+
+<p>Harry could not refrain from gloating a little over his fallen enemy.</p>
+
+<p>"How about the glory of Spain, Mr. Interpreter?" he enquired. Villamonte
+scowled but did not reply.</p>
+
+<p>"Come now, boys, we must be moving. This place is pretty hot for me,"
+said O'Connor.</p>
+
+<p>At this moment some one knocked loudly on<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_253" id="Page_253">[Pg 253]</a></span> the door of the prison and a
+deep voice called in Spanish:</p>
+
+<p>"Open, captain of the guard; it is I."</p>
+
+<p>"Who is I?" asked O'Connor.</p>
+
+<p>"Open at once. I am General Serano."</p>
+
+<p>The boys caught the name and it struck terror to their souls. O'Connor
+smiled.</p>
+
+<p>"Is General Serano alone?" he enquired.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes; why do you keep me here. Open, I say."</p>
+
+<p>O'Connor motioned to the boys to step behind the men, who were grouped a
+few feet in the rear of the corridor awaiting instructions. Then he
+threw open the prison door and stood back for General Serano to enter.</p>
+
+
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_254" id="Page_254">[Pg 254]</a></span></p>
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXII" id="CHAPTER_XXII"></a>CHAPTER XXII</h2>
+
+<h3><span class="smcap">The Escape&mdash;Villamonte Again Beaten.</span></h3>
+
+
+<p>As General Serano stepped ever the threshold of the jail, O'Connor
+slipped the heavy bolts and turned the big key in the lock; then he
+placed the key in his pocket.</p>
+
+<p>"Who are you, and where is the captain of the guard?" asked Serano,
+starting back in surprise when he saw O'Connor.</p>
+
+<p>"The captain is engaged at present," said O'Connor, bowing and smiling
+impudently; "what can I do for your excellency?"</p>
+
+<p>"Take me at once to the American prisoners. I have decided to revoke the
+two days' reprieve. Their sentence shall be executed in the morning
+unless they choose to bend their stubborn spirits and tell me for whom
+they are acting. They are not alone in this thing. Even now their
+friends may be gathering and threatening our outposts."</p>
+
+<p>"That is quite true, your excellency; it certainly is wise to take every
+precaution. Your visit was very well timed, as a few minutes later you
+might have found the prisoners out. They were just starting for a little
+airing. The prison is very close, don't you think?"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_255" id="Page_255">[Pg 255]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Serano looked puzzled, and O'Connor said, in English:</p>
+
+<p>"Step forward, boys, and say 'How-de' to his excellency."</p>
+
+<p>Harry and Bert came from behind the men, and stopping in front of the
+general, saluted him gravely.</p>
+
+<p>"What does this mean?" demanded Serano, looking from the boys to
+O'Connor, as a suspicion that all was not right flashed into his mind.
+"Where is the captain of the guard? I insist that he shall report to me
+at once. And who are you, sir, who usurps the authority of the
+commandant here?"</p>
+
+<p>"I am Captain Dynamite, at your service, your excellency," said
+O'Connor, making an elaborate bow and doffing his sombrero so that his
+features were revealed to the now thoroughly frightened general.</p>
+
+<p>Serano leaped back and for a moment seemed dazed. Then his eyes fell on
+the eight soldiers standing back of the boys. His waning courage
+returned, and drawing himself up, he pointed his finger at O'Connor as
+he addressed the men.</p>
+
+<p>"There is a price on that man's head. Seize him and see to it that he
+does not escape."</p>
+
+<p>Not a man stirred. O'Connor, who had rolled a cigarette, turned to
+Serano.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_256" id="Page_256">[Pg 256]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"May I trouble you for a light, general. There is no reason why we
+should not talk this thing over calmly."</p>
+
+<p>"Dogs," continued the general, stamping his foot, "why do you not obey
+me? Seize that man. He is a desperate outlaw."</p>
+
+<p>Some of the men jeered and others took a threatening step or two in the
+direction of the general, who jumped back into a corner of the corridor.</p>
+
+<p>"What plot is this?" he gasped.</p>
+
+<p>"Those are my men, general," said O'Connor calmly. "I should advise you
+not to be so violent. They do not like your language, you see. May I
+trouble you for that light?"</p>
+
+<p>Serano drew out his match box and held it at arms length, lest O'Connor
+come too near him.</p>
+
+<p>"Have no fear, sir," said O'Connor, who saw his perturbation, "No harm
+will come to you if you are wise enough to follow my instructions. You
+see, you are helpless. We hold the jail and no one will discover the
+plot until the watch is changed at midnight. Your guards are bound and
+gagged, and enjoying a siesta with your spy, Villamonte, in there."
+"Villamonte, too," exclaimed Serano, in surprise.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes; he was kind enough to secure for me the entree to your jail, a
+favor any one in<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_257" id="Page_257">[Pg 257]</a></span> town would have been eager to grant, I doubt not, but
+Monte was the first to present himself. Perhaps you would like to see
+him. You will find him in there with the others."</p>
+
+<p>General Serano walked to the door of the officers' room and looked in.
+He started back with an expression of anger.</p>
+
+<p>"This is an outrage on her majesty's soldiers for which you shall pay
+dearly, sir."</p>
+
+<p>"Let's not talk about pay between gentlemen, General Serano. I think you
+will admit that if it came to a settlement I have rather the best of it
+just now, and if I were so inclined, I could remove one of Cuba's most
+implacable enemies with one stroke of a machete. But I am not here for
+that purpose. There are others who will undoubtedly attend to that
+later. Now, all that I require of you is that you sit down at that table
+and write me a pass that will take me and my friends through your
+lines."</p>
+
+<p>"Never, sir. I will call the outside guard," and the general made a leap
+for the door.</p>
+
+<p>"The night is warm, general. Don't over-exert yourself. The door is
+locked and the key is in my pocket, and besides, if I should let you out
+you would only fall into the hands of more of my men. Your outside guard
+is also bound and gagged, and reclining against the wall of the jail<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_258" id="Page_258">[Pg 258]</a></span> in
+the shadow. The sentinels you saw on patrol when you approached the jail
+are my men. You see, there is no escape."</p>
+
+<p>"But the uniforms&mdash;they are Spain's."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, they belonged to unfortunate men who fell fighting for your cause.
+We Cubans have quite a stock of them on hand. I think you said you would
+write that pass."</p>
+
+<p>"No, sir, never," roared the general, with a rattling Spanish oath.</p>
+
+<p>"Very well, then I am sure you will pardon a few liberties."</p>
+
+<p>O'Connor turned to the waiting men and said: "Remove the general's
+uniform."</p>
+
+<p>"What is the meaning of this new outrage?" gasped Serano, backing into
+his corner again as O'Connor's men started to execute his order.</p>
+
+<p>"Your uniform will serve as a passport if you refuse to write the pass,"
+said O'Connor laughing.</p>
+
+<p>"I'll write the pass," said the general quickly, and O'Connor motioned
+back his men. "My uniform shall never be so disgraced."</p>
+
+<p>"Suit yourself, general&mdash;uniform or pass&mdash;it's all the same to me. There
+is pen and ink."</p>
+
+<p>Serano sat down and with ill grace wrote something on a piece of paper
+which he handed to O'Connor. The latter read it and handed it back, with
+a shake of his head.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_259" id="Page_259">[Pg 259]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"You will have to try again, general," he said. "Now write as I
+dictate."</p>
+
+<p>"Never, sir."</p>
+
+<p>"Your nevers come trippingly on the tongue, general. Boys, the general's
+uniform, please."</p>
+
+<p>"No, no, I'll write it."</p>
+
+<p>"Very well, but please to remember that I have no time for elocutionary
+exercises. One more never and off comes that uniform. I'll give you just
+three minutes to write this: 'Pass Captain O'Connor and his party
+through all Spanish lines and outposts.' That's right; now sign it."</p>
+
+<p>Reluctantly Serano affixed his signature.</p>
+
+<p>"Thank you," said O'Connor, with mock respect, as he took the paper.
+"Now there is just one more little favor that I feel sure you will be
+pleased to grant me, and that is to step upstairs with my men and see
+how you like the room the American boys have just vacated. You will find
+it quite comfortable. Our accommodations are a little overtaxed just
+now. Don't forget to leave your key at the office when you go out, and
+don't blow out the gas. Now boys, show the new guest to his room."</p>
+
+<p>O'Connor laughed until he was forced to hold his sides as his men,
+delighted with their task, roughly hustled the astonished and fuming
+officer along the corridor and up the steps. They<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_260" id="Page_260">[Pg 260]</a></span> heard an iron door
+slam and the men returned and saluted with grinning faces.</p>
+
+<p>"Always find it a good thing to let your men have a little enjoyment
+mixed in with their work. Come on now, let's say good-bye to Monte and
+go. It only lacks an hour of midnight and when the watch changes it will
+not be long before our little game is discovered."</p>
+
+<p>As he spoke, O'Connor walked to the door of the officer's room and
+looked in, followed by the boys.</p>
+
+<p>"Good-bye, Mr. Interpreter," said Harry, "what are the quotations on
+glory to-night?"</p>
+
+<p>Villamonte wagged the ends of his waxed mustache in an effort to speak.
+O'Connor laughed and turning to the door, unlocked it, and slipping back
+the bolts, gave a low whistle, like the one the boys had heard from
+their cell window. In a moment the answer came.</p>
+
+<p>"Come on," said O'Connor, "the coast is clear."</p>
+
+<p>They passed silently out into the night. The eight men joined their
+comrades and the next moment, one by one, they darted across the streak
+of moonlight and disappeared in the deep shadow of the building at the
+corner of the square. O'Connor stopped and looked around to see if they
+had been observed, but the streets were deserted.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_261" id="Page_261">[Pg 261]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Aren't you afraid that General Serano will yell through the window and
+give an alarm?" asked Harry, looking up to the bars of the cell they had
+so recently occupied.</p>
+
+<p>"My men never leave a prisoner so that he can yell," said O'Connor,
+chuckling. "We have about an hour's start, and if we make the best of
+that we should be well out of the woods before the escape is
+discovered."</p>
+
+<p>O'Connor walked rapidly and they soon reached the outskirts of the
+little straggling town without meeting anyone to question them. Now and
+then Harry saw dark forms ahead gliding along in the shadows of the low
+buildings or darting swiftly across patches of moonlight, and he knew
+O'Connor's men were within call. O'Connor, himself, walked openly, with
+a boy on each side of him. In half an hour they had left the last of the
+huts of the reconcentrados behind them and struck boldly out into the
+open country, the twelve men, at a command from O'Connor, falling into
+marching order behind him.</p>
+
+<p>In the dim distance lay their haven of safety: the dark, wooded
+foothills of the mountain that towered in black, ragged outlines before
+them, and the low-lying jungle at its base, within whose shelter
+O'Connor knew nearly a thousand determined men lay, only waiting word
+from him that<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_262" id="Page_262">[Pg 262]</a></span> his mission had failed, to move like a whirlwind on the
+unsuspecting outposts entrenched between them and the town.</p>
+
+<p>"We must be getting close to their lines," said O'Connor, looking at his
+watch. Then he turned quickly and put his hand to his ear in a listening
+attitude. At first the boys could not distinguish the sound that his
+quick ear had caught, and then indistinctly a faint, hollow clatter came
+over the plain from behind them. They strained their eyes but could see
+nothing that might cause it.</p>
+
+<p>"It's a horse&mdash;galloping hard," said O'Connor, and his mouth set into
+that straight line that the boys knew so well. "Lie down."</p>
+
+<p>O'Connor set the example and dropped on his stomach, with his ear to the
+ground. After a moment he raised his head slightly, and said:</p>
+
+<p>"I think there is only one, but it will be safer to get under cover.
+Crawl to those bushes and lie low."</p>
+
+<p>They all wriggled along the ground until they were partially concealed
+from view by one of the clumps of low trees and shrubs that dotted the
+plain.</p>
+
+<p>"Do you think they have discovered our escape?" asked Bert.</p>
+
+<p>"Can't tell yet," answered O'Connor, who was standing up behind a tree,
+trying to catch a glimpse<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_263" id="Page_263">[Pg 263]</a></span> of the rider whose approach was heralded by
+the vigorous pounding of his horse's hoofs. "I am satisfied that there
+is but one horse and it hardly seems likely that one man would set out
+in pursuit of a dozen, nor can I think it is a courier riding so hard at
+this time of night."</p>
+
+<p>The clatter of hoofs now became distinct, and away in the distance they
+could see a speck that grew larger each minute, until it took the form
+of a horse and rider. The course he was taking would bring him within an
+eighth of a mile of the party. As he came nearer O'Connor strained his
+eyes to make out the rider. The moon was getting low, but there was
+still light enough on the plain to make it possible to distinguish faces
+at some distance.</p>
+
+<p>On came the horse, and the watchers could see that his rider was urging
+him with voice and spur. Nearer and nearer they came until the foam
+flecks shone white in the moonlight.</p>
+
+<p>"By thunder," said O'Connor, suddenly; "it's the old villain, Monte. How
+did he get out?"</p>
+
+<p>"Who is it?" asked Harry, eagerly.</p>
+
+<p>"Villamonte, the interpreter."</p>
+
+<p>"Then the escape has been discovered."</p>
+
+<p>"Undoubtedly."</p>
+
+<p>"But what is he doing out here alone?"</p>
+
+<p>There was a moment's silence while O'Connor<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_264" id="Page_264">[Pg 264]</a></span> watched the panting horse
+come tearing on. Now he was almost abreast of the clump of trees, and
+even the boys, with their untrained eyes, could make out their
+persistent enemy, Villamonte.</p>
+
+<p>"He's riding for the outpost to revoke this pass," said O'Connor, slowly
+tapping the pocket that contained the paper. "They think that is the
+best means of trapping us."</p>
+
+<p>"It's all up with us then, if he gets there first," said Bert, "and we
+have no horses to stop him."</p>
+
+<p>"No, but we have something just as good," said O'Connor, turning quickly
+to the man behind him; "let me have your Mauser, Pedro."</p>
+
+<p>He took the rifle and stepped out into the open. Dropping on his knee,
+he raised the weapon to his shoulder and seemingly without aiming at the
+flying mark, fired. The boys shrank back involuntarily. Bloodshed, no
+matter how necessary, was revolting. Still, they could not help watching
+to see the result of O'Connor's shot. The horse pitched forward and
+rolled over on his side, pinning his rider beneath him.</p>
+
+<p>"Shoot the horse if he is not already dead, and bring in the man," said
+O'Connor, coolly handing the rifle back. Two men started on a dog trot
+for the fallen horse and rider.</p>
+
+<p>"Is&mdash;is he dead?" asked Harry, hesitatingly.</p>
+
+<p>"The horse or the man?"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_265" id="Page_265">[Pg 265]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"The man."</p>
+
+<p>"No, there is nothing the matter with Monte more than a broken arm
+perhaps. I shot at the horse. I am sorry&mdash;I would almost rather have
+shot the man. But it had to be done."</p>
+
+
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_266" id="Page_266">[Pg 266]</a></span></p>
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXIII" id="CHAPTER_XXIII"></a>CHAPTER XXIII</h2>
+
+<h3><span class="smcap">Back To the Mariella</span></h3>
+
+
+<p>Perspiration dripped from the drooping ends of Villamonte's waxed
+mustache as the men brought the discomforted interpreter before
+O'Connor. He had suffered nothing worse than a few bruises, but he was
+covered with dust and dirt and his expression was a strange mixture of
+fear and amazement. He could not seem to comprehend what had happened.</p>
+
+<p>"We couldn't lose you, could we, Monte?" said O'Connor laughing. "I am
+sorry to have had to deprive you of your horse, but you were riding
+faster than the speed limit. Now I think the safest thing to do with you
+is to take you right along with us. You seem to like our company. Pedro,
+bind the gentleman's hands behind him and slip a gag into his mouth. We
+cannot take any more chances with you, Mr. Interpreter."</p>
+
+<p>Villamonte, who knew that it would be useless to protest, contented
+himself with scowling at O'Connor and the boys. Then they took up the
+march again and met with no further obstacle until they were challenged
+by the outposts at the trenches. General Serano's pass took them<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_267" id="Page_267">[Pg 267]</a></span> into
+the presence of the officer in command, who looked the party over with
+some surprise.</p>
+
+<p>"You are escorting a prisoner, Captain O'Connor, I see," he said.
+"General Serano does not mention him in his pass."</p>
+
+<p>"I did not know that General Serano had to explain his affairs to his
+subordinates, sir."</p>
+
+<p>"It is a little unusual."</p>
+
+<p>"I should advise you to ask no questions in this matter. It is a mission
+in which the general is deeply interested. These two young men have been
+for some days his guests, awaiting an opportunity to get to the coast.
+This prisoner is a man of so desperate a character that it is not deemed
+safe to even grant him ordinary privileges. I dare not remove the gag
+from his mouth even while safe within the lines, lest some secret signal
+he might utter bring a horde of insurgents about our ears. There is a
+price on his head. General Serano does not mention him in the pass,
+captain, because of this. In the strictest confidence I will mention a
+name to you that will explain the need for extraordinary caution."</p>
+
+<p>O'Connor lowered his voice almost to a whisper as he leaned
+confidentially toward the officer and said:</p>
+
+<p>"Captain Dynamite is in this party."</p>
+
+<p>"Ah! He is the terrible Captain Dynamite?"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_268" id="Page_268">[Pg 268]</a></span> gasped the commander, taking
+a few steps backward and pointing at Villamonte. O'Connor put his finger
+to his lips and said:</p>
+
+<p>"'Sh! Remember I have not said so."</p>
+
+<p>"I understand, Captain O'Connor. I am honored by your confidence. Pass
+on with your prisoner with what speed you may."</p>
+
+<p>The party made their way rapidly through the lines and within an hour,
+with O'Connor as guide, they had reached the shelter of the thick brush
+that separated them from the lagoon where the <i>Mariella</i> lay.</p>
+
+<p>"Now, boys," said O'Connor, as he slackened his pace, "you are as safe
+as if you were under your own roof trees. There are a thousand men at
+our command lying within these woods and stretched from the coast to the
+mountain yonder. All of Spain's army could not fight its way through
+that line."</p>
+
+<p>"Why have we not been challenged by the sentries?" asked Harry. "The
+Spaniards might creep among them as we have done."</p>
+
+<p>"O, no, we are expected and our approach has been watched and covered by
+ready guns for some time. There are men now within ten feet of us. See?"</p>
+
+<p>O'Connor uttered that peculiar bird cry, which was answered at once from
+the bushes near at<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_269" id="Page_269">[Pg 269]</a></span> hand, and the next moment, as silently as an Indian,
+a man stepped out in front of them and saluted O'Connor.</p>
+
+<p>"Where is the general?" asked the captain.</p>
+
+<p>"At his headquarters in the clearing. He wished to be notified of the
+safe arrival of your party."</p>
+
+<p>"We will go to him at once. Take this prisoner and keep him securely
+bound, but you can remove the gag now. My dear Monte, you will kindly
+accompany this gentleman. And now, my men," he continued to his twelve
+companions, who still grouped themselves about him, "you have done your
+part well. I thank each of you for your fidelity. You can join your
+separate companies and present my thanks to your commanders."</p>
+
+<p>The men, as they passed O'Connor, shook his hand warmly. There was
+something about the man that made everyone with whom he came in contact
+glad to serve him.</p>
+
+<p>"Now, come on, boys; we will go to the general and thank him for his
+aid."</p>
+
+<p>"What general is it?" asked Bert.</p>
+
+<p>"General Gomez, bless him," answered O'Connor, doffing his sombrero to
+an imaginary presence.</p>
+
+<p>"Then we shall see General Gomez," said Harry, eagerly.</p>
+
+<p>"That ye will, and a fine bit of a fighter ye'll see, too."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_270" id="Page_270">[Pg 270]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>With O'Connor in the lead they pushed their way through the dense brush
+until they came out into an open space that had been cleared by axe and
+machete, but that it was no new rendezvous was evident from the
+directness with which O'Connor approached it through the pathless
+underbrush. It was about forty feet square and in the middle there had
+been erected a rough shelter, or hut, without walls, the thatched roof
+being supported by four poles. Under this, in a reclining camp chair,
+sat the grizzled old warrior, with several of his staff officers. He
+rose as they entered the clearing and advanced toward O'Connor with his
+hand extended in greeting.</p>
+
+<p>For some time they talked earnestly together, O'Connor making a report
+of his expedition into the town and the rescue of the prisoners. Now and
+then the old general would turn his weather-beaten face toward the boys,
+and in the flickering light of the camp fire they could see the
+expression of cold severity melt away into a smile as soft and gentle as
+a woman's. Presently, the conference ended, he stepped over to Harry and
+Bert, shook each by the hand, and then retired to the hut again, and at
+once began to issue orders to his staff. One by one they saluted and
+left him.</p>
+
+<p>"Are they going to attack the town?" asked Harry.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_271" id="Page_271">[Pg 271]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"No, my boy, not now. Had we not appeared the attack would have been
+made within an hour. As it is, the general will return to Cubitas to
+continue his campaign as originally planned, and Captain Morgan, who
+moved up here to co-operate with the general, will return and cover the
+removal of our cargo. All that remains now is to take the old <i>Mariella</i>
+safely out of these waters and then we can say, 'All's well that ends
+well!' In the meantime, as I am a bit anxious myself to get away, we
+will press on and make the lagoon by dawn. Then you boys will have a
+chance to put in a little sleep, for, as our friend Washington would
+say, I'm not such a mucher at guessing, but I'll warrant you are running
+a little short of rest since your arrival on these lively shores."</p>
+
+<p>The boys were indeed completely fagged out. The reaction following the
+nervous strain and the excitement of the past few days was beginning to
+set in, and Harry felt that if he could once more climb into his bunk on
+the <i>Mariella</i> he could sleep for twenty-four hours. Still, they pulled
+themselves together and struck out again into the bush close in the wake
+of O'Connor, who seemed to be made of iron.</p>
+
+<p>As they reached the shores of the lagoon the sky was just brightening
+with the gray dawn. The outlines of the <i>Mariella</i> were dimly
+dis<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_272" id="Page_272">[Pg 272]</a></span>cernable. Bert and Harry, now completely exhausted, threw themselves
+at full length on the beach. O'Connor put his fingers to his lips and
+again that strange bird cry floated out on the still air over the dark
+lagoon. There was no answer, but in a moment the sound of creaking ropes
+could be heard, and then there was the splash of a boat in the water,
+followed presently by the regular sound of oars. O'Connor lighted a
+match and held it for a second above his head as a signal to the rowers.</p>
+
+<p>A boat's keel grated on the sand and Suarez leaped out and seized
+O'Connor's hand in both of his.</p>
+
+<p>"Glad to see you back safe, sir," he said, earnestly. "Miss Juanita and
+her mother are safe on board and I see you have the two young gentlemen
+with you, so we are all accounted for again."</p>
+
+<p>"Good, Suarez, and how about the cargo?"</p>
+
+<p>"Nearly all on shore. We shall be ready for sea again by midnight if
+Morgan returns to take charge of the removal on shore."</p>
+
+<p>"Morgan and his men will be here within a few hours. Keep the cargo
+moving; I shall not feel at rest until I get well out to sea again."</p>
+
+<p>Suarez turned toward the boat and the boys heard him mutter:<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_273" id="Page_273">[Pg 273]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Petticoats always do knock the pluck out of a man."</p>
+
+<p>As they rowed alongside of the <i>Mariella</i>, day had dawned and the boys
+could distinguish Miss Juanita, Mason, and Washington leaning over the
+rail. Little Mason swung his cap and shouted in his joy.</p>
+
+<p>At this point Washington seized him and dragged him back, at the same
+time placing his finger on his own lips to indicate that he should be
+quiet.</p>
+
+<p>"O, bother," grunted Mason, "who's afraid now the cap's back?"</p>
+
+<p>Miss Juanita greeted them warmly as they came over the side. She took a
+hand of each boy and kissed it with a pretty little courtesy. Washington
+was so jubilant that he could not refrain from a few steps of a double
+shuffle on the deck.</p>
+
+<p>"Ah guessed Massa Cap'n Dynamite'd bring 'em all back all right, all
+right, an' ah ain't such a mucher at guessin' either," he said, with a
+wide grin.</p>
+
+<p>The boys, quite abashed by Miss Juanita's demonstrative thanks,
+stammered a few words in reply and turned to greet their eager
+companion.</p>
+
+<p>"Say, fels, tell me all about it," said the Midget, dragging them off to
+the forward part of the deck.</p>
+
+<p>"First got to go to the galley with George Wash<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_274" id="Page_274">[Pg 274]</a></span> Jenks and get some
+coffee and bite to eat. Ah bet you suah hungry, Misser Harry an' Misser
+Bert."</p>
+
+<p>"We suah are, Washington. What have you got to eat in there?"</p>
+
+<p>"Ah guess ah got some suah 'nough fresh doughnuts."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, doughnuts for ours," cried the boys in chorus.</p>
+
+<p>"Also for mine, Wash," said Mason solemnly. "I may not be a hero, but
+I've got just as good an appetite for fresh doughnuts as if I had
+rescued the maiden all forlorn. How about that, Wash?"</p>
+
+<p>"Suah, Misser Mason, you get doughnuts too."</p>
+
+<p>"Very well, then, lead on."</p>
+
+<p>They followed the grinning and happy negro into the galley, while
+O'Connor and Miss Juanita joined her mother on the after deck. For half
+an hour they were busy tucking away Washington's doughnuts and coffee,
+while Mason waited patiently for the story of their adventures. Full
+stomachs and a sense of safety after a period of excitement and danger,
+however, brought about a lethargy that only rest and sleep could dispel,
+and with heavy eyes and weary legs they dragged themselves aft to their
+stateroom, and crawling into their bunks, fully dressed as they were,
+fell into a heavy sleep despite the disgusted protests of Mason, who was
+finally obliged to leave them to their dreamless slumber.</p>
+
+
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_275" id="Page_275">[Pg 275]</a></span></p>
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXIV" id="CHAPTER_XXIV"></a>CHAPTER XXIV</h2>
+
+<h3><span class="smcap">The Escape From the Lagoon</span></h3>
+
+
+<p>When the boys awoke it was dark again. They had slept through the day
+without a break. Mason, who had been hovering around restlessly all day,
+poked his head into the stateroom just as Harry was rubbing his eyes.</p>
+
+<p>"O, say, you chaps, have you returned to life again? Do you know you
+have been pounding your ears for thirteen hours?"</p>
+
+<p>"Where are we, Midget?" asked Harry, yawning.</p>
+
+<p>"Still in the blooming lagoon."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, yes, I remember now." Harry sighed comfortably and turned over.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, say, you fellows; turn out. You have had sleep enough and I am as
+lonely as a cow in a strange pasture. You've had all the fun; now the
+least you can do is to get up and tell me about it."</p>
+
+<p>"Fun, eh?" said Bert, who had been awakened by the conversation. "I wish
+you had had my part of the enjoyment. More quiet amusement will do for
+me."</p>
+
+<p>"I am as hungry as a bear," said Harry, jumping out of bed. "If you
+won't let us sleep we must eat. Have you had supper yet?"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_276" id="Page_276">[Pg 276]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"No; Cap said he was going to wait until you waked up."</p>
+
+<p>"All right; if you'll get a bucket of water we'll be ready in short
+order. I've got to wash up. I'm as dirty as a digger Indian."</p>
+
+<p>When Harry turned out he found his own suit, carefully mended and
+pressed, laid out over a chair. He gladly discarded his badly fitting
+Spanish uniform, and after a good wash, donned his own clothing again
+and made quite a presentable appearance as he walked out on deck, where
+he found O'Connor and Miss Juanita and her mother lounging lazily in
+steamer chairs.</p>
+
+<p>O'Connor jumped up and warmly welcomed the boys, and Miss Juanita
+insisted upon presenting them to her mother as "the brave American lads
+who had saved her from the vengeance of General Serano."</p>
+
+<p>"And now, youngsters," said O'Connor, as soon as they had blushingly
+acknowledged the warmly expressed gratitude of Miss Juanita's mother, "I
+know you are hungry and dinner waits. My Waldorf chef has done himself
+proud in honor of the occasion and George Wash Jenks, his assistant, has
+begged to be allowed to serve us. Let's get busy." He rose as he spoke
+and the boys saw that he had dressed himself with scrup<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_277" id="Page_277">[Pg 277]</a></span>ulous care
+again, in a suit of light flannel, yachting cap, and immaculately white
+canvas shoes.</p>
+
+<p>It was a merry party that gathered around the cabin table, which, with
+its elaborate setting of crystal and silver, would have been a credit to
+any domestic establishment. Washington, in a white coat and apron, his
+face wide ajar with a happy grin, served them skillfully. After dessert
+had been cleared away and O'Connor had secured permission from the
+ladies to smoke his cigarette, Mason, who had been for many hours
+impatiently waiting to hear the story of his comrades' adventures, saw
+his opportunity, and rising and bowing to the company with his funny,
+grave expression, said:</p>
+
+<p>"Ladies and gentlemen, and our distinguished host: Little as I am
+accustomed to public speaking, I wish right here to say that I consider
+that I have been very shabbily treated. Fickle fortune robbed me of an
+opportunity to become a hero, and it looks as if I would now be denied
+even the poor gratification of enjoying the thrilling adventures of my
+brave comrades by word of mouth. I know I'm little and perhaps my suit
+would not have fitted Miss Juanita as well as my friend Hamilton's, but
+it was not because of my size that unkind fate singled him out for the
+hero part and left me not so much as an understudy. It was<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_278" id="Page_278">[Pg 278]</a></span> pure hard
+luck, and now I demand, as the slighted party, that the story of the
+rescue from the Spanish prison be told in the minutest detail for the
+benefit of the assembled company by those who acted the principal parts.
+Captain Dynamite, I leave it to you if it is not due to a disappointed,
+would-be hero?"</p>
+
+<p>O'Connor laughed heartily at the boy, who kept a serious and sober face
+during his harangue.</p>
+
+<p>"Your position is well taken, Master Mason," he said. "I propose that
+Master Hamilton begin the story at the point where he and his companion
+fell into the hands of the Spaniards."</p>
+
+<p>After some urging Harry told in an easy narrative style the story of his
+and Bert's adventures, to which Mason listened breathlessly, while
+Washington, who had been permitted to stand behind O'Connor's chair,
+alternately grinned and stared in amazement. The story of the misfortune
+of Villamonte seemed to amuse him greatly, and as Harry described his
+expression as he lay bound and gagged in the prison, the negro slapped
+his leg in glee, and for a moment forgetting himself, cried out.</p>
+
+<p>"Ah guess Misser Tree Card Monte not bother Massa Cap'n Dynamite no
+more. He, he, ha, ha."</p>
+
+<p>They all joined with Washington in his mirth, and in the midst of their
+hilarity the cabin door<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_279" id="Page_279">[Pg 279]</a></span> opened and Suarez, with a reproachful
+expression, looked in at O'Connor and waited for the noise to subside.</p>
+
+<p>"Captain Morgan's sentinels on the point report a light off shore, sir,"
+he said, as soon as he could make himself heard.</p>
+
+<p>"What sort of a light, Suarez?" asked O'Connor, without showing any
+excitement.</p>
+
+<p>"Probably a vessel's light, sir."</p>
+
+<p>"Very well. Call me if it seems to be making in shore."</p>
+
+<p>Suarez cast another glance at O'Connor that seemed to say, "Petticoats
+are out of place on filibusters," but he wisely refrained from
+expressing any such opinions aloud.</p>
+
+<p>Harry continued his narrative and O'Connor appeared to listen with as
+great an interest as if he were not familiar with the details already.
+Harry noticed, however, that every now and then he cast a glance at the
+door as if he expected Suarez to return. He had reached that point in
+his story where they discover Villamonte riding madly after them on the
+plain and Washington's eyes were bulging with excitement, when the door
+again opened and Suarez stepped in and saluted.</p>
+
+<p>"I think you had better come on deck, sir," he said, quietly.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_280" id="Page_280">[Pg 280]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"All right, Suarez," said O'Connor, jumping up quickly. "Go on with your
+story, my boy, I will join you again shortly. Keep up the interest;
+you've got your audience in the proper mood now." With a light laugh,
+intended to allay any anxiety Suarez's words might have caused his
+guests, O'Connor left the cabin.</p>
+
+<p>Harry realized that some danger threatened them, but catching a
+significant look in the eyes of the captain as he left the room, fell in
+with his purpose readily and continued his story as if nothing had
+happened.</p>
+
+<p>"What is it, Suarez?" asked O'Connor, as soon as they were alone on
+deck.</p>
+
+<p>"She's headed in shore and directly for the inlet, sir."</p>
+
+<p>"Can you make her out yet?"</p>
+
+<p>"I have not been ashore, sir, but Morgan's men say they can only see her
+lights."</p>
+
+<p>"Lower a boat and let me take your glasses. I do not want to alarm the
+ladies by returning to the cabin for mine."</p>
+
+<p>"Women are a bit of a nuisance at such times, sir," said Suarez, who
+could no longer refrain from expressing his views, however mildly.</p>
+
+<p>"No, you are wrong there, Suarez," said O'Connor, who understood the
+mate's aversion to everyone and everything that was not working<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_281" id="Page_281">[Pg 281]</a></span>
+directly for the good of the cause. "They are only an incentive to extra
+caution, which you must admit is an admirable thing for me." Suarez
+shook his head doubtfully as he went forward to get the boat in the
+water and O'Connor laughed at his officer's crochet.</p>
+
+<p>A boat was quickly lowered and manned, and O'Connor was rowed to the
+point of land that separated the lagoon from the ocean. He made his way
+to a group of men who, in the shelter of some palm trees, were watching
+the red and green lights of an approaching vessel.</p>
+
+<p>"Can you make her out?" asked O'Connor, eagerly.</p>
+
+<p>"No, sir. We have no glasses. Perhaps you can tell what she is."</p>
+
+<p>O'Connor took a long look at the lights, which were yet mere specks.</p>
+
+<p>"I can't make her out yet," he said, as he lowered his glasses, "but
+whoever she is she must know the coast hereabouts pretty well to head in
+so close."</p>
+
+<p>He sat down with his back to one of the trees and his face to the sea
+and rolled a cigarette. He smoked calmly for ten minutes and then put
+his glasses to his eyes again.</p>
+
+<p>"She's a gunboat," he said finally. "Let me know in fifteen minutes if
+she still holds her course."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_282" id="Page_282">[Pg 282]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>He turned back to his boat and was rowed rapidly back to the <i>Mariella</i>.
+Suarez met him at the gangway.</p>
+
+<p>"Did you make her out, sir?" he asked eagerly.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, she's a gunboat&mdash;I think our old friend the <i>Belair</i>, and if it be
+she there is no significance in her presence here. She has probably been
+cruising up and down the coast since we left her trying to solve the
+mystery of our sudden disappearance. But in any event you better prepare
+for the worst; but quietly, Suarez, quietly. We do not want to alarm the
+ladies unnecessarily."</p>
+
+<p>"Bother the ladies," grumbled Suarez to himself, as he went forward to
+carry out the captain's orders. O'Connor leaned on the rail facing the
+black point of land that hid them from view. Presently a boat put out
+from the shore and as she came under the <i>Mariella's</i> quarter, O'Connor
+whispered:</p>
+
+<p>"Well?"</p>
+
+<p>"Only the red light shows now, sir," answered a man in the small boat.</p>
+
+<p>"She has changed her course, then. Good. Keep a sharp lookout and let me
+know at once if she changes again."</p>
+
+<p>"It seems to be steady, sir. I think she has come to anchor."</p>
+
+<p>"Whew," whistled O'Connor; "that's bad."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_283" id="Page_283">[Pg 283]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>The little boat put back to shore and O'Connor stood leaning over the
+rail in deep thought. Meanwhile dark shapes moved quickly, but silently,
+across the deck as the men took their quarters. The mate aroused
+O'Connor from his reverie.</p>
+
+<p>"All is ready, sir," he said.</p>
+
+<p>"Very good, Suarez. I think I know what her game is now. She's beating
+the coast for just such hidden spots as this lagoon. Get word at once to
+the men on the point to watch carefully for the approach of a launch or
+small boat. There is to be no demonstration unless they find the inlet.
+In that case let them see that no one gets out again. And Suarez, the
+machete&mdash;no guns. There must be no noise to tell the <i>Belair</i> what has
+happened."</p>
+
+<p>O'Connor rejoined the party in the cabin with a smile on his lips that
+belied the weight of anxiety on his mind.</p>
+
+<p>"Now ladies," he said cheerily, "if Harry has finished his tale of
+adventure we will bid you good night, as I have to make ready for sea.
+You will occupy my cabin, as I have no doubt the boys will be quite
+willing to bunk with me in a spare stateroom forward."</p>
+
+<p>The boys bade the ladies good night and retired to the deck with the
+captain.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_284" id="Page_284">[Pg 284]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"What's up, Cap?" asked Harry, as soon as the door closed behind them.</p>
+
+<p>"Can't fool you, eh?" laughed O'Connor.</p>
+
+<p>"I knew something had gone wrong, sir, as soon as you left the cabin."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, I suppose I might just as well tell you boys, for you will find
+out sooner or later, but I do not want a word of it to reach the ladies;
+you understand?"</p>
+
+<p>"We'll be as silent as clams at high water," said Mason, "but I should
+like to have it thoroughly understood that I am next in line for any
+hero parts."</p>
+
+<p>"There is a Spanish gunboat&mdash;the same one we had the little mix-up with
+coming down, I think&mdash;lying just off the inlet. I believe that her
+commander suspects that we have hidden away in some such place as this
+and he is beating the shore with small boats in the hope of locating
+us."</p>
+
+<p>"But what chance would a small boat have if she did discover us?"</p>
+
+<p>"If the boat crew discovered us and got away the gunboat could shell us
+out or sink us in the lagoon."</p>
+
+<p>"Another cheery outlook," groaned Bert. "I thought we were safe on the
+<i>Mariella</i> and it seems that it is only a choice between Spanish guns
+ashore and Spanish shells at sea."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_285" id="Page_285">[Pg 285]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Oh, it's not quite so bad as that, Master Wilson," said O'Connor
+laughing, but with an anxious look in the direction of the cabin. "If
+they do not discover our hiding-place we shall sneak out all right under
+cover of darkness, and if they do discover it, we shall have to fight
+for it; but in either event we shall get out." O'Connor's mouth
+tightened into that straight line that indicated his desperate moods. He
+stepped over to the rail and fixed his eyes on the black shore of the
+lagoon. It was his usual abrupt method of closing a conversation, and
+the boys who were now familiar with his peculiarities, did not attempt
+to question him further.</p>
+
+<p>The tide was running into the inlet and the <i>Mariella</i> had swung around
+on her anchor chains until she was pointed directly for the hidden
+opening to the sea. The boys left O'Connor to his thoughts and strolled
+forward. The sky was partially overcast and the moon, which had just
+risen, was almost obscured by heavy, slowly moving clouds. Now and then,
+however, it broke through a rift, flooding the lagoon with its silvery
+light and throwing the black sides of the <i>Mariella</i> into bold relief.
+Not a breath of air stirred leaf or twig.</p>
+
+<p>"We are ready for action," whispered Harry, as they passed the silent
+forms of the men standing<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_286" id="Page_286">[Pg 286]</a></span> quietly at their stations. "They won't catch
+Captain Dynamite napping, any way."</p>
+
+<p>Near the fo'c'sle deck they found Washington at his post, a Mauser in
+his hand and machete and pistols in his belt.</p>
+
+<p>"Hullo, Wash," said Mason, "are we going to have another mix-up?"</p>
+
+<p>The negro grinned and bobbed his head rapidly at the same time placing
+his finger on his lips.</p>
+
+<p>"What's the matter? Lost your tongue again?"</p>
+
+<p>"'Sh. George Wash Jenks can't talk on fightin' duty."</p>
+
+<p>"That's right, Wash; obey orders," said Harry, as they passed on.</p>
+
+<p>The dark forms of the waiting men, the dead silence that hung over the
+steamer, and the tense air of anxiety and doubt that pervaded all began
+to have a disquieting effect upon the boys who, at first, full of
+confidence in the courage and experience of O'Connor, had regarded their
+situation as only remotely dangerous. For a long time they stood looking
+off at the screen of trees and vines that separated them from the sea,
+where the gunboat lay in wait for its prey.</p>
+
+<p>A black cloud that had obscured the face of the moon slowly passed over
+it, and again the shores of the lagoon stood out in detail, almost as if
+the sun shone upon them. Harry placed a hand<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_287" id="Page_287">[Pg 287]</a></span> quickly on Bert's shoulder
+and pointed ahead of them. There was a commotion in the leafy screen as
+if something was forcing its way through. The next moment the bow of a
+boat crept slowly out until its full length was visible within the
+lagoon. Another cloud began to draw a fleecy fringe across the moon, but
+before its darker center passed over the shining disc, the boys could
+see many black moving spots on the surface of the water, rapidly
+approaching the boat from behind.</p>
+
+<p>"We must tell the captain," said Harry, turning quickly, only to find
+O'Connor with folded arms standing silently behind them, watching the
+scene with contracted brow. He did not appear to notice the presence of
+the boys.</p>
+
+<p>"Now, quick," he hissed between his teeth, as if coaching someone in the
+distance, and at the same time the boys saw the black spots rise from
+the water, as many arms shot up and seized the gunwale of the boat. Then
+a veil of darkness shut out the dramatic scene as the cloud shut out the
+light of the moon.</p>
+
+<p>There was a sound of splashing water, a low cry or two and then silence
+again. O'Connor turned away and joined the mate, who had watched the
+brief spectacle from the bridge.</p>
+
+<p>"It was well done, Suarez," said O'Connor.</p>
+
+<p>"Aye, aye, sir; it was a neat job. Trust Mor<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_288" id="Page_288">[Pg 288]</a></span>gan's men for that." The
+splash of oars alongside interrupted them and the sentries' boat
+appeared again. O'Connor leaned over the bridge.</p>
+
+<p>"Boat and four men captured at the inlet, sir," called a voice from out
+of the darkness.</p>
+
+<p>"Good; anyone hurt?"</p>
+
+<p>"Not a soul, sir. We were two to one and they threw up their hands when
+we climbed over the stern of their boat. What shall we do with the
+prisoners?"</p>
+
+<p>"Turn them over to Captain Morgan; and now, Suarez, when can we go to
+sea?"</p>
+
+<p>"Whenever you please, sir. The cargo is all ashore."</p>
+
+<p>"Get up steam at once."</p>
+
+<p>"Are you going to take her out to-night, sir, in the face of the
+<i>Belair</i>?"</p>
+
+<p>"If I don't take her out to-night we shall have to run the gauntlet in a
+hail of solid shot. It will not be long before they will suspect that
+something has happened to that boat. By daybreak the <i>Belair</i> will move
+in. Our only chance is to get out under cover of darkness. She is well
+within range now, but we can get clear of the inlet with a bit of speed
+on before she discovers us, and if we've got to fight I prefer the open
+sea."</p>
+
+<p>"Very well, sir. Shall I heave the anchors?" asked Suarez.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_289" id="Page_289">[Pg 289]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"You can't heave the anchors until you get up steam, man."</p>
+
+<p>"I told you we were ready for sea, sir," said Suarez, in a reproachful
+tone. "The <i>Mariella</i> is always at your command."</p>
+
+<p>Fifteen minutes later O'Connor stood in the pilot house with his hand on
+the wheel. He looked back for a moment at the two sentinel palms and
+then he rang the bell for full speed ahead.</p>
+
+<p>The engines throbbed, the screws churned the still water of the lagoon
+into a white froth and the <i>Mariella</i>, with rapidly increasing speed,
+poked her nose into the green foliage that barred her passage to the
+sea. Branches and vines scraped along her sides for a moment and then,
+released from their impeding embrace, she forged ahead with a tremble
+and start into the open sea. The red portlight of the waiting gunboat
+gleamed in the darkness a few points off her port bow. O'Connor swung
+her head around until the light was off the <i>Mariella's</i> quarter. Then
+he turned the wheel over to the steersman who stood beside him.</p>
+
+<p>"Keep her steady, now," he said, as he left the pilot house and returned
+to the bridge, where Suarez stood with his glasses trained on the red
+light.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_290" id="Page_290">[Pg 290]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"No sign of movement, yet, sir," he said.</p>
+
+<p>"You have no lights burning?"</p>
+
+<p>"Not a light aboard, sir, except in the binnacle."</p>
+
+<p>"All depends upon the moon then. She'll hardly make us out against the
+shore. If the moon stays in for fifteen minutes we shall be out of range
+of her guns and we can outfoot her in a stern chase."</p>
+
+
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_291" id="Page_291">[Pg 291]</a></span></p>
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXV" id="CHAPTER_XXV"></a>CHAPTER XXV</h2>
+
+<h3><span class="smcap">Home Again</span></h3>
+
+
+<p>Mrs. Hamilton sat on the broad veranda of her cottage looking wistfully
+out to sea. She was pale and languid from the weight of many anxious
+days and sleepless nights. Before her lay the treacherous ocean, now
+calm and peaceful, rippling laughingly in the summer sunshine. The white
+sails of tiny pleasure craft skimmed lightly over its placid surface,
+and in striking contrast to her unhappy mood, nature and the world
+seemed to show their cheeriest faces. The laughing voices of merry
+youngsters, the twitter of the sparrows in the trees, the soft notes of
+a girl's happy song wafted to her from a passing yacht, all grated
+harshly on her overwrought nerves. Day in and day out, in sunshine and
+storm, since Harry's disappearance, she had sat in a sheltered corner of
+the veranda and&mdash;waited.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Hamilton stepped out of the cottage, and drawing a chair beside her,
+took her hand gently in his and caressed it silently.</p>
+
+<p>"There is no word yet?" she said, finally, without taking her eyes from
+the dancing water.</p>
+
+<p>"None."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_292" id="Page_292">[Pg 292]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"And you have been unable to learn anything of the steamer,&mdash;the
+<i>Mariella</i>?"</p>
+
+<p>"All that my agents can find out is that she is apparently a tramp, and
+that she cleared from Boston for southern ports with a cargo of general
+merchandise."</p>
+
+<p>"And she has not been reported since?"</p>
+
+<p>"No."</p>
+
+<p>"There can be little hope then?"</p>
+
+<p>"We must not despair yet."</p>
+
+<p>"There could have been no mistake in the name of the steamer that picked
+them up?"</p>
+
+<p>"I hardly think so. I saw the captain of the steamer that reported them
+and he is positive that he could have made no mistake in reading the
+signal."</p>
+
+<p>"Then she should have arrived at some port long ago."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes; but these tramp steamers are sometimes very slow and it is not
+unusual for them to be many days overdue and turn up all right. I think,
+Mary, it is best that you should go home. This anxiety is killing you
+and the surroundings here keep you constantly overwrought. I have every
+point covered from which a report of the steamer might be received, and
+then, who knows, if Harry should land in the South, he might go West at
+once."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_293" id="Page_293">[Pg 293]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Hamilton shook her head and pointed out over the sea.</p>
+
+<p>"No, Edward, that is the way he went and I shall wait for him here."</p>
+
+<p>A boy on a bicycle rode up to the house.</p>
+
+<p>"Telegram for Mr. Hamilton," he called, as he jumped from his wheel.</p>
+
+<p>"Quick, Edward, it may be news from Harry," said Mrs. Hamilton, rising
+eagerly as her husband took the yellow envelope from the boy and broke
+the seal hastily.</p>
+
+<p>"The <i>Mariella</i> is bound in," he almost shouted, as he passed the paper
+to his wife. She took it in her trembling hands and read:<br /><br /></p>
+
+<div class="blockquot">
+<p>
+<span class="smcap">Edward Hamilton</span>,<br />
+Cliff Cottage,<br />
+Cottage City, Mass.<br />
+</p>
+
+<p>Tramp steamer <i>Mariella</i> just reported passing in. Bound for Boston.</p>
+
+
+<p style="text-align: right"><span class="smcap">William Coffin</span>, Nantucket.<br />
+</p>
+<br /></div>
+
+<p>Mrs. Hamilton sank back into her chair, an expression of eager hope
+lighting up her wan face.</p>
+
+<p>"Do you suppose that Harry is on board, Edward? Can it be that he is
+coming home at last?"</p>
+
+<p>"I hope so, Mary, but I cannot understand it. Where has the steamer been
+and why has she not been reported out?"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_294" id="Page_294">[Pg 294]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Can this be a mistake?" asked the woman plaintively, holding out the
+telegram.</p>
+
+<p>"No, I think not."</p>
+
+<p>"Then let us go to Boston at once and meet him."</p>
+
+<p>"That would be unwise. By the time we could reach there, Harry&mdash;if he is
+aboard&mdash;might be on his way here. It is best to wait, Mary, and hope for
+the best. In the meantime, I will wire to my agent in Boston to meet the
+steamer."</p>
+
+<p>With a sigh of resignation, Mrs. Hamilton resumed her weary vigil.
+Suddenly she started up with a new idea.</p>
+
+<p>"Edward," she said, "if she is coming in she will pass out there."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, but too far out for you to see her, Mary."</p>
+
+<p>"Never mind; bring me the glasses. It will help to pass the weary hours
+of waiting."</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Hamilton brought her a pair of marine glasses, and rearranging the
+cushions behind her head with a tender hand, he left her eagerly
+scanning the horizon for some sign of a passing steamer.</p>
+
+<p>When he returned from the telegraph office she called to him eagerly:</p>
+
+<p>"Look, Edward, just off the point. There is a steamer."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, probably a collier."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_295" id="Page_295">[Pg 295]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"But she seems to be headed this way."</p>
+
+<p>"They go up the sound to New York."</p>
+
+<p>"But might she not be the&mdash;the&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"No, Mary; she would have to head out around Cape Cod to make Boston."</p>
+
+<p>"I know, I know, but perhaps she may land him here."</p>
+
+<p>"That would take her out of her course and mean the loss of time. Her
+captain would not do that."</p>
+
+<p>For fifteen minutes more, Mrs. Hamilton watched the steamer in silence
+and then she turned again to her husband, and said:</p>
+
+<p>"She is not going up the sound, Edward; she is headed in here." Mr.
+Hamilton took the glasses and scanned the steamer.</p>
+
+<p>"She does seem to be headed this way."</p>
+
+<p>"It is the <i>Mariella</i>, Edward."</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Hamilton spoke in a low tone of deep conviction. Her husband looked
+at her anxiously.</p>
+
+<p>"You are trying to make coincidences fit your wishes, Mary," he said.
+"Do not build up false hopes; the disappointment will be too much for
+your worn nerves."</p>
+
+<p>"I shall not be disappointed, Edward; see, she is headed straight in
+now."</p>
+
+<p>"It is strange," said Mr. Hamilton, beginning himself to take an
+interest in the steamer, which<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_296" id="Page_296">[Pg 296]</a></span> was now certainly headed almost for the
+cottage.</p>
+
+<p>"Quick, Edward, the glasses; I can see people on her decks."</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Hamilton rose from her chair as she spoke and almost snatched the
+glasses from her husband's hands in her eagerness. For a long time she
+stood like a statue with the glasses trained on the steamer, and then
+suddenly she took a white shawl from her shoulders and waved it wildly
+above her head.</p>
+
+<p>"It is Harry," she cried, sobbing with excitement, as she thrust the
+glasses into her husband's hands. "See, they have seen us, too, and
+Harry is waving his hat."</p>
+
+<p>Her overwrought nerves could not stand the excess of joy and she sank
+into her husband's arms.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Hamilton carried her into a big room that overlooked the water and
+placed her gently on a lounge. When she recovered consciousness and
+opened her eyes, she looked up into the face of her son, who bent
+anxiously over her.</p>
+
+<p>"Harry," she whispered, her happiness sending the warm blood back into
+her face again.</p>
+
+<p>"Mother," he cried, seizing her in his strong young arms.</p>
+
+<p>When she was stronger they led her out to her seat on the veranda where
+she had kept her weary vigil, and she warmly greeted Bert and the
+Midget,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_297" id="Page_297">[Pg 297]</a></span> who had just returned from the telegraph office, where they had
+sent word at once to their homes telling of their safe arrival in
+America. O'Connor who had come ashore at Harry's earnest solicitation,
+stood in the background talking with Mr. Hamilton, to whom he had
+briefly outlined the adventures of the three boys since they had been
+his guests on the <i>Mariella</i>.</p>
+
+<p>Harry took the big man by the hand and led him over to his mother.</p>
+
+<p>"Mother," he said, proudly, "I want you to know my friend, Captain
+Dynamite."</p>
+
+<p>"Captain Dynamite?" repeated Mrs. Hamilton, in wonder.</p>
+
+<p>"Captain O'Connor, I mean; they call him Dynamite because when you touch
+him off there's sure to be something doing. He saved our lives
+twice&mdash;once from the sea, and once from the Spaniards."</p>
+
+<p>"The Spaniards&mdash;my son, what are you talking about?"</p>
+
+<p>"That's a long story, mother. I will tell you that to-night."</p>
+
+<p>After much persuasion, O'Connor was induced to remain overnight on
+condition that all hands would dine on the <i>Mariella</i>. He went back to
+the steamer and sent a large boat ashore for his guests and no happier
+party could have been<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_298" id="Page_298">[Pg 298]</a></span> found that night than those who gathered around
+the table in the cabin of the old <i>Mariella</i>. Miss Juanita made Mrs.
+Hamilton's heart glow with the pride of a mother as she told of Harry's
+sacrifice to save her, and after dinner, as they all gathered on the
+after deck under the starlit sky, Mr. and Mrs. Hamilton listened with
+breathless interest as the various actors told the story of their
+adventures during the voyage with Captain Dynamite.</p>
+
+<p>It was long after midnight when all the farewells had been said and the
+boat that was to put the departing guests ashore left the side of the
+<i>Mariella</i>. As the sailors pushed off, O'Connor and Juanita stood at the
+rail, his big hand resting gently on hers.</p>
+
+<p>"Say, Cap," shouted the Midget, as they moved away, "count us in when
+you cut that wedding cake."</p>
+
+
+<p>[THE END.]</p>
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+<pre>
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of A Voyage with Captain Dynamite, by 
+Charles Edward Rich
+
+*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK A VOYAGE WITH CAPTAIN DYNAMITE ***
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+</body>
+</html>
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@@ -0,0 +1,8507 @@
+Project Gutenberg's A Voyage with Captain Dynamite, by Charles Edward Rich
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: A Voyage with Captain Dynamite
+
+Author: Charles Edward Rich
+
+Release Date: April 23, 2008 [EBook #25144]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ASCII
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK A VOYAGE WITH CAPTAIN DYNAMITE ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Suzanne Shell and the Online Distributed
+Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration: cover]
+
+A VOYAGE WITH CAPTAIN DYNAMITE
+
+[Illustration: Suddenly he half rose in the tossing boat and shouted to
+the rowers (_Page 13_)]
+
+A VOYAGE
+WITH
+CAPTAIN DYNAMITE
+
+BY
+CHARLES EDWARD RICH
+
+[Illustration: Publishers mark]
+
+NEW YORK
+A. S. BARNES & COMPANY
+1907
+
+COPYRIGHT, 1907, BY
+A. S. BARNES & COMPANY
+All rights reserved
+
+
+
+
+
+CONTENTS.
+
+
+CHAPTER                   PAGE
+
+I.     CAUGHT IN A GALE                                1
+II     CARRIED AWAY TO SEA                            11
+III    "SHE'S LIKE A WARSHIP BELOW"                   24
+IV.    A LESSON IN PATRIOTISM                         37
+V.     SENDING THE MESSAGE                            51
+VI.    "VIVA, CUBA LIBRE!"                            63
+VII.   IN THE DANGER ZONE                             73
+VIII.  A BRUSH WITH THE GUNBOAT                       86
+IX.    THE MIDNIGHT MESSAGE                           99
+X.     INTO THE ENEMY'S COUNTRY                      112
+XI.    CAPTURED BY SPANIARDS                         125
+XII.   ON TO GOMEZ                                   139
+XIII.  HARRY REFUSES TO BETRAY CAPTAIN DYNAMITE      151
+XIV.   THE SECRET PASSAGE                            165
+XV.    THE EXECUTION AT DAWN                         177
+XVI.   THE ESCAPE                                    185
+XVII.  "YOU WILL BE SHOT AS SPIES"                   198
+XVIII. CAPTAIN DYNAMITE FINDS JUANITA                208
+XIX.   DRAWING THE NET CLOSER                        218
+XX.    CAPTAIN DYNAMITE TO THE RESCUE                231
+XXI.   GENERAL SERANO MEETS CAPTAIN DYNAMITE         242
+XXII.  THE ESCAPE--VILLAMONTE AGAIN BEATEN           254
+XXIII. BACK TO THE MARIELLA                          266
+XXIV.  THE ESCAPE FROM THE LAGOON                    275
+XXV.   HOME AGAIN                                    291
+
+
+
+
+
+A VOYAGE WITH CAPTAIN DYNAMITE
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER I
+
+CAUGHT IN A GALE
+
+
+"Let go the jib halliards, Mason. Lay out there, Bert, and get in that
+slack sail. It's blowing a bit. Gee, see that bank of wind coming up."
+
+The little pleasure boat careened and took aboard a few barrels of water
+as she faced a sudden puff of wind that almost put her on her beam ends.
+But she was a game little craft, and came back from the onslaught of the
+elements with a sturdiness that indicated strong timbers, and a build
+that was meant to cope with the sudden squalls that come out of a clear
+sky off the coast of Martha's Vineyard during the early autumn days.
+
+"She's good for anything that you will get around these parts, and she
+is the fastest boat of her length in these waters."
+
+This recommendation by Tom, the veteran skipper of the summer fleet, had
+been sufficient to complete the sale of the sloop to three enthusiastic
+boys. And the boat had made good her reputation and served her purpose
+well. During the two months that the boys had owned her, there had been
+few days when she had not been in commission, either cruising for blue
+fish, or skimming along the shores of the island in a pleasant, summer
+way, lazily passing the days away for the youngsters, who lolled
+contentedly on her deck.
+
+Since we shall follow the crew of the yacht through many adventures, let
+us make their acquaintance at once. At the helm stood Harry Hamilton, a
+boy of sixteen, strong of build and an athlete of renown within the
+circles of his school. Honest and straightforward in all his dealings,
+and with a cheery disposition, he commanded the respect and admiration
+of his fellows, and because of his natural characteristics, was usually
+looked upon as the leader in their sports. With his parents he was
+spending his vacation at their summer home at Cottage City.
+
+With him were two schoolmates, Geoffrey Mason and Bertram Wilson, who
+were staying with him. Bertram was about Harry's age. Geoffrey,
+nicknamed "Midget" Mason, or the "Midget," was a year younger than his
+chums, and although small for his age, was strong and wiry. Light
+hearted and fun loving, he was always the life of any gathering of boys.
+He was one of Harry Hamilton's staunchest friends and admirers. For
+weeks the boys had enjoyed the sailing, bathing, fishing, golf, and
+other sports, but their particular diversion was sailing. Under the
+instruction of old Tom, the boys were soon able to handle alone the
+little boat that they had bought by clubbing together their resources.
+
+"Don't worry, mother, she's as safe as a scow," Harry would say, as he
+saw the expression of anxiety spread over his mother's face when he
+announced that they were off for a day's cruising.
+
+On this day they had started early in the morning for a blue-fishing
+cruise, and all had gone well until the homeward voyage. The cockpit was
+full of big fish and the boys took much pleasure in anticipating their
+reception when they made fast to the pier. The little sloop was skimming
+along under full sail, when just off Edgartown a stiff puff of wind
+struck them.
+
+Harry jammed the helm hard down and the boat responded gamely, coming
+quickly up into the wind. It was then that he called sharply to Mason to
+let go the jib halliards. The sail was so light and the wind slapped it
+from side to side with such angry vehemence that it would not run down
+on the stay. Harry dropped the helm, and holding it down with the
+pressure of his leg, seized the down haul and brought the jib, flapping
+and pounding, down to the bowsprit.
+
+"Get out there and furl that jib, Bert," he shouted. "We'll have to reef
+down the mainsail soon."
+
+Bert climbed cautiously out of the cockpit and made his way along the
+slippery deck until he reached the bowsprit. Clinging to the mainmast,
+he steadied himself while he surveyed the thrashing sail, whose folds of
+canvas hung over and trailed in the water until, caught every now and
+then by the wind, it bellied out like a balloon. A wave bigger than the
+rest completely submerged the bowsprit as the boat plunged into the
+trough of the sea.
+
+To furl the jib it was necessary to climb out on the lower stay, which
+acted as a foot rope, and it required the agility of a cat to hang on
+and drag the water-soaked, wind-thrashed sail onto the bowsprit and make
+it fast with canvas stops. For a moment Bert hesitated, but Harry waved
+to him eagerly to go on. Bert nodded in assent and began to climb
+gingerly out onto the stay. Harry held the boat up into the wind to aid
+his companion in getting in the wet and flapping sail.
+
+They plunged into wave after wave, carrying Bert almost completely
+under, as a bather goes under a comber in the surf. But he hung onto the
+light spar with one hand while he dragged in the sail with the other.
+When his task was completed and he climbed inboard again, Bert was as
+wet as if he had been overboard.
+
+Then came the task of reefing the mainsail, which the boys accomplished
+successfully, though not without a hard struggle, for the wind increased
+in violence every moment. Holding the boat, which now carried only a few
+square yards of canvas, well up into the wind, they pounded along with
+the gunwale under the rushing water. She rode a little easier and the
+boys settled down for a breathing spell.
+
+"There is nothing to be done now but to let her run," said Harry, as he
+gripped the helm hard to meet a sudden plunge into a head sea.
+
+"But we are heading straight out to sea," said Bert, with a tone of
+worriment in his voice.
+
+"Can't be helped. This wind has not reached its limit yet, and I would
+not dare to try to take her in before it. It might take the mast out of
+her."
+
+"It's getting dark, too," said Mason, nervously.
+
+"That can't be helped either."
+
+"Can't you ease her off for the Massachusetts shore?"
+
+"I tell you, Bert, there is nothing to be done with safety but to keep
+her right up into the eye of the wind."
+
+"But this blow may last for a day or two."
+
+"Now look here, Bert, you and I have been caught in one or two hard
+blows and we have pulled out all right together. If you think you know
+more about handling this boat than I do, I will turn the helm over to
+you and you can have your own way."
+
+"Skipper," said Bert, with a return of his natural good humor, "I seek
+neither the honor nor the responsibility. Keep the helm and sail her on
+to whatever port this blooming gale may be heading us for. It looks to
+me as if we would make the coast of Ireland for our first stop."
+
+"She is not making as much headway as she appears to be. I have got her
+jammed way up into the wind."
+
+The sky was constantly growing darker and the wind seemed each moment to
+increase in fury. To add to the discomfort of the situation, it began to
+rain. The wind howled and shrieked and lashed the surface of the water
+into a white foam, lifting at times the crests from the waves and
+hurling the fine spray into the faces of the boys.
+
+Darkness was falling rapidly, and away off in the distance behind them
+the lights of Cottage City flashed out as the cottagers began to light
+the lamps.
+
+Harry sat silently at the helm, with his eyes fixed on the sail, now and
+then changing their course a little as the gusty wind veered a point or
+two.
+
+On they plunged into the teeth of the ever increasing gale. Soon
+complete darkness shut in around them and it was impossible to see
+beyond the bow of the boat, that at times rose high on the crest of a
+rushing wave and then swooped down to meet the next with a crash that
+sent a shiver through her timbers. But she was a sturdy little craft,
+and shaking herself like an animal, she would rise lightly to the top of
+the next wave, ready to fight it out to the end.
+
+Mason and Bert perched grimly on the windward rail of the cockpit.
+Neither had spoken for a long time.
+
+"Take a turn at the pump, Bert," said Harry, "I think she is taking
+water."
+
+Bert started towards the pump, slipped on the fish that filled the
+cockpit and pitched head-foremost into the lee scuppers.
+
+"Throw half a dozen of those fish into the cuddy and chuck the rest
+overboard," said Harry, who, notwithstanding their serious situation,
+could not refrain from laughing at Bert's frantic efforts to regain his
+feet among the slippery cargo. "We may need some of them for food before
+we get out of this, but the others are in the way."
+
+Mason climbed down from his perch with care and helped to throw the fish
+overboard.
+
+"Pretty dangerous situation, skipper," said the imperturbable youngster,
+"when we have to sacrifice the cargo. However, over they go."
+
+The little cabin, or cuddy, of the boat was so low that it was with
+difficulty that one could crawl into it. On either side the boys had
+fitted up small bunks that served for lounging during calm weather, and
+in the middle of this space, on the centreboard box, they had arranged a
+table on which stood a small oil stove. Here they frequently cooked
+their luncheons when cruising.
+
+After the fish were disposed of, Bert manned the pump, and for five
+minutes was busy getting the water out of the hold.
+
+"This blow has opened up some of her seams," said Harry, as Bert began
+to puff. "We shall have to work to keep the water out of her, boys."
+
+"What about eating?" asked Mason, whose stomach never quailed, even in
+the face of danger.
+
+"We'll go without eating for the present, young man, and you may think
+yourself very lucky if you get out of this even with an empty stomach."
+
+"O, fudge, I can sneak down into the cuddy and fix up a nice mess of
+baked beans that will make your mouth water. There are three cans left.
+Besides, if we are going to drown, what's the use of drowning on empty
+stomachs?"
+
+"Don't you even put your head in that cuddy, Midget," said Harry,
+sharply. "If anything should happen to this boat you would be drowned
+like a rat in a trap, in there."
+
+"Pish, pish and tush, tush, what's the use of having a skipper if he is
+going to upset his craft? Bert, it is high time the crew mutinied.
+What--"
+
+At this moment a big wave struck the bow of the boat and swept her from
+stem to stern, filling Mason's open mouth with salt water.
+
+"Skipper," he sputtered, as soon as he could speak, "I confidently
+believe you did that on purpose."
+
+"This is not a time for your nonsense, Mason," said Harry, somewhat
+sternly.
+
+As he spoke, a fiercer gust of wind, veering a point or two, caught the
+sloop amidships, and before Harry could let go the sheet or bring her
+closer up, she heeled over to the blast until the water poured in a
+torrent into the cockpit. Harry jammed down the helm and let go the
+mainsheet and she righted herself, trembled under the strain and plunged
+ahead once more into the seas.
+
+It was mere chance that both Bert and Mason were not swept into the sea
+by the sudden careening of the boat. As it was, they were thrown into
+the cockpit, and when they climbed back in the darkness to their places
+on the weather rail, the Midget wore a much more serious expression on
+his naturally comical face.
+
+"You are right, Hal," he said, solemnly, "I guess it's no joke after
+all."
+
+The rain was now coming down in vicious torrents that beat in the boys'
+faces, almost blinding them.
+
+Suddenly in the blackness ahead there flashed a bright, green light like
+the eye of some monster of the deep. It appeared to be about as high
+above them as the mast head of the sloop. They each saw it at the same
+time, and each knew, with a thrill of horror, what it meant.
+
+"Hold fast," shouted Harry, in tones that could just be heard above the
+howling of the gale, and at the same time he put the helm hard down.
+"She's almost on us."
+
+It was too late. There was a crash and the sound of splintering timbers.
+
+The big steamer cut the little craft in two as cleanly as with a knife.
+
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II
+
+CARRIED AWAY TO SEA
+
+
+As the big, black hull of the steamer crashed into the sail boat, a loud
+shout went up from her deck. The note of fright in it penetrated even
+through the shrieks of the gale.
+
+"Boat under our starboard bow, sir--we've run her down."
+
+The warning shout and the cry that announced the disaster were
+punctuated only by a breath. Then followed a babel of orders and the
+quick clanging of signal bells in the engine room. The sudden churning
+of the screws in the angry waters told that the steamer's engines were
+reversed.
+
+A man rushed out of the cabin and took a commanding place on the
+steamer's bridge.
+
+"Where did she go down?" he shouted in the ear of the mate, who clung to
+the rail and peered back into the darkness.
+
+"About a hundred feet aft, sir," the man answered, pointing into the
+blackness that enveloped the steamer.
+
+"Lower the port lifeboat," shouted the newcomer on the scene to the men
+who were collected on the forward deck.
+
+He darted back toward the cabin as he spoke and the sound of creaking
+ropes told that his orders were being rapidly carried out.
+
+"The boat will never live in this sea," shouted the mate.
+
+The man turned at the cabin door with a scowl.
+
+"You heard my orders," he said, sharply. "There are lives to be saved
+and it is not a question whether the boat will live. We will make her
+live. Call for volunteers if the men have any scruples about trusting
+themselves with me, but get the boat into the water at once. Every
+minute counts."
+
+He was gone but a second and emerged from the cabin in a heavy suit of
+oilskins. He sprang nimbly down the companionway to the deck.
+
+"Who goes with me in the boat?" he shouted to the assembled crew.
+
+"I, sir, and I," cried the men in chorus, all anxious to be in the boat
+with their commander.
+
+"You, and you, and you," he shouted, as he designated six men with a
+quick movement of his forefinger. The men tumbled over the side into the
+boat that was tossing like a cockle shell in the waves that threatened
+to dash her to pieces against the big steamer. The captain slipped over
+the side and took his place in the stern. It was a difficult task to get
+the boat safely off, but it was finally accomplished by skill and
+strength; and as she rode away from the side on the top of a nasty
+roller she was greeted with a cheer from the disappointed men who had
+been left behind and who longed to be with their commander in his
+perilous undertaking.
+
+As they rowed away from the steamer there was no sign in the darkness of
+the little boat they had run down, but the man at the tiller steered as
+determinedly as if he knew for just what point in the blackness he was
+headed. With his head bent slightly forward and his big body swaying
+with the rock and pitch of the lifeboat he kept his eyes fixed straight
+ahead.
+
+Suddenly he half rose in the tossing boat and shouted to the rowers, who
+were bending their backs to the oars that every now and then would sink
+deep into a towering wave and the next instant swing viciously through
+the air as the boat rolled up on the crest of a big billow.
+
+"Steady all," he called in a deep growl. "Now hold her."
+
+The men dug their oars into the tumbling sea in an effort to bring the
+boat to a standstill, but the waves caught her and hurried her on. The
+sailors caught a fleeting glimpse in the darkness of the bottom of an
+upturned boat to which three boys were clinging. The man at the tiller
+swung the boat's head around as they swept by and, caught broadside on
+by a big wave, she rolled for a moment as if she was about to capsize.
+But the trained sailors held stoutly to the leeward oars, and the boat
+righted herself and rose like a cork on the wave and settled down so
+close to the wrecked yacht that the man in the stern leaned over and
+tossed the end of a rope beyond the heads of the boys.
+
+"Catch it and make fast to something," he cried, as the rope fell. "We
+cannot get any closer to you without smashing this boat. Jump!"
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+When Harry came to the surface after the collision he found that he was
+not hurt and, shaking his head like a dog, he prepared to make a fight
+for his life against the sea. His first thought was of his companions,
+but it was impossible to tell what their fate had been. It took all his
+strength to battle with the waves and keep himself afloat. Now and then,
+as he was carried helplessly to the crest of a big billow, he tried to
+peer into the darkness that surrounded him. He could see nothing but
+empty blackness. It was impossible to swim, had he known in which
+direction to head. All he could do was to husband his strength to keep
+on the surface and to breast and rise with each wave that passed under
+him.
+
+He knew it would be useless to shout, for his voice was weak from his
+exertions and could not be heard above the howling of the wind and the
+lash of the sea. He could faintly hear the commotion on the steamer and
+see the lights from her portholes when she rode a high wave. But he had
+no hope that any boat that might be lowered could reach him in that sea.
+
+Once he thought he heard faint cries for help near him, and as he sank
+into the trough of a sea, a black mass swept by him. He groped wildly to
+reach it and his hand touched a dangling rope. He seized it with the
+frenzy of a drowning man and the next instant had pulled himself
+alongside of what proved to be the wreck of the yacht. He dragged
+himself up and threw his arms over the keel and for the first time since
+he had been swept under the surface of the water drew a long breath. The
+touch of something solid in that angry sea put new life into him and he
+shouted feebly for very joy.
+
+An answering cry, weak as his own, came from the other side of the wreck
+and he saw two heads just above the line of the keel. Bert and Mason had
+also been fortunate enough to reach the upturned half of the boat, and
+for a time at least all were saved from the maw of the sea.
+
+Just then the lifeboat reached them and the rope cast by the captain's
+strong hand fell over their heads. Harry caught it and managed to make
+it fast to a ring bolt. Then without hesitation the boys one by one
+dropped off into the water and half swimming and half dragging
+themselves by the rope, made their way from the wreck to the lifeboat
+into which they were pulled by strong hands. As soon as they were
+dragged aboard, the boys sank to the bottom of the boat exhausted.
+
+"How many of you were there?" asked the captain, as the last of the
+three boys was pulled into the boat.
+
+"Only three," answered Harry, weakly.
+
+"All right, then," said the captain, with a tone of relief in his voice,
+"You are all accounted for. Pull men."
+
+By the time they reached the steamer the boys had revived and were able
+to scramble up the rope-ladder that was lowered over the side. The
+captain was the last to go aboard. As he reached the deck he looked at
+the bedraggled youngsters with a good-natured smile.
+
+"Better come below and get on some dry clothes," he said, as he nodded
+his head to the mate on the bridge.
+
+The bells in the engine-room jingled and the big steamer began to forge
+ahead again into the storm as if nothing had happened to delay her
+voyage. The drenched boys gladly followed the captain into his cabin. He
+was a man of enormous build, big-boned and muscular. His head was
+covered with a mass of curling blond hair and his face was clean-shaven.
+As he threw off his oilskins and tossed them into a corner of the cabin
+the boys saw to their astonishment that he wore a fashionable suit of
+summer flannels and a handsome negligee shirt. His trousers, which were
+turned up at the bottom in the latest mode, were suspended by a fancy
+leather belt and his feet were encased in low tan shoes. He looked like
+the owner of a yacht off on a summer pleasure cruise, but to the eye of
+the veriest land lubber it would be at once apparent that the steamer
+which he commanded was not a yacht. He was about thirty years old and
+carried his size and weight with an ease that showed the training of an
+athlete.
+
+After he had thrown aside his oilskins, he began to rummage through a
+big chest and finally threw out a lot of old togs for the inspection of
+his involuntary guests.
+
+"Good deal like a Baxter Street fit, I guess," he said, laughing. There
+was just a touch of brogue in his voice. "Never mind. Chuck off the wet
+ones. These will have to do until we can get the others dried in the
+engine-room. Roll up the trousers and sleeves and look out that I don't
+tread on the tails of your coats."
+
+The boys were glad to get out of their wet and chilled clothing and
+needed no second invitation. They were a funny looking trio when they
+had rigged themselves out in the captain's duds. The sleeves of the
+Midget's coat hung to the ground and his trousers' legs doubled up twice
+before he could walk. Harry was the tallest of the three and yet the
+captain's clothes hung on him like a sack on a pole.
+
+"Now I'll bet you are hungry," said the captain as he surveyed the boys
+with a twinkle of amusement in his eyes. "What do you say to a cup of
+hot coffee and bite of biscuit? This ship is no hotel, as you will find
+before you get through with her. Nothing better in the cabin than in the
+fo'c'sel. But we have plenty of the sort we have and as often as we want
+it."
+
+He stepped to the door of the cabin as he spoke and called to a man on
+deck:
+
+"Send the cook aft."
+
+"Aye, aye, sir," came an answering shout through the howling of the
+wind. Presently another man appeared in the doorway and stood
+respectfully awaiting orders.
+
+"Cook, have these clothes taken to the engine-room to dry and then bring
+us a pot of coffee and some biscuits. And serve coffee to the men on
+watch--it is a nasty night."
+
+"Aye, aye, sir," answered the man cheerily. It was plain the men were
+glad to serve their captain.
+
+In a short time the boys were sitting around the small table in the
+cabin eagerly discussing the coffee and hardtack as if it had been the
+most delicious repast.
+
+A remark made by the captain had stuck in Harry's mind, and he took the
+first opportunity to put the question that was bothering him.
+
+"Where are you going to land us, captain?"
+
+The big man leaned back in his chair and laughed long and loud. The boys
+looked at him in surprise. It was not an agreeable laugh although there
+was no ill-humor in it.
+
+"What in thunder does he see to laugh at?" whispered Bert to Harry in a
+disgusted tone.
+
+"Wait, we shall find out in good time."
+
+"We should like to be put ashore at Cottage City, if you please,"
+continued Harry, ignoring the captain's merriment, "but if that is too
+much out of your way, Nantucket will do and we can take the boat home in
+the morning."
+
+Again the captain went off into a paroxysm of laughter. The peals of
+loud guffaws grated on the ears of the anxious boys.
+
+"He can't be a bad man at heart," whispered Mason to Harry, "or he
+wouldn't have taken so much trouble and run so much risk to pick us up
+after his steamer ran us down."
+
+"No, I don't understand it. I feel as if I were being kidnapped," said
+Bert.
+
+Presently the captain's fit of humor passed and his face became serious
+again.
+
+"Boys," he said, "I shall have to ask you to take things as they are and
+ask no questions. You are my guests. Do not worry."
+
+"But, captain, we must get home," said Mason petulantly.
+
+The man smiled at the speaker.
+
+"I hope we will all get home sometime," he said, quietly.
+
+"You speak as if there were some doubt about it," said Harry quickly.
+
+"There is," answered the captain, slowly.
+
+The boys looked at one another in dismay. What did it mean? Harry was
+the first to recover his composure.
+
+"You surely intend to land somewhere," he said, half questioningly.
+
+"Sure--if we are lucky."
+
+"You mean that this storm is so bad that there is danger we may not
+weather it?"
+
+Again the captain laughed his big laugh.
+
+"We'll weather this all right. It's only a capful of wind for the old
+_Mariella_. She has ridden out many a storm that would make this one
+look like thirty cents."
+
+"Then if there is no danger from the weather, we demand that you land us
+at the nearest port."
+
+Harry drew himself up and looked very important as he spoke. The captain
+only smiled indulgently.
+
+"You might as well learn at the start, young gentlemen," he said
+quietly, "that there is no such word as _demand_ recognized by Captain
+Dynamite."
+
+"Sounds like a pirate name," whispered the irrepressible Midget, loud
+enough to be heard by the captain.
+
+"I am something of a pirate," said the big man as if in reply. "Now I
+will be quite frank with you. I shall not make any port except that of
+my destination and that will be, if we have luck, in about six days from
+to-night. I am sorry that you will have to remain with me against your
+wishes, but you will admit that I am not responsible for your coming
+aboard. In fact, if you will pardon the allusion to the little accident
+back there, you are very lucky to be where you are and not tucked away
+in Davy Jones' locker. I shall consider you my guests and you may have
+the free run of the ship, but it will be impossible for you to leave it
+until we reach port. Make the best of the situation, boys. It has been
+forced on us both."
+
+Harry jumped up impulsively, and held out his hand to the big man across
+the table.
+
+"Do not think we are ungrateful, sir. We know that we owe our lives to
+you and that you risked yours to save us from drowning. But you forget
+that we have folks ashore who will think we are drowned if we cannot get
+some word to them."
+
+The big skipper jumped to his feet, grasped Harry's outstretched hand
+and shook it warmly.
+
+"My boy," he said, "it is unfortunate and I regret it as much as you,
+but it cannot be helped. If we pull through this voyage all right, you
+will be able to get a message to your folks in the course of two weeks.
+Now, it is pretty well into the night and I must go on deck for the last
+watch, so you had better turn in."
+
+As he spoke, the captain opened a door that led off the cabin and
+disclosed a room as large as an ordinary stateroom with two berths on
+each side.
+
+"Here are four bunks. Turn in and sleep well. By the way, begin to feel
+any little qualms at the stomach yet?"
+
+The steamer, while like a house in comparison with the small boat in
+which they had been tossed about, was still rolling and heaving in the
+heavy seas with which she was battling. But the boys were all good
+sailors and none of them felt anything like an attack of seasickness.
+
+Harry, whose anxiety for the worry and pain which his absence would
+cause those on shore, could not get off his mind the subject, and in a
+persistent way returned to it like a terrier to a bone.
+
+"Well, captain," he said, "admitting that for some reason which you do
+not care to tell us, it is impossible for you to land until the end of
+your voyage; will it not be possible to hail some passing vessel and
+send a message back that we are safe and sound?"
+
+The captain's face darkened, and a look such as the boys had not seen
+there before, spread over his countenance. Instinctively they fell back
+from him in his anger.
+
+"I have told you that the situation cannot be remedied. Let us not
+discuss the matter further. You are my guests. Do not force me to make
+you my prisoners."
+
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III
+
+"SHE'S LIKE A WARSHIP BELOW."
+
+
+As the captain left the cabin the boys looked at one another without
+speaking, for some minutes.
+
+"What do you make out of him?" asked Bert, who was the first to break
+the silence.
+
+"Sure enough pirate" said the Midget, confidently. "Gee, did you see his
+face?"
+
+"Yes, he evidently has a very bad temper and it will be well for us not
+to cross him too far," said Harry, thoughtfully; "but I don't propose to
+stay on this ship any longer than is necessary, whatever her mission,
+and I shall keep my eyes open for a chance to get ashore, or to signal
+some passing vessel."
+
+"Well, we cannot do anything in the escape line to-night, so we might as
+well take his advice and turn in," said Bert, with a yawn.
+
+An inspection of the stateroom showed a very comfortable room fitted
+with two narrow bunks on each side. They were neatly made up, and the
+linen was fine and clean. Thoroughly worn out, the boys prepared for bed
+and for the time cast their troubles aside.
+
+As they were about to jump into their bunks, a slight grating noise was
+heard. They all stopped and waited in silence. There was no further
+sound. It seemed to have come from the cabin beyond. After a second's
+thought, Harry stepped quickly out of the stateroom and to the door that
+led to the deck.
+
+"We are no longer guests," he said, quietly, as he turned back into the
+stateroom and jumped into his bunk with resignation.
+
+"What do you mean?" asked Bert, in a whisper.
+
+"I mean that we are prisoners," answered Harry. "The door of the cabin
+is locked on the outside. That is the noise we heard. However, we can do
+nothing to-night, and as I am very tired and sleepy I am going to turn
+in."
+
+"Say, Hal," said Mason, in an awed tone, "what are we up against?"
+
+"Search me," replied Harry, in a sleepy voice. "We may be able to learn
+something in the morning. Let's go to sleep now. We may need all our
+wits by and by."
+
+Notwithstanding the mystery of their situation the boys were soon fast
+asleep, and when they awoke, the sun was streaming through the port
+holes of the cabin. The steamer seemed to be moving along on an even
+keel. Apparently they had ridden out the storm of the night before.
+Harry was the first to spring from his bunk. He hastened to the cabin,
+his first impulse being to try the door and see if they were still
+prisoners. He started with surprise when he reached the outer room. At
+the table in the centre sat the captain working at some maps and papers.
+He looked up pleasantly as Harry entered.
+
+"Good morning," he said cheerily, "did you sleep well after your
+ducking?"
+
+"Perhaps we should have slept better if we had not been locked in,"
+answered Harry, a little surprised at his own temerity.
+
+The man laughed good-humoredly.
+
+"Oh, that should not have disturbed you," he said. "You see we did not
+seem to understand each other very well last night when I left you. I
+think we shall do better to-day. Now what do you say to some breakfast?
+You have slept pretty late. It is twelve o'clock. There are your
+clothes. You all better tumble out and get dressed. I am hungry myself
+and just about to turn in. I have been on deck all night. The storm has
+passed, and we are making very good time on our voyage, you will be glad
+to hear, no doubt."
+
+All the temper of the night before had disappeared, and the captain was
+again the big, bluff, good-natured man that had first impressed the
+boys. There was nothing to do but to follow his advice and watch for
+developments, and Harry, putting aside any thought of further prying
+into the affairs of the mysterious ship and her strange skipper for the
+present, returned to the stateroom and began to dress. The captain went
+to the door of the cabin and called. Again the same man answered with a
+respectful salute.
+
+"Tell the cook to serve breakfast."
+
+"Aye, aye, sir."
+
+These words seemed to be the extent of the man's vocabulary. The boys
+soon learned that it was the only spoken formula of the ship's crew
+unless in reply to questions, which were rarely asked. The captain's
+words were commands. He ruled the entire ship's company with a power as
+absolute as that of a monarch. But the yoke did not seem to gall. The
+men's obedience was the sort that is given to one loved and honored.
+
+By the time the boys had gotten into their clothes, which had been
+carefully dried and pressed, they found that breakfast had been spread
+in the cabin. It was as tempting as a meal at home. The hard tack of the
+night before had been replaced by an omelet, hot biscuits, fried
+potatoes, and a steaming pot of coffee, which from previous experience
+the boys knew to be good. The savory odor of the food appealed strongly
+to their appetites, and for the moment they forgot everything except
+that they were very hungry and that there were good things to eat at
+hand. The captain took his place smilingly at the head of the table, and
+the Midget whispered to Harry:
+
+"He's not such a bad sort, after all. I wonder what kind of a pirate he
+is, anyway."
+
+"Sit down, boys, and buckle to. Hard tack does not stay long by you, but
+I told you last night I only eat what I give my men so that I could
+offer you nothing better then. I hope you will enjoy your breakfast. I
+have a very good cook. Used to sub at the Waldorf but got into a little
+trouble on shore and is trying the sea. Stuck his mate under the rib
+with a carving knife and is taking a voyage with me for the benefit of
+his health."
+
+"Aren't you afraid he might do the same to you some time if he lost his
+temper?" asked Mason, looking at the captain with his eyes as big as
+saucers. He did not like the idea of sailing with a desperado of that
+sort.
+
+"Oh, no," answered the big man, carelessly; "I should stick first, you
+know, and then it was in self defense that the blow was struck. Let me
+give you some of this omelet. You will find it as good as any you could
+get at home."
+
+The boys looked at the strange man in wonder. They could not make out
+his character. But they ate their breakfast with a relish just the same,
+and the captain entertained them with tales of the sea that made them
+alternately laugh at his drollery or wonder at his daring. Not that he
+ever brought himself into the stories, but the boys knew that he was the
+hero of the adventures which he related, because they felt that he would
+have acted in just the way his heroes did. There was a strange air about
+the man that attracted them to him. They felt that he would be a firm
+friend and an unrelenting enemy. They liked to be with him, liked to
+hear him talk, liked to see him smile, but they all felt that they
+should dread to incur his anger.
+
+He was rough and unpolished, but he dressed like a dandy. He had
+evidently changed his clothing since coming off watch, for he wore at
+breakfast another flannel suit and low, patent leather shoes. His
+trousers were carefully creased and turned up. He resembled more, in
+appearance, a prosperous broker than the captain of a steamer whose
+mysterious character made him seem all the more out of place aboard.
+When they had finished breakfast he took a gold cigarette case from his
+pocket, and offered it to the boys.
+
+"Smoke?" he asked, carelessly.
+
+The boys declined with thanks. The captain stretched himself and yawned
+as he rose from the table.
+
+"Now, young gentlemen," he said, "I am going to turn in. Make yourselves
+at home. I take it that I have your word that you will not concern
+yourselves with that which does not concern you."
+
+"That depends upon how you construe the remark," said Harry, promptly.
+"I should prefer to remain a prisoner in this cabin than not to use my
+senses to my own advantage. For one, captain, I shall not promise except
+that I will not do anything that might be considered prying into your
+affairs. We feel sufficiently under obligations to you to prevent us
+from taking advantage of your hospitality. It might be proper for me to
+tell you, though, that I shall make every effort to get off your ship.
+Not that I object to your company, but because we all feel that we owe
+it to the folks at home."
+
+The captain laughed. He did not seem at all annoyed at Harry's frank
+statement.
+
+"Begorra, I like you for your honesty. Go on deck and get the air. You
+will find that I have not much to fear in the way of losing your company
+just at present. Believe me, though, youngsters"--here he became serious
+again--"if I could do so--with--what shall I say--with safety, I should
+be only too glad to put you ashore and to relieve the anxiety of those
+who are waiting for you. But in this matter I must be the judge, for
+there are more persons involved and more interests at stake in the
+voyage of the _Mariella_ than you can conceive. But I will put no
+restrictions on you. Go on deck and amuse yourselves as well as you can
+and make the best of the situation. Before we part company you will
+understand my position better. Wait, I will introduce you to the mate."
+
+He stepped to the cabin door and called:
+
+"Suarez."
+
+"Aye, aye, sir," came the prompt response, and a small man appeared in
+the doorway.
+
+"Suarez," said the captain, "these are the young gentlemen we picked out
+of the sea last night. They are rather unwilling voyagers, for which
+they cannot be blamed. Take them on deck and let them have the run of
+the ship."
+
+The mate looked up quickly at the captain in a questioning manner, as if
+he would like to protest, if he dared. The captain smiled.
+
+"The run of the ship, Suarez," he repeated, as if in answer to the
+unspoken protest.
+
+Again the mate saluted, and turned gravely to the deck, followed by the
+boys. He was a small, swarthy man, in great contrast to the captain. He
+looked like a Spaniard. His hair was black and he wore a mustache and
+goatee, and his small, black eyes were as alert as a cat's and seemed to
+take in everything at once in all parts of the ship. His expression was
+one of keen shrewdness, but there was a look of care and anxiety that
+softened it. His actions and manner were those of a man who does not
+wish to attract attention. As they reached the deck he turned to the
+boys, and bowing, said with a slight foreign accent:
+
+"Good morning, young gentlemen. I hope you rested well after your
+unfortunate experience. The captain says you are to have the run of the
+ship. Make yourselves at home, and if there is anything that I can do to
+add to your pleasure, pray call upon me without reserve."
+
+His voice was soft, and he spoke with a great politeness of manner.
+
+"He's too smooth," whispered Mason. "He will bear watching."
+
+The mate did not seem inclined to further conversation. He bowed again,
+waved his hand as if to indicate that the ship was theirs, and turned
+and walked to the bridge.
+
+The boys looked around them. There was nothing to be seen but an expanse
+of water. There was not a sign of land or a vessel. The storm of the
+night before had subsided, except that the waves were still running
+high under a brightly shining sun. Harry put his hand to his eyes to
+shade them, and scanned the horizon in every direction, but there was
+not even a speck to be seen.
+
+"The captain was right when he said there was not much danger of losing
+our company," he said, as he finished his observation.
+
+"Unless we jump over and swim for it."
+
+"What would we swim for?"
+
+"I am very well satisfied to keep the planks under my feet and wait for
+something to turn up."
+
+"Me, too," piped the Midget. "Let's make a round of the ship."
+
+The steamer was comparatively small. In the darkness of the night and
+the storm, and viewed from the little sloop, she had looked like an
+ocean liner as she suddenly came upon them. Everything about her was
+spick and span. The decks were as clean as holy stone and water could
+make them, and all the brasswork shone brightly in the sun. The decks
+seemed strangely deserted. Suarez, the mate, paced the bridge stolidly.
+On the forward deck two men were on lookout. In the pilot-house a sailor
+stood at the wheel, while behind him stood a man whose eyes roamed
+constantly from the compass to the horizon.
+
+The boys walked to the gunwale and looked over at the broad expanse of
+sea. For some time no one spoke. Each was thinking of the worry and
+anxiety that those at home were suffering.
+
+"Say, Hal," said Bert, finally, "what do you make out of this craft? Of
+course it is out of the question to think of a pirate in these days, but
+there is certainly some mystery about this steamer and her captain."
+
+"Did you notice he said that if he could do so with safety he would put
+us ashore? What does that word 'safety' mean? There is no danger from
+the elements, he admits. What other danger threatens him if he goes
+ashore? There is some mystery here and as we have become a part of it it
+is up to us to find out what it is."
+
+"Yes, but how?"
+
+"By keeping our eyes and ears open is all I can suggest now."
+
+"Let's go forward and take a look around."
+
+The boys strolled along the deck that narrowed into a passage about
+three feet wide as they reached the forward house, which apparently
+contained the petty officers' rooms. In the centre was the door that
+opened into the engine-room. Only the upper works of the big engines
+were visible. The boys stopped. A man, evidently the engineer, or one of
+his assistants, sat on a leather-covered seat facing the levers and
+indicators. He looked up for a moment from the paper he was reading, and
+nodded to the boys with a smile, and then returned to his reading
+without a word.
+
+"Fine morning, sir, after the storm," said Bert.
+
+The man nodded again without raising his eyes from his paper.
+
+"Cheery lot of conversationalists," said Bert, in disgust, as they moved
+on.
+
+At the forward end of the house was the galley. As they reached this a
+black, woolly head popped out of the open half-door. The negro grinned
+widely and quickly drew back his head.
+
+"Good morning, Sambo," said the persistent Bert.
+
+The negro bobbed his head, and grinned still more broadly, but did not
+speak a word.
+
+"All lost their tongues," said Bert.
+
+Just forward of the deck house a small hatch stood open. It led to a
+narrow iron ladder that ran almost perpendicularly down into the dark
+depths below. The boys peered into the blackness without being able to
+distinguish anything.
+
+"I am going down," said Harry, after a moment's pause.
+
+He stepped over the edge and placing his foot on the first rung of the
+ladder, began to descend with great caution. The others watched him
+anxiously until he disappeared in the darkness. They waited at the hatch
+for a long time before he reappeared. When he did he climbed out with a
+serious face and drew his companions away to the other side of the
+steamer's deck.
+
+His expression indicated that he had discovered something of more than
+ordinary interest.
+
+"What is it?" whispered Bert, when they were out of range of the galley
+and engine-room.
+
+Harry leaned toward his companions impressively as he answered in an
+awed tone:
+
+"Say, fellows, she's a regular warship down below."
+
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV
+
+A LESSON IN PATRIOTISM
+
+
+The boys huddled together at an obscure part of the deck and Harry
+described to them what he had seen below decks.
+
+"There are two eight pounders and two rapid fire guns with their noses
+poked against port holes that can be opened at a moment's notice. And
+besides these, there is an arsenal of small arms like rifles, pistols,
+swords, and cutlasses. Everything seems to be in apple pie order and all
+ready for use. If we were living in the days of the old pirate ships, I
+should say that we were likely to fly the black flag at any moment."
+
+"What do you make of it, Hal?" asked Bert.
+
+"I tell you I cannot make anything of it. It is beyond me. The only
+thing we can do is to keep our weather eyes open and watch for
+developments. It is certainly a ship of mystery and the captain does not
+apparently propose to enlighten us as to her character. But he seems to
+be an honest man, and I think we are perfectly safe in leaving all to
+him, and I believe that sometime we shall know what we are up against.
+In the meantime, however, as I warned him, I shall make every effort to
+get off the ship, or to notify some passing craft that we are on board
+safe and sound, so that word may be carried to those on shore. They must
+believe that we are drowned by this time, particularly if they have
+picked up the wreck of the yacht."
+
+"Let's go aft and take a look over the cabin while the captain is
+asleep. All's fair in love and war, you know, and we are certainly
+entitled to find out all we can about our surroundings, particularly in
+view of Hal's investigations below."
+
+The boys strolled leisurely aft, taking care not to arouse the
+suspicions of any one about the decks. They entered the cabin. All was
+still. The sun shone brightly through the port holes and lay in a wide
+beam on the big map that the captain had been studying when the boys
+turned out of bed.
+
+"Let's have a look at this," said Bert, quickly approaching the table as
+he spoke. "It may tell us something of our destination."
+
+The boys gathered eagerly around.
+
+The map was a hydrographic chart of the Caribbean Sea. Cuba and Porto
+Rico appeared on a large scale. The boys studied it in silence and
+finally Mason shook his head in despair.
+
+"That does not tell much," he said. "We may be going to Cuba or Porto
+Rico, but if we are, why all this secrecy and those firearms?"
+
+"They may fit in together more closely than you think," said Harry, who
+had been studying the map thoughtfully.
+
+"What do you mean?" asked Bert.
+
+"I do not mean anything yet. Let us wait. Speculation and guessing will
+not solve this mystery."
+
+"Look here," said the Midget, who had been browsing around the cabin. He
+had lifted one of the cushions from a settee and disclosed beneath a
+locker which contained a number of flags of different colors and shapes.
+
+"What are those?" asked the boys in chorus.
+
+"They are signal flags. Now let's find the code and then we can signal
+some passing ship."
+
+"Here's the code," announced Harry, who, as soon as Mason had spoken had
+gone to a little book shelf on the wall of the cabin. "But how are we to
+get the flags up without attracting attention?"
+
+"Easy. We will make up our signal and then take the flags necessary to
+show it and conceal them where we can get them at any moment. Then when
+we sight a vessel we can bend them onto the halliards and have them
+aloft before anyone can interfere. It would be a minute or two before
+they could haul them down, even if they discovered them at once, and in
+that time it is likely that the other ship would have read them. Anyway,
+it is worth trying."
+
+"I think you are right," said Harry. "Nothing venture, nothing have.
+Let's make the signal."
+
+He took the code book from the shelf and opened it on the table.
+
+"In the first place, it is necessary to know what you want to say before
+you pick out your flags. Now what shall the message be?"
+
+"Say we have been kidnapped by a pirate ship and want assistance,"
+suggested the Midget, wisely.
+
+"Nonsense," replied Bert, "we don't want to say anything about the ship.
+We have nothing against her, nor her captain. Didn't they save our
+lives? All that we want is to be taken off and if that is not possible
+to have word sent home that we are all right, and then we can see the
+thing out comfortably. In fact, I for one, would much prefer staying
+aboard if it were possible to get word ashore. We do not know what
+interesting adventures may be in store for us aboard this strange
+craft."
+
+"Well, anyway, let's frame a message."
+
+"It's got to be short, for we cannot use any more flags than is
+absolutely necessary, as we may be discovered before we can get them up.
+How's this: 'Report Hamilton, Mason, and Wilson picked up from wrecked
+yacht off Cottage City by steamer _Mariella_. All well.'"
+
+"Fine," said Mason. "Hal, your massive intellect astonishes me more and
+more each day."
+
+After some discussion, the boys selected the proper flags and laid them
+to one side. The problem of getting them aloft then presented itself.
+
+"There must be halliards already bent for the use of signals," said
+Harry. "I will go out on deck and have a quiet look for them."
+
+He returned shortly from his inspection.
+
+"Everything is ready for instant use," he reported, "but we must have
+the flags bent onto a separate piece of rope so that all we shall have
+to do is to fasten the rope to the halliards and send the flags aloft.
+And then we must also stow the flags somewhere where we can get at them
+easily as soon as we see another vessel."
+
+"Leave that to me, captain," said Mason, saluting with a grin. "Right
+under my bunk is a place. All you fellows watch where I put them, so
+that if I am not with you when the ship comes along you can do the
+trick. No telling when a man of my fiery temper may be put in irons on a
+ship like this."
+
+The boys carefully stowed away the flags after they had bent them in
+their proper order to a spare piece of rope which Mason picked up on
+deck. They now felt that they had done as much as lay within their power
+to relieve the anxiety of the folks at home, and all that remained was
+to keep a sharp lookout for a passing ship. They arranged watches so
+that one of them should be on deck during all of the daylight hours, and
+all hands were to keep their eyes open through the port holes and from
+such other points of vantage as they could take at all times when it was
+light enough to see a passing ship.
+
+This satisfactorily off their minds, the boys took more interest in a
+survey of their prison ship, for so they had begun to look upon her,
+although each one of them had made up his mind that he would like to see
+the adventure out.
+
+That night before dinner they met the captain again in the cabin. The
+maps were still lying on the table.
+
+"Do you see this big island here, boys?" he asked. "It looks big on the
+map, but it is a very small spot on the face of the earth, and yet its
+people have suffered more misery, injustice, and oppression than the
+world will ever know."
+
+"Discontented people always quarrelling with their government are
+usually unhappy. They bring most of their misery on themselves."
+
+Harry spoke carelessly. He was not much interested in the wrongs of
+Cuba. He was surprised to see the captain's eyes flash again with that
+fierce fire that had marked them when he first defied him.
+
+"Discontented, is it," almost shouted the captain. "And do you know why,
+boy?"
+
+"I am sure I do not, Captain Dynamite, except that it is apparently born
+in them."
+
+"Yes, that's the way most of the world, ignorant of poor Cuba's trials,
+looks at the matter. Statesmen have investigated and reported back to
+the halls of Congress and Cuba and her wrongs have been laid away in the
+dusty archives."
+
+"Look," he said, pointing again at the map, and involuntarily the boys
+gathered closer around him and peered at the parchment. "That land, as
+God made it, was the fairest that the eye ever looked upon."
+
+Captain Dynamite paused for a moment and seemed to grow more calm. He
+seated himself with his elbows on the table behind him and deftly rolled
+a cigarette with one hand. The boys, interested now because of his
+intense feeling, waited for him to continue.
+
+"Youngsters," he said finally, "let me give you a little piece of
+history of these 'discontented' folks and perhaps you will regard their
+condition with different eyes and hearts. Your text-books at school
+have undoubtedly told you that Spanish rule in Cuba began in 1511, when
+Diego Valesquez subjugated the peaceful natives, and the Spanish methods
+of conquest made a record that lives to this day.
+
+"See this island here," said the captain, pointing to Hayti. "At that
+time almost uninhabited, its wild shores and hidden inlets served as
+places of concealment for buccaneers. These pirates of the Spanish Main
+not alone indulged in the adventurous pastime of smuggling, but they
+attacked and plundered Spanish trading ships and even made forceful
+expeditions upon land, ravaging cities and towns. They were encouraged
+in their depredations by other nations unfriendly to Spain. Henry
+Morgan, one of these buccaneers, who was commissioned as a privateer,
+was knighted by England in 1671 because of his prowess as a legalized
+pirate.
+
+"In 1762, Havana was besieged by the English and the Seven Years War
+began. The British were successful and under English rule the ports of
+Cuba were opened to free trade and an era of progress was inaugurated.
+But it was short lived, and in 1763 Cuba fell again into the hands of
+Spain, England trading the island for Florida. The two first governors
+under the new Spanish regime were liberal, just, and progressive. They
+were Luis de Las Casas, appointed in 1790, and the Count of Santa Clara,
+who succeeded him in 1796.
+
+"It was about 1810 that the general discontent of the colonist with the
+tyrannical home government resulted in the formation of political
+societies whose purpose was to plan insurrections in the hope of
+wresting the island from Spanish rule, as did Buenos Ayres, Venezuela,
+and Peru. There was no open revolt for ten years, when the revolutionary
+leaders proclaimed a governing law, and after two years of turmoil the
+king yielded to their demands. But as Spain's promises were made only to
+be broken, other insurrections soon sprang up among the colonists. One
+of the most important revolutionary movements of those days was led by
+Narciso Lopez, a Venezuelan. This was in 1848. He was unsuccessful, but
+escaped with many of his followers to New York, where he found many
+sympathizers and practical aid. The United States government frustrated
+his attempt in 1849 to return to Cuba with a small invading force. A
+year later he reached the island with six hundred men, but was forced to
+take to his ship again, and with a Spanish gunboat close astern, made
+Key West and disbanded the expedition.
+
+"By this time the Lopez revolution had gained much fame and many
+sympathizers in the United States who, while they were not inspired with
+the patriotic sentiment that stirred him, were strong admirers of his
+courage and determination. With a small band of four hundred and fifty
+men, and with Colonel Crittenden, of Kentucky, a West Pointer who won
+his title in the Mexican War, as second in command, Lopez started for
+Cuba from New Orleans the next year. On landing, Crittenden and one
+hundred and fifty men remained near the shore to guard the supplies,
+while Lopez, with the rest of the little invading army, marched inland.
+Both parties were discovered by the Spaniards, surrounded, and after a
+desperate resistance, completely wiped out."
+
+"Do you mean that Lopez and Crittenden were both killed?" asked Bert,
+who had listened to the captain's recital with intense interest.
+
+"Lopez and Crittenden and every man jack of the expedition," replied the
+captain, solemnly.
+
+"Who was the next to try it?" asked Harry, whose eyes shone with
+excitement.
+
+"Up to this time the grievances that inspired the Cuban colonists to
+revolt were mostly of a political character, based upon that bone of
+contention that inspired your own revolution against the
+British--taxation without representation. The little island to-day pays
+to Spain every year over $20,000,000 in revenue. In 1868, a lawyer
+named Cespedes declared independence of Spanish rule on a little
+plantation at Yara. He had back of him only one hundred and twenty-eight
+men, but in a few weeks after his declaration ten thousand men gathered
+under his leadership. A republican form of government was established,
+with Cespedes at its head. General Quesada commanded the poorly equipped
+but determined and patriotic army. Until 1878 the insurgents held the
+field with about fifty thousand men. They constantly met and vanquished
+the Spanish forces under the Count of Valmaseda, but the resources of
+the Spaniards were greater, and finally the Cubans were disintegrated,
+but still maintained a guerilla warfare, constantly harassing and
+defeating the Spanish forces sent against them. But neither side made
+any progress toward the end and at the end of the year both were ready
+for a compromise, which resulted in the treaty of El Zanjon. At this
+time the Spaniards were commanded by General Campos, and the insurgents
+by Gen. Maximo Gomez--that grand old warrior who still holds the field
+for Cuba against the forces of Spain--I kiss his hand."
+
+Captain Dynamite, as he mentioned the name of Gomez, rose to his feet,
+bowed solemnly and reverentially, and lifted to his lips an imaginary
+hand.
+
+"Fighting, still fighting for Cuba," he whispered as he resumed his
+seat. After a moment's pause he shook himself as if awakening from a
+dream and continued his narrative.
+
+"That treaty promised Cuba representation in the Spanish Cortes, or
+congress, but while it was kept in the letter it was broken in spirit.
+The government obtained control of the polls and the deputies, or
+representatives elected were always government tools or sympathizers. So
+poor Cuba, after her long struggle, was no better off than before, and
+in 1894 Jose Marti, at the head of a new insurrection, set sail from New
+York with three ships, men, and munitions of war. But the United States
+authorities stopped them. Marti then joined Gomez in Cuba and was killed
+in a skirmish. He was succeeded in command by General Gomez, who still
+fights on with a hungry, ill-clad handful of men against the best of
+Spain's army. One hundred and forty-five thousand men have been sent
+against him but he still fights; he still lives to fight, although he is
+over seventy-five years old.
+
+"I have told you of the dogged determination, the splendid patriotism of
+the men who are fighting to lift the yoke of Spain from poor Cuba.
+Surely there must be something more than mere political wrongs to
+inspire such a spirit. You have heard of Weyler--'Butcher Weyler' they
+call him, and he is proud of the title. Frightened by the courage and
+resistance of the insurgent army, Spain looked about for a man capable
+of crushing the indomitable spirit of the rebels. In Weyler she thought
+she had found the man. He arrived in Havana in 1896. Among his first
+acts looking to the pacification of Cuba was his order of concentration.
+You have heard perhaps of the wretched 'reconcentrados?' They are the
+product of Weyler's order. Under this policy nearly a million peaceful
+Cubans, farmers and dwellers in the country, have been driven from their
+homes into nearby cities and their deserted houses burned to the ground.
+These people are mostly women and children and old men--non-combatants.
+In this way Weyler sought to stop the aid that was being given to the
+insurgents in the field. From the 'pacificos,' as they are known the
+rebels could at any time secure food, clothing, and shelter.
+
+"Concentrated in the towns, without food or money to buy it, and many
+without clothing, these reconcentrados quickly became the victims of
+famine and disease. A part of Weyler's order of concentration provided
+for the gifts of ground to cultivate, and the Spaniard's answer to the
+charge of inhumanity is a shrug of the shoulders and the reply that the
+reconcentrados starve because they are too lazy to work. 'We give them
+the land,' he says, 'and they will not till it.' True, they gave them
+land, but no seed to sow and no tools to reap and they have no money to
+buy them. Everything they owned is in the heap of ashes that marks the
+spot where the little thatched cottage once stood. Thousands and
+thousands of human beings are herded together like cattle, with no means
+to feed themselves, and, unlike cattle, with no one to feed them.
+
+"Why, I have seen--I have been told by those who have seen it--of little
+children with the skin drawn like parchment over their bodies. And boys,
+when you think that among these poor victim's of Spain's pacification
+policy are the wives and children, sisters and sweethearts of the
+struggling insurgents in the field, is it any wonder that the spirit of
+independence will not down in the Pearl of the Antilles?"
+
+That the captain was a man of feeling and education there could be no
+further doubt in the minds of the captive boys. That he should have
+taken the trouble to thus enlighten them on the subject of Cuba's wrongs
+was a compliment to their understanding which was not lost.
+
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V
+
+SENDING THE MESSAGE
+
+
+The captain no longer interfered in any way with the actions of his
+young guests. They were entirely free to do as they pleased on the ship,
+and apparently were under no surveillance. As they came on deck on the
+fourth morning at sea, the day was beautifully bright and clear. The sky
+was taking on that peculiar blue that is seen only in the lower
+latitudes. The atmosphere seemed to have thinned, and the horizon to
+have moved away a mile or two. The sea was as smooth as glass and the
+steamer was ploughing her way along at the rate of fifteen knots (miles)
+an hour. As usual, the decks were deserted, with the exception of the
+man at the wheel and the two lookouts who were always on post, day and
+night, no matter how clear the day, or how unnecessary the double watch
+might seem.
+
+It was the custom of the boys in the morning to distribute themselves
+around the deck so that they could take in all the points of the
+compass, and for a time each would study the horizon with careful
+scrutiny, in the hope of sighting some vessel to which they might
+signal. Everything had been carefully arranged so that as soon as a
+ship of any sort was seen, word was to be passed quietly from one to
+another without attracting the attention of anyone on deck, and then
+each knew his duty.
+
+Hamilton was the custodian of the flags. On him rested the
+responsibility of displaying the signal so that the passing ship might
+read the message.
+
+The boys had studied the compass and the maps that were each day
+displayed in the captain's cabin, and they knew that they were headed
+south. Although that gave them little or no clew to their ultimate
+destination, they felt some comfort in the knowledge that the shore of
+America lay to the starboard, and away off somewhere beyond the dreary
+horizon was the country they all loved, and where their anxious friends
+and families were awaiting some word from them.
+
+Bert's post was a little forward of the beam on the starboard side. As
+he took his place this morning, his heart was heavy. He was thoroughly
+tired of the monotony of the voyage, and the mystery that enveloped the
+ship was beginning to wear upon him. For days now they had sailed
+without seeing anything but a dreary expanse of water on every side,
+unbroken by anything that was human. Porpoises played around the bows
+of the steamer, and gulls shrieked as they swooped above her. Now and
+then a fish leaped out of the water as the steamer ploughed through the
+waves.
+
+Bert leaned on the rail with his chin resting in his hands and his eyes
+fixed upon the blank before him. Suddenly he raised his head, and an
+expression of surprise crept into his face. He turned and looked
+stealthily around him. Harry was slowly walking up and down the main
+deck just aft of the fo'c'sle where the lookouts were stolidly pacing.
+
+Bert again turned his eyes toward the horizon. What appeared like a
+thread in comparison with the vastness of space around them wavered
+above a small black speck. Bert watched it with eager eyes. At this
+moment Harry stopped in his walk as he approached the starboard side,
+and placing his arms on the rail looked out over the sea in the
+direction of the black thread. Then the boys turned to one another and a
+questioning glance passed between them. Little by little they moved in
+toward one another until they met.
+
+Harry looked carefully around him before he whispered:
+
+"Bert, I think it is a steamer."
+
+"I'm sure of it, Hal. Have you got the signals ready?"
+
+"I can get them in a minute, but she is too far away yet."
+
+"You know passing vessels always study one another with a glass."
+
+"But I do not believe she could make out our signals even with a glass,
+yet."
+
+At this moment one of the men on lookout turned and looked up at the
+second mate, who silently paced the bridge.
+
+"Steamer off the starboard bow, sir," he said, quietly.
+
+"Keep closer watch. I've seen her," replied the mate, gruffly.
+
+"Aye, aye, sir," came the usual response, without a change in tone.
+
+Involuntarily the boys turned their eyes aft to the captain's cabin. As
+they did so the door opened gently and the natty, flannel-garbed figure
+of the commander moved out onto the deck and to the bridge. He carried a
+glass in his hand, which he raised to his eyes after he had spoken a few
+words to the mate.
+
+"I thought so," said Bert, dolefully. "You can't lose him."
+
+"Never mind," said Harry, "if she comes near enough I will get the
+signals up before he can stop me, and we will have to take chances on
+their being read before he can get them down."
+
+"But aren't you afraid of what he may do?" asked Bert, in some fear.
+
+"What can he do?"
+
+"He seems to be capable of doing a whole lot that might be unpleasant.
+For instance, he might put you in irons and chuck you down in the hold."
+
+"I do not think he would dare do that. But anyway, I am going to take
+the chance. We owe it to the folks at home."
+
+"You are right there, Hal. I'm with you whatever comes of it."
+
+"Oh, he's not a cannibal, or a pirate. He might be pretty mad and
+perhaps use us a bit rough at first, but I think he would laugh at it
+afterward, when he recovered his temper."
+
+"Gee, but think of all the unpleasant things that might happen before he
+decided that it was time to laugh."
+
+Harry smiled at the mournful face of his chum, and turned again to look
+at the speck in the distance. Seemingly, it had grown larger. The
+captain, who had finished his scrutiny, looked down at them and smiled
+and waved his hand.
+
+"Sleep well, lads?" he called to them pleasantly.
+
+They nodded sheepishly in reply.
+
+"I can't help liking him," replied Bert.
+
+"There is something big and honest about him like a Newfoundland dog,"
+answered Harry. "I feel sort of mean about trying to trick him. He would
+be a good friend and a mighty bad enemy."
+
+The captain took another look at the approaching vessel, spoke in a
+confidential tone to the mate, and again disappeared into his cabin.
+
+"She's coming on," said Harry, with satisfaction. "Unless she changes
+her course, I will send up the signals in five minutes." He looked at
+his watch as he spoke. "Pshaw, I'm always forgetting that the salt water
+has somewhat interfered with the internal arrangements of this affair,"
+he continued, laughing.
+
+By this time the strange steamer was pretty well hull up and the boys
+could distinguish her masts and funnel as well as see what appeared to
+be flags fluttering in the breeze.
+
+"In order that we shall not cause any suspicion, Bert," said Harry,
+presently, "you go and get the Midget and stroll forward. I do not need
+your help any more than to distract attention from me as much as
+possible."
+
+Bert turned, and walking around the deck, joined Mason who, while he had
+heard the call of the lookout man and knew that there was a steamer in
+sight, had not deserted his post, although he was keen with anxiety when
+Bert reached him.
+
+"Where is she?" he asked, eagerly.
+
+"She's off the starboard bow, but don't ask fool questions. Move up
+forward so that Hal can get a chance to have the flags up."
+
+Although burning with a desire to watch the proceedings, the boys kept
+their faces steadfastly turned to the bow as Harry began in an
+unconcerned manner to work his way aft. He slowly climbed the
+companionway that led to the upper deck, and carelessly approached the
+mast to which the signal halliards were attached.
+
+He stood there for a moment as if watching the oncoming steamer, but his
+eyes were scanning the decks and the bridge on which the second mate
+slowly paced to and fro. Then he turned his back to the mast and as he
+stood with his hands clasped behind him, he cast off the halliards from
+the cleat to which they were fastened. He was almost concealed from view
+by the big mast.
+
+When he had loosened the ropes, he turned quickly, and taking the end of
+another rope from under his coat tied the two together. After one final
+peep around the mast he threw his coat open boldly, made several quick
+turns and unwound from his body the rope to which the signal flags were
+attached. Then with a strong pull he began to send them aloft rapidly.
+
+As the colors sped upward and broke into the wind, his heart almost
+stopped beating from excitement.
+
+Now they were half way up to the masthead and no one had seen them. The
+second mate still paced the bridge with his back to him. He glanced at
+the captain's cabin. No one appeared from there.
+
+"I shall get them up," he whispered to himself through his tightly shut
+teeth, "but will they be read?"
+
+Now they were chock with the pulley block and he made the ends of the
+halliards fast to the cleat and stood back to view his work. It seemed
+scarcely possible that they should not be seen and read by the passing
+steamer which was now so close that he could almost make out her colors
+with the naked eye.
+
+With a feeling of triumph he looked aloft at the flags that, aided by a
+friendly breeze and the motion of the steamer, were fluttering out
+straight from the masthead. As he dropped his eyes from aloft he started
+back with a slight cry of fear and surprise.
+
+The head of Suarez, the mate, appeared above an after companionway, his
+eyes flashing with anger. He rushed at the boy like an enraged animal,
+but Harry, determined to protect his signal as long as possible, stepped
+to the mast and took a capstan bar from its place at the base and stood
+defiantly awaiting the onslaught of the mate, who rushed upon him
+regardless of his threatening attitude. Before Harry knew what had
+happened the bar flew out of his hands, and he lay sprawling on the deck
+from a blow from the open hand of the mate.
+
+Suarez paid no further attention to him, but seizing the halliards
+hauled down the signal. The scuffling of feet and the fall of the heavy
+capstan bar caused the second mate to turn quickly, and at the same
+moment the captain's door opened and he stepped out on the deck. His
+face flushed with anger as he saw the signal-flags, and then he turned
+quickly to the other vessel.
+
+As he did so, Harry, whose eyes followed his, saw what he believed to be
+an answering signal, creep up the mast of the passing steamer. Suarez
+saw it, too, for he turned to Harry with an ugly look in his eyes.
+
+"The mischief is done, you young devil," he said.
+
+"I hope so," answered Harry, quietly rubbing the arm on which he had
+fallen. "Your hand is heavy, Suarez."
+
+"I am sorry if I hurt you, Master Hamilton," said the man, somewhat more
+calmly, "but you are guilty of insubordination and you have broken your
+word to the captain."
+
+"You are mistaken, Suarez," said a deep voice behind them, and they both
+looked quickly around to find Captain Dynamite beside them, his glass
+raised to his eyes as he scanned the passing steamer. "Master Hamilton
+made me no promise; in fact, he warned me that he would take the first
+opportunity that presented itself to get ashore, or to communicate with
+a passing ship. He has been too sharp for us, that is all."
+
+"Message received all right, captain?" asked Harry, eagerly.
+
+Dynamite smiled at the boy's assurance.
+
+"Yes, received and acknowledged," he answered; and then turning to
+Suarez he continued, in a low tone:
+
+"I do not think it has done any harm. She does not apparently wish to
+learn anything further of us."
+
+"Captain Dynamite," said Harry, warmly, "there is a big load off my
+mind, and now we will stick to you through thick and thin. We owe our
+lives to you, and we are not ungrateful. Whether you wish to take us
+into your confidence or not, I do not believe, whatever may be the
+mystery of your voyage, that there is anything dishonorable about it,
+and you can count on us as part and parcel of your crew. We have
+succeeded in getting word to our friends at home as I told you I would
+try to do; now we are yours to command."
+
+The captain looked down into Harry's earnest face, his own quite serious
+and solemn.
+
+"You are a fine lot of lads," he said, "and if I was on a pleasure
+cruise I would not ask for better companions, but look you, this voyage
+of mystery, as you call it, is a very serious piece of business and I
+wish you were all safe ashore and well out of it."
+
+"But we don't want to be out of it, captain," asserted Harry,
+stubbornly. Bert and Mason had now joined the group on the after deck.
+
+"No, captain," piped the Midget, "we are in it so far and we want to
+stick. You can't chuck us overboard very well, and as long as we have
+got to be a part of your expedition, I think you better muster us in as
+a part of the crew."
+
+"Well, youngsters, as much as I regret it, you may have to cast your
+fortunes in with ours after all, but until that necessity arises we will
+go along as we are, I your host and you my unwilling guests."
+
+"No, not unwilling now, cap," replied Mason. "So long as the folks know
+we are safe and sound I think I had rather be aboard this queer craft
+with you than any place I can think of just now. What do you say, Bert?"
+
+"Right, as usual."
+
+"Well, boys, while I have perfect confidence in your integrity and all
+necessity for further secrecy is about past, still I think for your own
+good, in view of possible happenings, it is best that I and my mission
+remain a mystery to you."
+
+The captain turned toward his cabin as he spoke, as if to terminate the
+conversation.
+
+"Perhaps it is not such a mystery after all, captain," said Harry,
+quietly. "We must be pretty near the coast of Cuba."
+
+The man turned quickly, a glint of that fierce light in his eyes, and
+then he burst into a hearty laugh.
+
+"Pretty sharp youngsters, eh, Suarez?" he said. "We may be able to make
+some use of them yet. I think they better dine with us to-night."
+
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI
+
+VIVA, CUBA LIBRE!
+
+
+Although used to the eccentricities of costume in which the captain
+indulged, Harry was not prepared for the formal gentleman who greeted
+them as they entered the cabin that night.
+
+Captain Dynamite was in full evening dress, and Harry could not help
+thinking how well he looked with his big, athletic form draped in
+conventional attire. But he had not looked for such dress on shipboard,
+or at least on a ship of the mysterious character of the _Mariella_.
+
+"Welcome to our little dinner party," said the captain, solemnly, as he
+shook each boy by the hand and pointed to seats on the big divan. "This
+is the first time that strangers have graced our board on this occasion.
+I hope it portends a successful ending to our voyage."
+
+"We certainly hope so too, captain. We should be very sorry to feel that
+our presence on your steamer might cause trouble to you."
+
+"O, one never knows what the morrow may bring. This is our farewell
+night. To-morrow we enter the zone of danger. But to-night we will be
+merry. Is not that an excellent idea?"
+
+"The idea is all right, captain, but where is the danger?"
+
+"Ah, that you may know to-morrow."
+
+"All right, cap," said Mason, carelessly throwing one leg over the other
+and thrusting his thumbs into the armholes of his vest, "we'll stick to
+you."
+
+"I believe you will, boys, but it will be my care to keep you free from
+harm if possible. That is one reason why I have made so much of a
+mystery to you of the voyage of the _Mariella_. Whatever may befall us
+you will have had no part in the purpose of this voyage, and remember,
+above all things, that you are American citizens. There are American
+consuls in every port and Uncle Sam will take care of his own, perhaps
+not with the alacrity that we sometimes could wish for, but in due
+course of time. So shout loudly for Uncle Sam if you need him and if he
+does not hear you, don't forget that John Bull speaks your language."
+
+The boys were puzzled by the captain's speech, but they knew him well
+enough to realize that it would be useless to question him. At this
+point the mate entered the cabin. His appearance was so odd that Bert
+had to hide his face behind his handkerchief to laugh. His expression
+was as solemn as the captain's. He wore a pair of blue pilot cloth
+trousers, a vest with brass buttons and an old-fashioned swallow-tailed
+coat. The trousers, which were badly creased and puckered from long
+service inside the tops of his sea boots, were now pulled down outside,
+but the wide tops of the boots showed in a ring at the knee.
+
+The captain greeted him in the same dignified way that he had received
+the boys, and he gravely took a seat on the divan beside them. The next
+to put in an appearance was the engineer, who wore his service uniform.
+The second mate was the last to arrive. He was dressed in blue flannel
+vest and trousers and a Tuxedo coat. Notwithstanding his own almost
+faultless attire, the captain did not seem to notice the neglige of his
+men. He greeted each warmly and in the same sober manner. When they had
+all assembled, he rang a bell and the steward promptly responded.
+
+"You may serve dinner," he said. "There are seven at table to-night."
+
+"A fair prospect for a good run to-morrow, captain," said Suarez,
+rubbing his hands with the air of one who looked forward with pleasure
+to a coming event.
+
+"Sure one never knows what the daylight will show," answered the
+captain, with a touch of his brogue. "We may find ourselves in the very
+divil of a hornets' nest when the sun shows over the horizon. But Suary,
+me boy, we have pulled together out of many a bad hole, haven't we, old
+man, and we are ready for another, eh?"
+
+"The captain knows he can count on me when there is any fighting to be
+done in the good cause."
+
+"Fighting, eh," whispered Bert to Harry. "What do you suppose these
+queer guys are talking about?"
+
+"I think I begin to have a small notion."
+
+"What do you divine, most noble chief?"
+
+"I do not think it would be wise to say until I am surer of my facts."
+
+"And do your suspicions point to some dreadful mystery of the deep?"
+whispered Mason, with mock fear, while his mischievous eyes sparkled
+with fun.
+
+"Something perhaps a little more serious than we have been mixed up in
+before, if I am right."
+
+"Really."
+
+"As serious as powder and bullets can be."
+
+"Powder and bullets," repeated Bert in some alarm. "What do you mean,
+Hal?"
+
+"I tell you I cannot speak until I am surer of my ground. You know I
+made an expedition into the hold to-day while the hatches were open."
+
+"Yes, but you did not tell us that anything that you saw there was at
+all suspicious."
+
+"I do not know that it is, but I can tell you this: instead of carrying
+a general cargo of merchandise for trading purposes, as we are supposed
+to do, we are loaded to the gunwales with guns and ammunition."
+
+"Well, guns and ammunition are perfectly legitimate articles of
+merchandise."
+
+"That all depends upon where and for what purpose they are shipped."
+
+"What do you mean?"
+
+"If two nations are at war and a nation supposed to be friendly to each
+should send arms and ammunition to one or the other, it would be a
+violation of international law, and would be looked upon as an act of
+war on the part of the friendly nation."
+
+"But suppose the nation had nothing to do with it and that the cargo was
+shipped by individuals who were in sympathy with the cause of one or the
+other?"
+
+"The friendly nation is supposed to see to it that no such cargo is
+shipped from its shores, and the vessel undertaking such a task ranks as
+a pirate and is called a filibuster."
+
+"But there are no two nations now at war, so that theory cannot hold
+good."
+
+"There are no two nations at war, but there is a nation that has had on
+its hands for many years a warfare within its own borders as Captain
+Dynamite told us very entertainingly to-day."
+
+"O, Cuba?"
+
+"Yes, Cuba."
+
+"And do you think that Captain Dynamite is one of those buccaneers that
+he told us about?"
+
+"Let us wait and see."
+
+"Say, but that would be fine, wouldn't it, Hal?"
+
+"You might not think it so fine if a Spanish warship should open fire on
+us."
+
+"But we will not mix up in their quarrel."
+
+"No, but a Spanish gunboat would mix it up with us very quickly if she
+saw us first."
+
+"What right would she have to interfere with a ship flying the American
+flag?"
+
+"If we could not give a proper account of ourselves in her waters she
+would stand on very little ceremony."
+
+"And do you think we are likely to get mixed up in any real fighting
+with real powder and bullets?" asked Bert, in some dismay.
+
+"I don't know. Look out, the captain is watching us."
+
+"Gee," whispered Mason, "I wish I was back in Cottage City."
+
+Captain Dynamite, who had been talking with his officers while the boys
+discussed their situation in whispers, now looked over at them
+curiously. Harry did not care at present to have to explain his
+suspicions. At this moment, fortunately, the steward entered with the
+soup and created a diversion. Captain Dynamite rose, and waving his arm
+toward the table, said:
+
+"Gentlemen, dinner is served. Let us be seated."
+
+The captain took his place at the head of the table, and his men grouped
+themselves around him while the boys found seats near the bottom and
+facing all. It was certainly a curious gathering for a dinner table: the
+four bronzed, earnest-faced men at one end of the table and the three
+fresh-faced, wondering youngsters at the other. For a moment there was a
+deep silence, and Bert leaned over to Harry and whispered:
+
+"Say, Hal, I feel as if something ought to explode, or the captain ought
+to break out the black flag. This atmosphere is getting too tense for
+me."
+
+"'Sh, keep quiet," said Mason, "don't you see old Dynamite is going to
+say something? Perhaps he may let us into his secret. He seems to be
+feeling pretty good natured."
+
+"Gentlemen," said the captain, rising at his seat, "fill your glasses."
+
+As he spoke, he passed a black bottle that stood at his right hand to
+the mate, who filled his glass and passed the bottle on to the
+engineer.
+
+"There is lemonade in that pitcher at your hand, youngsters," said the
+captain. "Fill your glasses."
+
+The boys did as directed and the captain raised his glass of grog high
+in air. His men rose silently from their seats and did likewise.
+
+"Here's to the good cause and confusion to its enemies," he said, in a
+deep voice.
+
+"Good luck to the cause," shouted the men as they dashed off their
+liquor and sat solemnly down again.
+
+For half an hour scarcely a word was spoken, as they all did full
+justice to the cook's excellent dinner. When they were through, the
+steward removed the cloth and the captain brought out a box of cigars
+which he passed around, this time not overlooking the boys, but they
+each refused, with thanks. The steward replaced the black bottle and it
+made another circuit of the table. After a short silence, during which
+the men puffed vigorously on their cigars, the captain said quietly:
+
+"Men, to-morrow we begin to get busy. You all know what dangers we are
+facing and you have all been through them before. I know you will acquit
+yourselves well if it comes to a tight rub, for your hearts are all
+with the cause. That we may all know to what end to bend our individual
+endeavors, and in case anything should happen to any of us, I will now
+read to you the orders under which we are sailing. Always remember our
+compact. We have our numbers. If number one falls, number two takes
+command, and to him you give your true allegiance, always with your
+minds free from personal ambitions and petty jealousies, working only as
+human machines for the good of the cause."
+
+The men turned and looked nervously in the direction of the boys. The
+captain noticed their suspicious glances.
+
+"Do not fear," he said, addressing particularly the furtive-eyed Suarez,
+"I will answer for them. They are my guests."
+
+There was in the captain's tone just a touch of defiance, as if he
+challenged opposition to his views.
+
+"Now listen, and mark well the directions in the order. It is in
+Spanish, but I will read it to you in English, as I believe none among
+you, save Suarez and myself, understand Spanish."
+
+The captain produced from a large wallet a paper which he read slowly,
+dwelling long upon those passages containing detailed instructions:
+
+  HEADQUARTERS OF THE INDEPENDENT GOVERNMENT AT CUBITAS.
+
+  TO CAPTAIN DYNAMITE,
+       Boston, Massachusetts, U. S. A.
+
+  GREETING:
+  When, with the assistance of a power higher than mortal endeavor, you
+  shall have safely brought your expedition within the lines of the
+  enemy's ships, proceed with all possible dispatch to that point on the
+  coast mutually agreed upon by us at our last meeting. There, should a
+  kind and just Providence so will it, you will find your landing
+  covered by five hundred men under Captain Morgan, who is your friend.
+  From him you will receive any necessary further instructions. May our
+  just cause shield you from harm and bring you safely through your
+  dangerous mission to the arms of your friends who kiss your hand.
+
+                                                (Signed) BETANCOURT.
+                                                         GOMEZ.
+
+"You know those names, my friends," said Dynamite, after reading the
+order. "In their name and in ours, out of the fullness of our hearts, I
+give you our toast--Viva Cuba Libre!"
+
+The men sprang to their feet and raising their glasses while their eyes
+shone with the fever of excitement, shouted:
+
+"Viva, viva, Cuba libre!"
+
+"I thought so," said Harry, as the sound died away.
+
+"What does that lingo mean?" asked Bert.
+
+"It means 'hurrah for free Cuba,'" answered Harry.
+
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII
+
+IN THE DANGER ZONE
+
+
+Harry was awakened the next morning by the clanking of heavy chains,
+rumbling of iron trucks, banging of doors, creaking of cordage, and the
+hoarse shouts of men. Above the unusual din the voice of the captain
+rose deep and resonant. Harry sat up in his bunk in wonderment. The
+usually quiet and methodical ship seemed to have in an instant been
+transformed into what to the ear might easily resemble an iron foundry.
+The noise also aroused Bert and Mason.
+
+"What's our friend the buccaneer up to now?" queried Mason, rubbing his
+sleepy eyes.
+
+"The sooner we get on deck, the quicker we shall find out," answered
+Harry, jumping from his bunk and beginning to dress hurriedly.
+
+"Sounds to me suspiciously like a pirate chief and his blood-thirsty
+crew preparing to board an unsuspecting ship," said the irrepressible
+Midget, as he poked his head into his shirt. "Shouldn't be a bit
+surprised when we get on deck to find a lot of evil-faced men armed to
+the teeth--you know pirates are always evil-faced. By the way, did you
+ever know how the expression 'armed to the teeth' originated? Well, you
+see, after a pirate has stuck his belt full of pistols and cutlasses,
+and has both hands full of guns, he just chucks a dirk in his mouth and
+then, of course, he is armed to the teeth. Singular how you fellows are
+always drawing on my fund of general information. One dollar, please."
+
+"Stop your nonsense, Midget," said Harry. "Remember what Captain
+Dynamite said last night. We are in the zone of danger to-day."
+
+The noise had now somewhat subsided, and by the time the boys were
+dressed the usual quiet pervaded the ship.
+
+Harry stepped from their stateroom into the main cabin and was surprised
+to see the captain sitting quietly at the table with his back turned to
+him. His elbows were resting on the table and his face was in his hands.
+He was looking intently at some object in front of him. He did not move
+as Harry approached, and the boy could see that he was gazing at a
+portrait.
+
+"Good morning, sir," said Harry, stopping at a respectful distance.
+"Have we struck the danger zone, yet?"
+
+"Danger--danger?"
+
+The captain almost shrieked the words as he leaped to his feet, and
+clasping the portrait to his breast as if to protect it, turned fiercely
+on the boy.
+
+"O, it's you," he said quickly, on recognizing Harry. Then he passed his
+hand over his eyes as if returning from a trance.
+
+"I was with her when you spoke," he said softly, "and then the thought
+of danger drives me mad. See----"
+
+The captain held out the photograph for the boy's inspection. It was the
+picture of a beautiful young woman of Spanish type, with dark hair and
+eyes.
+
+"This time I take her home as my bride. She has promised it. I have left
+her too long at the mercy of Weyler's bloodhounds. But Gomez will see
+that no harm comes to my Juanita. He has promised. The general has
+promised, and soon--very soon, I shall take her away--away from this
+danger zone."
+
+The big man seemed dreaming again as his eyes rested with an expression
+as soft as a woman's on the fair face of the girl. Then with that
+characteristic shake of his huge body he placed the portrait carefully
+in an inner pocket, next his heart, and turned again to Harry with his
+dare-devil laugh on his lips.
+
+"Ha, ha! Danger zone? Oh, sure, we are in it. But we are ready for 'em,
+my boy. All's in shipshape for friend or foe. We've set a smiling face
+to the fore, my lad, but a broad laugh would uncover some moighty sharp
+teeth." At this moment the mate hurriedly entered the cabin and saluted.
+
+"What is it, Suarez?" asked the captain, quickly.
+
+"Smoke off the starboard bow, sir."
+
+"Can you make her out?"
+
+"Not yet, sir."
+
+"Call me when you can."
+
+The mate saluted again and retired. The captain turned away from Harry
+unceremoniously, and Bert and Mason having joined him, the boys went on
+deck. There was no change apparent that would have accounted for the
+strange noises that had awakened them, except that the hatches were now
+fastened down with heavy iron bars and the little forward hatch where
+Harry had made his first tour of inspection was guarded by two men, who
+stood with folded arms on either side. There were now two men on lookout
+aft as well as forward. They paced slowly to and fro, their eyes fixed
+astern. Amidships, on both the starboard and port sides, a man walked
+backward and forward over a space of about fifteen feet, always closely
+scanning the sea on either side. Off the starboard bow could be seen a
+thin thread of smoke that rose almost perpendicularly in the still air.
+
+The boys had never before seen so many men on deck at the same time.
+Not a word was spoken as the lookouts fore and aft passed and repassed
+each other. On the bridge both mates were on duty.
+
+"Say, where do you suppose all these dummies sprang from, anyway?" asked
+Mason, as he surveyed the scene in astonishment. "I wonder if there are
+any more where they came from?"
+
+"Let's go down and interview our friend Sambo," said Harry. "He has been
+growing communicative lately. Yesterday he deigned to say 'Yas, sah.'
+Maybe we can coax something more out of him."
+
+When they reached the galley, to the boys' great surprise, the negro
+poked his head out over the half door and grinning broadly, said:
+
+"Mornin', sahs."
+
+"Why, Sambo," said Bert, in astonishment, "where did you find your
+tongue?"
+
+"Always pick it up again in danger zone, sah."
+
+"There goes that danger zone again," said Mason, in disgust. "I don't
+believe there is any danger between here and the equator, Sambo."
+
+"Name not Sambo, sah. George Washington Jenks, New York, U. S. A., at
+yo' service, gents."
+
+Finding the negro in such an unusual mood the boys grouped themselves
+about the door intending to draw the man out if possible, and learn
+what they could that might serve to confirm their suspicions as to the
+purpose of their cruise. As Harry stepped up to the door and brought the
+man's entire body into view, he noticed with amazement that he wore a
+cartridge belt and pistol holster from which the butt of a revolver
+peeped.
+
+"Why, George, what are you carrying a pistol for this morning. Afraid
+the crew will mutiny?"
+
+"Always carry gun in danger zone, sah," replied the negro, grinning
+still more.
+
+"The whole ship has gone crazy over the danger zone," said Bert.
+
+"Yas, sah," said George Washington. "May have mix-up bime-by," and he
+jerked his thumb over his starboard shoulder.
+
+"Mix-up with the captain?"
+
+"Humph. George Wash'n Jenks not such a blame fool's that. Mix-up with
+steamer coming up to starboard. May be, may be not. Not such a mucher at
+guessing."
+
+"Is that why you are carrying a pistol; because a steamer is coming up?"
+
+"Always carry gun in danger zone, sah," and again the negro grinned
+tantalizingly.
+
+"George Washington Jenks, New York, U. S. A., I have a nice, green one
+dollar bill saved from a watery grave," said Harry, "and if you will
+tell us what the danger zone is, you can have it."
+
+As Harry spoke he pulled a bill out of his pocket and displayed it
+temptingly before the negro. George Washington Jenks looked at it
+covetously out of the corner of his eye. Then he shook his head proudly.
+
+"Better go ask Cap'n Dynamite. Might be he need the money. George Wash
+Jenks don't."
+
+"I guess you are true blue, Wash," laughed Harry, as he put the money
+back in his pocket.
+
+"You pretty good guesser, sah. Not such a mucher myself."
+
+The boys, convinced that they could gain no information from the negro,
+and realizing the uselessness of attempting to question any others of
+the crew, strolled aft again. It seemed to Harry that the thread of
+smoke had grown a little thicker. The captain opened his door and
+stepped out on deck, glass in hand. He signalled to Suarez, who came aft
+at his bidding.
+
+"Can you make her out yet, Suarez?"
+
+"Not yet, captain, but she is headed to cross our bow and should be hull
+up in a few minutes."
+
+For five minutes both men stood with their glasses trained on the smoke.
+Finally Suarez dropped his to his side with the air of a man who has
+learned what he wished to know.
+
+"Yes?" said the captain, interrogatively.
+
+"It's the little one we dodged last time."
+
+"The _Belair_. So I thought. Change the course two points to starboard.
+We will go astern unless she gets curious and I suppose she will. Yes,
+see, she is heading up for us. Hold your course; it would be folly to
+change it now. If we can't bluff it through, why we can--well, do the
+next best thing, Suarez, eh--call her hand."
+
+Dynamite threw back his head and laughed heartily.
+
+"Everything is in readiness for the call, sir," said the mate, gravely.
+
+"Very well, Suarez; tell Battersea to notify the men below to stand by."
+
+The boys looked at one another in mute wonder. Then there were other men
+below, and for what? Harry's mind reverted to that forward compartment
+so well stocked with munitions of war.
+
+"Bert," he whispered, "I guess they were right about that danger zone,
+and although I'm not 'such a mucher' at guessing, as our friend Jenks of
+New York, says, maybe we'll have that mix-up."
+
+For nearly an hour the quiet routine aboard the _Mariella_ continued.
+The captain slowly paced the after deck, now and then scanning the
+oncoming stranger through his glasses. There was an air of suppressed
+excitement in the silence. By this time the other steamer was clearly
+discernible with the naked eye, and the boys could see that she was a
+small gunboat flying a foreign flag, which they guessed to be Spanish.
+She had two large guns mounted forward, and a number of rapid fire guns
+aft and amidships.
+
+She was a tiny craft for a fighter and apparently had once been a
+pleasure yacht; but she looked saucy and dangerous as she came on toward
+them. As Harry looked along the quiet decks of the staid and sober
+_Mariella_ he could not help comparing her to a big dignified
+Newfoundland dog with a snapping terrier perking boldly up to her.
+
+They could now distinguish the forms of men on the gunboat's decks.
+
+"Come over here to the starboard rail, boys," said the captain, suddenly
+turning to them. "You may help to carry out more successfully the little
+farce we are about to attempt. Show yourselves as much as possible and
+act as if you were curiously interested in our friend, the gunboat, as
+no doubt you are."
+
+At this moment a black-bearded little man, who had been strutting
+pompously on the bridge of the gunboat, raised a megaphone to his lips
+and a volley of foreign words, perfectly unintelligible to the boys,
+was shot out into the atmosphere.
+
+In a moment the captain sent back a reply to what had evidently been a
+demand for a description of his ship.
+
+"The _Mariella_, Boston for San Juan, Porto Rico; general merchandise
+and three passengers returning from school."
+
+"That's us," whispered Mason. "Look important now. This is as good as
+playing charades. Can you guess the word, Hal?"
+
+For a few minutes those on the deck of the gunboat seemed to be
+discussing the reply. The little man on the bridge gesticulated
+violently as he apparently argued with a subordinate officer. Finally he
+put his marine glasses to his eyes again and for fully a minute Harry
+felt that he was studying them and Captain Dynamite, who stood facing
+him, his big form looming up to its full height, while a smile played
+around the corner of his mouth.
+
+Suddenly the little man danced up and down like a jumping jack, shot his
+arms in the air and waved them wildly. Then he seized the megaphone and
+aimed it at the captain's head. This time the boys could understand the
+words that he poured out, for he spoke in broken English.
+
+"Ah, ah," he shouted, "I know you now, you el Capitaine Dynamite, el
+filibust, el buccaneer, el pirate. Surrend--surrend in Queen's name."
+
+The little man's words had an electrical effect on the captain. The
+smile faded away and his mouth became a set, straight line. In a moment
+he was all action.
+
+"Go ahead full speed, Suarez," he shouted. "All hands to quarters."
+
+In a moment his orders were transmitted from mouth to mouth and as
+quickly the quiet decks became transformed. Men in a seemingly endless
+stream rushed up through the forward hatch from below and scattered
+about the decks with soldier-like regularity, each taking, without the
+least confusion, a station to which he had apparently been assigned.
+Every man was armed with sword, pistol, and rifle, and almost before the
+boys had recovered from the first gasp of astonishment, the bulwarks
+were lined with rows of fully armed, determined looking men, who stood
+silently at their posts awaiting further orders.
+
+George Washington Jenks stepped out of his galley, his black, shining
+face as usual on a broad grin. He looked aft at the boys, pointed to the
+gunboat and chuckled.
+
+"George Wash Jenks is not such a bad guesser after all," said Harry.
+"Mix-up has arrived all right."
+
+"Say, but Hal, do you think there is going to be any real fighting?"
+asked Bert. All of the boys were intensely excited and nervous from
+their unusual surroundings.
+
+"It looks a heap like it."
+
+"And here we are right in the middle of it without as much as a hat pin
+to do business with," moaned Mason.
+
+The captain, who had darted into his cabin a moment before, now emerged
+with a cartridge belt buckled around his flannel coat and two army
+pistols at his sides. He carried three other pistols in his hands.
+
+"Here, boys," he said, as he approached them and handed one to each;
+"these are for protection only. Do you know how to use them?"
+
+"Only give us something to shoot at and we will show you," piped the
+Midget.
+
+"Well, if you have to shoot, there are your marks," was the reply, as he
+pointed to the gunboat.
+
+In the meantime equal activity had been displayed on the Spaniard. Her
+decks swarmed with men, and over the still water was borne a jargon of
+unintelligible orders.
+
+Suddenly there came a sharp command from the little man on the bridge.
+Dynamite understood it and raised his hand as if to warn the boys back.
+There was a puff of smoke at the gunboat's bow and then a loud report.
+
+A solid shot whistled across the bows of the _Mariella_ and ricochetted
+over the water into the distance.
+
+"Crowd on all steam, Suarez," shouted the captain, shaking his fist at
+the gunboat. "We will first try the wise man's course and run away, but
+if we cannot shake off that little terrier, we'll have to show our
+teeth."
+
+Then turning to the Spaniard again he put his megaphone to his lips and
+shouted to the little commander, who still capered and gesticulated on
+the bridge:
+
+"Yes, I _am_ el Capitaine Dynamite. Come on and take me if you can.
+Viva, Cuba Libre."
+
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII
+
+A BRUSH WITH THE GUNBOAT
+
+
+The _Mariella_ swung slowly around until she presented only her stern
+and the width of her hull as a mark for her enemy, and then under a full
+head of steam she started to show her heels to the Spaniard. But clouds
+of heavy, black smoke began to roll upward from the gunboat's funnel,
+showing that she, too, was crowding on steam for the chase.
+
+The puff of smoke, the bark of the gun, the shot skipping over the water
+across their bows, much as a child scales a flat stone across a mill
+pond, opened the boys' eyes to the seriousness of the situation. They
+fingered their revolvers nervously and watched the black bow of the
+Spaniard anxiously, expecting to see another white burst of smoke.
+
+But the little commander evidently believed he could rely on the speed
+of his vessel to overtake the _Mariella_, for after the warning shot, he
+did not fire again, and with throbbing engines the steamers settled down
+to a trial of speed.
+
+"If we could only imagine that as a starting gun this would make a
+first-rate yacht race," said Bert, after they had been running for some
+minutes.
+
+"Yes, and for a richer stake than ever a yacht raced for before,"
+replied the captain, who had overheard the remark. Harry thought of the
+portrait of the beautiful girl that lay next the man's heart, and
+wondered if he meant her, but when he remembered the ringing defiance in
+his voice as he shouted back to the Spaniard, "Viva, Cuba Libre," he was
+inclined to believe that the man's spirit of patriotism rose superior to
+his love just now.
+
+By this time the veil of mystery that had hung over the ship and her
+purpose had been pretty well lifted by the sequence of events, and the
+boys were convinced that they were a part of some secret mission against
+Spain in the interests of Cuba.
+
+Harry had little time for speculation as to the motives that inspired
+the captain, for another puff of white smoke appeared at the gunboat's
+bow and a shot whistled by close to the starboard rail. The _Mariella_
+had been slowly drawing away from her pursuer, and the Spanish commander
+evidently feared his prey would escape.
+
+Suarez, on the bridge, turned anxiously aft as if expecting
+instructions, but Captain Dynamite only set his lips into that firm,
+straight line and raised his glasses to watch the enemy's movements.
+
+Another puff of smoke, a sharp report, and a shot struck the water one
+hundred yards astern, but in direct line with the _Mariella_.
+
+"They've got the direction, but not the range," muttered the captain.
+"Hard a-starboard, Suarez, for half a minute, and then take your course
+again. We'll give that gunner another guess."
+
+The _Mariella_ swung to starboard just enough to take her out of the
+direct course of her pursuer.
+
+"Now, try it again, Mister Sharpshooter," sung out the captain, although
+the Spaniard was by this time far out of range of his voice. "It will
+take you some time to pick up your target once more."
+
+The Spaniard sent two other shots after them in quick succession, but
+they fell harmlessly to port. The quick swinging of the _Mariella_ out
+of her course had disconcerted the gunners.
+
+"Don't you think you youngsters better go below?" said the captain,
+joining the boys, while he calmly rolled a cigarette. "I haven't much
+respect for their marksmanship, but you never can tell where a stray
+shot may fall."
+
+By this time the sensation of nervousness and anxiety that had followed
+the first shot had passed, and the boys were as eager to see the affair
+to an end as if they had been spectators at a play. They did not yet
+seem to feel themselves a part of the drama that might so easily be
+turned into a tragedy.
+
+"If we are not in the way I should much prefer to remain here," said
+Harry, "and if we are going to be shot I had rather have it done on deck
+than in a stuffy cabin."
+
+"Very well, I guess you are safe enough. Anyway, we shall be out of
+range in about fifteen minutes. Ah, she's going to try it again."
+
+Another shot fell only a few feet astern.
+
+Captain Dynamite placed his glasses on the roof of the deck house,
+tossed his cigarette over the side, and removing his coat, folded it
+carefully and placed it beside the glasses.
+
+"You are getting a little too close, Mister Goodshot," he said, rolling
+back his cuffs. "I guess a dose of your own medicine is about due."
+Turning to the bridge, he called:
+
+"Keep her steady, Suarez."
+
+"Aye, aye, sir," responded the mate. There was a note of glee in his
+voice and he rubbed his hands together with an air of great
+satisfaction, as he watched his commander's preparations. He seemed to
+know what they portended, although the boys could see no purpose in
+them.
+
+The captain now stepped quickly to the after rail, and placing his
+finger underneath it, seemed to be pressing upon something. A square
+section of the deck began to slide silently and mysteriously away,
+leaving a black hole up through which there rose slowly a rapid fire
+gun. There was a sharp click of snapping bolts as the new section of
+deck came into place.
+
+"Now there will be something doing," whispered Bert.
+
+Quickly taking his place on the saddle of the gun the captain trained it
+with the hand of an expert. It seemed but a second from the time he ran
+his eye along the sights before the discharge came. Without waiting to
+see the result of his shot, he turned the muzzle a little to the right,
+sighted it again quickly and fired.
+
+The boys watched breathlessly, straining their eyes to see the result,
+but without avail. Captain Dynamite rose, wiped his hands with a silk
+handkerchief and walked to the deck house for his glasses.
+
+"They are both out of commission, bedad," he said, after a minute's
+inspection. "Scoot for the inlet, Suarez, me boy."
+
+"Aye, aye, sir," replied the mate, gleefully. "Don't you think you
+better give them one more for good measure, sir?"
+
+"Enough's a-plenty, Suarez. We'll have her hull down before eight bells.
+Would you like to see what a little gun like that can do?"
+
+He turned to Harry as he spoke and handed him the marine glasses. They
+were a powerful pair and as Harry regulated them to his vision he seemed
+to be almost on board the Spanish gunboat. All was confusion on her
+decks. The "both" referred to by the captain as being out of commission,
+were the port and starboard guns, with which she had been potting at the
+_Mariella_. Captain Dynamite's shots had each scored a bull's-eye.
+
+In the turmoil, Harry could see that someone had been injured and was
+being borne away by his companions. He lowered the glasses and held them
+out to the captain.
+
+"You have laid up a man for repairs, I think, sir," he said.
+
+The captain waved the glasses back with something like a shudder.
+
+"I am sorry," he said, quietly. "The poor chap was only doing his duty.
+I aimed at metal and not human bodies. I hope he is not much hurt."
+
+He turned to the rail again, touched the spring, and the gun slowly sank
+out of sight, the section of the deck that concealed it slipping into
+place again with a click. Putting on his coat he entered the cabin,
+leaving the boys in possession of the glasses. For some time they were
+greatly interested in watching, turn by turn, the proceedings on the
+deck of the gunboat, but finally the _Mariella_ made such good use of
+her heels that even with the glasses, they could make out nothing but
+the outlines of the Spaniard.
+
+When they turned again to the deck of their own steamer, they were
+surprised to see that it had once more resumed its usual appearance. The
+armed men had disappeared, the second mate paced the bridge, and only
+the lookouts occupied the decks. It was now twelve o'clock, and eight
+bells sounded clearly on the still, tropical air. The boys recollected
+for the first time that they had had no breakfast, just as Captain
+Dynamite stuck his head out of the cabin door.
+
+"Come on, lads," he called, cheerily; "sure we've let the Spanish
+terrier cheat our stomachs."
+
+The exciting events of the morning had not impaired the boys' appetites,
+and they promptly responded to the call. When they went on deck again
+only a speck on the horizon marked the pursuing gunboat.
+
+"Few of their old tubs can measure paces with the old _Mariella_," said
+the captain, with satisfaction, as he swept the sea with his glasses.
+
+"She looked as if she had once been a pleasure yacht," said Harry.
+
+"So she was, my boy. The Spaniards bought her from a New York
+millionaire, but she was an old model then, and they have top-hampered
+her with armor and guns until they have knocked what little speed she
+had out of her. We'll not even see a whiff of their smoke in half an
+hour."
+
+"Will she continue so hopeless a chase?"
+
+"O, sure she will. She hopes to trap us down the coast. See, there are
+the shores of Cuba."
+
+The boys turned quickly as he pointed over their starboard bow and saw a
+low dark line in the distance.
+
+"Hurrah," shouted Bert.
+
+"Hurrah for what?" asked the captain, smiling at the enthusiastic boy
+who swung his cap as he shouted.
+
+"Why, just hurrah," answered Bert, sheepishly. "I began to think all
+land had disappeared from the face of the ocean."
+
+"Then you don't like the water?"
+
+"Heretofore I always considered myself dead stuck on it, but hereafter
+terra firma for mine. Something that you can dig your heels into and
+where disagreeable Spaniards don't send bullets whistling around your
+ears. How soon will we make Havana, captain?"
+
+One of Dynamite's roaring laughs greeted this question of Bert's.
+
+"Me boy," he said, as soon as he caught his breath, "if we should sail
+into Havana harbor every mother's son of us would be shot by sunrise
+to-morrow."
+
+"But you are going to land somewhere?" questioned Harry.
+
+"Sure there's a fine bit of a place down the coast that we'll take a
+peep into before the moon's high to-night--barrin' any more Spanish
+terriers. Sure they're thick on this coast. A pack of snarling mongrels,
+and all snapping at the heels of Captain Dynamite. It's a proud man I
+should be with a head on me that's worth five thousand dollars to the
+man who can take it to Weyler."
+
+"Do you mean that the Spaniards have put a price of five thousand
+dollars on your head?" asked Harry in amazement, as he backed away from
+the man instinctively.
+
+"That was before my last voyage," chuckled the captain. "I would not be
+surprised if they had boosted the quotation a point or two since then.
+Gomez will know the latest market price."
+
+The boys looked at him with awe. Here was a man who, though sailing into
+the enemy's waters, boldly laughed at the thought that there was a price
+on his head.
+
+"He's the finest buccaneer I ever met outside of story books," whispered
+Mason, as if meeting buccaneers was an every day occurrence with him.
+
+"Suarez," called the captain, "lay off and on until eight bells, then
+call me. I'm going to take a nap. We can't make the inlet until
+sundown."
+
+Slowly Cuba rose out of the sea as the _Mariella_ ploughed her way
+toward her shores. The long dark line began to take shape against the
+azure sky and to form itself into hills and valleys. The dark mass
+turned to a deep shade of brown and then to green as the brilliant
+verdure of the island caught the rays of the sun. When they were near
+enough to distinguish the contour of the coast line, the steamer's
+course was changed and for a time she stood out to sea again.
+
+"What are we doing that for?" enquired Bert, anxiously.
+
+"Didn't you hear the captain tell Suarez to stand off and on until eight
+bells? We are probably going to make a landing somewhere here, but it is
+not yet time."
+
+At this moment eight bells struck and without waiting to be called,
+Captain Dynamite opened the door of the cabin and stepped out on deck.
+Once again he had changed his costume and was now attired in white duck
+and wore a white yachting cap. As a breeze blew his coat aside, the boys
+could see that he still wore the cartridge belt and pistols. He scanned
+the shore for a moment and then turning to the mate, who still stood on
+the bridge, he said:
+
+"Well done, Suarez. At sundown I will take her in."
+
+The coast at this point seemed covered with a thick, tropical growth of
+palms and high, rank weeds, interlaced thickly with vines that reached
+to the water's edge. Back a few hundred feet the land rose abruptly,
+forming the foothills of the mountainous inland. The boys looked closely
+for some inlet or bay into which the _Mariella_ might steam, but there
+seemed to be no break in the thick foliage so far as the eye could
+reach. In the silhouette formed by the rising hills two palms, taller
+than the others, stood out against the sky like lone sentinels guarding
+the shore against invading buccaneers.
+
+At dinner, the captain was in a particularly agreeable mood.
+
+"Well, my young pirates, how are you enjoying your cruise?" he asked
+jokingly. "It's pretty nearly at an end and all danger for you is about
+past. In an hour or so we shall be safely within the sheltering arms of
+Cuba, and I think it is about time I introduced myself to you. I am
+plain Michael O'Connor, sometimes known as Dynamite Mike, but more
+generally styled Captain Dynamite--at your service. I am neither a
+buccaneer, pirate, nor privateer, but an humble Cuban sympathizer who
+takes his life in his hand now and then to bring arms and ammunition to
+the men who are fighting for the good cause of Cuba libre. I do this,
+first, because I love Cuba; second, because it is a very lucrative
+profession; third, because I like danger."
+
+"But, Captain Dynamite, why should an Irishman love Cuba?" asked Harry.
+
+"Sure, I'm only half Irish. My mother was a Cuban and I was born on the
+island on my father's little sugar plantation. The Spaniards shut him up
+as an insurgent. He died in jail--tortured to death I shall always
+believe--and my mother died of a broken heart in the arms of my
+childhood sweetheart, Juanita. I was not there. I left the island when
+only a youngster, to shift for myself in the States. I took to the sea
+and I shall always be thankful that I did, for it has enabled me in some
+measure to avenge the death of my father. But now to your own affairs,
+my boys. After we have safely disposed of our cargo, I shall be free to
+make a straight run for the States, and as I shall have others aboard
+for whose safety I shall be responsible, I think probably you had better
+stick to the old _Mariella_. I did think of getting you onto the
+railroad to Havana, but your lack of passports might cause you
+trouble."
+
+"We'll stick by the _Mariella_, captain," said Harry. "What do you say,
+fellows?"
+
+"Sure, the _Mariella_ for us."
+
+"All right, that's settled. I think it's about time to run to cover."
+
+As they stepped out on deck the tropical twilight was fading and the
+steamer was now close within the dark shadow of the shore. Captain
+Dynamite went forward to the bridge.
+
+"Turn in, Suarez. It has been a long day for you. I will take her now."
+
+The mate saluted and left the bridge. The captain entered the wheelhouse
+and the man relinquished the spokes and stood silently to one side. The
+captain swung the wheel over quickly, with a sure, firm hand, and the
+bow of the _Mariella_ came around until she was headed directly for the
+wooded shore. Harry saw him raise his eyes and look once at the sentinel
+palms.
+
+Then the engine-room bell clanged loudly and the _Mariella_ shot at full
+speed, head on for the shore.
+
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX
+
+THE MIDNIGHT MESSAGE
+
+
+Harry clutched the rail involuntarily. It seemed as if at any moment
+they would strike the shore with a crash, and yet he could not but
+believe that the captain knew what he was doing. He stood quietly at the
+wheel, scarcely moving it after he had once taken his course, but his
+eyes were fixed intently ahead.
+
+Nearer and nearer they rushed to the shore. Now they were almost upon
+it. Harry steadied himself, and cast one quick glance at the captain.
+Now the bow cut the thick foliage like a knife, but there was no shock,
+and the _Mariella_, with trees and vines scraping her sides and rising
+almost to her funnel-top, shot into a broad lagoon that lay completely
+hidden by the dense foliage at the entrance.
+
+As they passed in, Harry looked back. The passage through which they had
+entered was scarcely wider than the steamer, and formed on either side
+by two points of rock. It needed a bold and skillful hand to bring them
+safely through that naturally-masked channel. The foliage dropped partly
+back again but there still remained a gaping hole to show where the
+steamer had pushed her way through.
+
+Again the bells in the engine-room clanged, the screw churned the water
+violently; there was a roar and rattle of the anchor chains, and within
+twice her own length the _Mariella_ came to a standstill and her
+dangerous voyage was safely terminated.
+
+"Washington," called the captain, leaning out of the wheelhouse; "shut
+the door."
+
+"Aye, aye, sah," responded the negro, as he emerged from the galley.
+"George Wash Jenks knows his duty."
+
+Two of the men lowered a boat and jumped in. The negro followed with a
+long boat hook. They rowed back to the entrance of the inlet, and Jenks
+with his hook, deftly pulled the vines and creeping plants across it
+again. In five minutes none could have told that the luxurious growth
+had been disturbed.
+
+The tropical night now began to settle rapidly over the still lagoon.
+The business of making the steamer snug at her anchorage, which is
+usually attended by the creaking of cordage, the clanking of chains, and
+the discordant shouts of sailors and commanders, was carried on almost
+in silence. The orders of the captain and mate were given in tones
+scarcely louder than used in ordinary conversation, but the men
+responded with alacrity. Within half an hour the _Mariella_, her
+throbbing engines stilled, lay silently at anchor and not a sound broke
+the stillness of the night. The shore of the main coast piled up in a
+black mass, without shape or color, in front of them, while the
+protecting arm that shielded them from the ocean loomed high above the
+steamer's funnel, showing in silhouette against the star-lighted sky in
+fantastically waving lines of palm leaves.
+
+Tired out with the exciting and unusual events of the day, the boys,
+after gazing for a time at the strange, silent scene around them,
+retired to their bunks, and were soon fast asleep.
+
+Captain Dynamite lay dreamily back in a steamer chair on the quarter
+deck, lazily puffing a cigarette, but his eyes were intently fixed on
+the black shore. The steamer was in total darkness. Not a lamp was
+lighted except a small red lantern, like a signal light, that hung over
+the side facing the shore.
+
+The captain lighted a match and looked at his watch.
+
+"Five minutes to midnight," he murmured. "They are late. Can anything
+have gone wrong? Ah, there's the signal now."
+
+A small red light flashed out of the darkness of the shore. Three times
+it showed, and then disappeared. A dark figure that had been standing
+by the light on the _Mariella_ swung it three times from side to side.
+
+Captain Dynamite rose from his chair, stretched his great body lazily
+and walked to the rail. As he did so, he threw open his coat and eased
+up one of the pistols in its holster. His hand remained resting on the
+butt.
+
+A small boat with two rowers, and a man in the stern, shot out from the
+black shadow of the shore onto the star-lighted surface of the lagoon.
+They rowed without the splash of an oar straight to the _Mariella_.
+
+"Who goes there?" called Dynamite in a whisper, as the boat shot under
+the steamer's quarter.
+
+"_Independencia_," came the prompt reply, and in a second the dark form
+amidships tossed over a rope ladder. In a moment more the man in the
+stern of the small boat had scrambled over the rail of the _Mariella_
+and strode rapidly aft. He sprang lightly up the steps to the
+quarter-deck, and seizing the hand of Captain Dynamite, who met him at
+the companionway, shook it vigorously.
+
+"Captain Morgan, sure it's glad I am to see ye again."
+
+"God bless you, O'Connor. Another of your dare-devil expeditions safely
+ended. We didn't look for you for two nights yet."
+
+"Fair weather and only one little brush with a small gunboat.
+Altogether, quite an uneventful trip. And how goes the cause of
+independence, Captain?"
+
+"We still hold our own, O'Connor, despite the butcher's boasts. We left
+them two hundred dead and wounded at our last three meetings, while our
+loss was only five killed and ten wounded."
+
+"Bravo, Morgan, we'll wear them out yet. Let them pour their troops into
+Cuba by the thousand. Disease, our insidious ally and insurgent bullets
+will take care of all they can send."
+
+"Aye, but the bullets are getting scarce, O'Connor."
+
+"Ah, but there are enough here to do for ten thousand Spaniards," cried
+Dynamite, stamping excitedly on the deck, "and there will always be
+enough to go around so long as O'Connor lives, and the planks of the
+_Mariella_ hold together."
+
+The woolly head and grinning countenance of George Washington Jenks
+showed above the top step of the companionway.
+
+"And what of Gomez, Morgan?"
+
+"Gomez is now with President Betancourt at Cubitas, waiting for a report
+of your expedition."
+
+"He shall have it within forty-eight hours Are your men ready for the
+landing?"
+
+"The lagoon is guarded inland and shore. There is not a Spaniard within
+twenty miles."
+
+"Then we will begin at once. What are you doing on the quarter-deck, you
+black rogue?"
+
+The captain had just discovered Jenks as he stood respectfully at the
+head of the companionway, apparently awaiting orders.
+
+"Sut'nly, the Cap'n call?"
+
+"No, I didn't call, blockhead. Get below."
+
+"Ah, ain't such a mucher as a guesser, but sut'nly I guess the cap'n
+stamp him foot."
+
+"You're right, Washington. I did stamp, but I didn't want you. However,
+as long as you are here bring out a chair for Captain Morgan and that
+box of cigars on my cabin table."
+
+"Well, Washington, you are back in Cuba with a whole skin again," said
+Morgan, cordially extending his hand to the negro.
+
+"Cap'n Morgan, suah," said Jenks, carefully rubbing his hand on his
+trousers before accepting the captain's. "Ah'm right glad to see you
+again, sah. O yes, sah, George Wash Jenks' skin am whole, sah. Cap'n
+Dynamite, he see to that, sah. Nevah leave Cap'n Dynamite, sah."
+
+"That's right, Washington, stick to the captain and he'll pull you
+through, and Cuba needs a few more honest hearts like yours."
+
+"Ah serve Cap'n Dynamite, sah. He serve Cuba."
+
+With great dignity the negro turned away and entered the cabin.
+
+"An honest fellow, O'Connor, and seems devoted to you."
+
+"Yes, I think Washington would follow me to the ends of the earth; but
+what are the orders, captain? We must be up and doing. I should not like
+to lie here long enough for the Spaniards to discover our
+landing-place."
+
+"Ah, there I am as ignorant as you. Here are sealed instructions from
+Gomez."
+
+Captain Morgan handed a packet to O'Connor, who broke the seal eagerly.
+When he had read what the message contained the hand that held it
+dropped nervelessly by his side. He gasped as if for breath, and pulled
+nervously at the collar of his shirt like a man choking. Morgan, who
+noticed his singular actions started toward him.
+
+"What's the matter, O'Connor?" he asked, anxiously. "Are you ill?"
+
+For a moment the captain did not answer, and then he said, faintly:
+
+"Wait. I must think."
+
+Morgan, wondering, but respecting his mood, stepped back. Captain
+Dynamite folded his arms and his head sank low on his chest. For fully
+five minutes he sat thus, and then suddenly leaped to his feet, clenched
+his hands, straightened up to his full heighth, and stamped his foot,
+loudly on the deck. The negro appeared with the steamer chair. He
+stopped in terror at the wild appearance of Captain Dynamite, and
+believing that he was the cause of his anger, stammered and stuttered in
+an effort to speak.
+
+"Ah, sut'nly, came as fast as ah could, sah. George Wash Jenks no
+loafing nigger, sah."
+
+"Call Suarez," said Dynamite, in a low voice, ignoring the negro's
+attempted apologies.
+
+"Misser Suarez turned in, sah."
+
+"Call Suarez," roared the captain, taking a threatening step in the
+direction of Jenks.
+
+"Yas, sah," answered Jenks, his eyes big with wonder. "Needn't be so
+uppish. Ah shall sut'nly call Misser Suarez." Jenks backed away to the
+companionway in an effort to keep his face to the angry skipper and
+miscalculating his distance rolled backward down the stairs.
+
+"You clumsy idiot," bellowed Dynamite, stepping to the top of the stairs
+and peering down into the darkness, out of which came a whisper:
+
+"Yas, sah. Ah shall sut'nly call Misser Suarez."
+
+Dynamite stepped back, and without speaking to Morgan, who watched him
+anxiously, paced the quarter-deck with nervous strides. Suarez appeared
+in his pajamas, rubbing his eyes. The captain stopped as he saluted, and
+looked from one to the other of the men. Finally he said, holding out
+the message to Suarez:
+
+"Suarez--Morgan--here are the instructions regarding the removal of the
+cargo. They are simple. There is also news--bad news--but that concerns
+only me. Take this paper, Suarez, and with Captain Morgan's assistance
+carry out the orders to the letter. You are in command."
+
+Then he turned to Washington, who had followed Suarez to the
+quarter-deck.
+
+"Bring me my night coat, Washington, and my rifle. Suarez, have the gig
+lowered. I am going ashore."
+
+"Alone, captain?"
+
+"Alone."
+
+"And may I ask the captain where at this hour of the night?"
+
+"To Gomez."
+
+"Take a file of my men, O'Connor. The country between here and Cubitas
+is full of Spaniards."
+
+"Thank you, Morgan. I have good, true men of my own who know the country
+as well as I do myself, but they would only hamper me. I must make
+speed--speed, do you hear? Suarez, why do you stand there like a wooden
+Indian? Get my gig into the water."
+
+"If you are bent upon going, O'Connor, and I know how useless it is to
+try to swerve you, why not take my boat. It is manned and lying at the
+ladder."
+
+"That is better, Morgan. I will send it back to you. Come on, you lazy
+rascal, with that coat."
+
+He seized his coat and rifle, and ran down the stairway to the
+companionway, and along the deck to the point where Morgan's boat lazily
+floated on the black water.
+
+"Take your orders from Captain Dynamite," called Morgan to his men as
+O'Connor slid down into the boat. The negro who had followed close at
+his heels peered over the side and whispered pleadingly:
+
+"Cap'n Dynamite, sah, you'se not going without George Wash Jenks?"
+
+"To the shore, lads, and pull for your lives," said O'Connor. The boat
+shot away from the steamer's side and was soon lost in the dark shadow
+of the shore.
+
+Washington shook his head deprecatingly, and returned to the
+quarter-deck, where he gravely saluted the mate.
+
+"Your servant, sah," he said. "Cap'n Dynamite he say you in command."
+
+"Bring a lantern, Washington, quick," said Suarez. Then turning to
+Morgan, he continued:
+
+"What do you suppose the bad news can be that has so affected the chief
+and which he says concerns only him?"
+
+"Gomez's message will tell. Quick, boy, with that lantern."
+
+As Jenks stepped into the cabin, Harry, fully dressed, came out of his
+stateroom. The unusual noise on deck and the loud commands of the
+captain had awakened him.
+
+"What's up, Wash?" he asked.
+
+"Plenty. Cap'n Dynamite get bad news in message, and bang--he scoot for
+shore."
+
+"Captain gone ashore, to-night?"
+
+"Suah, enough."
+
+"What's the bad news, Wash?"
+
+"Nobody knows yet. George Wash Jenks get cap'n's lantern and then we
+find out."
+
+He took the lantern from the hook, and with Harry behind him returned to
+the deck. Morgan took the light and held it so that Suarez could read
+the message.
+
+"Ah, here it is" said the mate, after he had scanned the instructions.
+He read aloud:
+
+"'My heart is full of grief for you. Notwithstanding the heavy guard
+maintained around the house the Spaniards succeeded last night in
+seizing Juanita and have taken her to prison. She is charged with aiding
+the rebels. Come to me at once that we may plan together to effect her
+escape or rescue.'"
+
+"Spaniards got Missee Juanita?" shouted Washington, who had listened
+eagerly while Suarez read. "I guess I go to cap'n."
+
+The negro made a flying leap for the rail and in another instant would
+have dived into the sea toward the shore. Morgan was too quick, though,
+and seizing him by the collar dragged him back to the deck.
+
+"Never was such a mucher at guessing," murmured the negro.
+
+"What do you say to putting the boy ashore and letting him join
+O'Connor?" asked Morgan. "He knows the country and might be of much
+assistance to that stubborn man in his dangerous journey."
+
+"Please, Misser Suarez, sah, lemme go after Cap'n Dynamite. He and
+Missee Juanita need George Wash Jenks."
+
+The negro dropped on his knees as he pleaded with the mate.
+
+"And we will go with you, Washington."
+
+It was Harry who spoke, and the men turned to him in astonishment.
+
+"You do not know the danger, my boy," said Suarez, quietly.
+
+"We'll chance it. We owe Captain Dynamite a big debt. If there is a
+chance to help him in his trouble it is our duty to do so."
+
+"It is a question whether you would help or hinder him."
+
+Suarez was undecided. While he bore the boys no malice he had always
+chafed at their presence on the ship. No interest in them as individuals
+would have caused him to oppose their wishes. His thoughts, hopes,
+desires, and ambitions were all Cuba's. The fate of the three boys whose
+lives meant nothing to the cause, was nothing to him. Deep down in his
+heart he would be glad to rid the ship of them. But he feared the wrath
+of his chief. He walked the deck in silence for a few minutes and then,
+as if speaking to himself he said:
+
+"If any one should take one of the boats and make the shore during the
+night, their escape might not be discovered until daylight."
+
+As he finished speaking, George Washington Jenks beckoned to Harry, and
+together they made their way silently down to the main deck.
+
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X
+
+INTO THE ENEMY'S COUNTRY
+
+
+Harry called Bert and Mason and explained the situation to them. Both
+were eager to accompany the expedition on shore. Washington was busy
+forward when the boys joined him. He had gathered and piled up under the
+rail a supply of guns and ammunition sufficient to arm a company of men.
+He had made good use of the few minutes the boys had occupied in
+dressing, for a small boat already lay alongside the steamer. Harry
+surmised that the men, who were all exceedingly fond of their commander,
+had assisted Washington in order that he might set out to give what aid
+he could to Captain Dynamite. There was scarcely a man among them but
+had made several voyages with him, and they well knew the danger that
+attended a journey through that part of the island, and the fate that
+awaited their chief if he should fall into the hands of the Spaniards.
+The mate was still in close conference with Captain Morgan, and either
+intentionally, or because of his preoccupation, paid no attention to the
+preparations of the little expedition.
+
+"What are you going to do with all those guns?" asked Harry, as he
+surveyed the pile.
+
+"May be some big shooting," replied Washington, nodding his head,
+wisely. "More guns, more shooting."
+
+"But how are we to carry that arsenal? If I am not mistaken travelling
+hereabouts is not the easiest thing in the world, and we shall want as
+little to hamper as possible."
+
+"I guess young gemman right," said Washington, looking regretfully at
+the heap of guns.
+
+"Let us each take a gun and a pistol----"
+
+"And machete--machete," interrupted the negro, his eyes bulging, while
+he swung his arm as if wielding one of the short Cuban swords.
+
+"All right, Washington, machete if you choose. They may do to cut our
+way through the underbrush."
+
+"Cut way through Spaniard," said Washington, still waving his arm
+excitedly.
+
+"You can do all that kind of cutting, George Wash Jenks. Perhaps you
+would prefer a razor."
+
+"No, machete."
+
+"All right; machete it is, and I hope you will find something to use it
+on and work off some of that cutting energy."
+
+They then each selected from the supply of arms a rifle, pistol, and all
+the ammunition they could comfortably carry. They lowered them into the
+small boat and were about to climb in when Harry stopped them.
+
+"What about food, Washington?" he asked. "We'd better tote some along, I
+think."
+
+With his usual energy, Harry had naturally taken command of the
+expedition.
+
+"How much of a tramp is it to where Captain Dynamite is going?"
+
+"Captain Dynamite go to Gomez--Gomez at Cubitas."
+
+"That does not mean anything to us. How far is it from here to Cubitas
+and how long will it take us to reach it?"
+
+"'Bout two days."
+
+"All right. Now Washington, you get some ship biscuit, dried beef, and
+coffee from your stock in the galley and we will each carry our own
+rations. I guess we can get through on that grub for two days."
+
+"And ah guess a leetle lasses for coffee, Misser Harry," pleaded the
+negro.
+
+"How under the sun are you going to carry molasses, Washington? I guess
+you will have to take your coffee black and without sweetening."
+
+"Never was such a musser at guessing," murmured Washington, as he turned
+into the galley. He soon reappeared with the rations, four oilskin
+jackets, and a coffee pot. They divided the food and each bundled up
+his supply in an oil skin and tied the package on his back. They were
+now ready to begin their journey, and one by one they silently slipped
+over the side and dropped into the boat below.
+
+"Washington, you take the tiller," said Harry. "You know the way."
+
+"Yas, sah."
+
+"Do you know where to make a landing in the dark?"
+
+"George Wash Jenks knows every inch of the coast hereabouts with him
+eyes shut."
+
+"All right then. You get up in the bow, Midget, and keep a lookout
+ahead. Bert and I will row. It's not more than three hundred feet to the
+shore."
+
+The boys bent to the oars and the little boat shot across the narrow
+streak of starlit water into the shadow of the rugged shore.
+
+"Stop!" whispered Mason quickly, when they were within a few feet of the
+beach. The boys backed water and brought the boat up within her own
+length.
+
+"What is it?" asked Harry, anxiously.
+
+"There's a man on shore with a gun aimed plumb at us," replied Davis,
+pointing into the darkness ahead.
+
+"Him one of Misser Morgan's men," said Washington. "Him all right, ah
+guess, maybe."
+
+The boys started to row again when a loud command from shore made them
+rest on their oars with great dispatch.
+
+"Halt, or I'll fire."
+
+The words came out of the darkness in deep, determined tones. The boys
+could dimly distinguish the form of a man standing on a little bluff
+above them, with his rifle aimed with disturbing accuracy directly at
+their boat.
+
+"We are friends from the _Mariella_," called Harry, "and are on our way
+to join Captain Dynamite."
+
+"Captain Dynamite passed through the lines half an hour ago. He said he
+was travelling alone."
+
+"Yes, that's right," answered Harry. "He thinks he is, but we want to
+help him. Let us come ashore and I will explain to you."
+
+"Halt, or I fire," again came the command.
+
+"Don't you think we better go back, Hal?" whispered Mason, who had
+crouched down in the bow out of the way of a stray bullet. "I don't care
+much for this real gun business. It's too exciting for my constitution."
+
+"Don't you understand," persisted Harry, "that we are friends of Captain
+Dynamite and the cause?"
+
+"Friends of the cause will give the countersign," said the voice in the
+same even tone.
+
+"Washington, you ought to know the countersign," whispered Harry to the
+negro, who had listened to the conversation with open mouth. He shook
+his head as if he did not comprehend.
+
+"You know--the word that tells people that you are a friend of Cuba."
+
+"O, dats de password--suah." Washington grinned with joy.
+
+"Well, the password then; what is it?"
+
+"Ah guess it is 'Independencia.'"
+
+"I hope you have guessed right this time."
+
+"Not such a mucher," murmured Washington, deprecatingly.
+
+"Independencia," repeated Harry, loud enough for the man on shore to
+hear.
+
+"Advance friends," said the sentinel, quickly lowering his gun.
+
+The party landed without further opposition and found instead of one
+man, whose form they had been able to distinguish from the boat, ten or
+a dozen more a few feet back from the shore, squatting around a small
+fire, the light of which was masked by a thick growth of underbrush.
+They were all dark-skinned men with heavy growths of black beard. They
+looked up without displaying any particular interest as the boys
+landed, but the sentinel who had challenged them came forward and held
+out his hand in greeting. He was undoubtedly an American.
+
+"Glad to see any one who speaks English," he said, as Harry approached
+and took his offered hand. "What are you boys doing here?"
+
+"That's a long story," replied Harry, smiling. "Briefly, though, Captain
+Dynamite ran down our sail boat while we were sailing off Martha's
+Vineyard, picked us out of the water and brought us along whether we
+would or no."
+
+"And where are you going now?"
+
+"To join Captain Dynamite. He may need our assistance."
+
+The man smiled.
+
+"I am afraid you will be more likely to need his if you persist in your
+purpose," he said.
+
+"That, of course, is a matter of opinion," replied Harry, drawing
+himself up indignantly. "And to return the compliment may I ask what you
+are doing in Cuba?"
+
+"Certainly," laughed the man. "I came with Morgan. We are soldiers of
+fortune."
+
+"Then you are not a patriot?"
+
+"Not exactly. I believe in the cause and I also believe that we will
+eventually win."
+
+"And then you expect your reward?"
+
+"That's what we are fighting here for."
+
+"Sort of playing with fortune," chimed in Mason.
+
+"Not exactly--sort of throwing dice with fate."
+
+"Well, come on, fellows," said Harry. "We are losing time and letting
+the captain get more of a lead on us."
+
+"So you are determined to go on?"
+
+"I see no reason yet to turn back," replied Harry.
+
+"But you do not know the country and its dangers."
+
+"We have a good guide," said Harry, pointing to Washington.
+
+The man leaned forward and peered in the darkness at the negro.
+
+"Why, it's George Wash Jenks," he said in surprise. "Captain Dynamite's
+man. How are you, Wash?"
+
+"Ah guess ah's all right, sah."
+
+"Still guessing I see, Wash."
+
+"Not such a mucher, sah," the negro grinned broadly.
+
+"Well boys, you are right about your guide. You can't go wrong around
+here while Wash is with you. Good luck to you. You will have to travel
+fast to catch up to Dynamite though. He was making express time and
+would not even stop to shake hands. All I could get out of him was:
+'Gomez--I must get to Gomez.' Nothing wrong, is there?"
+
+"No, nothing--nothing that concerns the cause. Good-bye. Come on,
+Washington."
+
+Harry turned and started into the brush.
+
+"Not that way, Misser Harry," called Washington. "We keep by the shore a
+piece yet. Never get no further than six feet in there, ah guess."
+
+He turned along the narrow beach below an overhanging bluff. For half an
+hour they hugged the shore.
+
+"Did the captain come this way do you think, Washington?" asked Harry.
+
+"Don't guess this time, Misser Harry. No other way to come."
+
+So far the going had been comparatively easy. They had to now and then
+clamber over jagged points of rocks that made out into the sea, and in
+the darkness they several times stumbled and fell, but no one was much
+hurt. Most of the way, however, had been along the sandy beach. Now
+Washington stopped and seemed to be looking for something. He peered out
+into the darkness over the sea and then shook his head. Then he stepped
+back toward the water and looked up at the skyline of the quickly rising
+inland country.
+
+"Lost the trail?" enquired Harry, after he had watched the negro's
+movements for some time in silence.
+
+"Not lost 'em, Misser Harry. Tryin' to find 'em. Big tree on leetle
+island. Can't see 'em." He pointed out over the sea where he had been
+gazing. Then he turned and pointed inland. "Big tree there. Can see him
+all right."
+
+The boys looked up to where he pointed over the land and saw a large
+palm rising high above its fellows and clearly marked against the sky.
+It resembled the two big trees that had guided Captain Dynamite in
+making the entrance to the hidden lagoon. Evidently Washington was
+searching for some spot that was to be discovered by bringing the big
+tree on shore and the now invisible one on the island into line.
+
+"George Wash Jenks, he find 'em. Don't worry 'bout dat," he said, as he
+walked about five feet to the right and then faced about and approached
+the bluff, which at this point was twenty feet high and thickly grown
+with brush and low entangling plants. He fumbled around among the vines
+and then turning to the boys called: "All right now."
+
+As Harry came up he pointed at the bluff and then pulling aside the
+underbrush began to slowly work his way inward. The boys followed him.
+The branches scratched their faces and the ground vines clung to their
+feet. They were entering a narrow cleft in the hill which was filled
+with rank vegetation.
+
+"Keep a pushin'," said Washington. "Not so bad when we get in leetle
+more."
+
+They struggled on for about one hundred feet when the brush became less
+thick and finally they reached a narrow lane that had been hewed and
+trampled through the high growth. Their progress now became easier and
+with Washington in the lead they pushed ahead rapidly. They had made
+their way about half a mile inland when out of the brush came a voice
+that brought them to a standstill with a start.
+
+"Alto! Quien Va?"
+
+"Dat another Misser Morgan's men," whispered Washington.
+
+"Independencia," said Harry, when he had recovered his breath, for the
+challenge coming unexpectedly from one concealed by the darkness and the
+bushes was somewhat startling. There was a low reply in Spanish and they
+proceeded without molestation.
+
+About every half a mile a mysterious voice challenged them, but the
+countersign secured for them uninterrupted progress. Through the waning
+night they pushed on, until the light in the sky told them that day was
+breaking. Then Washington stopped. He had scarcely spoken since they
+took the trail.
+
+"Missers," he said, as they halted, "better have breakfast now."
+
+"Can we light a fire here safely?"
+
+"Yes, now; not bime bye."
+
+They unslung their improvised knapsacks and gathering some dry brush
+soon had a small fire burning. Washington made the coffee, procuring
+water from a stream that ran through the brush. The boys, thoroughly
+tired out, threw themselves down for a brief rest. They munched their
+crackers and dried beef with relish and drank coffee in turn from a tin
+cup that Washington had had the foresight to provide.
+
+"This seems very much like camping up at school," said Mason.
+
+"Yes, only I would prefer to have the boys in the bushes than a lot of
+Spaniards and Cubans with real bullets in their guns," replied Bert.
+
+"You always do look at the unromantic side of things, Bert. We haven't
+seen a Spaniard yet."
+
+"Good and plenty when we get in the open," said Washington.
+
+"How do you know this country so well, Washington?" asked Harry.
+
+"Born here, Misser Harry. I'se Cuban nigger."
+
+"I thought you said you were 'George Wash Jenks, New York, U. S. A.?'"
+
+"I suah are now, sah. I was only a picaninny when I ranned away with
+Massa Cap'n Dynamite."
+
+"So you ran away with your young master, eh?"
+
+"Yas, sah, dat's it."
+
+"And you've been with him ever since?"
+
+"Him couldn't lose me, sah." George grinned.
+
+"And who is Miss Juanita?"
+
+"Missee Juanita live on next plantation. She and Massa Capt'n Dynamite
+goin' to get married bime bye. He tell her so when he ranned away."
+
+"Well Washington, it's sun up now and we better be moving if we expect
+to catch up with Massa Captain Dynamite."
+
+"We not catch Cap'n until we get to Cubitas."
+
+"Why not?"
+
+"Cap'n travel through this country faster'n any mule, and he not stop
+'til he get there."
+
+"Not stop to sleep?"
+
+"No sleep, no eat. Missee Juanita in danger. I know the Massa Cap'n."
+
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XI
+
+CAPTURED BY SPANIARDS
+
+
+The party, after breaking their fast, packed up their rations and
+started on again. The tangled forest of low growth through which they
+struggled began to thin out, and they found themselves in an almost open
+country at the foot of a range of mountains. Before they left the
+shelter of the bushes, Washington motioned the boys back, and dropping
+on his stomach, wriggled to the edge of the woods, where he made a long
+survey of the country. Seemingly satisfied, he beckoned to the others to
+come on, and they all cautiously crept out into the open country.
+
+"Must keep eyes peeled now for Spaniards," said Washington. "Plenty of
+'em 'tween here'n Cubitas."
+
+"Which way now, Washington?" asked Harry.
+
+The negro pointed straight ahead.
+
+"Over that mountain?" queried Mason, in dismay.
+
+"Suah--and then another--but that's Cubitas."
+
+They toiled on while the hot sun began to mount high in the sky. The
+perspiration dripped from their faces as they walked. The mountain was
+thickly wooded to its very base and they made as rapid progress as
+possible in the wake of the doggedly plodding negro in the effort to
+gain the shade and the security of the trees.
+
+"Half hour more and we find good place for siesta. Can't go on 'til sun
+goes down," said Washington, who had noticed the boys' fatigue.
+
+When they reached the foot of the mountain the negro struck off into the
+thick woods, and after a long climb they came out into a small glade,
+through which trickled a tiny stream. The boys drank greedily of the
+cool water, and Washington gathered boughs and leaves and soon rigged up
+a temporary shelter under the trees. Throwing themselves down beneath
+this, with their coats for pillows, all hands dropped off into a deep
+sleep.
+
+When Harry awoke it was late afternoon. Bert was sitting up rubbing his
+eyes. Washington and Mason still slept on.
+
+"I'm getting very tired of this sort of thing, Hal," whispered Bert, "I
+am afraid I was not cut out for a strenuous life. Do you think there are
+any Spaniards loafing around in this neighborhood?"
+
+"Let's take a look while the others finish their nap," suggested Harry.
+
+The boys picked up their rifles and cautiously entered the woods,
+moving from tree to tree and dodging around rocks and boulders in true
+Indian fashion. The excitement of thus picking their way through the
+woods caused them to forget that they were proceeding in anything but a
+direct line, and when they at last bethought themselves, neither could
+tell in which direction the camp lay behind them.
+
+They dared not shout, and they looked at each other in dismay.
+
+"We are a brilliant pair," said Bert in disgust. "Now what are we to do?
+Have you any idea how far we have come, or in what direction?"
+
+"I think I have a general notion. Let's work back anyway."
+
+They faced about and began to make their way as rapidly as possible in
+the direction from which they believed they had come. Both were pretty
+well frightened for they realized the danger of becoming separated from
+their guide in that wild country, aside from the possibility of falling
+into the hands of Spaniards. In their nervous scare they hurried
+recklessly on, tripping now and then over trailing vines and plunging
+head on into thickets. Still they did not come upon the glade from which
+they had so unwisely strayed.
+
+At last, convinced that they were not proceeding in the right direction,
+they stopped and tried again to figure out the position of the camp. It
+was useless. They were now hopelessly lost. Harry looked up at the sun
+anxiously. It was getting low.
+
+"It looks as if you and I were in another scrape, Bert," he said, trying
+to smile.
+
+"We might wander for days without getting out of this labyrinth."
+
+"It's not so bad as that. We can get into the open all right by simply
+following the mountain down. But I do not know what good that would do
+us, for we could never find the pass through which we came."
+
+"No, and then there are the Spaniards."
+
+"Well, I suppose the Spaniards are a pretty serious proposition to
+Washington, who is their natural enemy, but I do not think they would do
+us much harm. We're American citizens, you know."
+
+"They are not looking for American citizens out here, and we should have
+a hard time explaining. We couldn't say we came on the _Mariella_."
+
+"No, that would hardly do. Still, we have not done anything to injure
+Spain, and we were certainly unwilling passengers on the _Mariella_. I
+do not see how they can do anything very disagreeable."
+
+"Judging from what Captain Dynamite says, they are inclined to consider
+every one except a Spaniard as an enemy and a Cuban sympathizer."
+
+"Well, we've got to take some sort of a chance, so we might as well
+shout."
+
+"All right, both together."
+
+They sent up a "holloa" that rang through the trees.
+
+"Mason--Washington," they shouted. "Answer. We have lost you."
+
+Away in the distance they heard a faint answering call. In their efforts
+to retrace their steps they had wandered still further from their
+companions. They could not distinguish the words of the reply, but the
+sound gave them the direction, and with glad hearts they set off.
+
+Suddenly they heard a crackling in the bushes behind them.
+
+"Quien Vio?" called a voice. Their hearts sank within them. Turning
+quickly, they looked into the muzzles of four rifles.
+
+"Gee, it's the Spaniards at last," whispered Bert. "Still I don't know
+but I had rather see them than no one. It was getting mighty lonesome."
+
+"They may be more of Morgan's men," said Harry.
+
+"By jove, that's so. Let's try the countersign on them."
+
+"Don't," commanded Harry, quickly, catching his arm. "Suppose they were
+not. The word would convict us at once."
+
+"You're right."
+
+Had Washington been with them he would have recognized the Spanish
+challenge.
+
+In the meantime the men had advanced, keeping the boys covered with
+their guns as if they were a pair of desperadoes who might attack them
+at any moment. They wore old and dirty uniforms, but it was plain that
+they had once been of regulation color and pattern.
+
+"They are Spaniards fast enough," whispered Harry, as the men
+approached. "Cubans have no regular uniform." Then to the men he said:
+
+"Good afternoon, gentlemen. We are glad to see you. We are lost out here
+on your mountain. They are your mountains, I believe. We're Americans,
+you know."
+
+"Ah, Americanos," said one of the men. "Surrend."
+
+"Yes, Americanos if you prefer it so, but what do you want us to
+surrender?"
+
+"Surrend," repeated the man, laying his hand roughly on Harry's rifle.
+
+"O, the guns? Certainly. They are of no use to us, apparently."
+
+Harry and Bert believing it to be the best policy to be tractable, held
+out their guns with amiable smiles. They were snatched rudely from them.
+When the rifles were safely in the hands of the soldiers, a little fat
+man whom they had not seen before stepped out of the bushes, where he
+had evidently intended to remain until the prisoners were disarmed. He
+was an officer, judging from his side arms, and with great pomposity he
+now advanced, puffing and blowing, toward the boys. He said something in
+Spanish to one of the men, who replied: "Americanos."
+
+"Who you are doing here?" he demanded of Harry.
+
+"O, sir," said Harry, "it is an agreeable surprise to find a gentleman
+who speaks our language so fluently," and he advanced with hand
+extended. The little man jumped back as if he feared the boy was about
+to strike and dodged behind his men, jabbering rapidly in Spanish.
+Evidently in response to some command, the four men rushed upon the boys
+and pinioned their hands behind their backs, tying them with gun straps.
+
+"Look here," said Harry, indignantly. "I don't know who you are, but
+this is an outrage on two American citizens--do you understand?" He
+walked boldly up to the fat officer as he spoke and notwithstanding the
+boy's hands were now tied, the man backed away from him in fright.
+
+"You will have to answer for this to the United States--do you
+understand that?" continued Harry.
+
+"Poof to United States," said the little man, snapping his fingers. He
+then gave another order in Spanish, and two of the men took up a
+position in front of the boys and two behind. The men in front began to
+march and those behind prodded the prisoners in the back with their
+guns, to indicate that they were to go on. There was nothing for the
+boys to do but submit, and slowly they began the descent of the
+mountain, the valorous commander keeping well to the rear.
+
+"These are your gentle Spaniards who wouldn't do a thing to you," said
+Bert, as they marched unwillingly along between their guards.
+
+"O, this pompous little fat man is some subordinate officer who is
+puffed up with his own importance. We will be all right when we get to
+headquarters and can see the commanding officer."
+
+"I'm not so sure of that. They do not seem to be bubbling over with
+kindly respect for the United States."
+
+"Wait till we see the consul. You know O'Connor told us to call for our
+consul if we got into trouble."
+
+"They may not let us see him."
+
+"Then we'll--what will we do then, Bert?"
+
+"Then it will be a case of measuring our wits against these fellows',
+and trying to make our escape. We may be able to get word to Captain
+Dynamite. Anyway Mason and Washington will probably discover that we
+have been captured and will go on to the captain."
+
+"Yes, but he has troubles of his own now to attend to."
+
+"Still I do not think he is the man to desert us entirely. He might get
+his friend Gomez to do something for us."
+
+"Well, a great deal depends on whether we have fallen into the hands of
+a small or large detachment of Spaniards. If it is only a skirmishing
+party, Gomez or Morgan might rescue us."
+
+"Let us hope it is a small outfit. I don't like the spirit these chaps
+show, nor the contempt in which their fat commander seems to hold the
+United States."
+
+They were now getting near the foot of the mountain. Suddenly Harry
+clutched Bert's arm.
+
+"What is it?" asked Bert, startled by Harry's movement.
+
+"Don't look to right or left. I just saw the Midget's white face peeking
+out at us as we passed that last clump of bushes. It's all right now.
+They know we are prisoners and you can trust Mason for getting a move
+on." The boys tramped along with lighter hearts now that they were
+confident that their companion knew of their predicament.
+
+"I hope they will not get pinched too," said Bert.
+
+"Don't always look on the dark side of things, old chap," said Harry, a
+little testily. "Cheer up."
+
+They were now in the open country again and made more rapid progress.
+The Spaniards moved along without any attempt at caution now. They well
+knew the Cuban methods of warfare, and did not fear an attack in the
+open. Opposed always by much superior numbers, the insurgents had
+learned that the only way to successfully cope with their enemy was to
+keep under cover and prosecute a guerilla warfare.
+
+As they climbed the top of a small hill the boys were surprised to see
+in front of them the outlying buildings of what seemed to be a town or
+city of some size and importance. When they approached nearer they found
+that these buildings were but poor huts or cabins, and formed a sort of
+irregular, narrow street that led into the town, which was situated
+about a mile beyond. As they entered the street the character of these
+shed-like habitations flashed upon the boys. They were the homes of the
+"reconcentrados" of whom O'Connor had told them. The boys shuddered as
+they passed them and for a time scarcely dared to look to one side or
+the other for fear that they might see some horrible sight, so forcibly
+had O'Connor's description impressed them. Most of the huts were without
+doors and the interiors were open to a passing view. So hopeless were
+the miserable inmates that they did not even care to hide their
+suffering from the heartless eyes of the curious. The men laughed and
+joked as they passed on and Harry could not but feel that their jests
+were pointed by the misery of the reconcentrados.
+
+Finally a horrible curiosity turned their heads and they saw in front of
+one of the huts a group of four persons. They were a man, a woman, a
+child of perhaps fourteen, and a babe in its mother's arms. The man lay
+stretched at full length on his back at the roadside. His eyes, which
+were open, were turned upward to the sky. The woman sat with her back to
+the mud wall of the hut. Her eyes were fixed on the man at her feet. The
+child stood in the doorway looking with expressionless eyes out into
+space. The few rags that covered them only served to emphasize the
+emaciation of their bodies and limbs. It needed no trained eye to tell
+that they were starving. As the party passed, not one of the four
+changed position or once turned their eyes. In their mute suffering they
+seemed unconscious of their surroundings.
+
+One of the guards looked and laughed brutally.
+
+Harry tugged at his bonds. In his fierce indignation he would have
+struck down the man.
+
+Finally they passed out of this street of misery and entered the town.
+The boys had forgotten their own troubles in the contemplation of the
+suffering of the unhappy creatures behind them. The guards who had been
+slouching along at a swinging gait now straightened up and assumed a
+more soldierly air. At a word of command from their fat commander they
+halted before a building which was more imposing in appearance than its
+neighbors, and looked to be a public edifice of some sort. They marched,
+with their prisoners still between them, up the few steps that led to a
+wide doorway and into a large room on the right, where an officer was
+reclining in a lounging chair, lazily puffing a cigarette. It was now
+growing dark outside and the room was dimly lighted by a lamp that stood
+on the flat desk in front of the only occupant.
+
+The man straightened himself up as the squad entered, and the little
+commander saluted with great deference.
+
+"I told you so," said Harry, who noticed the air of deep respect that
+now marked their captor. "The little fat man is only an understrapper.
+Now we shall have a hearing."
+
+While the little officer reported to his superior, the latter looked the
+boys over with some apparent curiosity. He asked a few questions and
+then uttering something that sounded like a judicial decision, he sank
+back in his chair again and lighted another cigarette.
+
+The guard faced about, prodded the boys in the back again with their
+guns to indicate that they were to move on, and the procession filed out
+into the street again. For a moment the boys could scarcely realize that
+they were to have no hearing, and then Harry turned to the fat man
+indignantly.
+
+"Are we not to be permitted to tell our story?" he demanded. "Where are
+you taking us? I demand a hearing as an American citizen in the presence
+of the American consul."
+
+The little man, who evidently understood much of what he said, chuckled,
+and the men, taking their cue from their commander, jabbed the boys once
+more in the back.
+
+"It's no use, Hal," said Bert. "We might as well wait and see what they
+intend to do with us."
+
+They passed from one narrow street to another until they again halted
+in front of a building whose narrow windows were closely barred.
+
+"Looks uncomfortably like a jail," said Harry, as he surveyed the white
+front of the gloomy structure. A door on the level with the street
+opened, the guns prodded the boys in the back again, and they entered
+through the low portal into a dark corridor. The door closed behind them
+and they found they were alone with a black-bearded man who carried a
+bunch of large keys that jangled unpleasantly.
+
+He motioned silently for the boys to follow him, and as they had no
+choice in the matter, they did so. At the end of the corridor the man
+opened a door and pointed in. The boys entered and the door swung to
+behind them silently.
+
+It was almost dark, but through the barred window of the room just
+enough twilight crept to show the boys that they were in a room that
+contained only a wooden table, two chairs, and two low wooden beds.
+
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XII
+
+ON TO GOMEZ
+
+
+When Mason and Washington awoke and discovered that their companions
+were missing, the negro became greatly excited.
+
+"You stay here, Misser Midget," he said. "I go see if I can find 'em.
+They get lost in these woods, or catched by Spaniards. Don't you move
+'til George Wash Jenks come back or you get lost too."
+
+Washington took his rifle and disappeared among the trees, while Mason
+anxiously paced the small glade. The time passed slowly and the boy's
+nerves were strung to their highest tension. He started at the smallest
+rustle of the leaves in the trees around him, and began to imagine all
+sorts of disagreeable possibilities. What if Washington should be unable
+to find his way back or should fall into the hands of the Spaniards? And
+what if the Spaniards should discover him before Washington returned.
+His excited mind began to reflect pictures of a lone boy starving to
+death in the woods. And then the picture would change and he would be
+struggling against an overwhelming number of Spaniards, who would seize
+and bind him and rush him off to suffer the horrors of the inquisition.
+
+Suddenly in the distance he heard the boys' shout. It sent the blood
+tingling through his veins. At least he was not quite alone in the woods
+while his companions were within hailing distance. He sent up a glad cry
+in response. Again came the shout and again he replied, and then with
+his heart more at ease, he sat down on a rock and waited for them to
+appear.
+
+There was a slight crackling in the bushes behind him. He turned
+quickly. Washington burst into the clearing, his eyes bulging with
+excitement.
+
+"Quick, Misser Midget," he said, seizing the boy's arm and dragging him
+off into the thicket.
+
+"Spaniards got Misser Harry and Misser Bert and comin' this way."
+
+Crouching low in the bushes, they saw the prisoners marched by and were
+helpless to aid them. Once Washington gripped his gun and made a
+movement to dash out of cover, but his better sense prevailed.
+
+"No use," he whispered. "Spaniards too many and must be more close by."
+
+When the party was well down the mountain, Washington pushed aside the
+bushes and straightened up. Turning to Mason, who was pale from
+excitement, he said: "Now we make tracks for Massa Cap'n Dynamite. They
+take Missers where they take Missee Juanita. Massa cap'n he come back
+with one--two--three hundred men and he and Cap'n Morgan they make 'em
+sorry."
+
+As there seemed to be nothing else to do but to seek reinforcements,
+Mason, with a heavy heart picked up his bundle and his rifle, and
+followed Washington through the woods. Their progress was slow, as the
+negro proceeded now with more caution. Darkness soon came upon them and
+made their advance still more difficult. The route that Washington was
+following often necessitated a climb up the almost perpendicular face of
+a rock as the mountain became more precipitous. Mason's hands bled from
+contact with the rough rocks, and he panted for breath. Still Washington
+pushed on, and when morning broke they found themselves at the top of
+the mountain.
+
+"Take short rest," said Washington, unslinging his pack and sitting down
+with his back to a boulder. "Eat a bite and Wash make some coffee. Heap
+easier goin' down mountain."
+
+"But you said there was still another mountain to climb, Washington,"
+said Mason, wearily.
+
+"Yas, sah, but Cubitas and Massa Cap'n Dynamite on top that one. May
+meet 'em comin' down with one--two--three hundred men."
+
+"I hope we meet them at the foot, Washington. I do not long for another
+climb like this one."
+
+"Pretty tough one, suah 'nough, sah."
+
+The descent was of course much easier than the climb, but nevertheless
+they found many obstacles in their way, and as caution dictated that
+they should keep well aside from any open trail, their progress down the
+mountain was scarcely more rapid than their climb had been. But they had
+the advantage of daylight and passed over the rough places with fewer
+bruises and cuts. They made one more short stop at about noon, and then
+pushed on again although the sun was now excessively hot, even as it
+filtered through the thick foliage. It was late afternoon when they
+reached the bottom of the mountain and entered the valley between the
+two ranges of hills. This valley was about a mile wide and through it
+flowed a narrow stream. The shores were wooded, but the rest of the
+country was an open plain. They waded the little river, and as they were
+about to clamber out on the other side, the familiar challenge rang out:
+
+"Alto!"
+
+"That General Gomez man. Say password," said Washington.
+
+"Independencia," said Mason, with a slight quaver in his voice.
+
+These unexpected challenges from invisible sentinels were somewhat
+wearing on the nerves. They passed on without interference.
+
+"Where was that man stationed, Washington?" asked Mason.
+
+"Up top of head in big tree," chuckled the negro. "Good place to pop
+over Spaniard if he comes along. Not get by the next one so easy."
+
+Washington was right. When they reached the foot of the mountain they
+were again challenged, and although Mason promptly gave the countersign,
+they were at once surrounded by a dozen armed men, who talked rapidly in
+Spanish. Washington, who spoke the language imperfectly, explained that
+they were the bearers of an important message for Captain Dynamite, and
+after many conferences aside and further questioning, two men were told
+off to accompany them, and they were allowed to proceed practically as
+prisoners.
+
+"All right now," said Washington, with a broad grin. "Got a suah 'nough
+body guard."
+
+A wide, well-used trail made the ascent of this mountain comparatively
+easy. When they reached the top, Mason was surprised to find a small
+settlement in the middle of which was a large, low, wooden building,
+all four sides of which were patroled by sentinels. Toward this building
+their guard headed. They entered through a wide doorway and found
+themselves in a large, square room, with three other occupants. It was
+now quite dark, so that for a moment Mason did not recognize Captain
+Dynamite as one of the men. The three were in earnest converse at a long
+table, and for some time did not notice the new comers, who paused on
+the threshold.
+
+"That Massa Cap'n Dynamite, General Gomez, and President Betancourt,"
+said Washington, pointing to the notable group.
+
+Mason looked with interest at the old general who stood at the head of
+the table. He was easily distinguished because of his military bearing
+and accoutrements, for the grizzled warrior had one little weakness--a
+love of display. He was a much smaller man than Mason expected to see,
+but there was that in his rugged, tanned face and firm chin that at once
+commanded respect and attention. He bore his seventy odd years lightly
+and his slight form was as straight as a ramrod. His uniform, unlike
+those of his faithful followers, was immaculately spotless. His carbine,
+on which he rested, was gold mounted; the sabre at his side was
+elegantly chased and decorated, and the silver on his pistol handles
+glittered in the waning light. As he turned his eyes on the group in
+the doorway, his heavy iron-grey eyebrows contracted into a scowl and he
+spoke quickly to O'Connor. The latter turned and started from his chair
+angrily.
+
+"What are you doing here?" he demanded.
+
+"If you please, Massa Cap'n, ah----"
+
+"Let me explain, Wash," said Mason, advancing a step when he felt the
+hand of one of the guards fall heavily on his shoulder. "I think,
+captain," he continued, pointing to the man, "that we can get along now
+without the protection of these gentlemen."
+
+O'Connor waved his hand and the two men saluted and filed out.
+
+Mason advanced boldly to the table and facing O'Connor, said:
+
+"Captain Dynamite, you should not blame Washington. It is his love for
+you and Miss Juanita that brings him here."
+
+"I suppose you are right, boy," said the captain, still scowling, "but I
+am in great trouble and I do not like to have my plans interfered with.
+But what brings you here?"
+
+"Well, we heard that you were in trouble, and as Washington was going to
+join you, we thought we would come along, too, and be of what assistance
+we could."
+
+The scowl faded from the man's face. He turned to General Gomez and
+spoke to him in Spanish. When he had finished, the old warrior looked
+the Midget over from head to foot and the stern lines of his face broke
+into a genial smile, gentle and reassuring. O'Connor stepped forward,
+and taking Mason's hand, shook it warmly.
+
+"I thank you, my boy, for your good intentions. You must have made
+excellent time over a rough and dangerous road, for you are here close
+at my heels. And your journey has left its marks, I see," he said, as he
+noticed Mason's cut and bruised face and hands, and his torn clothing.
+"But where are your friends?"
+
+"The Spaniards have got 'em," said Mason, laconically.
+
+O'Connor looked first at the boy as if he thought it a joke, and then at
+Washington, in whose troubled face he read confirmation.
+
+"Yas, Massa Cap'n; Spaniards got 'em, suah 'nough," said Washington,
+nodding his head vigorously in the affirmative.
+
+"When, where, how did it happen?" asked O'Connor, rapidly.
+
+"It was on the far side of the fust mountain, after we pass the fust
+clearing. Boys left the camp and before George Wash Jenks could find 'em
+'long came Spaniards and snapped 'em up."
+
+"Why did you let them leave the camp, you rascal? You know this country
+too well for that."
+
+"Went while George Wash Jenks was asleep," answered the negro
+sheepishly.
+
+"Well, where did they take them?"
+
+"Leettle town 'bout mile down clearing, ah 'spect.".
+
+"Humph! You don't know, then?"
+
+"George Wash Jenks think it best to come to Massa Cap'n and not go
+snoopin' after Spaniard in the open. Got cotched too."
+
+"Yes, I guess you are right. Now, what is to be done? I wonder if the
+boys will know enough to keep their tongues still about the _Mariella_?"
+The captain looked questioningly at Mason as he spoke.
+
+"You needn't fear, sir, that they will say or do anything likely to get
+you into trouble," said the boy, promptly.
+
+O'Connor smiled at the boy's defence of his comrades.
+
+"I was not thinking of myself, my boy; but if it were known that they
+were in any way connected with the expedition of the _Mariella_ it might
+go hard with them."
+
+"I think they will understand that, sir."
+
+"Now, the next question is how to aid them. I think my own mission lies
+in their direction. But you need freshening up a bit, and I'll wager
+you are hungry. I will send a man with you to my quarters. You will find
+soap and water there and a tin basin. The accommodations are a little
+primitive and not quite up to the _Mariella's_, but you can get some of
+the dirt out of those cuts. We will sup here when you are ready.
+Washington, you know the way to the mess-room. Go and fill up that empty
+stomach of yours and then return to me. You go back to Captain Morgan in
+an hour."
+
+"O, Massa Cap'n, not goin' to send George Wash Jenks back?"
+
+"You will be best serving me, Washington. You will bear a dispatch of
+the utmost importance. It must be in Captain Morgan's hands within
+thirty-six hours in order that he may co-operate with us. I know of no
+other man who knows the road well enough to cover it in that time. You
+will also act as an escort to Miss Juanita's mother and her attendants."
+
+Proud of the distinction and eager to serve his master, as he insisted
+upon calling O'Connor, the negro straightened up.
+
+"Message shall be there, sah. Missee Juanita's mother shall have escort,
+too."
+
+O'Connor called an orderly and sent him with Mason to his quarters.
+After washing and tidying up his tattered clothing as well as he could,
+the boy returned to the military headquarters, where the three men were
+again in earnest conference. O'Connor motioned to a big wooden settee at
+one end of the room. Mason stretched out on this and, utterly worn out,
+his eyes closed and in five minutes he had dropped off into a heavy
+slumber.
+
+For half an hour longer the men continued their conference, and then,
+having come to some unanimous conclusion, they rose from the table.
+O'Connor, seeing the sleeping boy, stepped over to the settee and
+removing his coat, rolled it up and placed it gently under his head.
+Then, with a military salute to President Betancourt, he and General
+Gomez passed out of the building.
+
+Mason was suddenly awakened by the shouts of men and the jangling of
+guns and sabres. He sat up quickly and rubbed his eyes, looking around
+the room in a bewildered manner. At first the train of recent events
+would not form themselves properly in his mind. He could not for a
+moment recall the room in which he found himself, or how he got there.
+The moonlight was streaming in at the low open windows and fell upon the
+long table at which again sat the three men, while an orderly stood
+silently behind the chair of the general. They were apparently eating,
+and hunger gnawing at the boy's stomach dulled any sense of delicacy and
+he rose and walked directly to the table.
+
+"I think you said we would sup here, Captain," he said.
+
+O'Connor turned and motioned to the orderly to bring a chair.
+
+"I certainly did, my boy, but seeing you asleep I thought I would not
+disturb you at present. Sit down, and while you eat tell me all you know
+of the capture of the boys and the movements of their captors."
+
+Mason told the details of the boys' capture and O'Connor repeated it in
+Spanish to Gomez and Betancourt. In the meantime outside of the building
+all was confusion, and through the open door and windows the boy could
+see that armed men were rapidly gathering in response to the loud
+commands of leaders. As fast as one squad or company formed, it moved
+off and down the mountain trail by which Mason and Washington had
+approached the plateau. Another squad began forming at once. There
+seemed to be a constant stream of men pouring down the mountain side.
+
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIII
+
+HARRY REFUSES TO BETRAY CAPTAIN DYNAMITE
+
+
+Harry and Bert had hardly time to inspect the bare room in which they
+were imprisoned, when the door opened again and two men entered. They
+removed the straps from the boys' wrists and retired without a word. A
+key grated in the lock after the door had closed. Harry walked over
+quickly and tried to open it. There was no handle or lock on the inside
+and it would not yield to pressure.
+
+"Well," said Harry, after a short silence, dropping onto one of the
+beds.
+
+"Well," repeated Bert in the same half-questioning tone.
+
+"We are prisoners hard and fast. What do you think they mean to do with
+us?"
+
+"Send us on to Havana, maybe, for the inspection of Weyler. But in the
+meantime what are we going to do? I don't believe in letting them have
+it all their own way, do you?"
+
+"No, not when I can get my breath, but their methods are so rapid and
+one-sided that they make me dizzy."
+
+"The first thing to consider is some plan of escape."
+
+"And if we escaped we wouldn't be any better off than we were in the
+woods. We wouldn't know where to go. However, it would be wise to make a
+more careful inspection of our prison house for possible future use."
+
+Acting on this suggestion the boys made a survey of the room. It was a
+square apartment, with walls of grey stone. The floor was composed of
+smooth stone slabs. The ceiling was heavily timbered. There were two
+barred openings in one of the walls just above their heads. They pushed
+over the table, and climbing up on it, looked out. In the moonlight,
+they could see that the outlook was on what was apparently the jail
+yard, a large space enclosed by a high wall. Nothing interposed between
+them and the free air outside but two iron bars. They shook these with
+all their strength, but they were sunk firmly in the stone frame and
+would not budge.
+
+"I don't think they need feel uneasy, for fear we will escape," said
+Harry, after they had finished their inspection.
+
+"Nothing left but to knock down the turnkey. Must always call 'em
+turnkeys in a stone jail like this."
+
+There was a sound of a key in the lock and the door swung open again.
+The man with the clanking keys entered, followed by two others, who
+promptly slipped a pair of handcuffs on the wrists of the boys, and
+taking each boy by the arm they led them out of the jail and back to the
+building into which they had first been ushered at the muzzles of the
+guns.
+
+The same dignitary who had ordered their incarceration still sat at his
+desk, although in a more dignified attitude. At his right, sat a man who
+seemed to be a clerk. On the left, stood the fat officer and the four
+soldiers. An elderly man with grey side-whiskers stood near the desk
+talking with the presiding personage. When the boys entered he
+approached them and held out his hand.
+
+"I am Consul Wyman. I understand you are Americans and in some sort of
+trouble."
+
+Both boys grasped his hand warmly. It was a great relief to find one who
+spoke their tongue and who could make their situation clear to their
+captors. And the thought that he represented officially the Government
+of the United States, restored much of their waning confidence in
+themselves.
+
+"Mr. Wyman," said Harry, "we certainly are glad to meet you. We are
+Americans and we are in trouble with these Spanish gentlemen. We do not
+know why yet. We did not know it was a crime, or against the laws to
+travel in Cuba or we should have selected some other country for our
+explorations."
+
+"The trouble is that your presence in this part of the island strikes
+the authorities as suspicious. You have apparently passed through none
+of the regular ports of entry, for a careful watch is kept on all
+strangers here now, and travelling through a country so infested as this
+is with Cuban bandits----"
+
+"Bandits?" interrupted Harry, looking Mr. Wyman straight in the eye.
+Captain Dynamite's teachings had taken very deep root in the heart of
+the American boys.
+
+"Well," said Mr. Wyman, "they call themselves insurgents, but they are
+not recognized belligerents you know." Here Mr. Wyman lowered his voice
+almost to a whisper: "And you know we have to be very diplomatic in
+dealing with these Spanish gentlemen, they are so sensitive."
+
+"Mr. Wyman," asked Harry, "are you an American or a Spaniard?"
+
+"Oh, an American--an American always," replied the consul, proudly.
+
+"Then it seems to me, sir, that you should not let the Spaniards select
+your words for you," said Harry, with some indignation.
+
+"Ah, diplomacy, my son, diplomacy," said the consul, drawing himself up
+with comical dignity. "You do not understand the need for diplomacy.
+Why, I was selected by our President for this delicate mission, because
+of my large experience in matters diplomatic. But let us return to your
+own affairs. I see the general is getting nervous. This is the Bureau of
+Justice and I shall see that you have an impartial hearing."
+
+"Bureau of Justice," sniffed Bert. "Humph, a pretty one-sided old
+bureau. I should say it had lost a castor or two."
+
+"Ah, you misjudge General Serano," said Mr. Wyman. "He is an exceedingly
+fair-minded gentleman."
+
+The consul stepped before the desk of the general and beckoned to the
+boys to follow him. He spoke in Spanish for a few minutes, and then
+turned to the boys again.
+
+"The general will examine only one. He thinks that will be sufficient."
+
+"Very well," said Harry, stepping up to the desk. "I will go the general
+one round."
+
+"My young sir," said Mr. Wyman, with some concern, "let me advise you to
+treat the court with due deference. This gentleman will act as
+interpreter, as I understand you do not speak or understand the
+language."
+
+A man with a heavy black mustache waxed to needle points, and who seemed
+to wear a perpetual smile, took a position beside Harry, and the
+examination began.
+
+"What is your name?"
+
+"Harry Hamilton."
+
+"Your age?"
+
+"Fifteen."
+
+"Your nationality?"
+
+"American," answered Harry, "but look here, Mr. Interpreter, I wish you
+would ask the general what right he has to ask me these questions; why I
+was interfered with by his soldiers; why I was prodded in the back by
+their guns; why I was thrust into your old prison; why I am handcuffed,
+and why I am here; and just tell him firmly, Mr. Interpreter, that I do
+not propose to answer any more of his questions until he answers a few
+of mine."
+
+The clerk, who was transcribing the testimony looked up in amazement as
+the interpreter began to literally and faithfully translate Harry's
+words. Mr. Wyman looked worried and leaned forward, and said:
+
+"Treat the court with due deference, my young sir, or even my diplomacy
+may not be powerful enough to save you from the wrath of the general."
+
+"I think I must have a few rights here, Mr. Wyman. I certainly have a
+right to know with what crime I am charged before I am examined."
+
+"Yes, yes, that is quite true, quite true," replied the consul,
+advancing to the desk and speaking to the general.
+
+"You are charged with being suspicious characters," said the
+interpreter, repeating the words of the presiding officer.
+
+"Oh, thank you," said Harry, politely. "You can now tell the judge he
+may proceed."
+
+The interpreter wisely refrained from repeating Harry's words.
+
+"What are you doing in Cuba?"
+
+"Travelling."
+
+"How many were there in your party?"
+
+"Now, that's such a foolish question, general; that little fat officer
+there knows there were only two of us. In fact, here we are; you can see
+for yourself."
+
+"How did you reach Cuba?"
+
+"By steamer."
+
+"Where did you land?"
+
+"On the coast."
+
+"General Serano says your answers are not satisfactory," said the
+interpreter.
+
+"Surely he wants me to tell him the truth," said Harry, affecting
+surprise.
+
+"Yes, but he wants all the truth."
+
+"I have answered his questions truthfully and directly. If he wants
+further information and doesn't know how to ask for it, he cannot expect
+the prisoner to supply the questions."
+
+"At what point or place on the coast of Cuba did you land?"
+
+"I do not know."
+
+"Does your companion know?"
+
+"He is as densely ignorant on that point as I am."
+
+"What was the name of the steamer?"
+
+"I refuse to answer."
+
+The little fat officer poked one of his soldiers in the ribs in a very
+unmilitary fashion, and the general looked at the consul with an
+expression that said, "I told you so." The consul himself looked at
+Harry in honest amazement.
+
+"Do you refuse to answer on the ground that you might incriminate
+yourself?"
+
+"No, on the ground that I might incriminate someone else," answered
+Harry, promptly.
+
+"Who is that someone else?"
+
+"Now, general, that is another one of those foolish questions. If I
+could answer one I could answer the other."
+
+"Then you refuse again?"
+
+"I do."
+
+"Will you tell the court why you came to Cuba?"
+
+"Because I had to. I assure you we are not travelling for our health,
+and would have been very glad to have been back in the United States
+long before we met your little fat officer on the mountain."
+
+"Then why did you come?"
+
+"To be perfectly frank, general, we were out yachting off Martha's
+Vineyard--I don't suppose you know where that is--when a steamer ran us
+down during a storm, picked us up, and brought us along to Cuba--that's
+all."
+
+"And you still persist in refusing to give the name of the steamer?"
+
+"Yes, sir, but with due respect to the court," Harry smiled pleasantly
+at the consul. He looked upon the examination as a mere farce, and did
+not now regard their position as at all serious. Although he did not
+consider the consul a particularly forceful representative of the United
+States, he felt confident that the Spanish general would not dare to
+ignore his demands. Could he have forseen the occurrences of the next
+few days he would not have felt so easy in his mind. The general turned
+again and addressed the boy.
+
+"According to your testimony," repeated the interpreter, "your presence
+here on the island is entirely accidental, therefor it is difficult to
+reconcile this testimony with your refusal to answer the simple
+questions of the court. In this I wish to say that your consul and
+representative here concurs with me. I now warn you that you must
+answer the questions that I am about to ask you or take the consequences
+that your refusal will entail. Personally, I believe that you could, if
+you would, clear yourself and your companion of all suspicion, and if
+your explanation of your presence on board this mysterious steamer is
+true, and I believe it is, your refusal to answer the questions will
+only further complicate the case against you."
+
+"The general is quite right, my boy," said the consul earnestly. "You
+can see that he means to give you every opportunity to clear yourself."
+
+"Very well, sir. Suppose you have another try," said Harry, turning to
+General Serano. "I assure you that I will answer any question that I
+honorably can."
+
+"Very well: I repeat, what is the name of the steamer that brought you
+to Cuba?"
+
+"I cannot answer," replied Harry, promptly.
+
+"Remember, I have warned you. At what place on the coast did you land?"
+
+"I have told you, general, that I do not know."
+
+"How far from here in miles?"
+
+"I couldn't even guess that, general."
+
+"How long had you been away from the steamer when my men found you?"
+
+"I cannot answer."
+
+"Do you mean that you are unable to answer, or that you refuse?"
+
+"I refuse."
+
+"Where were you going?"
+
+"To tell the plain truth we were very well lost when your friend there
+overtook us."
+
+"But you had an objective point that you were trying to reach. What was
+that?"
+
+"I cannot answer."
+
+"Very well; you may step aside."
+
+After a few words from General Serano, the interpreter turned to Bert,
+and said:
+
+"Step forward, please. The general wishes to ask you a few questions
+also."
+
+"All right," answered Bert, stepping promptly to the front.
+
+"You have heard the questions that have been asked your companion?"
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"And you have heard those that he refused to answer?"
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"Will you answer them?"
+
+"No, sir."
+
+The answer was apparently not unexpected. The general and the consul
+began an earnest conversation in Spanish. The latter seemed to protest
+against the decision of General Serano who, however, was set and
+determined. Finally, Mr. Wyman turned to the boys.
+
+"I am very sorry," he said, "that for some reason which I cannot
+conceive you will not satisfactorily answer the questions of the court.
+I have endeavored to have you paroled in my custody, but the general
+will not permit it."
+
+"Do you mean that we are to be sent back to jail?" asked Harry, in
+surprise.
+
+"That is the general's intention. It is not too late for you to answer
+his questions, though, and I am sure that if you do, you will be
+promptly released."
+
+"And has the United States Consul no power or authority?"
+
+"He has the power to see that you have a fair and impartial hearing. You
+have had that, and must blame only yourselves for the position in which
+you now find yourselves. I shall not desert you, and if you care to make
+a confidant of me, perhaps I can suggest some way to extricate you from
+this tangle."
+
+"We will take a little time to think the matter over, Mr. Wyman, thank
+you. It is not alone ourselves who are involved, or would be involved,
+if we attempted now to clear ourselves."
+
+General Serano now indicated that he wished to speak to the prisoners,
+and the consul fell back.
+
+"Young men," repeated the interpreter, "the conditions in Cuba are such,
+and particularly in this province, that the utmost vigilance is
+necessary on the part of the authorities. Your explanation of the
+suspicious circumstances under which you are detained is entirely
+unsatisfactory to me. You are found alone in a country infested by men
+who are in revolt against the Government, travelling with seeming
+security; you admit having landed on the coast from a steamer whose name
+you refuse to tell; you are apparently headed for the center of the
+insurgent uprising. You will not tell where you are going or from whence
+you come. It is my duty to hold you, and you are therefore remanded to
+jail pending a further investigation. Perhaps in a few hours, or say
+to-morrow, you may be willing to answer my questions, in which case you
+may so inform your consul, and he will take such steps as are necessary
+to reopen the hearing. I am sorry that you will not be guided by the
+more mature mind of Mr. Wyman in a matter that may be more serious in
+its consequences than you imagine."
+
+The general waved his hand, and the fat officer, with a malignant smile
+of triumph marshalled his men and approached Harry and Bert with the
+muzzles of their guns once more extended toward them. A sharp word from
+General Serano caused them to lower their guns and assume a less
+dictatorial manner toward the prisoners.
+
+Once more the boys were conducted to the gloomy white jail and the doors
+of their prison room closed upon them.
+
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIV
+
+THE SECRET PASSAGE
+
+
+Two men entered the room shortly after the door had closed on the boys,
+and removed the handcuffs. They passed out in the same silent manner,
+and the prisoners were left alone again. There was no light in the room,
+but the moonbeams entered through the barred windows, and cast two
+streaks of light across the floor that was sufficient to enable the boys
+to see almost as well as by daylight. They each sat down dejectedly upon
+a bed and for a long time neither uttered a word. Harry was trying to
+think out the true meaning of their position, which began to assume a
+more serious phase to him. There was no element of play in it, now.
+
+He reviewed his recent examination by General Serano, and wished he had
+not assumed quite so nonchalant an air, although he felt that he could
+not have answered the questions which would perhaps involve the safety
+of Captain Dynamite. They were unquestionably in a disagreeable
+situation. He realized that if he were to tell the entire truth they
+would be immediately released, but the truth would at once set the
+Spaniards on the heels of O'Connor, and Harry could not forget the
+personal risk the man had taken to save their lives after he had run
+them down, nor the kindness with which they, as unbidden guests on his
+ship, had been treated. To betray his confidence would be a dastardly
+act, for, even if he could have doubted the words of O'Connor, the
+actions of the commander of the gunboat were sufficient to indicate that
+it would go hard with the intrepid skipper of the _Mariella_ if he
+should fall into the hands of the Spaniards.
+
+Mason and Washington were still to be counted on. He felt sure that they
+would continue on their way to O'Connor and that he would make some move
+to effect their rescue. There was one strong objection to waiting for
+O'Connor. Whatever plan he might adopt for their relief must necessarily
+be attended by violence, for in no other way could he approach their
+captors, except it be by strategy, and there seemed to be no chance of
+escape in that way.
+
+He feared for O'Connor's sake to take the consul into their confidence,
+except as a last resort. While he had the utmost respect for the man's
+integrity he feared the influence of General Serano. At all events there
+was nothing that could be done to-night. He turned to Bert who was
+sitting in an equally dejected frame of mind on the edge of his bed with
+his head in his hands.
+
+"Let's turn in, Bert, old man. Things may be brighter in the morning."
+
+"I don't see much hope. Do you think Captain Dynamite would care if we
+told that Spanish gentleman the whole truth as to how we came here?"
+
+"No, I don't," replied Harry, indignantly. "If O'Connor could advise us
+I know the man well enough to believe that the first thing he would tell
+us to do would be to make a clean breast of everything. But I would hate
+to say what I should think of myself, or of you, if either of us did
+such a thing. Why man, you know as well as I do that it would set the
+Spaniards after him like a pack of hounds on the trail. And you know
+there is a price on his head and a big one, too. Don't let any more such
+bubbles get into your think tank or you and I will have to part
+company."
+
+"You are right, Hal," said Bert, sheepishly. "I didn't think of the
+danger to him."
+
+"Well, then, let's go to bed."
+
+The boys threw off only their outer clothing and lay down on the hard
+husk mattresses and were soon fast asleep notwithstanding the
+uncertainty and danger of their predicament.
+
+The place was in almost total darkness when Harry awakened suddenly and
+sat bolt upright in bed. He listened for a moment intently, as if for
+the repetition of the sound that had awakened him.
+
+"What was it, I wonder. Something must have wakened me."
+
+He sat motionless for a long time, but not a sound broke the stillness
+of the night.
+
+"I know I heard something," he said to himself as he dropped back on the
+bed again. He could not sleep, however, for the sense that he had been
+awakened by a strange sound, and the mental effort that he had made to
+catch a repetition of it, had completely aroused him. He lay on his back
+looking up into the darkness when he heard a sound like a smothered
+sigh.
+
+"Bert," he whispered, as he sprang up and sat on the edge of his bed,
+"was that you?"
+
+"What's that? What's the matter, old man?" asked Bert, aroused from his
+sleep.
+
+"Was that you?"
+
+"Was what me--what's the matter with you, Hal?"
+
+"Have you been awake?"
+
+"No, not until you called me."
+
+"Then you didn't sigh?"
+
+"Not unless it was in my sleep."
+
+"This wasn't a sleepy sigh."
+
+"Say, Hal, what is the matter with you? You make me feel creepy."
+
+"I heard a sigh."
+
+Bert groped his way over to Harry's bed and sat down beside him.
+
+"Say, old man, you're not asleep, are you?"
+
+"No; Listen! There it is again."
+
+The boys drew closer together and put out their hands until they touched
+one another. The sound they heard seemed to come from nowhere in
+particular.
+
+"What do you think it is, Hal?"
+
+"I don't know. Wait until we hear it again."
+
+By this time their eyes had become accustomed to the darkness of the
+room, and aided by the star-lighted sky, they could see into every
+corner. There was no one in the room. Somewhat reassured they waited.
+The next time the sound was an unmistakable sob, and it seemed to be
+wafted through the barred windows on the still night air.
+
+"I know what it is," said Harry, eagerly jumping from the bed and
+pulling the table under the window. "It's some one in the cell next to
+ours. Let's try to talk to him."
+
+"He's probably a Spaniard or a Cuban, and will not be able to understand
+you."
+
+"I'm going to try, anyway. Misery loves company, you know."
+
+Harry mounted the table and put his face between the bars.
+
+"Hist," he said.
+
+A low moaning cry answered him.
+
+"Bert, it's a woman," said Harry, turning in amazement to his companion,
+who now mounted the table beside him.
+
+"How do you know?"
+
+"Couldn't you hear? It was a woman's voice."
+
+"Hist," said Harry, again, as loudly as he dared. "Who are you? Can we
+help you in any way?"
+
+He hardly expected a reply for he felt, as did Bert, that they would not
+find any other English-speaking prisoners confined there. His surprise
+was great therefore, when a low voice, with just a suspicion of soft
+Spanish accent, asked:
+
+"Who are you?"
+
+"We are two American boys who would like to assist you if we can."
+
+"Are you prisoners also?"
+
+"We are."
+
+"Then I fear you can be of little assistance to me, but I thank you very
+much for your interest. What have they shut you up for; are you friends
+of the insurgents?"
+
+"We have one very good friend among them, but until we met him we did
+not know an insurgent from a Spanish regular. May I ask what offense you
+have committed against the laws of this fussy country?"
+
+"I am a Cuban," said the soft voice, with a little gasping sob.
+
+"Is that a crime?"
+
+"Yes; to be a true Cuban."
+
+"O, I see. You are what they call a sympathizer."
+
+"Yes."
+
+"How long have you been here?"
+
+"I have lost count of the days and nights. I think a week."
+
+"Have they ill-treated you?"
+
+"Not yet, but they threaten to if I do not give them the information
+they seek, to-morrow."
+
+"What do they want to know that you can tell them?"
+
+"Much, very much, about the insurgent arms."
+
+"And you will tell them to-morrow?"
+
+"Not to-morrow--not ever."
+
+The voice was low and full of tears, but there was a ring of
+determination that told of a strong heart despite her woman's weakness.
+
+"Hooray," whispered Bert. "Good for you."
+
+"And have you no friends who can aid you?"
+
+"Yes, one, but he may even now be dead or dying in a Spanish dungeon. It
+is for him I weep, not for myself. There is a price upon his head."
+
+"What," said the boys in a breath.
+
+"Is he Captain Dynamite of the _Mariella_?" asked Harry, excitedly.
+
+"He is sometimes called so. His name is Michael O'Connor. What do you
+know of him?"
+
+The woman's voice trembled with excitement.
+
+"Hoop la," whispered Harry, hardly able to refrain from shouting.
+"Captain Dynamite is not in any dungeon cell, Miss Juanita, and if I am
+not mistaken he is already devising some plan with Gomez to effect your
+rescue."
+
+"Who are you," whispered the girl in amazement, "who know O'Connor and
+my name so well?"
+
+"I told you, Miss Juanita, that we had one friend among the Cubans; that
+is Captain Dynamite. We made the last trip with him on the _Mariella_,
+though not willingly. We'll tell you that story some other time when you
+are well out of this."
+
+"He was well?" nervously whispered the girl.
+
+"Yes, until he got the dispatch from Gomez telling him that you had been
+captured. Then he was off to Cubitas like a shot in the middle of the
+night. We were trying to join him when they nabbed us."
+
+"But they have not learned from you where he is?"
+
+"Miss Juanita, you wrong us. We do not betray our friends."
+
+"Oh, and it is because you will not betray him that you are here. I kiss
+your hands."
+
+"Permit us to kiss yours--figuratively--Miss Juanita," said Harry,
+gallantly, while Bert gulped down a lump in his throat when he thought
+of his suggestion to tell the Spanish general the truth.
+
+"But I wouldn't have done it, Hal, old man," he said, involuntarily.
+
+"Wouldn't have done what?"
+
+"Not when it came right down to bed rock."
+
+"What are you talking about, Bert?"
+
+"Oh, nothing. I was just thinking."
+
+"Well, don't think so loud unless you are going to take me into your
+confidence. Any chance of getting out of that dungeon cell of yours,
+Miss Juanita?"
+
+"None."
+
+At this moment they heard the sound of regular footsteps outside.
+
+"'Sh," whispered the voice. "It is the guard. Go away from the window."
+
+The boys jumped down from the table, and as they did so, Bert stumbled
+and fell heavily against the wall. When he recovered his balance they
+heard a strange grinding sound like a heavy door creaking on rusty
+hinges. The boys listened in wonder.
+
+"Gee, but this is a creepy old place," said Bert, as the noise
+continued. "Now, what do you suppose that is?"
+
+"It sounds as if it came from the wall there. Let's investigate."
+
+They moved nervously over to the stone wall that separated their prison
+room from that of Miss Juanita. The noise seemed nearer and more
+distinct, but they could see nothing that might cause it. Still the
+strange sound continued. In the semi-darkness they watched in wonderment
+the blank face of the wall from which the sound seemed to proceed.
+Suddenly Harry seized Bert by the arm.
+
+"Look!" he whispered in a tense voice. He pointed to a large stone in
+about the centre of the wall. "Doesn't it move?"
+
+The stone to which Harry referred was larger than any other, being three
+feet square, and placed about waist-high from the floor. Bert watched
+intently. It seemed to him that he could see a slight trembling movement
+and then an almost imperceptible jump as the hand of an electric clock
+advances with a jerk. The face of the stone, too, seemed to be out of
+line with the others.
+
+They advanced closer, and Harry passed his hand cautiously under the
+stone. Unquestionably it had moved, either by accident or design. The
+upper edge projected into the room beyond the line of the wall at least
+an inch and the lower edge receded in the same way. As Harry's hand
+rested on the stone he felt it tremble and jump and the upper edge
+advanced another quarter of an inch into the room.
+
+"That stone is revolving on a horizontal axis," said Harry, confidently,
+after his inspection. "Now the question is: How and why?"
+
+"It seems uncomfortably like the times of the inquisition," said Bert,
+shuddering.
+
+"Oh, pshaw, don't you see that wall separates us from the cell of Miss
+Juanita, and the Spaniards would have nothing to do with opening this
+passage?"
+
+"Do you think she is doing it, then?"
+
+"No, for had she known of the stone she would have mentioned it when I
+asked her if there was any chance of escape from her prison. It has come
+about through an accident, I feel sure, but how? Of course there must be
+some secret spring that works it, but where is it and how and by whom
+has it been operated?"
+
+"Hal, I believe I did it," whispered Bert, excitedly.
+
+"What on earth do you mean?"
+
+"You know when I jumped down from the table I fell against the wall. It
+was immediately after that we heard the creaking."
+
+"Thunder, you are right. You must have touched the spring."
+
+"I think so. Let's look for it."
+
+The boys carefully examined the wall near the place where Bert had
+stumbled, and to the left of the revolving stone they found a small,
+diamond-shaped stone that to the casual observer would appear to have
+been set in the wall to fill in the broken corner of one of the larger
+stones. Upon close inspection they found that it was set loosely in the
+wall without mortar. They dared not touch it for fear it might stop the
+invisible machinery that it had evidently set in motion.
+
+Slowly the stone continued its unsteady revolution, until at the end of
+about five minutes the creaking stopped, there was a clicking sound as
+if a cog had settled into place, and all movement ceased. The big slab,
+which was six inches thick, had now obtained a horizontal position,
+leaving an opening above and below into the next room, or cell. The axis
+upon which the stone revolved was a little above the centre, so that the
+lower opening was nearly eighteen inches high.
+
+The boys peered through into the darkness of the next cell.
+
+"Miss Juanita," called Harry, softly. "May we come in? Perhaps this
+scheme of opening walls may continue through to the outside world."
+
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XV
+
+THE EXECUTION AT DAWN
+
+
+"Who is there?" came a frightened voice from the farthest corner of the
+room.
+
+"It's the American boys who were talking with you at the window,"
+answered Harry, reassuringly. "We are friends. Do not fear."
+
+"Oh," came in a gasp of relief. "I thought they were about to inflict
+some new horror upon me. What have you done?"
+
+"We do not quite know ourselves. In some way we touched a secret spring
+that rolled over this stone and formed a passage between these two
+cells. It is just possible that there may be another one. May we come in
+and look?"
+
+"Yes, yes, come in. Oh, perhaps it is true--perhaps we shall be able to
+escape from this horrible place."
+
+"Do not hope for too much. It was only a chance thought of mine.
+However, we better see."
+
+The boys climbed through the opening without difficulty and found
+themselves in a room exactly similar to the one they had left, except
+that it was furnished a little more comfortably for a woman.
+
+The moon had set, but they were now so used to the darkness that with
+the little starlight that penetrated through the barred windows they
+were able to see quite well. They went at once to the wall directly
+opposite and began an eager search for a diamond-shaped stone. There was
+none, nor was there any big slab-like stone resembling the revolving one
+in the wall through which they had just passed. They tried the other two
+walls, but also without avail. It was evident that only these two cells
+were connected.
+
+"Well, Miss Juanita," said Harry, when they had assured themselves that
+there was no other opening, "we have only succeeded in widening our
+prisons. There is no other means of exit but the doors. I am very sorry
+to have raised your expectations."
+
+The girl, who had followed them eagerly from place to place as they
+examined the walls, held out her hands in protest at Harry's words.
+
+"Oh, let me thank you for the ray of happiness you have brought me," she
+said, quickly.
+
+"I can't think that we have in any way lightened your burden, except
+that you may count on us to do anything in our power to help you, but I
+fear that is very little."
+
+"Ah, but you brought me news of him and--and the knowledge of the near
+presence of friends is cheering."
+
+"Yes, Miss Juanita, and I think you can bank on hearing more news from
+him in the very near future."
+
+"I hope so for--for all our sakes."
+
+"Now that we are literally up against a stone wall, I think we better
+climb back into our own cell before the guard takes it into his head to
+look around. Cheer up, Miss Juanita, Captain Dynamite will be on the
+march before long, I'll warrant you. Good night."
+
+"Good-night, my friends."
+
+"Now I wonder how the old stone works backwards?" said Harry, when they
+had returned to their own room.
+
+"Press the button and the stone will do the rest," said Bert, with a
+grim attempt at humor. He pressed the diamond-shaped stone as he spoke,
+but there was no answering creak, nor did the slab move.
+
+"It is not likely that the same spring does double duty. We will have to
+hunt up the other," said Harry. "Now, by all the laws of symmetry there
+should be another similar stone on the other side of the slab--and here
+it is."
+
+He pushed on this as he spoke, and at once the grinding sound began
+again and the stone slowly settled back into place.
+
+"Well, our discovery of the Don's secret inquisitorial passage does not
+appear to have done us much good," said Bert, as they stretched
+themselves out on their beds again.
+
+"I'm not so sure of that," replied Harry, thoughtfully. "I think I see a
+way by which at least one of us three can benefit by it."
+
+"How?"
+
+"Wait until I get it all thought out. In the meantime I am going to get
+a little more sleep."
+
+They did not return to their own cell any too soon, for they had no more
+than turned over for their second nap when a light flashed in their eyes
+and they sat up to find their silent jailor had opened the door
+noiselessly and was inspecting the room with the aid of a large lantern.
+He nodded his head in a satisfied way and passed out again.
+
+"Say, Hal, old man, this sort of thing is getting on my nerves," said
+Bert, when the man had gone.
+
+"I wouldn't mind a few streaks of daylight myself, Bert."
+
+Tired as they were, the boys' nerves were so worked upon that they were
+unable to go to sleep again and tossed on their cots until the gray dawn
+began to show through the windows. They lay in a sort of lethargy
+watching the sky grow brighter and brighter until they were aroused to
+action by the loud voices of men and the clanking of guns in the jail
+yard below.
+
+"Holloa, I wonder what's up now," said Harry, jumping up and climbing on
+the table to peer out.
+
+The yard was still full of dark shadows and the forms of men were not
+fully distinguishable, but Harry could make out a group of armed
+soldiers standing at ease, chatting and smoking cigarettes near one of
+the gray walls. An officer, apart from his men, strutted pompously up
+and down the yard.
+
+"I guess they must be going to drill," said Bert, who had climbed up
+beside Harry.
+
+"Pretty early for drill."
+
+"Time doesn't seem to cut any figure in this country. I've been doing
+something night and day ever since we struck the place. I should like to
+get home to a quiet life again."
+
+Another officer entered the yard and approached the man who paced to and
+fro. He handed him a paper which the other read, nodded as if in assent,
+and turning to the men gave an order in a sharp voice. The soldiers fell
+into a file of threes and at another word of command marched quickly
+into the jail, the officer following them, leisurely rolling a
+cigarette.
+
+In another moment the boys heard the tramp of feet at the lower end of
+the corridor outside of their cell.
+
+"Are they coming for us, do you think, Hal?" asked Bert, in a tremulous
+voice.
+
+The footsteps came nearer and nearer. Now they were just outside the
+door and the boys involuntarily caught their breath. They passed on
+without stopping and they heard them die away down the passage. Again
+there was silence and then a sound as if a heavy iron door had been
+closed with a bang. This was followed again by the regular tramp of the
+soldiers' feet as they returned along the corridor. They passed the door
+of the boys' cell and again the sound died away.
+
+Harry turned again to the window. The soldiers filed rapidly into the
+yard, but this time there was another in their ranks. A man in his shirt
+sleeves with his hands bound behind his back marched with head erect
+between the two middle ranks. He was a tall, muscular man, broad of
+shoulder and lithe of limb. His face was pale, but the expression was
+calm and determined. His step was firm and the soldiers at his back
+found no need to urge him on. They marched straight to the wall of the
+yard that faced the jail, and at a command from the officer, the
+soldiers parted, leaving the man standing with his back to the wall and
+facing his captors.
+
+As the soldiers fell back they formed ranks of six on either side of the
+prisoner, the butts of their rifles resting on the ground. Down this
+narrow human alley the commander strode until he stood face to face with
+the man against the wall. He spoke to him in Spanish and the prisoner
+replied briefly, at the same time lifting his head proudly and looking
+his questioner firmly in the eye. Although the boys could understand
+nothing that was said, it was easy to tell that the officer had made
+some offer which the other proudly rejected. The boys looked on with a
+feeling that they were about to witness a tragedy, but some strange
+fascination prevented them from turning away.
+
+The commander turned to the jail and lifted his hand as a signal. A
+friar in long solemn robes walked slowly down between the ranks of
+soldiers, his eyes fixed on the ground. As he reached the prisoner, he
+stopped in front of him and raised his head. In his thin, worn face
+there was an expression of gentle sorrow. He spoke a few words and
+raised a cross before the face of the other, who leaned eagerly forward
+and kissed it. The friar bowed his head and fell back a few paces. In a
+low voice he repeated what was apparently a prayer, and then once more
+holding the cross for a moment before the eyes of the doomed man, he
+turned and walked slowly back to the jail, his lips still moving in
+prayer.
+
+A man stepped out of the ranks and tied a silk handkerchief over the
+eyes of the prisoner. The boys, watching breathlessly through the bars
+of the window, were pale with the horror of the scene. They now
+understood the tragedy that was about to be enacted, but they could not
+shake off the desire to look.
+
+The soldier moved back into the ranks, there was another sharp command
+and the lines wheeled and marched in a single rank of twelve back to the
+jail wall. They were now directly under the boys and out of their line
+of vision. All they could see was the man with the bound hands and
+bandaged eyes standing calmly facing them.
+
+There was another quick command, followed instantly by a rattle of arms.
+
+The boys cast off the spell that had held them, and with a cry of horror
+jumped down from the table and throwing themselves on the beds placed
+their hands over their ears.
+
+Another command in a low tone, and the discharge of twelve guns as one
+ended it.
+
+"I hope she did not see," said Harry, raising his white face.
+
+He had scarcely uttered the words, when the wild shriek of a woman rang
+out on the morning air.
+
+A loud, coarse laugh from the jail yard followed the pitiful cry and
+Harry clenched his hand in futile anger.
+
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVI
+
+THE ESCAPE
+
+
+It was sometime before the boys recovered from the unpleasant effects of
+the scene they had witnessed in the jail yard.
+
+"I wonder who he was?" said Bert, after a long silence.
+
+"Probably an insurgent. But whoever he was, he was a brave man."
+
+The door of their cell quietly opened at this moment and a man brought
+food and set it on the table. The boys, who had not eaten anything for
+many hours, disposed of the porridge and some mysterious sort of meat
+stew with relish. They had scarcely finished their meal when the cell
+door opened again and the gentleman with the genial smile, who had acted
+as interpreter, appeared.
+
+"Good morning," he said, cheerily. "Did you sleep well?"
+
+"Very well, thank you," replied Harry, wondering what the purpose of the
+man's visit might be.
+
+"Thought I would drop in and see if there was any message you would like
+to send to the general or to Consul Wyman."
+
+"You mean that you were sent to see if we were ready to talk yet, don't
+you?"
+
+"Just a different way of putting it."
+
+"Well, you may tell General What-You-May-Call-Him that we have nothing
+more to say than we said yesterday; and you may also inform him that our
+situation is known to our friends by this time, and that he will be held
+to a strict accounting by Uncle Sam for this outrage upon two American
+citizens."
+
+"You have communicated with your friends--how?"
+
+The genial smile on the man's face faded into a look of surprise and
+anxiety. He glanced quickly around the room to see if there was any
+means by which they could have communicated with the outside world.
+
+"That is another one of those questions that we claim the privilege of
+refusing to answer."
+
+"I will deliver your message, but I warn you that it will not be well
+for you to arouse the anger of General Serano. He fears no one."
+
+"It is entirely up to the general whether he gets angry or not. I really
+do not see any necessity for it."
+
+"Will you send any message to Consul Wyman?"
+
+"No--yes, come to think of it, I should like to speak to Mr. Wyman.
+Will you ask him if it will be too much trouble for him to see us here?"
+
+"General Serano will be pleased to furnish you with an escort to the
+consul's. The air will do you good this morning."
+
+"When I go to the American consul I shall go without an escort, as you
+call it--guard I think would be more like it."
+
+The man shrugged his shoulders.
+
+"I will send your message to the consul," he said.
+
+"What do you want of the consul, Hal?" asked Bert, when the man had
+gone.
+
+"He is a part of my secret-passage plot, but I do not know whether he
+will be game or not."
+
+Mr. Wyman did not keep them waiting long. He bustled in behind the
+turnkey and greeted them heartily.
+
+"Good morning, boys," he said. "I understand you want to see me. I hope
+you have changed your minds and will now sensibly answer the general's
+questions and set yourselves at liberty."
+
+"No, Mr. Wyman, we will never do that--at least not until we know that
+the one we might injure by so doing is quite safe. We did think,
+however, sir, that we would like to take you into our confidence."
+
+"The best thing you can do, boys. I may be able to help you out of your
+trouble; at least, I can act with more intelligence in your interests."
+
+"Yes, sir, so we thought," answered Harry meekly, glancing at Bert, who
+sat open mouthed, utterly in ignorance of Harry's plans. "Do you think
+there is any chance of our being disturbed?" he continued, looking at
+the door.
+
+"None whatever. The man with the key will not open the door until I rap
+three times."
+
+"Very well, sir, if you will take that chair I shall be quite
+comfortable here on the bed."
+
+The consul drew his chair up close to Harry and sat down. Bert also
+seated himself on the bed. Beginning with the wreck of their sail boat,
+Harry then told Mr. Wyman in sequence the events that had led up to
+their present incarceration in a Spanish jail in Cuba.
+
+"Now, sir," he said, as he concluded, "you can understand why we cannot
+tell anything that will in any way bring harm to Captain Dynamite."
+
+"Yes, yes," said the consul, who had been deeply interested in the boy's
+story. "A marvelous man, and there are many more like him in the service
+of Cuba. I believe they will win. I--I hope they will win."
+
+Mr. Wyman lowered his voice and looked around the room as if to see
+whether there was anyone to overhear him. Harry looked at him in
+surprise.
+
+"I thought you were a Spanish sympathizer, Mr. Wyman," he said.
+
+"Diplomacy, my boy, only diplomacy."
+
+"I am very glad to hear you say so, sir; you may fall in with my plan
+quicker."
+
+"What plan?" asked the consul, suspiciously.
+
+"I will tell you presently, but I have not finished my story yet. You
+see that wall?" Harry pointed to the wall between their cell and the one
+occupied by Miss Juanita. The consul nodded. "Behind that wall is a
+young woman--a Cuban sympathizer--who is awaiting torture, perhaps
+death, at the hands of her captors, because she will not betray the
+cause. And that young woman is Miss Juanita, the sweetheart of Captain
+Dynamite."
+
+"How do you know this, boys?" asked Mr. Wyman, springing to his feet in
+excitement.
+
+"Do you see that big slab in the wall?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"That closes a secret passage between this room and hers. Last night we
+accidentally touched the spring that rolls back the stone, and we talked
+to her. If you can depend upon our not being disturbed, I will open it
+now and you can see for yourself."
+
+"I will answer for the man with the key. He now and then gets a little
+present from me. I find it convenient to be in touch with all hands.
+Diplomacy, my boy, diplomacy."
+
+Harry stepped to the wall and pressed the diamond-shaped stone. The
+groaning and creaking of the rusty mechanism of the revolving stone
+began and in five minutes the passage was open. Harry peered through and
+started back with a cry.
+
+The young woman lay face downward on the stone floor of her cell.
+
+"Miss Juanita," called Harry, softly. "What is the matter? Get up. It is
+your friends again."
+
+She did not stir.
+
+"She may be dead," said Harry, in fear, as he climbed through the
+passage. He kneeled down beside her and turned her limp body over so
+that he could see her face. "No, she still breathes."
+
+"Perhaps she has fainted," said Mr. Wyman from the other side of the
+passage. "Take some water from that pitcher there and bathe her face."
+
+Harry did as directed and soon a faint sigh escaped from her pallid
+lips, and in a moment more she opened her eyes and looked up, dazed and
+frightened.
+
+"Do not be afraid, Miss Juanita," said Harry, nervously. "It is the
+American boys again. What has happened?"
+
+"I think I fainted," she said, weakly. "Oh, it's all so terrible."
+
+Painfully she dragged herself to her feet and sank into a chair that
+Harry placed for her.
+
+"What is so terrible?" he asked.
+
+"First the shooting in the jail yard this morning. Did you see it?"
+Harry nodded his head. "I cried out. I tried not to, but the horror was
+too great. They laughed. They had wrung from me the first sign of
+womanly weakness. Then they came to me and repeated their demands for
+information. But I was strong again and they left me with curses.
+To-morrow I shall stand where he did in the jail yard. I must have
+fainted when they left me. But do not mind. It is soon over. Tell him
+when you see him that I died bravely for--for him and the cause."
+
+The woman buried her face in her hands and sobbed softly.
+
+"Do you mean, Miss," asked Mr. Wyman anxiously, through the opening,
+"that they told you that to-morrow--that to-morrow----" He could not
+finish the sentence, but she understood him and nodded her head.
+
+"Yes--to-morrow--at dawn."
+
+Harry stooped down and whispered:
+
+"Do not fear, Miss Juanita, it will not be at dawn to-morrow, nor any
+other day. But much will depend upon yourself, so dry your eyes, Miss,
+and be ready to do your part when the time comes."
+
+The woman looked up at him wonderingly.
+
+"Have you heard from him?" she asked.
+
+"Not yet, but you will if you will only arouse yourself a bit and be
+ready to do as I tell you when I come back."
+
+Harry turned from her quickly and hastily climbing through the passage,
+touched the spring that closed it.
+
+"Now, Mr. Wyman," he said, as the stone rolled into place. "You have
+seen and heard."
+
+"What an outrage--what a horrible outrage," murmured the consul, gazing
+blankly ahead of him.
+
+"Will you listen to my plan now, Mr. Wyman?" said Harry.
+
+"Yes, yes," replied the consul, eagerly. "What is it?"
+
+Harry drew him down on the bed beside him and in a whisper that even
+Bert could not hear, unfolded the scheme that had come suddenly into his
+head in nebulous shape when they had discovered the secret passage.
+
+"But think of the sacrifice," said the consul in an uncertain tone when
+Harry had concluded.
+
+"Never mind that, sir--that is for me to consider, and I have done so. I
+am willing to take the chance."
+
+"But if you come to my house I shall be at once connected with the
+escape and that would bring my office into disrepute. I do not care for
+myself, but the United States must not be brought into the case."
+
+"But if I never reach your house you cannot in any way be responsible.
+Listen--all you have to do is to tell General What's-His-Name that I
+have promised you to tell the whole truth in regard to our landing, but
+that I insist that I shall be paroled and permitted to visit you alone
+and without guard. Bert will remain as hostage, so that there can be no
+suspicion."
+
+"Say, Hal," said Bert, nervously, "you are not going to leave me here
+alone?"
+
+"Not for long, old man. What do you say, Mr. Wyman? Think how you would
+feel if these men carried out their threat, and they are quite capable
+of it."
+
+"I'll do my best, my boy. Your risk is the greater, but it is a noble
+act."
+
+Mr. Wyman rose and shook Harry's hand vigorously. He rapped three times
+on the door and as the jailer opened it he turned again and said: "You
+will hear from me shortly, when I have laid your case before General
+Serano."
+
+"Say, Hal," said Bert, as soon as the door closed, "what is this plan of
+yours, and why am I kept in the dark like an outsider?"
+
+"Because I want to take all the responsibility and do not want to have
+you mixed up in it if it should fail."
+
+"But I am willing to take equal chances with you, old man. It isn't
+fair."
+
+"Oh, yes, it is. You will understand later."
+
+Bert moped for a time in resentment, but as Harry refused to be affected
+by his mood, he soon cheered up and determined to watch for developments
+that might enlighten him as to the plot that Harry and the consul were
+hatching. But nothing developed. A guard brought in their dinner and it
+was nearly nightfall before their door opened again and the smiling
+interpreter entered.
+
+"So you have thought better of it, after all, young gentlemen?" he said.
+
+"I do not know whether it is better or worse, but we have thought
+differently, if that's what you mean," answered Harry.
+
+"I mean that you have decided to tell the general what he wants to
+know."
+
+"No, I have decided to tell Consul Wyman."
+
+"Yes, but he will tell the general."
+
+"That will be his concern."
+
+"Very well. Here is a pass from General Serano through the guards. When
+you are ready to go, rap three times on the door and it will be opened.
+Only one of you is to leave this place; the pass is for only one. Should
+both of you attempt to use it you would be at once arrested. I simply
+warn you."
+
+"Thank you. We have no intention of trying to escape. We enjoy your
+hospitality too much and the longer we board with you the longer the
+score you will have to settle with Uncle Sam."
+
+Harry took the pass from the man, who then left the cell.
+
+"Now to work, Bert," said Harry, eagerly, as the door closed. "Listen!
+When it is dark I am going through the passage. You must close it at
+once, so that in case any one should come in it will not be discovered."
+
+"But suppose the jailor should come in; how can I account for your
+absence?"
+
+"You cannot understand him nor he you, and he would probably rush off to
+make a report of my escape. Before his return I will be back. But that
+will not be very likely to happen. When I have been in the other cell
+ten minutes, open the passage again, and when I come through do not
+speak, no matter what you may see or hear. Then close the passage at
+once. Do you understand?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"And after I have left this room see to it that the door is safely
+closed again, and then once more open the passage."
+
+"What for?"
+
+"Never mind that now. Do you know what you are to do?"
+
+"Yes; close and open the passage twice and say nothing."
+
+"That's it."
+
+They did not have to wait long for darkness. Night was now falling
+rapidly. They sat in silence as the dark shadows began to fill the room.
+Harry was in a serious, thoughtful mood and talked but little. Finally,
+when the room became so dark that they could not see one another's
+faces, he rose.
+
+"It is time now, Bert," he whispered. "Remember your part."
+
+He stepped to the wall and groping around until he found the spring,
+pressed it and the stone began to revolve. When the passage was fully
+open, he peered through into the darkness of the other cell, and
+whispered:
+
+"Miss Juanita, do not be afraid; it is the American boys. Are you
+there?"
+
+"Yes," came a soft answer.
+
+Harry climbed through the passage and Bert promptly touched the spring
+that closed it. The heavy stone moved slowly back into place and Bert
+was alone.
+
+He had no watch, so he counted the seconds. The ten minutes seemed an
+hour to him. At last they passed and he opened the passage again. For
+some reason he expected to see Harry and the young woman climb through,
+but only the form of the boy appeared in the gloom. He waited a moment
+to be sure that the girl did not follow, and then closed the passage. As
+the stone settled into place, the form moved quickly to the door and
+rapped three times. Almost instantly it swung open and the jailor with
+his lantern stood without. As the boy's form glided silently out past
+the stolid turnkey, Bert started back and with difficulty suppressed a
+cry of amazement. For a moment the light of the lantern had fallen on
+the face of the form in the doorway.
+
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVII
+
+"YOU WILL BE SHOT AS SPIES"
+
+
+When Bert had somewhat recovered from his surprise, he rushed to the
+wall and pressed the spring to open the passage. A form in girl's
+clothes climbed quickly through, but it was the voice of Harry that
+whispered:
+
+"Hustle, Bert, and close the passage. No telling when they may discover
+that the bird has flown. I must get under cover with these duds on."
+
+He jumped into bed and drew the sheet up close around his neck.
+
+"I'm quite ill, you know; sudden attack of malaria. Can't receive any
+callers."
+
+"Has Miss Juanita gone to see the consul?" asked Bert.
+
+"Not unless the consul has taken a trip to the mountains."
+
+"What do you mean--why don't you let me in on your plot now that you
+seem to have carried it out successfully?"
+
+"Can't be sure of success just yet, but I think it will work."
+
+"And when do we get out?"
+
+"I don't know; maybe we are in it tighter than ever. Sure to be if they
+find that we or rather I had anything to do with her escape, and I guess
+they must sooner or later."
+
+"Where has she gone?"
+
+"I hope by this time she is pretty well out of the town, headed for the
+open between here and the mountains. In the darkness she is all right
+and the deception will not be discovered. She makes a very good boy and
+as she is about the same heighth as I am my clothes fit her first rate.
+The pass will carry her through the lines all right and as she knows the
+country like a book, I hope she may make the mountains and the road to
+Cubitas before daylight. If she does she is safe, and I have a strong
+conviction that she will meet Captain Dynamite on the march before
+midday to-morrow. And gee, what a meeting that will be--I should like to
+be there and see the expression on big O'Connor's face when he sees
+her."
+
+"Then your plan did not have anything to do with our release from this
+place?"
+
+"Nope--only Miss Juanita's. She was in danger; we are not."
+
+"We may be after this."
+
+"Yes, but I think we can depend upon O'Connor. Mason and Washington
+should have reached him by this time."
+
+"What can he do to help us?"
+
+"I don't know, Bert, but I think he is the sort of man who will find
+something to do."
+
+"What are you going to do for clothes?"
+
+"That's another problem that will have to work itself out. Meanwhile I
+shall have to stick to Miss Juanita's dress. Didn't you think it fitted
+well? I shall have to have it let out around the waist a little, I
+think. I guess they don't serve any supper in this hotel, and as I got
+very little sleep last night, I think I will take a snooze while we wait
+for something to happen."
+
+Harry was soon fast asleep, but Bert, though also very tired, was more
+anxious as to the outcome of their affairs and sat for a long time on
+the edge of his bed, thinking. The moon rose in a clear sky and cast two
+bright beams through the barred windows and across the prison floor.
+Bert's revery was disturbed by the sound of hurrying feet in the
+corridor and the clamor of loud voices approaching their cell.
+
+"I guess something's going to happen," said Bert, nervously to himself.
+"Perhaps I better be asleep, too." He rolled over onto the bed and
+appeared to be deep in slumber when the door was thrown open roughly and
+three men entered the room. They were General Serano, who was scowling
+darkly; Consul Wyman and the ever-smiling interpreter.
+
+"I wonder why he always mixes up in everything," thought Bert as he
+peeked at their visitors out of the corner of his eye.
+
+Serano stopped just beyond the threshold and in surprise pointed to the
+two occupied beds. Then he said something in Spanish to Mr. Wyman, who
+replied calmly:
+
+"I told you that neither of them had been at my house. You see for
+yourself that they are both here. There must be some mistake."
+
+"But there can be no mistake about one of them having left this place
+within two hours," said the interpreter. "The jailer let him out."
+
+"Then he must have let him in again, for there they both are soundly
+sleeping."
+
+"But the jailor says that he did not, and it was the boy's long absence
+that caused the general to send me to your house to see if he was there.
+You have not seen him; some one unquestionably left the prison; no one
+has returned and yet they are both here--what does it mean?"
+
+Mr. Wyman shrugged his shoulders and turned to the general.
+
+"The boys indicated to me that they were ready to give the information
+that you desired. I made arrangements as you know, to have one of them
+come to my house and there tell his story. Neither of them came.
+Perhaps they changed their minds."
+
+"Let us question them."
+
+The interpreter stepped to Bert's bedside and as he did so the boy sat
+up and rubbed his eyes as if just awakened.
+
+"Good evening, gentlemen. Good evening, Mr. Wyman. What can we do for
+you? Is it morning yet?"
+
+"Did either of you leave the prison to-night?" asked the interpreter
+quickly, without preliminary. Bert, who was entirely ignorant of what
+course Harry intended to pursue, dared not answer, fearing that he might
+undo some of his companion's plans.
+
+"Why, I've been asleep for some time and my friend has a bad attack of
+malaria," he answered yawning. "I see that is moonlight and not
+daybreak. Can't you call around in the morning on your way to breakfast?
+We'd ask you to take a bite with us, but I do not think you would like
+the bill of fare."
+
+"Will you or not answer a plain question? The general waits."
+
+"Tell the general not to let me detain him. Ask him to drop in in the
+morning, too, when he has more time."
+
+The man turned to Serano and shook his head.
+
+"They are impossible, sir."
+
+Bert saw an amused smile creep around the corners of the consul's mouth.
+
+"Let us try the other."
+
+As he spoke the general touched Harry on the shoulder. The boy drew the
+sheet closer around his neck, and murmured:
+
+"Please go 'way."
+
+"We only want to know if you left the prison to-night to see Mr. Wyman.
+He is here with us."
+
+"No, I haven't been out of your old prison since you put us here."
+
+"But you intended to go."
+
+"Yes, but I changed my mind. I'm very apt to do that. I'm sorry if it
+put you out any, but I do not see why you couldn't wait until morning
+for my apologies."
+
+"But the jailor says he let one of you out to-night and that no one
+returned."
+
+"Your jailor is very silly. If he let one of us out and didn't let him
+back how could we both be here now? I don't want to cast any reflections
+on General What's-His-Name's intellect, but I should think he might
+figure that out for himself. Come around in the morning and we will talk
+it over. But I should advise you to look around for another jailor. This
+one's imagination is too strong."
+
+"Then if you did not leave the jail and you have changed your mind, you
+have no use for that pass that General Serano sent you," said the
+interpreter, with his genial smile. Bert looked at Harry in dismay. How
+was he to get out of this snarl?
+
+"No, that's quite true. Bert, will you get the pass for the general out
+of the pocket of my coat on the chair there?"
+
+"Your coat is not here, Hal," said Bert in apparent surprise as he
+stepped to the chair.
+
+"Not there? What nonsense. Tell the general that I shall hold his jailor
+responsible for my clothes. How under the sun am I to go about in my
+underclothes. It is not the value of the suit at all. It is pretty well
+used up now, but it's the principle of the thing."
+
+As Harry talked he thrashed about under the bed-clothing as if in anger.
+
+"And then there was nothing of importance in the pockets--no papers that
+could be of any possible value to any one. It is an outrage--tell
+General What-You-May-Call-Him that I consider it an outrage on a
+helpless prisoner to have his clothing sneaked away in the middle of the
+night, either for the profit of the jailor or the possible information
+of his captors. Mr. Wyman, is there nothing that can be done in this
+matter?"
+
+General Serano spoke a few words to the interpreter, who promptly
+repeated them with evident glee.
+
+"The general says you are to get out of bed."
+
+"It's all up now," thought Bert, and his face turned a shade paler.
+
+"The general is inconsiderate; however, since he insists I will take the
+chances of another chill."
+
+As Harry spoke he drew his legs up from under the sheet and stood down
+on the floor clad only in his underclothing. He had somehow managed to
+slip out of the girl's dress while he protested against the
+disappearance of his clothing. Bert drew a breath of relief; but the
+respite was brief. General Serano, either thoughtlessly or by design,
+threw back the sheet from Harry's bed as soon as he touched the floor
+and disclosed the dress from which he had with difficulty extricated
+himself.
+
+"Whose is this?" demanded the general, pouncing on the garment and
+holding it out for inspection.
+
+"Whose is this?" repeated the interpreter like a parrot.
+
+"How should I know," answered Harry.
+
+"Probably belongs to one of your former tenants."
+
+"It's a woman's dress."
+
+"Yes, it looks like it. Better look up your register and see who had
+this room last."
+
+At this moment there was a sound of hurrying footsteps in the corridor
+accompanied by a volley of Spanish expletives uttered in a frightened
+voice.
+
+"I wonder what's going to happen now," whispered Harry to Bert. "These
+people are so full of life it makes me tired to watch them."
+
+The turnkey burst into the room with hands uplifted and eyes bulging. He
+spoke a few panting words to General Serano who seized him by the neck
+in anger.
+
+"She is gone, fool? How can she be gone unless you let her out?"
+
+Then, as if struck by a sudden thought, he dropped his hold on the man
+and turning to Mr. Wyman, held out Juanita's dress excitedly.
+
+"See, she is gone."
+
+"Who is gone?" asked the consul, calmly.
+
+"She--she in the next cell. This dress is here; the boy's clothes are
+gone and some one left this room to-night."
+
+"You mean to infer that the boys contrived the escape of the woman in
+the next cell?" asked Mr. Wyman.
+
+"Yes, yes, what other inference is there?"
+
+"But can you explain how they could have communicated with her, how they
+could have exchanged clothes and how she could have left this cell?"
+
+"No, no, I cannot explain that, but here is the evidence--here and
+there;" and he pointed excitedly to the wall of the next cell.
+
+"The irascible old general seems to be wise on the passage," said Harry,
+under his breath.
+
+"How can that be evidence if you cannot explain it, general?" asked the
+consul, gravely.
+
+"No, he's not on, after all," whispered Bert.
+
+"They shall explain," said the general, sternly pointing to the boys.
+
+"We're in it again," said Bert. "I wish he wouldn't do that. It makes me
+nervous."
+
+The general seemed to be working himself into a fury. He raised his
+voice as he delivered what was apparently an ultimatum to the consul.
+
+"No, no, not that," cried Mr. Wyman, in frightened protest.
+
+Without a word in reply General Serano turned on his heel and strode out
+of the room.
+
+"What did the angry gentleman say, Mr. Wyman?" asked Harry.
+
+"He said that if you did not explain the disappearance of Miss Juanita
+within forty-eight hours you would be taken out into the jail yard and
+shot as spies."
+
+"Ah, Miss Juanita, eh. Then they know her," said the genial interpreter
+as he slunk from the room. "I must tell General Serano."
+
+Before the eyes of the boys there rose with vivid distinctness the
+picture of the jail yard at dawn.
+
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVIII
+
+CAPTAIN DYNAMITE FINDS JUANITA
+
+
+While these events had been transpiring in the Spanish town, Captain
+Dynamite had not been idle. As the last man of the little Cuban army
+filed down the mountain-side, he rose from his chair, and tightening his
+belt stretched his big body as was his custom when any action was
+imminent.
+
+"Well, my lad, I must be off. There is no time to spare if we hope to be
+of use. You will remain at Cubitas and when it is all over I will send
+Washington and a squad to pick you up."
+
+"Oh, no you won't, Cap. When it's all over I shall be right where you
+are."
+
+O'Connor could not repress a laugh. Mason bristled with indignation at
+the thought of being left behind.
+
+"There may be a good bit of fighting, my lad," said O'Connor.
+
+"Well, I'm not spoiling for a scrap, but I can't stay behind when I may
+be of some use to the fellows. Better let me go along with you, Cap, for
+I shall be close on your trail if you don't."
+
+"Suppose I have you locked up for safe keeping?"
+
+"Now you wouldn't do that, Cap, would you? You can't expect a fellow to
+sit still and chew his thumbs in safety while his chums are in danger.
+You wouldn't do it, would you?"
+
+"All right, youngster, come along. I don't blame you for wanting to have
+a hand in it. And you may be of some use after all."
+
+"I hope you will give me a try, Cap," said the Midget, straightening up
+his small form boldly.
+
+"Do you think you can stand the tramp? You haven't had much sleep and
+you may not get any more for twenty-four hours."
+
+"That little nap I got on the bench was as good as a night's rest.
+Besides, this country is so strenuous one doesn't need much sleep
+anyway. I think if I lived here long I should give up sleeping as a
+useless accomplishment."
+
+They started on down the mountain and before daybreak had overtaken the
+men camped on the bank of the narrow stream where they were preparing
+breakfast. O'Connor and Mason joined Gomez and his staff. They ate a
+light meal and were ready for the march again. The men all seemed to
+know O'Connor and the officers saluted him respectfully as he passed
+among them. After a conference with the general the latter called one of
+the officers to him, and said:
+
+"Captain Dynamite is in command. You will take your orders from him.
+With your company he will take the lead in the advance."
+
+The man saluted and then turned to O'Connor for instructions.
+
+"Report to me when you are ready to move."
+
+"I am ready now, sir."
+
+"Very well, detach your company and cross the ford. We will keep about
+half a mile in advance of the main body until I give you other
+instructions. Deploy your men in twos and advance as rapidly as you can.
+You know the rendezvous and understand the necessity for caution. That
+is all."
+
+The man saluted and in five minutes his men were fording the stream with
+O'Connor and Mason close in their rear. Across the open valley they made
+rapid progress, the men marching in regular order, but when they reached
+the wooded country at the foot of the next mountain the officer in
+command gave an order in Spanish and the men deployed in twos and
+disappeared like shadows into the brush. In a moment not a man was to be
+seen, and as O'Connor and Mason entered the woods there was not even a
+sound to be heard that would indicate that fifty men were making their
+way through the thick bushes ahead of them.
+
+The route O'Connor followed was not so precipitous as that taken by
+Washington and they reached the summit of the mountain by noon. Still
+O'Connor pushed on, stopping only to drink from a mountain stream and to
+dash the cool water over his head and face, an example that Mason
+quickly followed. They had scarcely spoken since leaving the ford,
+O'Connor saving breath for the work in hand. Once or twice he had turned
+to the Midget who toiled manfully on at his side and asked him if he
+felt tired. Satisfied with the boy's ready answer that he was "all
+right," he would plod on again.
+
+They had made their way about a mile down the mountain side when an
+officer stepped out of the bushes in front of them and saluted O'Connor.
+
+"Well, what is it?" asked the captain in Spanish.
+
+"A scout has brought in a prisoner."
+
+"Who is he?"
+
+"A boy. He is apparently faint from exhaustion."
+
+"A boy?" said O'Connor, wonderingly. "I wonder if they can have
+escaped?" He repeated the man's words to Mason who despite his own
+fatigue, leaped and capered wildly.
+
+"It's Hal Hamilton, I'll bet," he said joyfully. "They must have
+escaped. Trust Hal to fool the Dons."
+
+"He knows the countersign and your name, sir, and he keeps repeating
+them in a dazed way. That's why the captain thought you might want to
+see him."
+
+"I guess it's one of the boys all right, but I wonder where the other
+is. If I know them as I think I do one would not leave without the
+other. Where is he?" he asked turning again to the man.
+
+"About a mile below, sir. We found him lying in a little clearing."
+
+"All right, I will go to him."
+
+"Ask him how he was dressed," said Mason as they hastened on.
+
+The man described the boy's suit as well as he could.
+
+"That's Hal, sure," said Mason when the reply had been translated to
+him. "Bert can't be far away."
+
+"Did he have light hair?"
+
+The man shook his head.
+
+"Black," he answered.
+
+"Pshaw, he's made a mistake. It must be Hal."
+
+As they entered the clearing the prisoner sat with his back against a
+tree. His head was turned almost away from them, but Mason recognized
+the clothing and rushed forward with a glad cry.
+
+"Cheer up, Hal, old man," he shouted as he bounded across the clearing
+and dropped on his knees at the boy's side. He was on his feet in a
+moment, his face scared and white.
+
+"It's not Hal, Cap," he whispered as O'Connor approached at a more
+dignified pace. "But he's got Hal's clothes on."
+
+"What mystery is this?" said the big man as he strode around so that he
+could see the face of the prisoner. The next moment he turned as white
+as marble, but his eyes gleamed with joy as he sank down and took the
+almost inanimate form in his arms.
+
+"Juanita," he gasped. "Thank God, you are safe. Quick boy, some water."
+
+"Thunder, it's a girl," said Mason as he stooped and looked into the
+face that was now resting on Captain Dynamite's shoulder. He brought
+some water in his cap and O'Connor bathed the girl's head and chafed her
+hands until she began to show some signs of returning vitality. She
+raised her head and looked around in a dazed manner. Then her eyes fell
+on O'Connor.
+
+"Michael," she whispered, and her head sank again on his shoulder with a
+sigh of relief.
+
+The men knew well the story of O'Connor's love and they silently
+withdrew from the glade leaving only Mason and an orderly with the
+strangely reunited couple. Finally Juanita was strong enough to sit up
+and leaning back against the tree again, she smiled into O'Connor's
+anxious eyes.
+
+"I could go no further, Michael," she whispered, "but I thought you
+would find me here."
+
+"How did you escape, Juanita?" asked O'Connor, softly.
+
+"Ah, yes, the brave American boys saved me. Oh, I fear they will suffer
+much for it. I tried not to go for they are suspected already of being
+Cuban spies and this will make it worse for them; but the one they call
+Hal would listen to no reason, no argument. They had a friend in the
+American consul, he said, who would look out for them and I--I was
+already doomed."
+
+"Doomed," repeated O'Connor, starting forward, his eyes snapping.
+
+"Yes, it was to have been this morning at dawn."
+
+O'Connor choked back something suspiciously like a sob and for a few
+minutes neither spoke. The man was thinking with a chill at his heart
+how near to death she had been. Then he beckoned to Mason.
+
+"Come here, youngster, and hear what your brave comrades have been
+doing. This is the young woman we set out from the _Mariella_ to save.
+Your friends have done that nobly for us; now we must return the
+compliment with proper interest."
+
+The Midget bowed gravely and sat down on the ground beside O'Connor.
+
+"They are resourceful youngsters, Juanita, as I have reason to know, but
+how under the sun did they manage it? I see you are wearing the suit of
+one of them."
+
+"Their cell was next to mine. Night before last they heard me crying at
+my window. They could not see me but they spoke and asked me what they
+could do to help me. There was nothing to be done, so we talked and they
+tried to cheer me up and in some way they learned who I was and
+they--they told me you were safe and then I didn't mind so much. Then
+the guard came and we had to go away from the windows. As one of them
+jumped down from the table on which they had been standing, he touched
+the spring of an old secret passage between the cells. The next day, I
+don't know how, they got a pass from General Serano to visit the
+American consul. The pass was good anywhere within the lines. That
+night, just after dark, they touched the secret spring and rolled back
+the rock between the cells and one of them insisted that I should put on
+his suit and take the pass and escape. As I have told you he would
+listen to no form of argument and in the darkness of the cell I put on
+his clothes and he took my dress. I felt so strangely that I was sure
+the deceit must be discovered at once, but no one questioned me from
+the time I left the prison until I passed safely through the lines."
+
+"Hooray for Hal Hamilton," shouted Mason, enthusiastically. He had
+listened breathlessly to the girl's story of her escape and the part his
+chums had played in it.
+
+"But your escape must have been discovered in the morning if not before.
+What were the boys to do then? How was Hamilton to account for the
+absence of his clothes?"
+
+"They would not explain that or anything."
+
+"And why are they suspected of being Cuban spies?"
+
+"Because they will not explain their presence on the island for fear of
+endangering you."
+
+O'Connor leaped to his feet excitedly.
+
+"May Providence guard them until I get there. Juanita, our paths diverge
+here again for a little time. My duty lies where those boys are
+imprisoned. You will go on with an escort to the _Mariella_. She lies
+safely in the old place and your mother awaits you there."
+
+"Oh, Michael, how can I thank you?"
+
+O'Connor called the orderly.
+
+"Tell Captain Fernandez to send me a guard of ten men, all of whom know
+the route to the lagoon, and tell him that one of them must speak
+English." Then turning to Mason he said: "I am going to ask a favor of
+you. I cannot take Miss Juanita on with me, nor can I leave her here.
+Will you take command of the guard and escort her safely to the
+_Mariella_?"
+
+"Cap, I had hoped to get closer into the mix-up, but I see you are
+embarrassed by the presence of this young lady and I assure you, Miss
+and you, sir, that as a gentleman I am pleased to serve you both."
+
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIX
+
+DRAWING THE NET CLOSER
+
+
+"I hold, sir, that there has been no connection shown between the escape
+of the woman prisoner and the presence of this dress in the cell of
+these boys, and I therefore ask that the charge against them be
+dismissed."
+
+It was Consul Wyman who spoke, addressing General Serano who again sat
+in judgment on Harry and Bert in the Hall of Justice. It was two days
+after the discovery of the escape of Miss Juanita and following the dire
+threat of the general to have the boys shot as spies if they did not
+make a full and complete confession. There had been little sleep for
+them after the night visit to their cell, and the next day no one had
+visited them save the jailor with food. The following morning, however,
+after their breakfast had been served, they had been summarily hauled
+before the still fuming commander, heavy-eyed and pale, Harry wearing an
+old Spanish uniform which the jailor had given to him.
+
+Again they had been subjected to a severe cross-examination, and again
+they had firmly refused to answer any question that in any way
+endangered the safety of Captain Dynamite.
+
+Mr. Wyman, who fully appreciated the serious position in which the boys
+were placed, also showed the effects of loss of sleep. He was an able
+man and beneath his little exterior conceit about his powers of
+diplomacy, there beat an honest and fearless heart. He had come to the
+conclusion that the existence of the secret passage was unknown to the
+present authorities, and without this knowledge no case could be made
+out, legally, against the boys. He also knew that the legal rights of
+prisoners were not always considered by General Serano, and for this
+reason he had determined, as a last resort, to fall back on his official
+prerogatives and demand the release of the boys in the name of the
+United States, or, failing in this, a hearing before a higher authority
+in Havana.
+
+"Admitting that your contention in regard to the presence of the dress
+of the escaped prisoner in the room of the accused to be well taken, how
+can you account for the fact that the pass which was given to them in
+order that they might communicate with you was used by another?"
+
+General Serano smiled grimly as he put this question to the consul. Mr.
+Wyman staggered. He had forgotten the pass. For a moment he did not
+reply, and then, pulling himself together, he said:
+
+"We do not admit that fact, sir."
+
+"Very well. Let the captain of the guard step forward."
+
+A man with a sword clanking at his side stepped up and saluted.
+
+"What was your duty night before last?" asked the general.
+
+"I was in command of the picket line three miles outside of the city,"
+replied the man.
+
+"Did any one pass through the lines from the city while you were in
+command?"
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"Who?"
+
+"A boy."
+
+"A boy--are you sure of that?"
+
+"A person wearing boy's clothes, sir."
+
+"Very well; why did you let the person wearing boy's clothes pass
+through your lines?"
+
+"He--the person wearing boy's clothes showed a pass from you, sir."
+
+"At what hour was this?" continued General Serano, looking triumphantly
+at the consul, who bit his lip and thought hard.
+
+"About two hours after sundown."
+
+"That will do. Now, Mr. Wyman, can you explain this for the benefit of
+the prisoners?"
+
+"All this does not prove that the pass presented by a boy to this
+officer was the same pass that was given to the prisoners."
+
+"I issued but one pass that day."
+
+"There is nothing to show that that was the one."
+
+"Captain of the guard, what date did the pass bear?"
+
+"It was of even date."
+
+"Now, Mr. Wyman."
+
+The consul hesitated a moment and then stepped closer to the desk of
+General Serano. Lifting his arm impressively, and looking the general
+steadily in the eye, he said:
+
+"I still hold, sir, that there is not a scintilla of legal evidence
+against the prisoners. We might admit for the sake of argument, that the
+dress found in their room was that of the escaped woman prisoner; we
+might also admit, that the pass used by the boy in passing through the
+lines last night was the one issued by you to the prisoners, but what
+evidence is there to show that the one using the pass obtained it from
+these prisoners, or that it was the escaped prisoner?"
+
+"The evidence is absolutely circumstantial."
+
+"That is just it. It is purely circumstantial; there is no direct
+evidence connecting these boys in any way with the escape of the woman."
+
+"Let me inform you, Mr. Wyman," said General Serano, scowling savagely,
+"that I shall assume that the person who passed through the lines last
+night was the prisoner and further," here he leaned toward the consul,
+"I shall assume that the clothes she wore was the boy's missing suit."
+
+"Very well, then," said Mr. Wyman, calmly, "let us admit that the person
+was the woman, and the clothes she wore were the boy's, do not all the
+known facts point to a plot conceived and executed by those outside
+rather than inside a prison cell? Those inside had absolutely no means
+of communication; those outside had easy access to both cells. Unless
+some method can be shown by which these prisoners could have
+communicated with the prisoner in the next cell there can be no legal
+construction of the present evidence that will connect either of the
+boys with the escape of the woman. You know the strength of your locks
+and the thickness of your jail walls. How could these two boys here have
+contrived to release this woman through stone and iron? By way of the
+barred windows, ten feet apart? Even if the exchange of clothing could
+have been accomplished by this means, which I contend is impossible, who
+liberated her, General Serano? There was only one means of escape and
+that was through the door of her cell. If these boys, themselves,
+confined by locks, walls, and bars, could have unlocked the door of her
+prison-house, then they are possessed of supernatural powers that should
+enable them to walk out of your jail themselves. No, General Serano,
+unless you can establish the fact of physical communication between
+these prisoners and the escaped woman they can in no way be held
+responsible for her disappearance, and I ask that the unfounded charge
+against them be dismissed."
+
+Mr. Wyman bowed to the general and stepped back. He had made a good
+fight and fired his last shot in the boys' behalf. General Serano,
+impressed by the wisdom of his argument, was silent for a time, as if
+thinking. Then he leaned forward to the consul and said in a low tone:
+
+"There is one thing more, Mr. Wyman. After the discovery of the escape
+of the woman prisoner her name was not spoken in your presence nor in
+the presence of the other prisoners, and yet when I had left the cell
+you referred to her by her given name. Will you tell me how this was?"
+
+Mr. Wyman's face flushed, and he drew himself up defiantly, as he
+replied:
+
+"It is immaterial to this case how I came by that knowledge."
+
+"It is material so far as it influences my decision."
+
+Mr. Wyman bowed without speaking. Nothing could be gained by dwelling
+upon this unfortunate occurrence. At this point an aged and decrepit man
+was led into the room by two soldiers. He was so weak that he had to be
+supported on either side. General Serano looked up and scowled at him as
+an intruder, and turned to an aide for an explanation, when the smiling
+interpreter glided to his side and whispered in his ear. He started back
+in eager surprise, and then cast another glance of triumph at the consul
+as he said:
+
+"Bring him forward."
+
+All eyes were now turned on the tottering old man as he was slowly led
+to a chair which was placed in front of General Serano's desk.
+
+"You have some information in regard to this case which you wish to
+impart to me?" asked the general.
+
+"What case?"
+
+The old man's dim eyes turned in the direction of the speaker like those
+of one who is almost blind. He seemed dazed and frightened.
+
+"Well, never mind the case. Were you ever the warden of the jail here?"
+
+"Oh, yes sir, but that was many, many years ago."
+
+"Yes, I know," said the general, coaxingly, "but what do you know about
+the jail?"
+
+"Nothing much now, sir, not for many, many years."
+
+"No, no, what do you know that no other man now living knows?"
+
+"Much, sir, much, for they have all gone on before."
+
+"Do you know any secret of the jail?"
+
+"Secret? Oh, yes, a secret. No man knows but me, no man knows."
+
+The old man shook his head stupidly, and rubbed his gnarled hands.
+
+"What is the secret?" General Serano leaned forward to catch the answer.
+
+"I have forgotten."
+
+"No, no, you knew it ten minutes ago--think."
+
+"No man knows--they've all gone before," muttered the old man.
+
+Mr. Wyman uttered a sigh of relief. The old jailer evidently knew of the
+existence of the secret passage, but his mind was so far gone that the
+consul was hopeful that General Serano's examination might fail.
+
+"Do you know of any secret passage?" asked the general in an insinuating
+tone.
+
+"Passage--who said passage," said the old man bristling up and looking
+around the room with unseeing eyes. "There is no passage; it's a lie. No
+one knows--no one knows but the old jailer."
+
+The interpreter stepped up to the old man and whispered something in his
+ear. The wrinkled face cracked into a hideous grin that showed his
+almost toothless gums.
+
+"Money," he chortled, "yes, give me money--gold." He reached out his
+gnarled hands and grasped at the air. The interpreter at a sign from
+General Serano, placed a peseta in one of his outstretched palms. He
+felt it for a moment, and then held it close to his nearly sightless
+eyes.
+
+"No, no, you can't fool the old jailer," he whined. "That's silver.
+Gold, give me gold. The secret's worth it. 'Sh. You can go at night.
+Just touch the spring and slowly--slowly the stone will roll back. And
+then the rack. Ha, ha, the rack--that makes 'em talk."
+
+Mr. Wyman shuddered when he thought of the scenes of horror the old
+jailer might have witnessed.
+
+"Here is gold; will you show us the passage, now?"
+
+"Yes, come."
+
+The man started to his feet, and the interpreter, taking the place of
+one of the soldiers, guided his steps toward the door. General Serano
+rose from his seat and followed.
+
+"Mr. Wyman, will you accompany us? The old man's mysterious secret
+passage may interest you."
+
+"The old man is imbecile. His evidence is valueless."
+
+"But his secret passage cannot be imbecile too."
+
+"He is dreaming."
+
+"Let us see. Bring the prisoners." He motioned to an officer, who
+detailed two men to accompany the boys. Harry and Bert were ignorant of
+what had been going on, all having spoken in Spanish, and as they
+followed the old man to the jail, Mr. Wyman explained to them briefly
+what had taken place. Harry's first thought was of the girl.
+
+"Then Miss Juanita has gotten away safely," he said with satisfaction.
+
+"Yes," replied Mr. Wyman, "I think there is no doubt she is all right,
+but think of the price."
+
+"We haven't paid it yet, Mr. Wyman."
+
+When they reached the jail the old man was led directly into the boys'
+cell. He was weary from his exertion, and sank into a chair and his head
+fell on his breast. In a moment he was fast asleep. The interpreter, who
+seemed to be general factotum to Serano, shook him roughly by the
+shoulder.
+
+"Come, come, you have your gold, now show us the passage."
+
+The man roused himself and looked stupidly around the room. By chance
+his eyes rested upon the big slab in the wall, but he could not see it.
+Still he raised his bony finger either by intuition or luck, and pointed
+directly at it.
+
+"It is there," he said, and his head dropped again.
+
+Mr. Wyman shuddered. The scene was a gruesome one, and the possibility
+that the man might disclose the passage was so imminent that his nerves
+were at their greatest tension. All hope of clearing the boys of the
+charge of being Cuban spies it seemed would be lost if the old man's
+mind should clear sufficiently for him to indicate the secret spring.
+
+"Yes, yes, it is there, old man, but where is the spring?"
+
+Again he raised his head and looked blankly at the wall, and then once
+more his head drooped.
+
+"I cannot remember," he murmured. Mr. Wyman drew a long breath. It was
+at least another respite. There was a sound of clanking chains in the
+jail corridor. The old man trembled and raised his head feebly.
+
+"What's that?" he whispered. "Chains?"
+
+Again the sound was heard.
+
+"Yes, yes, they're coming. Quick, we'll chain him down--chain him hand
+and foot. Quick--open the passage."
+
+He struggled to his feet and tottered to the wall. For a moment he
+groped in blindness, while the boys held their breath and then, with a
+low chuckle he placed his finger unerringly on the little diamond-shaped
+stone. The creaking and grinding noise began, and the stone slowly
+revolved before the astonished eyes of General Serano. When the passage
+was fully open the general stepped to the wall and inspected it
+curiously. Then he turned to Mr. Wyman and said:
+
+"The case against the accused is complete. You may inform them that the
+sentence imposed will be carried out unless they make a full confession
+before sundown to-night."
+
+"And I, General Serano, knowing that they are innocent of any connection
+with the cause of the insurgents, warn you in the name of their
+Government that you will commit an outrage for which you must pay
+dearly. I shall communicate with General Weyler at once."
+
+Serano shrugged his shoulders.
+
+"General Weyler has the utmost confidence in my judgment."
+
+"Will you suspend sentence until I can communicate with my Government?"
+
+"No. Your Government has nothing to do with the matter. All that can be
+settled afterward."
+
+"One last request, General Serano--give me forty-eight hours to
+communicate with General Weyler."
+
+"Oh, as it will be the same in the end, you may have the forty-eight
+hours."
+
+He turned to the jailer, who had watched the opening of the wall in
+wonder. "Take the prisoners to another cell where they cannot find a
+secret passage."
+
+As the boys were being led from the cell they passed the interpreter,
+who smiled genially at them. Harry could scarcely refrain from showing
+him how much he despised him.
+
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XX
+
+CAPTAIN DYNAMITE TO THE RESCUE
+
+
+Consul Wyman sat in his study in deep thought. His heart was heavy and
+in his mind plan after plan to save the boys from their threatened fate
+was formed, only to be abandoned as not feasible. His wife sat with him
+aiding now and then by a suggestion. She, too, was deeply interested in
+the fate of the American boys, of whose adventures and self-sacrifice
+her husband had told her.
+
+"Everything falls to the ground, Annie," he said finally. "There is only
+one hope and that is an appeal to the government."
+
+"But you know the red tape and delay that means, John," said his wife.
+
+"We have forty-eight hours from dawn to-morrow."
+
+"Far too short a time to reach Washington through Spanish sources, I
+fear."
+
+"I believe you are right."
+
+"And you cannot stir Serano?"
+
+"He is adamant."
+
+"Then I can see nothing but an appeal to Weyler."
+
+"There is scarcely time for that."
+
+"There can be no delay."
+
+"But the courier. I know of no one whom I can trust and who would act in
+the boys' interests. It is a diplomatic mission. There must be neither
+pleading nor threatening."
+
+"Then you must go, John."
+
+"That is what I have been thinking, my dear. I am glad you see it in the
+same way."
+
+"When will you start?"
+
+"Within an hour. If you will leave me now, I will prepare a brief to
+present to General Weyler."
+
+Mrs. Wyman left the room and the consul drew his chair closer to his
+desk where a student lamp burned. The room was large, opening by a
+casement window upon a garden filled with luxuriantly growing plants and
+shrubs. The night was warm and the window stood open, admitting the
+heavy perfume of flowers. The lamp, which was the only light in the
+room, cast a bright circle on the desk. All the rest of the apartment
+was in deep shadow.
+
+Mr. Wyman had been writing about half an hour when he turned to the
+window behind him as if he had heard an unusual sound. Then he returned
+to his writing. Again he swung around in his chair and listened. Then he
+rose and walked quickly to the window.
+
+"Annie, is that you?" he called.
+
+There was no reply.
+
+"I am sure I heard a sound in the garden," he said to himself.
+
+"Probably you are right, consul, although I tried to make as little
+noise as possible."
+
+Mr. Wyman started back involuntarily. The words which were spoken in a
+whisper, seemed to come from a clump of bushes at the right of the
+window. Mr. Wyman peered into the darkness but could see no one.
+
+"Who are you?" he asked loudly, "who comes stealing into my garden under
+the cover of darkness?"
+
+"Are you alone?" was the only reply.
+
+"And of what concern is that to you?"
+
+"Sure, and if you were me you would concern yourself a good bit about
+it."
+
+"Well, I am alone; now who are you and what is your business here at
+this time of night?"
+
+For answer a dark form crept stealthily out from the shadow of the bush,
+leaped lightly in the window, and as quickly drew the hanging curtain
+across it, shutting out all view from the outside. Although the night
+was warm, the man wore a coat with the broad collar turned up so as to
+conceal his face, and a broad sombrero slouched down over his eyes. He
+kept close within the shadows in the corner of the room.
+
+"Pardon me, Mr. Wyman, for entering your house in this unceremonious
+manner, but there was no other way that offered just at present. My
+mission is of the utmost importance, but it would not be well for either
+of us if I were discovered here. Can we depend upon being undisturbed?"
+
+"How do you know that I wish to be undisturbed? You seem to know me, but
+refuse to disclose your identity. I cannot consent to this one-sided
+interview. Who are you?"
+
+"If I tell you that I am a friend of the American boys, is that enough?"
+
+"Quite. You need have no fear; we shall be undisturbed here."
+
+The man, reassured, stepped forward and threw off his coat and hat. Mr.
+Wyman looked him over curiously for a moment and then pointed to a
+chair.
+
+"Be seated, Captain Dynamite," he said, quietly.
+
+O'Connor started back in some dismay.
+
+"You know me?" he said. "How?"
+
+"The boys described you to me very accurately. You have a pair of very
+staunch friends in those youngsters, sir."
+
+"Yes, yes, I know," said O'Connor, eagerly. "Tell me of them--they are
+safe?"
+
+"They are alive and well, but they are not safe."
+
+"What do you mean?"
+
+"In the first place tell me if Miss Juanita reached you in safety?"
+
+"Yes, thank God, and she has told me much of what the boys have risked
+for her and me. That is why I am here."
+
+"Yes, and there is not another man with a price upon his head who would
+place it in the lion's mouth as you are doing. Why did you come here
+alone? You can do no good single handed."
+
+O'Connor leaned forward and whispered:
+
+"But I am not alone. There are twelve picked men with me."
+
+"Where are they?"
+
+"Pardon me the liberty, but they are out there in your garden."
+
+"How did you get here?"
+
+"By methods known only to Indians and Cubans."
+
+"Humph," said Mr. Wyman, somewhat annoyed, "I may not get clear of this
+affair without getting shot myself. But what can twelve men do?"
+
+"Twelve such men as those can do much. But tell me, please, so that I
+may act with proper dispatch, just what the situation is in regard to
+the boys."
+
+The men drew their chairs closer together and in a low tone Mr. Wyman
+began to tell in sequence the events that had transpired since he had
+been involved in the affair.
+
+"So," said O'Connor, when Mr. Wyman had finished, "then I am not much
+too soon. Now, let us consider what is the best way to proceed. I shall
+probably have to ask you for a trifle of aid."
+
+"But I must be off to Weyler. I have not a minute to waste if I wish to
+reach him in time."
+
+"In time for what?" asked O'Connor, in surprise.
+
+"In time to secure a reprieve."
+
+"Nonsense, man."
+
+"May I ask what is nonsense, Captain Dynamite?" said Mr. Wyman, whose
+dignity was injured.
+
+"In the first place, it is nonsense to expect any aid from Weyler, who
+always staunchly supports his lieutenants, whether right or wrong, and
+in the second place, we do not want a reprieve. We've got to get them
+clean away from here before they will be safe--clean off the blooming
+island. I'll take them back to the old _Mariella_--that's the safest
+place for them. I wish to goodness they had never left her."
+
+"But how, my good sir--how under the sun are you going to get them to
+the _Mariella_ when they are locked up in a Spanish jail?"
+
+"No jail is impregnable."
+
+"But you cannot storm it in the face of a garrison of men with a handful
+of twelve."
+
+"There are more than fifty times twelve almost within gunshot, but I
+still think the twelve will be sufficient for my purpose."
+
+"Do you mean that the city is threatened by insurgents?" Mr. Wyman
+looked worried. "I must get my wife away, sir."
+
+"Don't worry, consul. If it comes to that the American flag is sacred to
+the insurgents; but if there is any fighting it will be on the picket
+line only, I fancy."
+
+"But what is your plan?"
+
+"To take the boys out of that jail first."
+
+"How?"
+
+"Is it strongly guarded?"
+
+"Inside and out. It is a military prison."
+
+"How many men?"
+
+"Four outside and four within, in charge of an officer."
+
+"Oh, that's easy."
+
+"But the first sound of a conflict would arouse the garrison, which is
+directly in the rear of the prison."
+
+"There will be no sound of conflict after we get to work, Mr. Wyman."
+
+"How can I aid you?"
+
+"By securing permission to visit the boys in their cell. Can you do it?"
+
+"I am not sure. General Serano's mood is not the best in the world just
+now. The boys have tantalized him beyond measure. He cannot seem to beat
+them, and aside from his official pride, his personal dignity has
+suffered. My position as defender of the youngsters has gained for me
+his ill-will. But I will try. What am I to do?"
+
+"Simply leave the jail at a time that I shall fix. We will do the rest.
+You will not be involved in any way, except that you may be seemingly
+handled a little roughly, but that will only be done to divert suspicion
+from yourself. Do not resist."
+
+"There will not be too much violence, I hope?"
+
+"No more than is needed, sir. I do not like violence myself. There may
+be a broken head or two, but they are soon mended. It it now nine
+o'clock. What time does the watch change?"
+
+"At midnight."
+
+"Very well. Now, if you will permit me, I will call one of my men."
+
+"Make what use you please of me and my house. I wish to aid you in any
+way I can."
+
+O'Connor stepped to the window and drew aside the curtain. As he did
+so, a dark form darted into the shadow of a bush. O'Connor saw it and
+paused.
+
+"There is someone in your garden beside my men," he whispered to the
+consul.
+
+"Impossible. The servants have gone to bed."
+
+"Someone was listening at this window."
+
+"Whom can it be?"
+
+"Someone who suspects you. Can you think whom it would be?"
+
+"No." The consul shook his head nervously.
+
+"Very well, we'll see."
+
+O'Connor turned and darted out of the window. In a moment he returned
+holding General Serano's official spy by the scruff of the neck. The
+interpreter's genial smile had given place to a look of terror and he
+trembled with fear. O'Connor swung him around so that he faced the
+consul.
+
+"Do you know him?" he asked.
+
+"Yes," answered Mr. Wyman, as he looked the man over with an expression
+of disgust, "he is General Serano's man Friday." Then to the man he said
+sternly: "What are you doing here, in my garden, at this time of night?"
+
+"Preoccupation, Mr. Wyman, preoccupation of the mind. I must have
+strayed in by mistake. I hope you will pardon me."
+
+"Well, we will think that over, my man," interrupted O'Connor. "How
+long had you been listening at the window?"
+
+"Listening! O, sir, far be it from me to listen at the window of our
+esteemed consul."
+
+"You weren't very far from it just now."
+
+"I had just discovered my error, sir, and was about to retrace my
+steps----"
+
+"Having heard all that you wished," O'Connor broke in.
+
+"I hope the gentleman is jesting. I should be grieved indeed if he held
+so evil an opinion of me."
+
+"Please consider yourself grieved. Now, Mr. Wyman, I should like to
+still further impose on your hospitality. This gentleman, I believe, is
+very anxious to serve me--is that not true, Mr. Friday?"
+
+"Oh, quite true, sir; it shall be my pleasure; but the name, sir, is not
+Friday--it is Villamonte."
+
+"Mr. Wyman, can I trouble you for a short piece of rope?"
+
+The consul left the room and returned with a piece of clothes-line about
+three feet long which he handed to O'Connor.
+
+"Now Mr. Monte, I shall have to ask you to extend your hands behind
+you."
+
+"Surely your excellency will not bind me?"
+
+"My excellency sure will. Stick 'em out and be quick about it."
+
+"I protest. General Serano shall hear of this outrage."
+
+"I am quite confident of that, but I am not ready to lose your company
+yet, Monte."
+
+O'Connor turned the man around much as he might have done a child, and
+bound his hands behind him. Then he led him to a chair into which he
+thrust him and lashed his hands tightly to the back, Villamonte
+jabbering vehemently in Spanish the while.
+
+"Now, Mr. Wyman," said O'Connor, when he finished, "this gentleman's
+providential preoccupation of mind will relieve you from the necessity
+of visiting General Serano. I think he will be very glad to carry out
+any instructions I may give him." As O'Connor spoke, he carelessly
+removed a pistol from his belt, and as he examined it he held the muzzle
+so that it covered the trembling Villamonte, who cowered back in the
+chair.
+
+"Won't you, Mr. Monte?"
+
+"Whatever his excellency wishes shall be my pleasure," stammered the
+interpreter.
+
+"Good; now we understand each other, Monte."
+
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXI
+
+GENERAL SERANO MEETS CAPTAIN DYNAMITE
+
+
+The new cell in which the boys had been placed when the escape of Miss
+Juanita was discovered, looked out through its barred windows onto the
+main street of the little straggling town. In the distance, although the
+house was concealed from view by intervening buildings, they could see
+the American flag floating over the consulate. This outlook had afforded
+them some occupation during the day, and even when night fell they stood
+together gazing silently out into the deserted street, lighted only by
+the brilliant moon. They began now to feel that their position was
+critical, and Bert, who more easily yielded to the depressing effects of
+circumstances, bemoaned his fate and all the series of events that had
+led up to their present unenviable plight. He was inclined to blame
+Harry for the initial step.
+
+"If you only hadn't taken it into your Quixotic head to try to aid
+Captain Dynamite, who is able to take care of himself, we might now be
+safe on the _Mariella_," he growled, "instead of waiting patiently for
+some one to take us out and shoot us."
+
+"Why, Bert, old man, we've got two more days before we step out and play
+targets. Many things may happen in that time."
+
+"Nothing to help us out of this scrape that I can see."
+
+"Mr. Wyman will surely do all that lies in his power to aid us."
+
+"Yes, but you know yourself that since Serano suspects his connection
+with the escape of Miss Juanita his power has been very much curtailed."
+
+"Well, there's Captain Dynamite yet to be counted on."
+
+"Humph, where is he and what could he do if he were here?"
+
+"I don't know, Bert, but you can't make me believe that he would abandon
+us completely to our fate. It's not like him, I tell you."
+
+"If all the hope we have is centred in Dynamite or Wyman I think it is
+time we began to think of doing something for ourselves."
+
+"Sure," answered Harry in surprise, "but what under the sun can we do,
+Bert?"
+
+"We might----" Bert hesitated and glanced nervously at his companion;
+"we might effect some compromise with Serano."
+
+"How?" asked Harry, coldly.
+
+"We might agree to tell him what he wants to know about how we got to
+the island when we can be assured that it will injure no one."
+
+"There are two reasons why that plan would be useless. In the first
+place how are we going to tell when Captain Dynamite is safe, and in the
+second place the affair has gone so far now that I do not think Serano
+would be satisfied with simply that information. He is pretty well
+convinced that in some way we are connected with the Cuban cause."
+
+"Oh, gee, I wish I had never gone sailing."
+
+"That's going back a long way to make a connection between cause and
+effect, Bert," said Harry, who could not help smiling at his companion's
+hopeless view of the situation.
+
+They were silent again for a time. Not a sound broke the stillness of
+the night save the regular steps of the sentinel below them. Some light
+clouds scurried across the moon, shutting off for a time the flood of
+silver light and throwing a gray shadow over the street.
+
+"Look," said Harry, suddenly. "Didn't you see a man creeping along
+there?"
+
+"Where?" asked Bert, eagerly.
+
+"In the deep shadow close in by the wall of that house."
+
+"I can see no one," said Bert, after straining his eyes in an effort to
+penetrate the darkness.
+
+"Watch," whispered Harry. "I know I saw some one creeping along as if
+he did not want to be seen."
+
+"Even if you did, what does it signify?"
+
+"Captain Dynamite would come that way," answered Harry, confidently.
+
+Suddenly the clouds swept on and again the street was flooded with a
+radiance that made the shadows cast by the walls of the houses as black
+as the darkest night in contrast.
+
+"Then did you see?" asked Harry, excitedly.
+
+Bert nodded quickly in the affirmative.
+
+As the moon flashed out they had both seen a man dart closer into the
+protection of the deep shadow of the wall.
+
+"There's another," whispered Bert, pointing out through the bars in his
+eagerness, to a point about ten feet beyond where the first man had
+appeared. "What if the guard should see them too?"
+
+"The sentinels are on the same level and cannot see as well as we can up
+here. I wonder who they are. See, there is another."
+
+"Who can they be?"
+
+"I'll bet you a dinner when we get home that Captain Dynamite is in
+town."
+
+"O, Hal, do you think we will ever get home?"
+
+"I'm beginning to feel very sure of it. See, there are other men in the
+distance and all are coming toward the jail."
+
+The prison stood in a narrow plaza or square facing the main street.
+Toward the dark shadow of a building that formed a corner of the square
+the indistinct forms of the men seemed to be making their way. The boys
+counted nearly a dozen, closely hugging the walls of the low houses,
+slip one by one into the wider shadow of the corner building. Still the
+regular steps of the guard below told that the mysterious gathering had
+not been discovered.
+
+Presently four men emerged boldly from the shadow, and arm in arm, and
+with unsteady gait approached the prison. In hiccoughing tones they sang
+a Spanish drinking song. In the bright glare of the moonlight the boys
+could see that they wore the uniform of Spain.
+
+"Pshaw," said Harry, in a disgusted tone. "They are only a lot of
+drunken Spanish soldiers after all, making their way back to the
+barracks."
+
+Harry was keenly disappointed. He had been confident that the strange
+movements of the men indicated that some action was on foot which he
+imagined Captain Dynamite was directing.
+
+"But where are the others?" whispered Bert. "There are more in the
+shadow."
+
+"Probably waiting a chance to slip into the barracks without attracting
+too much attention from their officers."
+
+The four men reeled on. The regular pacing of the sentinel ceased and he
+hailed the approaching quartet in a jocular way. They answered with
+thick tongues and coarse laughter. Presently they passed out of view of
+the boys, having come close within the shadow of the wall below them.
+
+Then suddenly there was a muffled sound as of one trying to cry out with
+a heavy pressure on his throat, the hard breathing of men desperately
+struggling, and then silence.
+
+The boys looked at one another in wonderment. What could it mean?
+Possibly a drunken squabble between the men and the guard. Now the slow
+pacing of the sentinel was resumed. Apparently the difficulty had been
+adjusted.
+
+"I think we might as well get to bed," said Harry, after they had waited
+for ten minutes without any further developments. "There is nothing
+doing to-night, I guess."
+
+As he spoke, the cry of a night bird sounded on the still air, but,
+strangely enough, it seemed to come from directly below their window,
+instead of from the air above. Almost immediately an answering call was
+heard in the distance, and then all was still again.
+
+"I am not so sure, after all, that those men were Spaniards," said
+Harry, as he turned eagerly to the window again.
+
+"Why?"
+
+"Did you hear those signals?"
+
+"I heard a bird."
+
+"I don't think it was a bird."
+
+"Listen; if they were birds we shall hear them again."
+
+The boys listened patiently for several minutes, but the sound was not
+repeated.
+
+"I believe they were signals, and--look--look! Isn't that Captain
+Dynamite himself coming out of the shadow further up the street?"
+
+"It certainly looks like him," gasped Bert, "but who is that with him
+and how does he dare to walk openly in the streets?"
+
+"It's the Spanish interpreter," whispered Harry, after a minute's
+inspection; "and--and Captain Dynamite, sure. Hooray."
+
+"Don't hooray yet," said Bert, wagging his head disconsolately.
+"Remember there are more Spaniards in the shadow there."
+
+"Yes, if they are Spaniards."
+
+"And see how closely the interpreter walks. Can Captain Dynamite be a
+prisoner?"
+
+"Not of that little man," sniffed Harry. "Look at the size of him beside
+O'Connor."
+
+The two men whom the boys had seen in the distance were indeed O'Connor
+and Villamonte. They came on through the bright moonlight apparently as
+unconcerned as if there were not a price on the head of one. And they
+walked as close together as bosom friends, but a pistol in the coat
+pocket of Captain Dynamite pressed closely against the side of his
+companion.
+
+"Now you are sure you know your part, Monte?" said O'Connor, as they
+neared the prison.
+
+"Sure, your excellency."
+
+"And you know what it means to play any tricks, do you?" As he spoke
+O'Connor emphasized his remark by jabbing the muzzle of the pistol into
+Villamonte's ribs.
+
+"Surely your excellency can trust me," quaked the interpreter.
+
+"Yes, under the circumstances. You also want to recollect that I
+understand Spanish, so you cannot fool me in that way--- and my finger
+is always on the trigger. At the first word or sign of warning off it
+goes. Now take that scared expression off and look pleasant; we are
+nearly there."
+
+At the door of the prison they were met by a Spanish officer, who
+received Villamonte with great deference and looked wonderingly at
+O'Connor, who wore his cloak and sombrero so that little of his face was
+visible.
+
+"Now you've got your cue," said O'Connor, in English, in a low tone, at
+the same time pressing the pistol harder into Villamonte's side.
+
+"We come from General Serano," said the interpreter reluctantly. "He
+wishes the American boys removed secretly to the government house, as he
+anticipates a plot to release them."
+
+The officer bowed and Villamonte and O'Connor passed into the jail.
+
+"Do you wish your escort to enter also?" asked the officer.
+
+Villamonte turned in surprise and saw eight men close upon their heels,
+but as he quickly noted that they all wore Spanish uniforms, he smiled
+triumphantly.
+
+"Yes," said O'Connor, in English, and again the pressure against his
+side brought Villamonte to his senses.
+
+"Yes," he repeated to the officer, and the men filed silently in and the
+door was closed behind them.
+
+"Now," said O'Connor, turning to the officer in command, and for the
+first time speaking in Spanish, "if you will kindly conduct us to the
+cell of the American prisoners we shall be obliged to you, and if we
+wish to please General Serano, haste is essential."
+
+The officer preceded them down the corridor, which was lighted dimly,
+and then ascended a winding stone staircase to the floor above. He
+opened the door of a cell and stood aside for them to enter.
+
+As Harry saw O'Connor's big form in the doorway he rushed forward with a
+glad cry:
+
+"I knew it, Bert, it's Captain Dynamite. I told you he would come."
+
+"Hush," said O'Connor, as he took the youngsters in his arms, much as
+one would two children and gave them a bear-like hug, "not so loud. We
+can take no chances, for we are not out of the woods yet."
+
+"It's the terrible Captain Dynamite," cried the officer in dismay. Then
+he turned and fled down the stairs. Villamonte, relieved from the
+pressure on his ribs, slunk towards the door. O'Connor saw him and
+laughed.
+
+"Run along, Monte, if you wish. I don't need you any more."
+
+"But he will give the alarm," said Harry, in a frightened tone.
+
+"No, I think not; but gather up your things, if you have any, for we
+must lose no time in getting out of here."
+
+"We've got nothing but what we stand in, Cap," said Harry, laughing,
+"and this old Spanish uniform does not fit me very well, at that. Maybe
+Miss Juanita is through with my clothes by this time."
+
+"God bless you, youngster, they served her well."
+
+"She is all right?"
+
+"Right as a trivet and safe aboard the old _Mariella_ by this time,
+thanks to you."
+
+As they reached the lower corridor one of the men saluted and said:
+
+"We put them in there, sir," pointing to a room opening off the
+corridor, which was used by the officer in command of the watch.
+O'Connor looked in and burst into one of his hearty laughs.
+
+"Come here, youngsters, and take a last look at the valiant jailers," he
+said. The boys stepped forward and looked into the room. The four
+soldiers, gagged and bound hand and foot, were sitting with their backs
+against the wall, and facing them, and also bound in the same
+ignominious manner, were the commander and Villamonte.
+
+Harry could not refrain from gloating a little over his fallen enemy.
+
+"How about the glory of Spain, Mr. Interpreter?" he enquired. Villamonte
+scowled but did not reply.
+
+"Come now, boys, we must be moving. This place is pretty hot for me,"
+said O'Connor.
+
+At this moment some one knocked loudly on the door of the prison and a
+deep voice called in Spanish:
+
+"Open, captain of the guard; it is I."
+
+"Who is I?" asked O'Connor.
+
+"Open at once. I am General Serano."
+
+The boys caught the name and it struck terror to their souls. O'Connor
+smiled.
+
+"Is General Serano alone?" he enquired.
+
+"Yes; why do you keep me here. Open, I say."
+
+O'Connor motioned to the boys to step behind the men, who were grouped a
+few feet in the rear of the corridor awaiting instructions. Then he
+threw open the prison door and stood back for General Serano to enter.
+
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXII
+
+THE ESCAPE--VILLAMONTE AGAIN BEATEN.
+
+
+As General Serano stepped ever the threshold of the jail, O'Connor
+slipped the heavy bolts and turned the big key in the lock; then he
+placed the key in his pocket.
+
+"Who are you, and where is the captain of the guard?" asked Serano,
+starting back in surprise when he saw O'Connor.
+
+"The captain is engaged at present," said O'Connor, bowing and smiling
+impudently; "what can I do for your excellency?"
+
+"Take me at once to the American prisoners. I have decided to revoke the
+two days' reprieve. Their sentence shall be executed in the morning
+unless they choose to bend their stubborn spirits and tell me for whom
+they are acting. They are not alone in this thing. Even now their
+friends may be gathering and threatening our outposts."
+
+"That is quite true, your excellency; it certainly is wise to take every
+precaution. Your visit was very well timed, as a few minutes later you
+might have found the prisoners out. They were just starting for a little
+airing. The prison is very close, don't you think?"
+
+Serano looked puzzled, and O'Connor said, in English:
+
+"Step forward, boys, and say 'How-de' to his excellency."
+
+Harry and Bert came from behind the men, and stopping in front of the
+general, saluted him gravely.
+
+"What does this mean?" demanded Serano, looking from the boys to
+O'Connor, as a suspicion that all was not right flashed into his mind.
+"Where is the captain of the guard? I insist that he shall report to me
+at once. And who are you, sir, who usurps the authority of the
+commandant here?"
+
+"I am Captain Dynamite, at your service, your excellency," said
+O'Connor, making an elaborate bow and doffing his sombrero so that his
+features were revealed to the now thoroughly frightened general.
+
+Serano leaped back and for a moment seemed dazed. Then his eyes fell on
+the eight soldiers standing back of the boys. His waning courage
+returned, and drawing himself up, he pointed his finger at O'Connor as
+he addressed the men.
+
+"There is a price on that man's head. Seize him and see to it that he
+does not escape."
+
+Not a man stirred. O'Connor, who had rolled a cigarette, turned to
+Serano.
+
+"May I trouble you for a light, general. There is no reason why we
+should not talk this thing over calmly."
+
+"Dogs," continued the general, stamping his foot, "why do you not obey
+me? Seize that man. He is a desperate outlaw."
+
+Some of the men jeered and others took a threatening step or two in the
+direction of the general, who jumped back into a corner of the corridor.
+
+"What plot is this?" he gasped.
+
+"Those are my men, general," said O'Connor calmly. "I should advise you
+not to be so violent. They do not like your language, you see. May I
+trouble you for that light?"
+
+Serano drew out his match box and held it at arms length, lest O'Connor
+come too near him.
+
+"Have no fear, sir," said O'Connor, who saw his perturbation, "No harm
+will come to you if you are wise enough to follow my instructions. You
+see, you are helpless. We hold the jail and no one will discover the
+plot until the watch is changed at midnight. Your guards are bound and
+gagged, and enjoying a siesta with your spy, Villamonte, in there."
+"Villamonte, too," exclaimed Serano, in surprise.
+
+"Yes; he was kind enough to secure for me the entree to your jail, a
+favor any one in town would have been eager to grant, I doubt not, but
+Monte was the first to present himself. Perhaps you would like to see
+him. You will find him in there with the others."
+
+General Serano walked to the door of the officers' room and looked in.
+He started back with an expression of anger.
+
+"This is an outrage on her majesty's soldiers for which you shall pay
+dearly, sir."
+
+"Let's not talk about pay between gentlemen, General Serano. I think you
+will admit that if it came to a settlement I have rather the best of it
+just now, and if I were so inclined, I could remove one of Cuba's most
+implacable enemies with one stroke of a machete. But I am not here for
+that purpose. There are others who will undoubtedly attend to that
+later. Now, all that I require of you is that you sit down at that table
+and write me a pass that will take me and my friends through your
+lines."
+
+"Never, sir. I will call the outside guard," and the general made a leap
+for the door.
+
+"The night is warm, general. Don't over-exert yourself. The door is
+locked and the key is in my pocket, and besides, if I should let you out
+you would only fall into the hands of more of my men. Your outside guard
+is also bound and gagged, and reclining against the wall of the jail in
+the shadow. The sentinels you saw on patrol when you approached the jail
+are my men. You see, there is no escape."
+
+"But the uniforms--they are Spain's."
+
+"Yes, they belonged to unfortunate men who fell fighting for your cause.
+We Cubans have quite a stock of them on hand. I think you said you would
+write that pass."
+
+"No, sir, never," roared the general, with a rattling Spanish oath.
+
+"Very well, then I am sure you will pardon a few liberties."
+
+O'Connor turned to the waiting men and said: "Remove the general's
+uniform."
+
+"What is the meaning of this new outrage?" gasped Serano, backing into
+his corner again as O'Connor's men started to execute his order.
+
+"Your uniform will serve as a passport if you refuse to write the pass,"
+said O'Connor laughing.
+
+"I'll write the pass," said the general quickly, and O'Connor motioned
+back his men. "My uniform shall never be so disgraced."
+
+"Suit yourself, general--uniform or pass--it's all the same to me. There
+is pen and ink."
+
+Serano sat down and with ill grace wrote something on a piece of paper
+which he handed to O'Connor. The latter read it and handed it back, with
+a shake of his head.
+
+"You will have to try again, general," he said. "Now write as I
+dictate."
+
+"Never, sir."
+
+"Your nevers come trippingly on the tongue, general. Boys, the general's
+uniform, please."
+
+"No, no, I'll write it."
+
+"Very well, but please to remember that I have no time for elocutionary
+exercises. One more never and off comes that uniform. I'll give you just
+three minutes to write this: 'Pass Captain O'Connor and his party
+through all Spanish lines and outposts.' That's right; now sign it."
+
+Reluctantly Serano affixed his signature.
+
+"Thank you," said O'Connor, with mock respect, as he took the paper.
+"Now there is just one more little favor that I feel sure you will be
+pleased to grant me, and that is to step upstairs with my men and see
+how you like the room the American boys have just vacated. You will find
+it quite comfortable. Our accommodations are a little overtaxed just
+now. Don't forget to leave your key at the office when you go out, and
+don't blow out the gas. Now boys, show the new guest to his room."
+
+O'Connor laughed until he was forced to hold his sides as his men,
+delighted with their task, roughly hustled the astonished and fuming
+officer along the corridor and up the steps. They heard an iron door
+slam and the men returned and saluted with grinning faces.
+
+"Always find it a good thing to let your men have a little enjoyment
+mixed in with their work. Come on now, let's say good-bye to Monte and
+go. It only lacks an hour of midnight and when the watch changes it will
+not be long before our little game is discovered."
+
+As he spoke, O'Connor walked to the door of the officer's room and
+looked in, followed by the boys.
+
+"Good-bye, Mr. Interpreter," said Harry, "what are the quotations on
+glory to-night?"
+
+Villamonte wagged the ends of his waxed mustache in an effort to speak.
+O'Connor laughed and turning to the door, unlocked it, and slipping back
+the bolts, gave a low whistle, like the one the boys had heard from
+their cell window. In a moment the answer came.
+
+"Come on," said O'Connor, "the coast is clear."
+
+They passed silently out into the night. The eight men joined their
+comrades and the next moment, one by one, they darted across the streak
+of moonlight and disappeared in the deep shadow of the building at the
+corner of the square. O'Connor stopped and looked around to see if they
+had been observed, but the streets were deserted.
+
+"Aren't you afraid that General Serano will yell through the window and
+give an alarm?" asked Harry, looking up to the bars of the cell they had
+so recently occupied.
+
+"My men never leave a prisoner so that he can yell," said O'Connor,
+chuckling. "We have about an hour's start, and if we make the best of
+that we should be well out of the woods before the escape is
+discovered."
+
+O'Connor walked rapidly and they soon reached the outskirts of the
+little straggling town without meeting anyone to question them. Now and
+then Harry saw dark forms ahead gliding along in the shadows of the low
+buildings or darting swiftly across patches of moonlight, and he knew
+O'Connor's men were within call. O'Connor, himself, walked openly, with
+a boy on each side of him. In half an hour they had left the last of the
+huts of the reconcentrados behind them and struck boldly out into the
+open country, the twelve men, at a command from O'Connor, falling into
+marching order behind him.
+
+In the dim distance lay their haven of safety: the dark, wooded
+foothills of the mountain that towered in black, ragged outlines before
+them, and the low-lying jungle at its base, within whose shelter
+O'Connor knew nearly a thousand determined men lay, only waiting word
+from him that his mission had failed, to move like a whirlwind on the
+unsuspecting outposts entrenched between them and the town.
+
+"We must be getting close to their lines," said O'Connor, looking at his
+watch. Then he turned quickly and put his hand to his ear in a listening
+attitude. At first the boys could not distinguish the sound that his
+quick ear had caught, and then indistinctly a faint, hollow clatter came
+over the plain from behind them. They strained their eyes but could see
+nothing that might cause it.
+
+"It's a horse--galloping hard," said O'Connor, and his mouth set into
+that straight line that the boys knew so well. "Lie down."
+
+O'Connor set the example and dropped on his stomach, with his ear to the
+ground. After a moment he raised his head slightly, and said:
+
+"I think there is only one, but it will be safer to get under cover.
+Crawl to those bushes and lie low."
+
+They all wriggled along the ground until they were partially concealed
+from view by one of the clumps of low trees and shrubs that dotted the
+plain.
+
+"Do you think they have discovered our escape?" asked Bert.
+
+"Can't tell yet," answered O'Connor, who was standing up behind a tree,
+trying to catch a glimpse of the rider whose approach was heralded by
+the vigorous pounding of his horse's hoofs. "I am satisfied that there
+is but one horse and it hardly seems likely that one man would set out
+in pursuit of a dozen, nor can I think it is a courier riding so hard at
+this time of night."
+
+The clatter of hoofs now became distinct, and away in the distance they
+could see a speck that grew larger each minute, until it took the form
+of a horse and rider. The course he was taking would bring him within an
+eighth of a mile of the party. As he came nearer O'Connor strained his
+eyes to make out the rider. The moon was getting low, but there was
+still light enough on the plain to make it possible to distinguish faces
+at some distance.
+
+On came the horse, and the watchers could see that his rider was urging
+him with voice and spur. Nearer and nearer they came until the foam
+flecks shone white in the moonlight.
+
+"By thunder," said O'Connor, suddenly; "it's the old villain, Monte. How
+did he get out?"
+
+"Who is it?" asked Harry, eagerly.
+
+"Villamonte, the interpreter."
+
+"Then the escape has been discovered."
+
+"Undoubtedly."
+
+"But what is he doing out here alone?"
+
+There was a moment's silence while O'Connor watched the panting horse
+come tearing on. Now he was almost abreast of the clump of trees, and
+even the boys, with their untrained eyes, could make out their
+persistent enemy, Villamonte.
+
+"He's riding for the outpost to revoke this pass," said O'Connor, slowly
+tapping the pocket that contained the paper. "They think that is the
+best means of trapping us."
+
+"It's all up with us then, if he gets there first," said Bert, "and we
+have no horses to stop him."
+
+"No, but we have something just as good," said O'Connor, turning quickly
+to the man behind him; "let me have your Mauser, Pedro."
+
+He took the rifle and stepped out into the open. Dropping on his knee,
+he raised the weapon to his shoulder and seemingly without aiming at the
+flying mark, fired. The boys shrank back involuntarily. Bloodshed, no
+matter how necessary, was revolting. Still, they could not help watching
+to see the result of O'Connor's shot. The horse pitched forward and
+rolled over on his side, pinning his rider beneath him.
+
+"Shoot the horse if he is not already dead, and bring in the man," said
+O'Connor, coolly handing the rifle back. Two men started on a dog trot
+for the fallen horse and rider.
+
+"Is--is he dead?" asked Harry, hesitatingly.
+
+"The horse or the man?"
+
+"The man."
+
+"No, there is nothing the matter with Monte more than a broken arm
+perhaps. I shot at the horse. I am sorry--I would almost rather have
+shot the man. But it had to be done."
+
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIII
+
+BACK TO THE MARIELLA
+
+
+Perspiration dripped from the drooping ends of Villamonte's waxed
+mustache as the men brought the discomforted interpreter before
+O'Connor. He had suffered nothing worse than a few bruises, but he was
+covered with dust and dirt and his expression was a strange mixture of
+fear and amazement. He could not seem to comprehend what had happened.
+
+"We couldn't lose you, could we, Monte?" said O'Connor laughing. "I am
+sorry to have had to deprive you of your horse, but you were riding
+faster than the speed limit. Now I think the safest thing to do with you
+is to take you right along with us. You seem to like our company. Pedro,
+bind the gentleman's hands behind him and slip a gag into his mouth. We
+cannot take any more chances with you, Mr. Interpreter."
+
+Villamonte, who knew that it would be useless to protest, contented
+himself with scowling at O'Connor and the boys. Then they took up the
+march again and met with no further obstacle until they were challenged
+by the outposts at the trenches. General Serano's pass took them into
+the presence of the officer in command, who looked the party over with
+some surprise.
+
+"You are escorting a prisoner, Captain O'Connor, I see," he said.
+"General Serano does not mention him in his pass."
+
+"I did not know that General Serano had to explain his affairs to his
+subordinates, sir."
+
+"It is a little unusual."
+
+"I should advise you to ask no questions in this matter. It is a mission
+in which the general is deeply interested. These two young men have been
+for some days his guests, awaiting an opportunity to get to the coast.
+This prisoner is a man of so desperate a character that it is not deemed
+safe to even grant him ordinary privileges. I dare not remove the gag
+from his mouth even while safe within the lines, lest some secret signal
+he might utter bring a horde of insurgents about our ears. There is a
+price on his head. General Serano does not mention him in the pass,
+captain, because of this. In the strictest confidence I will mention a
+name to you that will explain the need for extraordinary caution."
+
+O'Connor lowered his voice almost to a whisper as he leaned
+confidentially toward the officer and said:
+
+"Captain Dynamite is in this party."
+
+"Ah! He is the terrible Captain Dynamite?" gasped the commander, taking
+a few steps backward and pointing at Villamonte. O'Connor put his finger
+to his lips and said:
+
+"'Sh! Remember I have not said so."
+
+"I understand, Captain O'Connor. I am honored by your confidence. Pass
+on with your prisoner with what speed you may."
+
+The party made their way rapidly through the lines and within an hour,
+with O'Connor as guide, they had reached the shelter of the thick brush
+that separated them from the lagoon where the _Mariella_ lay.
+
+"Now, boys," said O'Connor, as he slackened his pace, "you are as safe
+as if you were under your own roof trees. There are a thousand men at
+our command lying within these woods and stretched from the coast to the
+mountain yonder. All of Spain's army could not fight its way through
+that line."
+
+"Why have we not been challenged by the sentries?" asked Harry. "The
+Spaniards might creep among them as we have done."
+
+"O, no, we are expected and our approach has been watched and covered by
+ready guns for some time. There are men now within ten feet of us. See?"
+
+O'Connor uttered that peculiar bird cry, which was answered at once from
+the bushes near at hand, and the next moment, as silently as an Indian,
+a man stepped out in front of them and saluted O'Connor.
+
+"Where is the general?" asked the captain.
+
+"At his headquarters in the clearing. He wished to be notified of the
+safe arrival of your party."
+
+"We will go to him at once. Take this prisoner and keep him securely
+bound, but you can remove the gag now. My dear Monte, you will kindly
+accompany this gentleman. And now, my men," he continued to his twelve
+companions, who still grouped themselves about him, "you have done your
+part well. I thank each of you for your fidelity. You can join your
+separate companies and present my thanks to your commanders."
+
+The men, as they passed O'Connor, shook his hand warmly. There was
+something about the man that made everyone with whom he came in contact
+glad to serve him.
+
+"Now, come on, boys; we will go to the general and thank him for his
+aid."
+
+"What general is it?" asked Bert.
+
+"General Gomez, bless him," answered O'Connor, doffing his sombrero to
+an imaginary presence.
+
+"Then we shall see General Gomez," said Harry, eagerly.
+
+"That ye will, and a fine bit of a fighter ye'll see, too."
+
+With O'Connor in the lead they pushed their way through the dense brush
+until they came out into an open space that had been cleared by axe and
+machete, but that it was no new rendezvous was evident from the
+directness with which O'Connor approached it through the pathless
+underbrush. It was about forty feet square and in the middle there had
+been erected a rough shelter, or hut, without walls, the thatched roof
+being supported by four poles. Under this, in a reclining camp chair,
+sat the grizzled old warrior, with several of his staff officers. He
+rose as they entered the clearing and advanced toward O'Connor with his
+hand extended in greeting.
+
+For some time they talked earnestly together, O'Connor making a report
+of his expedition into the town and the rescue of the prisoners. Now and
+then the old general would turn his weather-beaten face toward the boys,
+and in the flickering light of the camp fire they could see the
+expression of cold severity melt away into a smile as soft and gentle as
+a woman's. Presently, the conference ended, he stepped over to Harry and
+Bert, shook each by the hand, and then retired to the hut again, and at
+once began to issue orders to his staff. One by one they saluted and
+left him.
+
+"Are they going to attack the town?" asked Harry.
+
+"No, my boy, not now. Had we not appeared the attack would have been
+made within an hour. As it is, the general will return to Cubitas to
+continue his campaign as originally planned, and Captain Morgan, who
+moved up here to co-operate with the general, will return and cover the
+removal of our cargo. All that remains now is to take the old _Mariella_
+safely out of these waters and then we can say, 'All's well that ends
+well!' In the meantime, as I am a bit anxious myself to get away, we
+will press on and make the lagoon by dawn. Then you boys will have a
+chance to put in a little sleep, for, as our friend Washington would
+say, I'm not such a mucher at guessing, but I'll warrant you are running
+a little short of rest since your arrival on these lively shores."
+
+The boys were indeed completely fagged out. The reaction following the
+nervous strain and the excitement of the past few days was beginning to
+set in, and Harry felt that if he could once more climb into his bunk on
+the _Mariella_ he could sleep for twenty-four hours. Still, they pulled
+themselves together and struck out again into the bush close in the wake
+of O'Connor, who seemed to be made of iron.
+
+As they reached the shores of the lagoon the sky was just brightening
+with the gray dawn. The outlines of the _Mariella_ were dimly
+discernable. Bert and Harry, now completely exhausted, threw themselves
+at full length on the beach. O'Connor put his fingers to his lips and
+again that strange bird cry floated out on the still air over the dark
+lagoon. There was no answer, but in a moment the sound of creaking ropes
+could be heard, and then there was the splash of a boat in the water,
+followed presently by the regular sound of oars. O'Connor lighted a
+match and held it for a second above his head as a signal to the rowers.
+
+A boat's keel grated on the sand and Suarez leaped out and seized
+O'Connor's hand in both of his.
+
+"Glad to see you back safe, sir," he said, earnestly. "Miss Juanita and
+her mother are safe on board and I see you have the two young gentlemen
+with you, so we are all accounted for again."
+
+"Good, Suarez, and how about the cargo?"
+
+"Nearly all on shore. We shall be ready for sea again by midnight if
+Morgan returns to take charge of the removal on shore."
+
+"Morgan and his men will be here within a few hours. Keep the cargo
+moving; I shall not feel at rest until I get well out to sea again."
+
+Suarez turned toward the boat and the boys heard him mutter:
+
+"Petticoats always do knock the pluck out of a man."
+
+As they rowed alongside of the _Mariella_, day had dawned and the boys
+could distinguish Miss Juanita, Mason, and Washington leaning over the
+rail. Little Mason swung his cap and shouted in his joy.
+
+At this point Washington seized him and dragged him back, at the same
+time placing his finger on his own lips to indicate that he should be
+quiet.
+
+"O, bother," grunted Mason, "who's afraid now the cap's back?"
+
+Miss Juanita greeted them warmly as they came over the side. She took a
+hand of each boy and kissed it with a pretty little courtesy. Washington
+was so jubilant that he could not refrain from a few steps of a double
+shuffle on the deck.
+
+"Ah guessed Massa Cap'n Dynamite'd bring 'em all back all right, all
+right, an' ah ain't such a mucher at guessin' either," he said, with a
+wide grin.
+
+The boys, quite abashed by Miss Juanita's demonstrative thanks,
+stammered a few words in reply and turned to greet their eager
+companion.
+
+"Say, fels, tell me all about it," said the Midget, dragging them off to
+the forward part of the deck.
+
+"First got to go to the galley with George Wash Jenks and get some
+coffee and bite to eat. Ah bet you suah hungry, Misser Harry an' Misser
+Bert."
+
+"We suah are, Washington. What have you got to eat in there?"
+
+"Ah guess ah got some suah 'nough fresh doughnuts."
+
+"Oh, doughnuts for ours," cried the boys in chorus.
+
+"Also for mine, Wash," said Mason solemnly. "I may not be a hero, but
+I've got just as good an appetite for fresh doughnuts as if I had
+rescued the maiden all forlorn. How about that, Wash?"
+
+"Suah, Misser Mason, you get doughnuts too."
+
+"Very well, then, lead on."
+
+They followed the grinning and happy negro into the galley, while
+O'Connor and Miss Juanita joined her mother on the after deck. For half
+an hour they were busy tucking away Washington's doughnuts and coffee,
+while Mason waited patiently for the story of their adventures. Full
+stomachs and a sense of safety after a period of excitement and danger,
+however, brought about a lethargy that only rest and sleep could dispel,
+and with heavy eyes and weary legs they dragged themselves aft to their
+stateroom, and crawling into their bunks, fully dressed as they were,
+fell into a heavy sleep despite the disgusted protests of Mason, who was
+finally obliged to leave them to their dreamless slumber.
+
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIV
+
+THE ESCAPE FROM THE LAGOON
+
+
+When the boys awoke it was dark again. They had slept through the day
+without a break. Mason, who had been hovering around restlessly all day,
+poked his head into the stateroom just as Harry was rubbing his eyes.
+
+"O, say, you chaps, have you returned to life again? Do you know you
+have been pounding your ears for thirteen hours?"
+
+"Where are we, Midget?" asked Harry, yawning.
+
+"Still in the blooming lagoon."
+
+"Oh, yes, I remember now." Harry sighed comfortably and turned over.
+
+"Oh, say, you fellows; turn out. You have had sleep enough and I am as
+lonely as a cow in a strange pasture. You've had all the fun; now the
+least you can do is to get up and tell me about it."
+
+"Fun, eh?" said Bert, who had been awakened by the conversation. "I wish
+you had had my part of the enjoyment. More quiet amusement will do for
+me."
+
+"I am as hungry as a bear," said Harry, jumping out of bed. "If you
+won't let us sleep we must eat. Have you had supper yet?"
+
+"No; Cap said he was going to wait until you waked up."
+
+"All right; if you'll get a bucket of water we'll be ready in short
+order. I've got to wash up. I'm as dirty as a digger Indian."
+
+When Harry turned out he found his own suit, carefully mended and
+pressed, laid out over a chair. He gladly discarded his badly fitting
+Spanish uniform, and after a good wash, donned his own clothing again
+and made quite a presentable appearance as he walked out on deck, where
+he found O'Connor and Miss Juanita and her mother lounging lazily in
+steamer chairs.
+
+O'Connor jumped up and warmly welcomed the boys, and Miss Juanita
+insisted upon presenting them to her mother as "the brave American lads
+who had saved her from the vengeance of General Serano."
+
+"And now, youngsters," said O'Connor, as soon as they had blushingly
+acknowledged the warmly expressed gratitude of Miss Juanita's mother, "I
+know you are hungry and dinner waits. My Waldorf chef has done himself
+proud in honor of the occasion and George Wash Jenks, his assistant, has
+begged to be allowed to serve us. Let's get busy." He rose as he spoke
+and the boys saw that he had dressed himself with scrupulous care
+again, in a suit of light flannel, yachting cap, and immaculately white
+canvas shoes.
+
+It was a merry party that gathered around the cabin table, which, with
+its elaborate setting of crystal and silver, would have been a credit to
+any domestic establishment. Washington, in a white coat and apron, his
+face wide ajar with a happy grin, served them skillfully. After dessert
+had been cleared away and O'Connor had secured permission from the
+ladies to smoke his cigarette, Mason, who had been for many hours
+impatiently waiting to hear the story of his comrades' adventures, saw
+his opportunity, and rising and bowing to the company with his funny,
+grave expression, said:
+
+"Ladies and gentlemen, and our distinguished host: Little as I am
+accustomed to public speaking, I wish right here to say that I consider
+that I have been very shabbily treated. Fickle fortune robbed me of an
+opportunity to become a hero, and it looks as if I would now be denied
+even the poor gratification of enjoying the thrilling adventures of my
+brave comrades by word of mouth. I know I'm little and perhaps my suit
+would not have fitted Miss Juanita as well as my friend Hamilton's, but
+it was not because of my size that unkind fate singled him out for the
+hero part and left me not so much as an understudy. It was pure hard
+luck, and now I demand, as the slighted party, that the story of the
+rescue from the Spanish prison be told in the minutest detail for the
+benefit of the assembled company by those who acted the principal parts.
+Captain Dynamite, I leave it to you if it is not due to a disappointed,
+would-be hero?"
+
+O'Connor laughed heartily at the boy, who kept a serious and sober face
+during his harangue.
+
+"Your position is well taken, Master Mason," he said. "I propose that
+Master Hamilton begin the story at the point where he and his companion
+fell into the hands of the Spaniards."
+
+After some urging Harry told in an easy narrative style the story of his
+and Bert's adventures, to which Mason listened breathlessly, while
+Washington, who had been permitted to stand behind O'Connor's chair,
+alternately grinned and stared in amazement. The story of the misfortune
+of Villamonte seemed to amuse him greatly, and as Harry described his
+expression as he lay bound and gagged in the prison, the negro slapped
+his leg in glee, and for a moment forgetting himself, cried out.
+
+"Ah guess Misser Tree Card Monte not bother Massa Cap'n Dynamite no
+more. He, he, ha, ha."
+
+They all joined with Washington in his mirth, and in the midst of their
+hilarity the cabin door opened and Suarez, with a reproachful
+expression, looked in at O'Connor and waited for the noise to subside.
+
+"Captain Morgan's sentinels on the point report a light off shore, sir,"
+he said, as soon as he could make himself heard.
+
+"What sort of a light, Suarez?" asked O'Connor, without showing any
+excitement.
+
+"Probably a vessel's light, sir."
+
+"Very well. Call me if it seems to be making in shore."
+
+Suarez cast another glance at O'Connor that seemed to say, "Petticoats
+are out of place on filibusters," but he wisely refrained from
+expressing any such opinions aloud.
+
+Harry continued his narrative and O'Connor appeared to listen with as
+great an interest as if he were not familiar with the details already.
+Harry noticed, however, that every now and then he cast a glance at the
+door as if he expected Suarez to return. He had reached that point in
+his story where they discover Villamonte riding madly after them on the
+plain and Washington's eyes were bulging with excitement, when the door
+again opened and Suarez stepped in and saluted.
+
+"I think you had better come on deck, sir," he said, quietly.
+
+"All right, Suarez," said O'Connor, jumping up quickly. "Go on with your
+story, my boy, I will join you again shortly. Keep up the interest;
+you've got your audience in the proper mood now." With a light laugh,
+intended to allay any anxiety Suarez's words might have caused his
+guests, O'Connor left the cabin.
+
+Harry realized that some danger threatened them, but catching a
+significant look in the eyes of the captain as he left the room, fell in
+with his purpose readily and continued his story as if nothing had
+happened.
+
+"What is it, Suarez?" asked O'Connor, as soon as they were alone on
+deck.
+
+"She's headed in shore and directly for the inlet, sir."
+
+"Can you make her out yet?"
+
+"I have not been ashore, sir, but Morgan's men say they can only see her
+lights."
+
+"Lower a boat and let me take your glasses. I do not want to alarm the
+ladies by returning to the cabin for mine."
+
+"Women are a bit of a nuisance at such times, sir," said Suarez, who
+could no longer refrain from expressing his views, however mildly.
+
+"No, you are wrong there, Suarez," said O'Connor, who understood the
+mate's aversion to everyone and everything that was not working
+directly for the good of the cause. "They are only an incentive to extra
+caution, which you must admit is an admirable thing for me." Suarez
+shook his head doubtfully as he went forward to get the boat in the
+water and O'Connor laughed at his officer's crochet.
+
+A boat was quickly lowered and manned, and O'Connor was rowed to the
+point of land that separated the lagoon from the ocean. He made his way
+to a group of men who, in the shelter of some palm trees, were watching
+the red and green lights of an approaching vessel.
+
+"Can you make her out?" asked O'Connor, eagerly.
+
+"No, sir. We have no glasses. Perhaps you can tell what she is."
+
+O'Connor took a long look at the lights, which were yet mere specks.
+
+"I can't make her out yet," he said, as he lowered his glasses, "but
+whoever she is she must know the coast hereabouts pretty well to head in
+so close."
+
+He sat down with his back to one of the trees and his face to the sea
+and rolled a cigarette. He smoked calmly for ten minutes and then put
+his glasses to his eyes again.
+
+"She's a gunboat," he said finally. "Let me know in fifteen minutes if
+she still holds her course."
+
+He turned back to his boat and was rowed rapidly back to the _Mariella_.
+Suarez met him at the gangway.
+
+"Did you make her out, sir?" he asked eagerly.
+
+"Yes, she's a gunboat--I think our old friend the _Belair_, and if it be
+she there is no significance in her presence here. She has probably been
+cruising up and down the coast since we left her trying to solve the
+mystery of our sudden disappearance. But in any event you better prepare
+for the worst; but quietly, Suarez, quietly. We do not want to alarm the
+ladies unnecessarily."
+
+"Bother the ladies," grumbled Suarez to himself, as he went forward to
+carry out the captain's orders. O'Connor leaned on the rail facing the
+black point of land that hid them from view. Presently a boat put out
+from the shore and as she came under the _Mariella's_ quarter, O'Connor
+whispered:
+
+"Well?"
+
+"Only the red light shows now, sir," answered a man in the small boat.
+
+"She has changed her course, then. Good. Keep a sharp lookout and let me
+know at once if she changes again."
+
+"It seems to be steady, sir. I think she has come to anchor."
+
+"Whew," whistled O'Connor; "that's bad."
+
+The little boat put back to shore and O'Connor stood leaning over the
+rail in deep thought. Meanwhile dark shapes moved quickly, but silently,
+across the deck as the men took their quarters. The mate aroused
+O'Connor from his reverie.
+
+"All is ready, sir," he said.
+
+"Very good, Suarez. I think I know what her game is now. She's beating
+the coast for just such hidden spots as this lagoon. Get word at once to
+the men on the point to watch carefully for the approach of a launch or
+small boat. There is to be no demonstration unless they find the inlet.
+In that case let them see that no one gets out again. And Suarez, the
+machete--no guns. There must be no noise to tell the _Belair_ what has
+happened."
+
+O'Connor rejoined the party in the cabin with a smile on his lips that
+belied the weight of anxiety on his mind.
+
+"Now ladies," he said cheerily, "if Harry has finished his tale of
+adventure we will bid you good night, as I have to make ready for sea.
+You will occupy my cabin, as I have no doubt the boys will be quite
+willing to bunk with me in a spare stateroom forward."
+
+The boys bade the ladies good night and retired to the deck with the
+captain.
+
+"What's up, Cap?" asked Harry, as soon as the door closed behind them.
+
+"Can't fool you, eh?" laughed O'Connor.
+
+"I knew something had gone wrong, sir, as soon as you left the cabin."
+
+"Well, I suppose I might just as well tell you boys, for you will find
+out sooner or later, but I do not want a word of it to reach the ladies;
+you understand?"
+
+"We'll be as silent as clams at high water," said Mason, "but I should
+like to have it thoroughly understood that I am next in line for any
+hero parts."
+
+"There is a Spanish gunboat--the same one we had the little mix-up with
+coming down, I think--lying just off the inlet. I believe that her
+commander suspects that we have hidden away in some such place as this
+and he is beating the shore with small boats in the hope of locating
+us."
+
+"But what chance would a small boat have if she did discover us?"
+
+"If the boat crew discovered us and got away the gunboat could shell us
+out or sink us in the lagoon."
+
+"Another cheery outlook," groaned Bert. "I thought we were safe on the
+_Mariella_ and it seems that it is only a choice between Spanish guns
+ashore and Spanish shells at sea."
+
+"Oh, it's not quite so bad as that, Master Wilson," said O'Connor
+laughing, but with an anxious look in the direction of the cabin. "If
+they do not discover our hiding-place we shall sneak out all right under
+cover of darkness, and if they do discover it, we shall have to fight
+for it; but in either event we shall get out." O'Connor's mouth
+tightened into that straight line that indicated his desperate moods. He
+stepped over to the rail and fixed his eyes on the black shore of the
+lagoon. It was his usual abrupt method of closing a conversation, and
+the boys who were now familiar with his peculiarities, did not attempt
+to question him further.
+
+The tide was running into the inlet and the _Mariella_ had swung around
+on her anchor chains until she was pointed directly for the hidden
+opening to the sea. The boys left O'Connor to his thoughts and strolled
+forward. The sky was partially overcast and the moon, which had just
+risen, was almost obscured by heavy, slowly moving clouds. Now and then,
+however, it broke through a rift, flooding the lagoon with its silvery
+light and throwing the black sides of the _Mariella_ into bold relief.
+Not a breath of air stirred leaf or twig.
+
+"We are ready for action," whispered Harry, as they passed the silent
+forms of the men standing quietly at their stations. "They won't catch
+Captain Dynamite napping, any way."
+
+Near the fo'c'sle deck they found Washington at his post, a Mauser in
+his hand and machete and pistols in his belt.
+
+"Hullo, Wash," said Mason, "are we going to have another mix-up?"
+
+The negro grinned and bobbed his head rapidly at the same time placing
+his finger on his lips.
+
+"What's the matter? Lost your tongue again?"
+
+"'Sh. George Wash Jenks can't talk on fightin' duty."
+
+"That's right, Wash; obey orders," said Harry, as they passed on.
+
+The dark forms of the waiting men, the dead silence that hung over the
+steamer, and the tense air of anxiety and doubt that pervaded all began
+to have a disquieting effect upon the boys who, at first, full of
+confidence in the courage and experience of O'Connor, had regarded their
+situation as only remotely dangerous. For a long time they stood looking
+off at the screen of trees and vines that separated them from the sea,
+where the gunboat lay in wait for its prey.
+
+A black cloud that had obscured the face of the moon slowly passed over
+it, and again the shores of the lagoon stood out in detail, almost as if
+the sun shone upon them. Harry placed a hand quickly on Bert's shoulder
+and pointed ahead of them. There was a commotion in the leafy screen as
+if something was forcing its way through. The next moment the bow of a
+boat crept slowly out until its full length was visible within the
+lagoon. Another cloud began to draw a fleecy fringe across the moon, but
+before its darker center passed over the shining disc, the boys could
+see many black moving spots on the surface of the water, rapidly
+approaching the boat from behind.
+
+"We must tell the captain," said Harry, turning quickly, only to find
+O'Connor with folded arms standing silently behind them, watching the
+scene with contracted brow. He did not appear to notice the presence of
+the boys.
+
+"Now, quick," he hissed between his teeth, as if coaching someone in the
+distance, and at the same time the boys saw the black spots rise from
+the water, as many arms shot up and seized the gunwale of the boat. Then
+a veil of darkness shut out the dramatic scene as the cloud shut out the
+light of the moon.
+
+There was a sound of splashing water, a low cry or two and then silence
+again. O'Connor turned away and joined the mate, who had watched the
+brief spectacle from the bridge.
+
+"It was well done, Suarez," said O'Connor.
+
+"Aye, aye, sir; it was a neat job. Trust Morgan's men for that." The
+splash of oars alongside interrupted them and the sentries' boat
+appeared again. O'Connor leaned over the bridge.
+
+"Boat and four men captured at the inlet, sir," called a voice from out
+of the darkness.
+
+"Good; anyone hurt?"
+
+"Not a soul, sir. We were two to one and they threw up their hands when
+we climbed over the stern of their boat. What shall we do with the
+prisoners?"
+
+"Turn them over to Captain Morgan; and now, Suarez, when can we go to
+sea?"
+
+"Whenever you please, sir. The cargo is all ashore."
+
+"Get up steam at once."
+
+"Are you going to take her out to-night, sir, in the face of the
+_Belair_?"
+
+"If I don't take her out to-night we shall have to run the gauntlet in a
+hail of solid shot. It will not be long before they will suspect that
+something has happened to that boat. By daybreak the _Belair_ will move
+in. Our only chance is to get out under cover of darkness. She is well
+within range now, but we can get clear of the inlet with a bit of speed
+on before she discovers us, and if we've got to fight I prefer the open
+sea."
+
+"Very well, sir. Shall I heave the anchors?" asked Suarez.
+
+"You can't heave the anchors until you get up steam, man."
+
+"I told you we were ready for sea, sir," said Suarez, in a reproachful
+tone. "The _Mariella_ is always at your command."
+
+Fifteen minutes later O'Connor stood in the pilot house with his hand on
+the wheel. He looked back for a moment at the two sentinel palms and
+then he rang the bell for full speed ahead.
+
+The engines throbbed, the screws churned the still water of the lagoon
+into a white froth and the _Mariella_, with rapidly increasing speed,
+poked her nose into the green foliage that barred her passage to the
+sea. Branches and vines scraped along her sides for a moment and then,
+released from their impeding embrace, she forged ahead with a tremble
+and start into the open sea. The red portlight of the waiting gunboat
+gleamed in the darkness a few points off her port bow. O'Connor swung
+her head around until the light was off the _Mariella's_ quarter. Then
+he turned the wheel over to the steersman who stood beside him.
+
+"Keep her steady, now," he said, as he left the pilot house and returned
+to the bridge, where Suarez stood with his glasses trained on the red
+light.
+
+"No sign of movement, yet, sir," he said.
+
+"You have no lights burning?"
+
+"Not a light aboard, sir, except in the binnacle."
+
+"All depends upon the moon then. She'll hardly make us out against the
+shore. If the moon stays in for fifteen minutes we shall be out of range
+of her guns and we can outfoot her in a stern chase."
+
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXV
+
+HOME AGAIN
+
+
+Mrs. Hamilton sat on the broad veranda of her cottage looking wistfully
+out to sea. She was pale and languid from the weight of many anxious
+days and sleepless nights. Before her lay the treacherous ocean, now
+calm and peaceful, rippling laughingly in the summer sunshine. The white
+sails of tiny pleasure craft skimmed lightly over its placid surface,
+and in striking contrast to her unhappy mood, nature and the world
+seemed to show their cheeriest faces. The laughing voices of merry
+youngsters, the twitter of the sparrows in the trees, the soft notes of
+a girl's happy song wafted to her from a passing yacht, all grated
+harshly on her overwrought nerves. Day in and day out, in sunshine and
+storm, since Harry's disappearance, she had sat in a sheltered corner of
+the veranda and--waited.
+
+Mr. Hamilton stepped out of the cottage, and drawing a chair beside her,
+took her hand gently in his and caressed it silently.
+
+"There is no word yet?" she said, finally, without taking her eyes from
+the dancing water.
+
+"None."
+
+"And you have been unable to learn anything of the steamer,--the
+_Mariella_?"
+
+"All that my agents can find out is that she is apparently a tramp, and
+that she cleared from Boston for southern ports with a cargo of general
+merchandise."
+
+"And she has not been reported since?"
+
+"No."
+
+"There can be little hope then?"
+
+"We must not despair yet."
+
+"There could have been no mistake in the name of the steamer that picked
+them up?"
+
+"I hardly think so. I saw the captain of the steamer that reported them
+and he is positive that he could have made no mistake in reading the
+signal."
+
+"Then she should have arrived at some port long ago."
+
+"Yes; but these tramp steamers are sometimes very slow and it is not
+unusual for them to be many days overdue and turn up all right. I think,
+Mary, it is best that you should go home. This anxiety is killing you
+and the surroundings here keep you constantly overwrought. I have every
+point covered from which a report of the steamer might be received, and
+then, who knows, if Harry should land in the South, he might go West at
+once."
+
+Mrs. Hamilton shook her head and pointed out over the sea.
+
+"No, Edward, that is the way he went and I shall wait for him here."
+
+A boy on a bicycle rode up to the house.
+
+"Telegram for Mr. Hamilton," he called, as he jumped from his wheel.
+
+"Quick, Edward, it may be news from Harry," said Mrs. Hamilton, rising
+eagerly as her husband took the yellow envelope from the boy and broke
+the seal hastily.
+
+"The _Mariella_ is bound in," he almost shouted, as he passed the paper
+to his wife. She took it in her trembling hands and read:
+
+
+EDWARD HAMILTON,
+Cliff Cottage,
+Cottage City, Mass.
+
+  Tramp steamer _Mariella_ just reported passing in. Bound for Boston.
+
+WILLIAM COFFIN, Nantucket.
+
+
+
+Mrs. Hamilton sank back into her chair, an expression of eager hope
+lighting up her wan face.
+
+"Do you suppose that Harry is on board, Edward? Can it be that he is
+coming home at last?"
+
+"I hope so, Mary, but I cannot understand it. Where has the steamer been
+and why has she not been reported out?"
+
+"Can this be a mistake?" asked the woman plaintively, holding out the
+telegram.
+
+"No, I think not."
+
+"Then let us go to Boston at once and meet him."
+
+"That would be unwise. By the time we could reach there, Harry--if he is
+aboard--might be on his way here. It is best to wait, Mary, and hope for
+the best. In the meantime, I will wire to my agent in Boston to meet the
+steamer."
+
+With a sigh of resignation, Mrs. Hamilton resumed her weary vigil.
+Suddenly she started up with a new idea.
+
+"Edward," she said, "if she is coming in she will pass out there."
+
+"Yes, but too far out for you to see her, Mary."
+
+"Never mind; bring me the glasses. It will help to pass the weary hours
+of waiting."
+
+Mr. Hamilton brought her a pair of marine glasses, and rearranging the
+cushions behind her head with a tender hand, he left her eagerly
+scanning the horizon for some sign of a passing steamer.
+
+When he returned from the telegraph office she called to him eagerly:
+
+"Look, Edward, just off the point. There is a steamer."
+
+"Yes, probably a collier."
+
+"But she seems to be headed this way."
+
+"They go up the sound to New York."
+
+"But might she not be the--the----"
+
+"No, Mary; she would have to head out around Cape Cod to make Boston."
+
+"I know, I know, but perhaps she may land him here."
+
+"That would take her out of her course and mean the loss of time. Her
+captain would not do that."
+
+For fifteen minutes more, Mrs. Hamilton watched the steamer in silence
+and then she turned again to her husband, and said:
+
+"She is not going up the sound, Edward; she is headed in here." Mr.
+Hamilton took the glasses and scanned the steamer.
+
+"She does seem to be headed this way."
+
+"It is the _Mariella_, Edward."
+
+Mrs. Hamilton spoke in a low tone of deep conviction. Her husband looked
+at her anxiously.
+
+"You are trying to make coincidences fit your wishes, Mary," he said.
+"Do not build up false hopes; the disappointment will be too much for
+your worn nerves."
+
+"I shall not be disappointed, Edward; see, she is headed straight in
+now."
+
+"It is strange," said Mr. Hamilton, beginning himself to take an
+interest in the steamer, which was now certainly headed almost for the
+cottage.
+
+"Quick, Edward, the glasses; I can see people on her decks."
+
+Mrs. Hamilton rose from her chair as she spoke and almost snatched the
+glasses from her husband's hands in her eagerness. For a long time she
+stood like a statue with the glasses trained on the steamer, and then
+suddenly she took a white shawl from her shoulders and waved it wildly
+above her head.
+
+"It is Harry," she cried, sobbing with excitement, as she thrust the
+glasses into her husband's hands. "See, they have seen us, too, and
+Harry is waving his hat."
+
+Her overwrought nerves could not stand the excess of joy and she sank
+into her husband's arms.
+
+Mr. Hamilton carried her into a big room that overlooked the water and
+placed her gently on a lounge. When she recovered consciousness and
+opened her eyes, she looked up into the face of her son, who bent
+anxiously over her.
+
+"Harry," she whispered, her happiness sending the warm blood back into
+her face again.
+
+"Mother," he cried, seizing her in his strong young arms.
+
+When she was stronger they led her out to her seat on the veranda where
+she had kept her weary vigil, and she warmly greeted Bert and the
+Midget, who had just returned from the telegraph office, where they had
+sent word at once to their homes telling of their safe arrival in
+America. O'Connor who had come ashore at Harry's earnest solicitation,
+stood in the background talking with Mr. Hamilton, to whom he had
+briefly outlined the adventures of the three boys since they had been
+his guests on the _Mariella_.
+
+Harry took the big man by the hand and led him over to his mother.
+
+"Mother," he said, proudly, "I want you to know my friend, Captain
+Dynamite."
+
+"Captain Dynamite?" repeated Mrs. Hamilton, in wonder.
+
+"Captain O'Connor, I mean; they call him Dynamite because when you touch
+him off there's sure to be something doing. He saved our lives
+twice--once from the sea, and once from the Spaniards."
+
+"The Spaniards--my son, what are you talking about?"
+
+"That's a long story, mother. I will tell you that to-night."
+
+After much persuasion, O'Connor was induced to remain overnight on
+condition that all hands would dine on the _Mariella_. He went back to
+the steamer and sent a large boat ashore for his guests and no happier
+party could have been found that night than those who gathered around
+the table in the cabin of the old _Mariella_. Miss Juanita made Mrs.
+Hamilton's heart glow with the pride of a mother as she told of Harry's
+sacrifice to save her, and after dinner, as they all gathered on the
+after deck under the starlit sky, Mr. and Mrs. Hamilton listened with
+breathless interest as the various actors told the story of their
+adventures during the voyage with Captain Dynamite.
+
+It was long after midnight when all the farewells had been said and the
+boat that was to put the departing guests ashore left the side of the
+_Mariella_. As the sailors pushed off, O'Connor and Juanita stood at the
+rail, his big hand resting gently on hers.
+
+"Say, Cap," shouted the Midget, as they moved away, "count us in when
+you cut that wedding cake."
+
+
+[THE END.]
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of A Voyage with Captain Dynamite, by
+Charles Edward Rich
+
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