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diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes new file mode 100644 index 0000000..d7b82bc --- /dev/null +++ b/.gitattributes @@ -0,0 +1,4 @@ +*.txt text eol=lf +*.htm text eol=lf +*.html text eol=lf +*.md text eol=lf diff --git a/LICENSE.txt b/LICENSE.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6312041 --- /dev/null +++ b/LICENSE.txt @@ -0,0 +1,11 @@ +This eBook, including all associated images, markup, improvements, +metadata, and any other content or labor, has been confirmed to be +in the PUBLIC DOMAIN IN THE UNITED STATES. + +Procedures for determining public domain status are described in +the "Copyright How-To" at https://www.gutenberg.org. + +No investigation has been made concerning possible copyrights in +jurisdictions other than the United States. Anyone seeking to utilize +this eBook outside of the United States should confirm copyright +status under the laws that apply to them. diff --git a/README.md b/README.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..e072136 --- /dev/null +++ b/README.md @@ -0,0 +1,2 @@ +Project Gutenberg (https://www.gutenberg.org) public repository for +eBook #67215 (https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/67215) diff --git a/old/67215-0.txt b/old/67215-0.txt deleted file mode 100644 index 1c49b12..0000000 --- a/old/67215-0.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,8927 +0,0 @@ -The Project Gutenberg eBook of A United States Midshipman Afloat, by -Yates Stirling - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and -most other parts of the world 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. If you are not located in the United States, you -will have to check the laws of the country where you are located before -using this eBook. - -Title: A United States Midshipman Afloat - -Author: Yates Stirling - -Illustrator: Ralph L. Boyer - -Release Date: January 21, 2022 [eBook #67215] - -Language: English - -Produced by: D A Alexander, David E. Brown, and the Online Distributed - Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net (This file was - produced from images generously made available by - University of California libraries) - -*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK A UNITED STATES MIDSHIPMAN -AFLOAT *** - - -[Illustration: _THE BOAT HEADED UP TO THE BUOY_] - - - - - A - UNITED STATES - MIDSHIPMAN - AFLOAT - - _by_ - Lt. Com. Yates Stirling Jr. USN - - [Illustration] - - Illustrated _by_ Ralph L. Boyer - - THE PENN PUBLISHING - COMPANY PHILADELPHIA - MCMVIII - - - - - COPYRIGHT - 1908 BY - THE PENN - PUBLISHING - COMPANY - - [Illustration] - - - - -Contents - - - I ENEMY OR FRIEND 7 - - II UNDER ARREST 21 - - III THE TRACK MEET 38 - - IV THE FACE IN THE LOCKET 56 - - V HURRIED ORDERS 71 - - VI SECRET SERVICE 87 - - VII AN IMPORTANT DISCOVERY 100 - - VIII PRISONERS 118 - - IX A TERRIBLE PREDICAMENT 141 - - X THE SCENE CHANGES 161 - - XI A NAVAL ENGAGEMENT 185 - - XII CAPTAIN GARCIA’S STRATEGY 204 - - XIII LAZAR’S CUNNING 224 - - XIV THE HOUSE ON LA MESA 243 - - XV THE DEFENSE 258 - - XVI THE ASSAULT 277 - - XVII THE ACCUSATION 295 - - XVIII AN IMPORTANT WITNESS 311 - - XIX THE COURT MARTIAL 326 - - XX THE SEARCH 339 - - XXI CONCLUSION 364 - - - - -Illustrations - - - PAGE - - THE BOAT HEADED UP TO THE BUOY _Frontispiece_ - - “WELL?” HE INQUIRED, COLDLY 76 - - HE FOUND A CONVENIENT AIR PORT 98 - - THE THREE PRISONERS RUSHED THROUGH THE FLAMES 163 - - “YOU SEIZED ONLY A CARGO OF ROCKS” 241 - - “DO YOU REFUSE?” HE CRIED, HOARSELY 289 - - THE DOOR OF THE ROOM OPENED SUDDENLY 351 - - - - -A United States Midshipman Afloat - - - - -CHAPTER I - -ENEMY OR FRIEND - - -The Navy-Yard at Brooklyn buzzed with its daily turmoil of labor. It -was a bright June morning, and the high chimneys of the numerous shops -and foundries belched forth flame and smoke. Thousands of begrimed -workmen toiled incessantly, hammering, bending and riveting masses of -metal, fashioning them into shape to be carried by the steam cranes to -be blended into the hulls of waiting battle-ships. - -Through this scene of activity two boys walked briskly. Their clothing -was new and in the latest style. It clung to their well set up figures, -betraying the hand of the military tailor. Each carried a bright -leather suitcase to the top of which a cased sword was strapped. - -Emerging from the tangle of buildings, the youths glanced about, and an -exclamation of pleasure escaped them as a view of their nation’s sea -power met their eyes: ten huge battle-ships resplendent in their glassy -white and contrasting buff paint lay tied up, filling every foot of the -dock frontage. - -“Which is ours, Phil?” asked one of the youths, stopping and setting -his case down with a sigh of relief. - -Philip Perry, as he slowly shifted his bag to his other hand, glanced -down the long line of stately defenders. - -“There she is, Syd,” he finally replied, pointing his free hand in the -direction of one moored at the foot of the street. “The one with three -smoke-stacks and eight turrets. What a beauty she is!” - -Philip Perry and Sydney Monroe were the names stenciled in bold type on -the new traveling bags, and underneath the names in smaller capitals -were the letters: U. S. N. - -Any one familiar with the navy could have told by a glance that they -were midshipmen, just graduated from the Naval Academy at Annapolis -and in the distribution of their class to the many ships of the navy, -these two had received orders and were on their way to report for duty -on board one of the powerful battle-ships lying directly before them. - -The four years’ course of study at Annapolis had filled their minds -with a store of wisdom, and the rigorous outdoor drills had given -to their bodies suppleness and strength. They were a sample of the -finished output of the Naval National Academy. - -The picturesque life on the ocean would give them ample opportunity -to benefit themselves and put to good use their stored-up knowledge. -They were on the threshold of a new era, in which their character and -professional worth would be valued by the success achieved. - -As they walked in silence toward their future home, their minds dwelt -on the vast intricacies of this creation of steel, but these thoughts -were quickly forgotten as they stepped over the side of the U. S. S. -“Connecticut” and reported their arrival to the officer of the deck. - -They were wrapped in wonder at the work of getting a battle-ship ready -for sea. Ammunition and stores were being taken on board from huge -cargo barges with lightning rapidity by hundreds of strong bronzed -sailormen. All was activity. The dockyard had completed its work on the -steel hull and all hands seemed eager to breathe once more the pure air -of the sea. - -Five minutes later they were grasping the welcoming hands of their -future messmates--those midshipmen who had been graduated from -Annapolis one short year ago, yet had mastered the mystery of many -things which to the newcomers were as an unopened book. - -“The captain will see you both as soon as you are ready, sir,” the -marine orderly reported to Phil. - -Donning their bright new uniforms, which had been the sole contents of -their valises, and buckling on their swords, they were ushered into the -captain’s spacious quarters. - -They found him brusque and businesslike. A hand to each in turn, with a -firm manly pressure: - -“Glad to have you with us;” then to the attentive orderly: - -“Show these gentlemen to the executive officer,” and the ordeal was -over. - -Phil and Sydney had no time for conversation during the next twenty -minutes, while they found themselves hurried through the rounds of -official formality and then sent to their quarters to unpack and be -ready for immediate duty. - -“They gave me no choice of a roommate, did they, Syd?” said Phil, ten -minutes later, as he dived into his trunk and commenced to toss his -belongings on to his bunk to have them more handy to stow into the -numerous small receptacles located about the narrow room which he and -Sydney had been ordered to occupy. - -“No, they didn’t,” answered Sydney, with a grin, “but we have stood -each other for four years; I guess we can do it for two more.” - -The last of their belongings was scarcely stowed when a servant -announced that the midday meal was ready in the mess room. - -They entered and were greeted by more of their former schoolmates. Phil -found his seat next to Marshall, an old friend of Annapolis days, who -was anxious to give him all the tips possible on what he could expect -in his daily life on a battle-ship. Phil listened intently while he -breathlessly recited all the gems of wisdom that came into his head: - -“You are in Lazar’s division. It’s a crackerjack, too; you’ve got -your work cut out for you. He’s a hustler. He isn’t much liked by the -middies because he ‘horses’ us so much, but the captain swears by him. -Beaty--you remember old ‘Pike’?--he had your job, but I guess Lazar was -too many for him. We sent him to the hospital with nerves a week ago. -Some of the fellows saw him yesterday, doing the gentleman act there, -looking as pink and fresh as a girl. Hope you will manage all right.” - -Phil tried to look cheerful, but Marshall’s quick eye detected -something wrong. - -“Do you know Lazar? of course you were at the Academy with him, but----” - -He stopped and glanced hurriedly into Phil’s face, then dropped his -voice: - -“Why, it was you that fought him. How unfortunate!” Then musingly, “He -is not the man to forget.” - -“I can’t believe that he would allow a boy’s quarrel--remember, that -was nearly four years ago--to influence his feelings for me now,” -answered Phil, gaining but scant comfort from his own words. - -He remembered how bitter Lazar had been in his relations to him the few -months before the older man graduated and left him in peace. He was but -a plebe then. Well, the future would tell. - -As soon as the short meal was over Phil went to his room and changed -his uniform, donning the oldest he owned, but the bright lace and -lustrous braid was in great contrast to the uniforms of those officers -and midshipmen who had received their baptism of salt spray, in the -year at sea on board the battle-ship, cruising and drilling until their -ship was considered to be in efficient condition to join the fleet and -compete in all the drills and games that go to make up the very full -itinerary of the sailor’s life afloat. - -Sydney came in full of enthusiasm, having seen his divisional officer -and obtained an idea of what he had to do. - -“I have a fine job,” he cried, as he threw his coat on his bunk and -started to get out his older clothes. “Four seven-inch guns, all my -own; Lieutenant Brand says if I don’t make all hits at target practice, -he won’t give me a two-five----” - -Then, stopping and catching sight of his chum’s face in the mirror back -of the washstand: - -“Whatever is wrong, Phil?” he exclaimed anxiously. “You look as glum as -an oyster.” - -Phil hesitated. Should he confide in his roommate of Annapolis days? Or -should he fight it out alone? He felt it was a situation needing every -ounce of his manhood and tact. What harm could be done by asking Syd’s -friendly advice? - -“I have great misgivings, Syd,” he commenced cautiously. “I was -prepared for almost anything, but Lazar for my divisional officer had -never occurred to me. Do you blame me for looking and feeling glum?” - -Sydney’s joyous face became serious in an instant. - -“That’s certainly hard luck. Why couldn’t I have been assigned to his -division instead of you?” exclaimed he, generously. “I never liked him, -but he doesn’t know me from an old shoe, and he has a good reason to -know you.” Then, reminiscently, “I can remember his face after your -fight with him as plainly as if it were yesterday; the referee called -it a draw, but every one knew that you had the better of the fight. He -was in the hospital for a week until his face healed up, while you were -in ranks at the next formation, with no more marks than I give myself -daily shaving.” - -“Do you believe he has forgotten, or at least forgiven?” asked Phil. - -“You or I would have long ago,” replied Sydney thoughtfully, “but Lazar -always seemed so vindictive to me; maybe his Latin blood makes him -so. Jules Lazar is not an appropriate name for a forgiving nature; it -sounds very belligerent to me.” - -“You certainly are comforting,” smiled Phil, as he started to leave the -room to report to his divisional officer and find out for himself what -the outward signs of friendship or enmity might tell. - -With many misgivings he went up the companion ladder leading to the -quarter-deck. As his foot touched the clean white deck, he raised his -hand to his cap in salute to the flag. - -Standing near the great twelve-inch turret, managing the labor of -filling the spacious storerooms and magazines, was Lazar, the spy-glass -in his gloved hand identifying him as the officer of the deck, in -charge of the progress of work on the big fighter. - -Phil stepped smartly up to him and saluted. - -Lazar turned slowly toward him. His brow contracted imperceptibly as he -returned the salute of the midshipman. - -“Mr. Perry reports to you, sir, as junior officer of the fourth -division,” Phil said in the official tone he had been taught to use at -Annapolis. His eyes unwaveringly sought the restless energetic face of -his divisional officer. - -Would Lazar give him his hand? Phil was ready to believe that his -boyish quarrel and fight were forgiven. He waited what seemed a long -time while officer and midshipman each looked straight into the eyes of -the other. Neither wavered, and each seemed to wish to sweep aside the -other’s mask and read the thoughts behind the cold impassive exterior. - -“Aye, aye, Mr. Perry,” finally replied Lazar. “Get a correct list of -the division, and a copy of our station bills. You will find them -posted in the division bulletin-board.” Then glancing at the bright -clean uniform of the youth before him, “You had better put on your -oldest clothes, then come up here, and I shall give you something to -occupy you. You stand watch with me, you know?” - -Phil held his hand at his side ready to offer it at the first -intimation that it would be accepted by the older man, but Lazar did -not show by voice or sign that he wished for anything more than purely -official relations with the midshipman. - -“I am ready now for duty, sir,” answered Phil in a voice that, strive -as he could to hide it, betrayed a tone of disappointment, tinged with -indignation. Glancing down at his converted Annapolis uniform, “I have -no older ones,” he confessed. “I might as well break this in, sir.” - -“Very good; you will take charge of the work on the forecastle.” -Glancing about and motioning a smart-looking petty officer to advance, -“O’Neil, here, is in our division.” Then addressing the attentive -coxswain, “You are excused from other work and will lend Mr. Perry a -hand. He is our new midshipman, and is about to direct the work on the -forecastle.” Then again turning to Phil and dropping his voice: “That’s -a splendid man, he knows the name of every man on board. You will find -him a willing subordinate.” - -Phil saluted stiffly in Annapolis fashion, while O’Neil jerked his hand -toward his cap and in a businesslike voice announced his readiness by a -hearty, “Aye, aye, sir.” - -O’Neil led the way through the battery deck, the men engaged in work -there standing aside in respectful attention to allow the new arrival -to pass. - -Phil’s mind wavered between the decision that Lazar would give him -a fair showing, and the contrary one that he would make his life as -unpleasant as possible; and from the accounts he had heard of Beaty, -the midshipman in the hospital with “too much Lazar,” as one of the -midshipmen had diagnosed his complaint, he knew his new divisional -officer, by voice and action, could make the life of one he disliked so -unhappy that a cot in the hospital might be preferable. - -He found his work on the forecastle just what he needed to keep his -mind off his troubles, and in the language of O’Neil: “he made good,” -as he encouraged, directed and helped the men handle the bulky packages. - -“That’s a fine young gentleman,” O’Neil confided to a brother petty -officer, as he watched Phil put his shoulder against a twelve-inch -shell and guide it clear of an iron hatch top. “Do you see the way the -boys are working? As if they were to get shore leave at the end of this -job. It’s a pity to see him spoil them bright new clothes, but when I -tried to help him he told me he wanted exercise.” - -Phil had found his thoughts very unpleasant companions as he had -watched the work progress, and now doing the manual labor of a leading -man, he had forgotten, for the time at least, the sombre reflections -that had, like spectres, come into his mind. - -Would this man attempt to ruin him? And could he do so if he so wished? - -He considered going to the captain and asking to be assigned to another -division, stating his reasons, but he saw immediately how childish it -would seem to that busy officer. A boys’ quarrel, long ago forgotten, -he would call it. - -Phil wished it were so. - - - - -CHAPTER II - -UNDER ARREST - - -Phil awakened the next morning at an early hour. Hurriedly dressing, he -went on deck. - -His sleep had refreshed him and his mind was less ready to dwell on the -dark side of his life on board ship. He believed when he and Lazar had -become better acquainted the old grudge would be overshadowed in the -intimacy of the life on the ocean. - -With muster-roll and station bills neatly copied in his note-books, he -was impatient for the bugle to sound the call to “quarters,” when he -would meet his division for the first time. - -He watched with interest the scene about him. Petty officers and men -were busily engaged putting the finishing touches to the clean deck -and bright brass work of the vessel. Others were using a clothes-brush -carefully on their neatly fitting blue uniforms or giving a parting -rub to their broad shoes. The gunners’ mates guarded their huge guns -jealously, occasionally rubbing an imaginary spot of rust or dirt. - -While the bugle call was being sounded on each of the many decks, he -was an interested spectator of the magic effect of the clear notes. -Confusion seemed to melt away into the most perfect order as men took -their places in ranks abreast the guns they served. - -Lazar stood facing his division,--fifty well set up, youthful men. Back -of him were the turret guns for which his division formed the crews. -Across the deck the marine guard was paraded, the military bearing of -the soldier-sailors contrasting with the easy pose of the picturesque -sailormen about them. - -The executive officer was at his station across the deck from Lazar. - -Such is the formation for quarters on board a war-ship of the navy. -Each divisional officer musters his men, inspecting carefully, in order -that the standard of neatness may be maintained. He then reports the -result to the executive officer, receives his orders for drill and -returns to his station. - -Upon the completion of muster the captain will be informed of the -number of absentees and then this report is signaled to the flag-ship. - -Upon such a scene Phil gazed for the first time as an officer and -thrilled to the impressive ceremony. He stood at “attention” on the -right of the division. - -Lazar, muster-book in hand, glanced along the double line of men until -his eyes rested on his midshipman. The precision in the attitude of -his junior caught his eye. His glance wavered and the slightest of -sneers appeared on his face. For the fraction of a second he seemed to -hesitate, then words that brought the blush of shame and anger to the -face of the unsuspecting boy struck harshly upon his ears: - -“Mr. Perry, I gave you the credit for knowing that at quarters all -officers must wear sword and gloves. Go below, sir, and get yourself in -proper uniform.” - -Phil stood motionless. He was stunned for the moment, not so much by -the words as by the scorn in his voice. - -Almost overcome with confusion and embarrassment, he turned away and -hastily descended the ladder to the deck below. - -Once more in his room he found his sword and gloves where he had placed -them but ten minutes before the call to quarters. Then had come a call -to the executive officer, and once on deck all save the scene about -him was driven from his mind. His own thoughtlessness alone could be -blamed, but the sneer in Lazar’s voice rankled. - -When he again reached the deck, the men had broken ranks and the sharp -pipe of the whistles of the boatswain and his mates filled the air, -followed in sonorous tones and in perfect chorus: - -“All hands unmoor ship.” - -The stout hemp lines and chains securing the battle-ship to the dock -were cast off, and like writhing serpents, hauled aboard by the lusty -crew. The two great propellers churned the muddy water and the war-ship -glided out into the crowded waters of the East River. - -Two handy tugs attached themselves to this unwieldy mass of steel and -slowly swung her armored bow toward the Brooklyn Bridge, spanning the -river like a huge rainbow of metal. - -“Let go!” shouted the captain of the war-ship to his tiny helpmates; -then to the attentive executive officer by his side-- - -“Slow speed ahead!” - -Quietly, the powerful engines started in motion the sixteen thousand -tons of fighting material. - -“Half speed ahead,” ordered the captain. - -The Brooklyn Bridge swept by overhead. The docks and shipping melted -into a confusion of masts and smoke-stacks. - -Through the harbor the battle-ship glided like a great giant, then -turned and headed through the Narrows for the open sea. - -The ship was soon well out on the Atlantic, the haze of the city melted -astern. The low lying coast of Long Island was dimly in sight on the -port hand. - -The two friends spent the remainder of the day in getting their -bearings in their new home, and when eight o’clock came were quite -willing to seek their bunks. - -It was midnight when Phil found himself by Lazar’s side on the high -bridge of the battle-ship, as junior officer of the watch. - -The wind, which had been light at the start, had increased steadily in -violence until now the vessel was plunging heavily into the teeth of a -moderate gale. Her powerful engines crowded her steel shod prow with -terrific force into the rising seas, flinging tons of spray on to her -high forecastle. - -Lazar stood with his face close to the canvass weather cloth, for the -protection of those on the bridge against the force of the blast, and -peered through the inky blackness. - -The responsibility for the ship rested upon his shoulders for the next -four hours. - -Turning toward the younger man, he motioned him nearer. - -“Mr. Perry, your duties are to muster the watch on deck,” he shouted in -Phil’s ear, in order to be heard in the roar of the wind; “examine both -life-boats; see that everything movable about decks is secure. We are -going to have a bad night,” he added, glancing at the angry sea. “Your -duty is to go in the life-boat if she is called away; but I shall not -lower a boat to-night.” - -Phil glanced in amazement at the officer of the deck. He could but see -the outline of his face in the gloom of his southwester. - -“Did I understand you, sir, to say you would not lower a life-boat -to-night?” he asked incredulously. - -“Yes, sir, you did,” snapped Lazar, “in this sea to do so would mean -sending seven men to death.” - -Phil made his way aft, to where the watch had gathered to keep dry -against the heavy seas of spray that periodically were flung over the -deck. - -O’Neil held the lantern while Phil called off the men’s names. Then -he and O’Neil climbed out and examined the life-boats, one on each -side, swung securely from their davits, overhanging the angry water. -Then Phil went on the quarter-deck and questioned the marine sentry at -the patent life-buoy. Every one seemed to be well instructed. All was -secure. - -“Keep your men from the side,” he cautioned the boatswain’s mate of the -watch; “we don’t want any one overboard in a sea like this.” - -“Aye, aye, sir,” replied the sailor, “there ain’t any danger now; maybe -when they hoists ashes some of them lubberly firemen may get too near -the side. But I’ll warn ’um, sir.” - -Returning to his station on the bridge, he sought the friendly shelter -of the weather cloth against the increasing fierceness of the wind and -stinging spray. The sound of flapping canvas and the sea breaking its -fury on the steel bow were the only sounds above the roar of the wind. - -Phil counted not the time. All was too new and absorbing. His thoughts -had turned to many things when his breathing stopped and his heart sank -as a terrifying cry from aft came faintly but clearly to his ears. - -“Man overboard.” - -He was rooted to the spot. In helpless consternation he looked to his -officer for instructions. A human being was adrift in this angry sea, -or maybe had been already killed by a swiftly moving propeller blade. - -As in a dream he saw Lazar grasp the handles of the telegraphs to the -engine room and signal “full speed astern.” - -There could be but one interpretation. Lazar would lower a life-boat -after all. - -Phil ran down the bridge ladder and swung himself nimbly out on the -life-boat gallery. - -There he found the lee life-boat ready for lowering; six sailors sat -quietly at the thwarts, while those of the watch had led out the -boat-falls. O’Neil, the coxswain, with his hand on the strong-back, -stood ready to leap into the boat. That they were doing more than their -duty did not occur to these stout American hearts. A fellow-being was -in danger of drowning--that was enough reason for them. - -“Shall I lower, sir?” the coxswain shouted to Phil as the latter swung -himself over the rail of the superstructure and stood by his side; “he -can’t live long in this sea.” - -Phil surveyed hastily the strongly built boat, then his gaze traveled -down to the angry sea beneath him. - -The engines were backing. He saw the heavy surge of the sea astern as -the propellers threw a powerful race current forward. Why did not the -order come? After the ship had started astern the boat could not be -lowered. Far away on the lee quarter the chemical flame of the patent -life-buoy showed a dim light against a background of troubled waters. - -Under the spell of one of those impulses that seem to take possession -so absolutely of the mind in times of emergency, Phil cried: - -“Lower away,” and he and O’Neil swung themselves on board the life-boat -as she dropped evenly and quickly toward the black sea beneath her. - -Phil seized the handle of the steering oar in both hands, motioning -O’Neil away. The boat shivered as she struck the lumpy sea. - -“Sit here, O’Neil, and hang on to my legs,” shouted Phil at the top of -his lungs, through the roaring of the gale, as the boat shot ahead on -her life-line, while with the steering oar he swung her stern in toward -the white wall of the battle-ship towering above them. - -The life-line sheered the boat clear of the menacing ship. - -“Let go,” shouted the youth. - -“Give way! Bend to it, men,” he cautioned, turning the life-boat’s prow -toward the flicker of light appearing periodically on the crest of a -wave and quickly disappearing down into its deep trough. - -Straight-backed and supple the six oarsmen sent the long, narrow boat -over the seas that seemed ready to engulf her. - -“Never mind me,” shouted Phil to O’Neil, bracing his legs firmly -against the stern boards. “Stand by forward there, we shall be at the -life-buoy in a moment.” - -O’Neil glanced with grave concern at the midshipman. - -“Aye, aye, sir. Keep your weather eye open, sir,” he cautioned. “If you -go overboard with them rubber boots on, you’ll go to the bottom like a -shot.” - -Protesting at the boy’s recklessness, he crawled forward and stood -ready to grasp the man if he were clinging to the life-buoy or yet -swimming on the surface of the angry water. - -“Can you see the buoy, sir?” shouted O’Neil. “It’s broad off the -starboard bow.” - -“I see it,” shouted back Phil, as he threw the stern to port and bore -down on the two flames still burning brightly amid the tempest. - -“Stand by to ‘peak your oars.’ Peak!” he shouted to the crew as the -boat with a rush was brought around and headed up to the buoy. - -“He’s there, boys,” cried O’Neil, joyously, as he leaned far out and -grasped a limp, bedraggled figure clinging to the life-buoy. The men -dropped the handles of their oars between their feet, raising the -blades clear of the passing waves. - -“In you come, my hearty,” cried the coxswain, as his arms encircled the -half-drowned man, and he lifted him from the hungry sea to safety in -the life-boat. - -Searchlights were now playing from the battle-ship. One beam of light -held steadily on the struggling boat, while the others swept fretfully -about as if they sought to pierce the dark water. - -As the midshipman struggled manfully at the steering oar, holding the -bow of the boat up against the impact of the powerful seas, Lazar’s -words seemed to ring in his ears like a knell. - -Fear clutched at his heart that he might by his disobedience send these -brave men to a watery grave. - -As long as the oarsmen could give the boat headway, he felt confident -all would go well, but some of the men were exhausted, and the sea was -ever increasing. - -“Steady, men! Give way together. This is for your lives,” he shouted, -as a white wall of water reared itself close aboard out of the -blackness to windward. - -The boat seemed to fairly crawl over the angry bosom of foam. - -“Stand by to peak your oars,” he shouted hoarsely. “Peak!” as the -monster wave curled over, ready to engulf them, and struck the bow of -the life-boat. She shivered to her keel and half filled with water, -then lay dead on the surface of the sea. - -Wave after wave swept over the half-submerged boat, almost drowning the -exhausted crew. Phil attempted frantically to head the boat up to the -battering seas. - -Casting a despairing look at his men, whose efforts were becoming ever -weaker, he read on their faces a look of hope. Throwing a swift glance -over his shoulder, he saw the misty form of the “Connecticut” loom up -out of the darkness, scarce a boat’s length away. He heard the whir of -her backing propellers; the dull boom of the sea spending its fury -against her sides; the rapidly given orders, and the scurry of shod -feet on her decks. - -A line whistled overhead and fell in the midst of the exhausted crew. - -“Take a turn with that line,” Phil shouted. - -O’Neil grasped the line and secured it to the bow-thwart of the boat. - -Phil braced himself against the jar of the tautening line. - -The boat rose and fell on the angry sea, in momentary danger of -splitting herself asunder on the sides of the battle-ship. The waves, -but half broken by the armored bow, swept over the struggling men. - -He felt himself grasped and held strongly by hands from above, and then -slowly hauled upward. He saw the whole boat lifted on a giant sea and -then swept wildly against the ship’s steel side. A crash of splintered -wood. Then all was darkness. - -Phil opened his eyes in his own room, with Sydney and Marshall bending -over him and a doctor binding up a cut over his temple. Two or three -times he attempted to speak, to find out the worst. He knew that -the life of every man sacrificed was caused by his impulse. He had -given the order to lower the boat directly contrary to the stated -instructions of the officer of the deck. - -He had not the courage to ask of the fate of his men. He had seen the -boat go to pieces with his own eyes, surely some of the crew had been -drowned. - -He could not stand the suspense a moment longer. He must know all. It -would be better than this uncertainty. - -“Syd, tell me what happened?” he whispered hoarsely. - -“All were saved,” Sydney answered. “We abandoned the boat, of course. -You were struck by a splinter as you were being hauled on board. You -are the biggest man on this ship to-night, Phil.” - -The joyful news made the overwrought boy tremble. He turned his face -away to hide his emotion. - -Greatly strengthened by the happy tidings, he put on dry clothes and, -despite Sydney’s offer to stand the remainder of his watch, made his -way to the bridge to report his return to Lazar. It seemed an age -since he had responded to that terrifying cry, but the clock told him -it had been but scarce a half hour ago. - -What would Lazar say? Would not success wipe away the guilt of -disobedience? What was the loss of a boat compared to the loss of a -human life? - -With a cheerful ring in his voice he reported his return to duty. - -“I was struck by a piece of the boat, sir,” he offered in excuse for -his tardiness. The ship had been on her course for nearly ten minutes. - -Lazar turned on him fiercely. His even white teeth gleamed under his -black moustache. - -“You can thank Providence, Mr. Perry, that you are alive this moment.” -His voice rose in anger. “A midshipman who cannot obey orders is a -menace to the safety of those under him. That you were not all drowned -was due to me, sir. I saved you by putting the ship between your boat -and the seas, and hauling you aboard like so much cargo.” Then in a -voice cold and passionless: “I have received the captain’s authority, -Mr. Perry, to place you under arrest for wilfully disobeying my order. -You will go to your room, sir.” - -Phil turned away without a word. - - - - -CHAPTER III - -THE TRACK MEET - - -“Brace up and don’t pull such a long face, Phil,” Sydney was saying in -their room after breakfast the next morning. - -“You are the boast of the ship, and the captain will not be severe with -you. You disobeyed orders, of course, but so did Admiral Nelson at the -battle of the Nile, and yet he was promoted for his action because he -‘made good’----” - -“Yes, but I didn’t ‘make good.’ Lazar ‘made good’ for me and he took -pains to tell me so last night. I would rather have drowned than listen -to his scornful denunciation of my conduct,” answered Phil sadly. - -“You are entirely too sensitive,” answered Sydney in a disgusted voice. -“If I had been in your place last night I’d have been proud of myself, -and Lazar’s scorn would be as water on a duck’s back. Every one is -for you, even Mr. Penfield, the executive officer. I hear he said at -the wardroom mess-table that he was of the opinion that you should be -publicly commended by the secretary of the navy.” - -Phil blushed with pleasure at his friend’s impetuous words. - -“Did he, though?” he said, brightly; then his face clouded as his eyes -fell on his empty sword rack. - -“The humiliation of the arrest is what hurts,” he added. “When the -captain sent for my sword I felt like a veritable traitor.” - -“There you are, sentiment again,” cried Sydney. “The sword is merely -a matter of form. You will have it again in a jiffy. I’m coming back -as soon as we anchor,” he added, buckling on his sword and hurriedly -leaving the room as the bugle call sounded, and the boatswain’s mates’ -hoarse voices were heard calling: - -“Bring ship to an anchor!” - -Throwing himself into his chair, Phil turned over in his mind the -various incidents that had led to his arrest. How could he answer -Lazar’s accusations? His only manly course was to acknowledge his guilt -and hope for the captain’s clemency. Down in his heart he knew he -would do the same again. It was cruel to stand by and see a man perish -without raising a hand. Yet Lazar’s judgment had been sound. For the -benefit of many it were better to allow one to drown. - -Alone in his room he followed the movements of the ship by the noises -about him. As the vibrations of the propellers lessened, he knew that -the vessel was near the anchored fleet and had slowed her engines. -Shortly, he heard the rattle of chain as the anchor was dropped -overboard. - -“Sir, the captain wishes to see Mr. Perry in the cabin,” announced the -orderly five minutes later. - -Entering the cabin, Phil removed his cap and stood with military -exactness before his commanding officer. - -“Take a seat, Mr. Perry,” said the captain, not unkindly. - -A few moments elapsed, then Lazar entered, and at a motion from the -captain occupied a chair next to Phil. - -Phil’s heart beat fast. The solemnity of the occasion awed him. His -hopes were ready to sink within him as he waited for the captain’s -decision. - -“Gentlemen,” the captain began, weighing his words, “Mr. Perry, in -deliberately disobeying the order of his senior officer, helped to -save an unfortunate man from certain death;” the captain hesitated and -shifted his gaze to Lazar. “If it had not been for the masterful manner -in which the officer of the deck, Mr. Lazar, handled the ship, placing -her between the helpless boat and the force of the seas, eight more men -would have been sacrificed.” Then turning to Phil and addressing him -directly: “It was Mr. Lazar’s high sense of duty that compelled him to -report your disobedience. What have you to say, sir?” - -Phil was silent. The captain thrummed on the table, as if impatient for -an answer. Lazar fidgeted uneasily in his chair, no doubt wondering -what defense the boy would advance. - -“I have nothing to say, sir,” began Phil in a low voice. “I committed -a grave error, sir. I have steered life-boats before, but the sea was -greater than I realized.” He stopped and glanced up in embarrassment -at the captain. “I am afraid, sir, I would do the same again, sir.” - -“Well spoken, lad,” cried the captain delightedly. He had prepared -himself for an excuse, so this straightforward acknowledgment was -extremely gratifying to the blunt sailor. - -“Bless you, boy, you gave me a few new white hairs as I watched your -boat. I never thought to see any of that crew again, but all’s well -that ends well, eh, Lazar?” he asked, turning suddenly on the ensign. - -“I feel I have done my duty, sir; the verdict rests with you,” answered -he, in a strained voice, in which Phil thought he read disappointment. - -The captain became grave, apparently noting the attitude of the -claimant. “That is all, Mr. Lazar,” he said in a changed voice. “You -may withdraw.” - -As the door closed on the ensign, the captain’s face again assumed a -kindly expression. - -“Mr. Perry, I cannot find heart to punish you for this,” he spoke -earnestly. “You were too impulsive and it might have turned out -disastrously, nevertheless it became you well. You have shown that you -are made of the right stuff; now let me see you fashion it into the -officer that you are capable of becoming.” Reaching out his hand he -took up Phil’s sword, and as he returned it to him, said: - -“Remember, obedience is your first duty.” - -“What did I tell you?” Sydney cried, shaking Phil’s hand a moment -later, as he returned with his sword. Then in an anxious voice: “I -don’t like Lazar’s attitude. He came out of the cabin a minute ago -looking like a thunder-cloud. He apparently was not pleased at the -captain’s decision.” - -“He may dislike me,” Phil answered charitably, as they entered their -own room, “but I believe so far he has treated me as he would have any -of us midshipmen.” - -The life-boat incident raised Phil to a high place in the opinions of -most officers of the ship, and the men were all devoted to him. He was -their favorite midshipman after that. - -This was the first time the eight big battle-ships of the Atlantic -fleet had been together since their winter rendezvous at Guantanamo, -Cuba, and good-natured rivalry between the ships in tests of strength -and physical prowess of their crews ran high. The admiral of the fleet, -a great believer in encouraging these pastimes, had given orders for a -track meet to be held on shore, and all hands turned to organize their -forces to win the pennant to be given to the ship that showed herself -capable of producing the cleverest athletes. - -“I have been pressed into service to get the entries from our ship for -the meet,” Marshall announced at the mess-table that evening. “It is -to take place next Saturday. We need all the good men we can get. We -certainly have a prize in Lazar; he has entered for all the short runs -up to the 440-yards. He held all the Annapolis records for them when he -was there, and he keeps himself in fine condition.” - -Phil had brightened up at the prospects for a day of field sports, and -held his hand out gladly for the paper to put down his name, but when -Lazar’s name passed Marshall’s lips, his face clouded and he withdrew -his hand quickly. - -“Syd, you should do something in the jumping line,” said Phil in a -voice of feigned indifference. “I shan’t enter; I’m not in form for -running.” - -“Are you crazy, man?” Sydney cried. Then turning to Marshall: “He made -a clean sweep last year of the short runs at Annapolis, lowered one -record and equaled the others. Don’t listen to him, he is only modest; -put him down for all up to the 440.” - -“No, no,” cried Phil earnestly. “I’m not going to enter, so that ends -it.” - -“If you have no more ship’s spirit than that, you can go hang,” replied -Marshall, much nettled at Phil’s stubbornness. - -Sydney allowed his name to be written on the entry sheet for several -events, but the sheet went back to Lieutenant-Commander Penfield, the -executive officer, without Phil’s name for a single event. - -“What’s the matter with you, Phil?” demanded Sydney, in their room -after dinner. “Why should you refuse when you know you are in excellent -condition and could win the majority of your races? Is it because Lazar -has entered?” - -“Yes, if you must know,” he replied in a tone of finality. “I’d sooner -stay away and retain my peace of mind. Our relations are strained -enough already. I have no wish to incur his further enmity. We would -hotly contest each event, and if I won, his treatment of me would not -be improved.” - -Sydney’s further persuasions fell on barren soil. Phil held to his -point and would not be moved. - -Great preparations were being made for the coming struggle. Enthusiasm -waxed high in the fleet, and all longed for the day to arrive when each -could test his prowess. - -The day of the meet finally came; the sun shone from a cloudless pure -sky; the cool sea breeze swept over the athletic grounds, invigorating -the hundreds of sailor athletes with its salty crispness. This was -an event new in the annals of the navy, and had aroused intense -interest, so when the lads arrived with their party of contestants -from the “Connecticut,” they found an audience had collected from the -surrounding country. The grand stands, erected by the carpenters of the -ships of the fleet, were packed to overflowing, while the field, which -had been turned into an arena for the many contests, was gay with the -uniformed sailormen who had come to cheer their champions. - -On a bulletin-board at the entrance to the grounds the lists of those -to compete in the several events was posted. - -So much pressure had been brought to bear upon Phil that he had finally -been prevailed upon to enter the short runs. The executive officer -and even the captain had upbraided him so severely for what they -thought was his lack of ship’s spirit, that he had, much against his -inclinations, allowed his name to be put on the list before it was sent -to the flag-ship. - -Our two boys stopped to read the names of the competitors. Many of -those entering were strangers, but an occasional name would evoke a -remark of surprise or pleasure from one or the other of the readers. - -Lazar’s name was in but one list, that for the 100-yard run, and Phil -wondered whether the latter had withdrawn because he had entered. The -next minute Marshall came rushing up to him. - -“Lazar is running only in the 100-yard. I suppose you noticed his name -is not in the others. I have just seen him and he seems confident of -being able to win the race. Now, if you can win the others and run -second in this short dash, we shall win the pennant hands down.” - -Phil immediately bristled. - -“Did he say I might run second?” he asked quickly. - -Marshall hesitated. - -“You know what I mean, Perry,” he answered knowingly; “after your other -races you can hardly expect to beat Lazar, but if you try for second, -you can get it. Don’t you see?” - -“Is that his suggestion?” Phil asked, his anger rising. - -“To be frank with you, yes, it is,” confessed Marshall. “He found that -the three races were being run too close together, so he scratched -in the others and thinks he is sure for the shorter run. It’s all -perfectly square.” - -“H’m, maybe so,” Phil answered shortly, as he turned toward the -dressing-tent to be ready for the first race in which he was entered. - -“‘Second,’ eh?” he soliloquized. “I’ll give him the race of his life -for first.” - -The races were run amid great enthusiasm as the sailors saw the -possibility for the winner gradually narrow down until the coveted -pennant lay between but two ships, the “Connecticut” and the -“Minnesota.” - -“You have just a half hour to rest up before the first heat of the big -race,” said Sydney, as he and Phil walked toward the hospital tent -after the 440-yard run. - -Phil felt the strain of his two races. He had won the 220-yards by a -narrow margin, but had been cleverly outstripped in the longer race by -a sailorman from the “Minnesota.” - -Sydney had acquitted himself with credit; he had taken second place in -two of the jumping contests. - -“You seem to be a hot favorite for the 100-yards, Mr. Perry,” said the -doctor, with a smile of admiration at the well-knit figure before him, -as he directed his nurses to rub the strained muscles to keep them in -shape for the final contest. “I hear the pennant lies between your ship -and the ‘Minnesota.’” - -Marshall came into the tent, and unabashed at the rebuke administered -by Phil earlier in the day, began his argument anew: - -“I know you don’t like Lazar any too well,” he said in an undertone, -“and because he suggested this, you immediately became angry, but let -me show you a perfectly fair way of doing it, without blocking anybody. -Say Lazar can win, then leaving yourself out of the count, some one -will run second. Now don’t try to catch Lazar, but keep ahead of the -man who threatens him and takes second place. If you overexert yourself -to pass Lazar you may give out and be beaten by two or three men. That -is surely fair in a contest between ships.” - -“But suppose I feel confident I can beat Lazar and win,” answered Phil -dryly. - -“That’s too much to expect, Perry,” said he earnestly. “After running -as you have it’s only natural that you cannot be in as good condition -as if you hadn’t run, and we must take both first and second place in -this last race to be sure of beating the ‘Minnesota.’ She leads us now -by nearly ten points. Can’t you do this for your ship?” - -Phil was silent. He believed the proposition as far as Marshall was -concerned was prompted solely by a desire to see his ship win, but as -coming from Lazar it was a slur on his manliness. The latter had hinted -at blocking off the fast runners, pocketing them by keeping ahead and -preventing their passing him, thus insuring a win for Lazar if he -succeeded in getting off quickly, which was his greatest asset; he was -the quickest starter Phil had ever seen. But even in the form outlined -by Marshall, although it might not be considered unfair, yet it was -unsportsmanlike and savored of jockeying. - -“I am sorry I can’t see it your way, old man,” he answered finally in -not an unkind voice; then the indignation he felt for Lazar blazed from -his eyes. - -“You may tell Mr. Lazar I shall run to win.” - -“Bully for you, Phil,” cried Sydney delightedly. He had listened -intently in silence, and was afraid he might be influenced by the -plausible arguments of his tempter. “I’d be willing to have the ship -lose to see you beat him.” - -The preliminary heats were run amid great enthusiasm. - -Lazar and Phil, with eight others, found themselves at the starting -line for the final test. - -Phil, in spite of the tax on his strength in his hard fought races, -never felt in better trim. The earlier races assured him that his -muscles had not deteriorated. As he stood with his body thrown forward, -hands on the ground in front of him, he vibrated like a highly tempered -spring. Every muscle was held in the leash, ready to be loosed by -his will at the discharge of the pistol. He wished that he might be -transformed into a knight of older times, horsed and about to “enter -the lists” with his antagonist. How he would delight to see Lazar’s -pride unhorsed beneath his charger’s feet. - -With these mad thoughts coursing through his brain he heard, as if from -far away, the starter’s voice: - -“Are you ready?” - -“On your mark!” - -Then a pause, followed by a loud report. - -As if shot from a catapult, the lithe figures darted forward--breath -held tightly, every face set with dogged determination. - -Phil saw Lazar dart two yards ahead of every competitor. It was an -enormous handicap in his favor, for it precluded a chance of being -pocketed either by accident or design. - -Phil strained his muscles to their utmost in an endeavor to free -himself from the mass of threatening, surging runners. If each ran -inside his chalk line all would be well, but on the sandy soil marks -were indistinct. He held his breath a prisoner. His old trainer at -Annapolis had taught him the trick. “A full breath at ‘on your mark’ -and another thirty yards from the finish. It’s all the air you need,” -were the words repeating themselves in his mind. His exertions were -crowned by finding himself within a yard of Lazar. The next danger -thundered three yards behind him. - -Swiftly they drew toward the finish. - -Lazar, running in his chalked lane, edged over inch by inch until he -was directly in Phil’s path. The man behind had now drawn up so close -to Phil that he could feel his hot breath in his ear. He knew him for -the little sailor who had beaten him in the 440-yard run. Phil was now -running on the left edge of the course. The runner behind him was in -the line that had been Lazar’s. If Phil were not to be pocketed he must -pass Lazar to his right and might thereby interfere with and perhaps -foul the plucky little runner from the “Minnesota.” Phil knew that if -the latter ran first or second the pennant would go to the sailor’s -ship. In all its hideousness Lazar’s trick flashed before Phil’s eyes. -Lazar would make him pocket the sailor or else be beaten by both men. -With the eye of a runner he judged the time for his full breath and -final spurt had come. - -Slowly he drew up abreast of Lazar; the third man was close at -his elbow. He put forth his full power. To himself his muscles -felt chained. He seemed fairly to crawl toward the finish. But the -spectators saw him draw surely up to Lazar--then forge ahead. Phil -heard a pistol shot, and gave himself into the grasp of a group of -sailormen. He knew none of them, but they all wore “Connecticut” on -their caps, and their faces were alight with pride and satisfaction. - -“Well done, Mr. Perry,” they shouted. - -He felt himself raised on a mountain of sturdy shoulders and heard the -triumphant shouts of victory. - -Then his eyes fell on the face of Lazar, likewise honored by his -delighted men. Amid the happy faces below him that of the older officer -showed only anger and bitter mortification. - - - - -CHAPTER IV - -THE FACE IN THE LOCKET - - -Sports of whatever nature were now by the order of the admiral -relegated to the past and all hands turned to for the coming target -practice. - -With the Atlantic fleet the days were now indeed full of hard, but -useful work. - -At eight o’clock in the morning the squadron would daily be under way. -Drill after drill followed to perfect the officers in handling the -unwieldy monsters, until even the ships seemed to have acquired an -intelligence all their own. - -Phil, standing his watch duty under Lazar, spent many instructive -hours. To see the eight battle-ships steaming at twelve-knots speed, -with a distance between the bow of one and the stern of the next of -less than three ship lengths, was a sight calculated to inspire a -feeling of wonder and admiration. - -One day on the bridge, while the squadron was engaged in maneuvers, the -real danger of this apparently simple drill was forcibly demonstrated. -Phil, telescope in hand, was reading the fluttering flags hoisted by -the flag-ship, calling out the numbers to Lazar, who was solving their -meaning in the signal book he held in his hand. - -Suddenly the battle-ship directly ahead in the column swung herself -across the path of their ship. Phil saw the “dispatch flag,” a signal -of breakdown, flying at her main masthead. The danger of a collision -appeared so suddenly that he was bound to the spot. He was new to such -an emergency. Lazar’s eyes were upon the ship ahead. His attitude was -alert, his face calm and his manner deliberate. - -“Port, hard aport,” he ordered, in a natural voice. - -The heavily-shod bow of their ship pointed fairly amidships of the ship -now nearly broadside in their path. - -Slowly, painfully the “Connecticut’s” bow, in answer to her helm, moved -along the length of the exposed and all but helpless white hull ahead. -The ships drew together with such rapidity that it seemed to Phil a -collision was inevitable. - -Such were undoubtedly the thoughts on board the ship ahead. The shrill -screech of her syren screamed across the water--a signal for all on -board immediately to close every door and scuttle throughout the ship, -so that in the event of a collision the water entering the wounded side -would be prevented from spreading throughout the ship and endangering -her buoyancy. - -Lazar’s actions showed not a sign of indecision. He appeared as cool as -if he were performing an ordinary maneuver of routine duty. - -The “Connecticut” cleared her prostrated mate and swung by her -swiftly--so close aboard that it seemed to Phil that they must have -touched, then she followed in the wake of the other ships. - -The boy was filled with admiration for the officer. He wondered if -he would ever be able to use such remarkable judgment and remain as -tranquil. - -The more he saw of the older man the more he regretted their common -enmity. As an officer he could not but command his respect. He was -capable and self-possessed under the most trying circumstances, and -yet, in spite of this enviable talent, he lacked the power of endearing -himself to those under him. There was hardly a sailor on the ship who -liked him. As a rule he was silent, yet the man who displeased him -awakened a tongue so bitter that its sting covered the unfortunate -one with shame and confusion. Those of his own mess admired him for -his seamanlike ability, but despised him for his cynical and abusive -disposition. He confided in no one, was friendly with none. - -With such a personality Phil found himself closely associated, both -in his duty on deck and also in the turret, where hard work was their -daily portion. Lazar was ambitious, and he spared neither his men nor -himself in building up such efficiency that the turret he commanded -could not be outstripped in its record by any other of its class. - -Phil had no real grounds for complaint. Lazar’s biting cynicisms hurt -his pride, but only spurred him on to further efforts to perfect -himself in his duties. - -“Come out with us, Phil,” cried Sydney, the day before target practice, -to his roommate, hard at work over some knotty problem. “You take -things too seriously. Let it alone for awhile. We are going for a row -in the dinghy, to the beach, and have a swim. Marshall, Morrison and -Hill are going. You will just make a crew.” - -Phil’s face brightened at the prospect, but remembering his work, he -shook his head. - -“No, I must work this out first. It’s very irritating. I know there -must be a way, but I can’t see how to do it.” - -“You are working entirely too hard,” replied Sydney, earnestly. “It -isn’t worth it. What credit does Lazar give you? He never has a word to -say unless it’s to correct a mistake in his sarcastic voice. It makes -me angry to see you slave for him. Come out with us and harden up your -muscles.” - -But Phil could not be moved. His interest had been aroused in this work -and he would master it before he gave in. - -“After all,” he thought, when the pleasure seekers had gone, “what do I -care for Lazar’s praise. He has taught me to curb my temper and I have -worked harder than I thought myself capable in order to be free from -his faultfinding tongue.” - -The problem was only one of many Phil had fought out alone, and he -finally saw the solution. Putting his drawings aside, he went up into -the turret to test his ideas practically. - -“Boyd,” he shouted as he reached the gun platform. - -“Here, sir,” answered a slim, active looking sailorman, the gunner’s -mate of the turret, emerging from under the guns, a number of tools in -his begrimed fingers. - -“Get O’Neil and come down below in the handling room. I have a scheme I -want to try.” - -“Aye, aye, sir,” answered Boyd with alacrity, putting his wrenches in -the tool-racks. “I’ll get him and join you in a second, sir.” - -He disappeared through the smoke hatch to the top of the turret. - -Phil glanced about him. The objects which to him three weeks ago seemed -so confusing were now wonderfully simple: the guns in their massive -steel carriages, the weighty cylinders with their internal pistons -and springs to check the force of the recoil when the guns are fired -and send them back again to their normal position without undue jar to -the structure of the ship. Here were the electric ammunition hoists, -reeling a stout wire about a metal drum and this bringing up the heavy -ammunition car with its burden of shell and powder from the handling -room fifty feet below, and placing the charge directly in front of -the open breech of the guns, to be driven home by the swiftly moving -electric rammers. Phil saw below him the twin motors which turned the -massive turret at the will of man. All these, to their minutest detail, -were clear to him. Did other midshipmen master as much in so short a -time? Was it not an advantage to serve under a man who could inspire -such a desire to learn, even though the craving for knowledge was -aroused by a determination to be free from his sarcastic taunts? - -Standing thus deep in thought, the stillness in the turret was broken -by a sound from below. It was faint but distinct. He listened with held -breath. It seemed to be caused by a file against a metal surface. He -could see nothing. The heavy iron shutters, built to protect the crew -of the handling room from accidents in the turret, were shut tightly. - -The sound continued, seemingly becoming louder. Then it ceased and a -metal object rattled on the deck below. It was so clear and distinct -that he thought it must be caused by Boyd in the handling room. -Doubtlessly he was already there awaiting him. - -“Boyd,” he raised his voice in order to be heard beyond the shutters. - -No answer. - -He called again louder. The sound of footsteps came to his ears from -the handling room. What could it mean? By Lazar’s orders no work was to -be done in the turret or handling room by any one save Boyd, and he had -just gone up the hatch, and if he were below he would have answered his -call. - -Phil swung himself down the ladder, through the scuttle in the turret -platform, then down a second ladder, and found himself in darkness on -the floor of the handling room. - -All was silence. - -Presently he heard his name called from above in the voice of Boyd. -What could it mean? Some one had been there but a second ago and what -had he been doing? - -“Turn the light on down here,” he called back. His heart beat wildly. - -The electric lights flashed as the switch was turned from above. - -The handling room was empty. - -A glint from a small bright object caught his eye in the shadow of an -ammunition car. He stooped down and picked up a gold locket. Could it -be a clew to the mystery? The thing was harmless enough in itself. - -O’Neil and Boyd quickly joined him. - -“Have you been doing any repair work here?” he asked the gunner’s mate. - -“No, sir, everything is right here, barring that shell car you were -figuring on,” answered he promptly. - -Phil held the locket in his open palm. - -“Ask the men of the division if any of them lost a locket,” he spoke -carelessly. “If one claims it send him to me,” he added, dropping the -trinket in his pocket. - -His experiments successfully over, he carefully surveyed the different -familiar objects about him. All seemed normal. - -“The noises must have come from the shaft alleys or engine room,” he -said softly to himself. - -“Did you speak, sir?” inquired O’Neil, hearing his low voice. - -Phil glanced up with the intention of confiding in his petty officer, -then changed his mind. - -“No, I was only thinking,” he replied. - -Arriving in his room he tried to dismiss the incident from his mind. He -still held the locket in his hand. - -“One of the men dropped it during drill,” he assured himself. But -instinctively his eyes traveled back to the locket as if it were a -talisman. A feeling took possession of him that if he opened the locket -the clew would be inside. But he controlled this feeling. It would not -be honorable to open it. - -He regretted that Lazar was away--on board the “Minnesota,” umpiring -her target practice. If he were here he would tell him of his fears; -then he could do as he thought best. - -“I believe Syd is right,” he said half aloud; “this close application -to work has gotten on my nerves. I take things too seriously. I hear -a noise in the turret, and the ship being a regular sounding-board, it -may have come from anywhere. Then why should I take for granted it came -from the handling room? And then I find a small gold locket which I at -once take as a sure sign that I am right in my conjecture.” Then his -thoughts became more serious. “But if it was in the handling room, it -shows that some one was there who had no business there, because when I -called he did not answer. Could any one wish to injure the turret gear? -Had Lazar an enemy?” - -For hours that night he lay awake revolving in his mind all the -possible phases of the incident and at last dropped into a troubled -sleep. - -Awakening the next morning he was in a state of mental depression. An -overpowering desire to open the locket came to him which he could not -refuse. He took it out of his bureau drawer and forced the tiny thing -open. A girl’s face looked out at him. He studied it carefully, then -closed the locket and threw it back into the drawer with a gesture of -disappointment. - -“I wonder what I expected to find there,” he said with a sarcastic -smile. “My nerves are in about the same condition as those of a man -before his first battle. I shall certainly be happy when it’s over.” - -“Mr. Lazar is in the turret, sir,” announced O’Neil, putting his head -in the midshipman’s mess room, while Phil was eating his breakfast, -“and he’d like to see you.” - -“We are to fire as soon as the umpires arrive, Mr. Perry,” Lazar -informed him as the midshipman crawled down through the scuttle and -stood by his side between the two big guns. - -Phil wavered in his inclination to inform his division officer of the -incident of the day before. - -“The umpires are here, sir, and the captain says you will fire first. -Let him know when you are ready to go on the range,” reported the -orderly, from the turret top. - -Phil found himself at his station in the handling room. The mystery was -still a secret. - -All thoughts of the affair were quickly forgotten. His mind was now on -the work of supplying ammunition from the magazines and shell rooms as -fast as the two metal tubes above could hurl it at the target. - -The shell rooms were opened and the big shells were brought out on the -overhead tracks ready to be placed on the ammunition cars, then to be -hoisted to the turret fifty feet above. The magazine doors were closed, -but the hinged metal flaps were undogged and men stood ready to enter -the powder magazines and pass the charges of powder through these -fire-proof flaps to those in the handling room, then to be placed with -the shell on the car. - -Standing surrounded by his twenty-four men, Phil waited the order from -Lazar to load the cars. - -“Mr. Perry,” Lazar’s voice came down the flexible speaking-tube. - -“Aye, aye, sir,” Phil answered back. - -“Are you ready?” - -“All ready, sir,” shouted Phil. - -“Load!” - -The cars were loaded and raised, and a second shell for each was -brought out, ready to be put on the cars as soon as they came back. - -“They are off,” Phil shouted excitedly, as both cars were hoisted with -terrific speed up the curved steel rails; the shutters between the -turret and handling room opened obediently to allow the cars to pass; -a glimpse of half-naked men above them came into view, then they fell -shut with a bang, shutting out the scene. - -A dull crash from above told those in the handling room that the first -gun had been fired. - -An empty ammunition car came down through the shutter, was quickly -supplied with its shell and powder and again disappeared upward through -the magic shutter. - -The firing above was rapid. The empty cars appeared so frequently that -the men below were hard pressed to prevent the crews above from waiting -for their ammunition. - -“That’s the fastest firing I have ever seen,” cried one of the men in -admiration, as he hurled a fifty pound powder bag accurately on to its -shelf in the car; “they ain’t nothing in the fleet can touch this.” - -“Hold on there!” - -Phil saw with consternation the car start up prematurely with but one -bag of powder, where four were necessary for a charge. It would have -to go clear to the turret and then come down again for the other three -bags, a loss of much precious time. - -As if he thought he might call the impatient car back, he watched it -gather speed to open the shutter. He saw it disappear and the shutter -close behind it with a rasping noise. Then came a crash as of a heavy -falling body, from above. The din of tearing metal filled his ears. - -“Stand clear, men,” he had barely time to shout, when the loaded car, -shutter and all, shot down into their midst, a hopeless mass of twisted -metal. - - - - -CHAPTER V - -HURRIED ORDERS - - -The accident came so unexpectedly that it was some moments before Phil -could find his voice. Then he realized there was nothing to be done. -The damage was beyond his capacity to repair. The turret was useless -for further service. - -He glanced, apprehensively, upward through the jagged rent of the -shutter and his eyes fell upon the angry, excited face of his -divisional officer. - -There was small reason to ask the trouble. The dangling end of the wire -rope told the story only too plainly: the hoist rope had broken when -the ammunition car was nearly at the breech of the gun, and it had then -plunged downward, with its burden of nearly a ton of shell and powder, -wrecking itself and the shutter. - -A moment later Lazar was in the handling room, viewing the effects of -the unlucky accident. - -Stooping down he raised the car end of the wire rope. - -“Cut half through,” he cried in a voice full of passion, “and by a file -or saw.” His disappointment was too keen to conceal. - -“All my work for nothing. The umpires will decide the accident against -me, and only half the firing over.” - -Phil felt sorry for the older man. He would willingly take the blame on -himself, if that could have helped matters. - -These charitable thoughts were however quickly stifled by the -humiliating words of his superior officer. - -“This looks like your work,” he hissed in Phil’s ear. “I have no way to -prove it, but it looks very black for you.” - -“I, sir!” he gasped. Then the thought of the locket and his secret came -to him. He stopped vexed and mortified. - -It did look black, indeed. - -Lazar gave him a swift glance of triumph as he turned away. - -Phil directed the work of clearing away the wreck and as soon as the -ship’s machinists had commenced on the repairs, he hunted up his friend -to make a clean breast to him of the secret which had grown in a night -from a mole-hill to the size of a mountain. - -He found Sydney in his room, washing the evidence of target practice -from his face and hands. - -“I made a fine score,” Sydney cried joyously, without looking up, as -Phil entered their small stateroom. “What on earth happened? Your -turret started out finely; every shot hit the target, then suddenly you -stopped shooting.” - -“Everything happened,” answered Phil, sadly. “The ammunition hoist -broke and Lazar thinks it’s my work, and the only way I can clear -myself is to get myself further implicated.” - -“Well, that certainly is Irish,” laughed Sydney heartily; then a view -of his friend’s face cut short his mirth, for he saw that it was -serious. - -“I beg your pardon, Phil,” he added soberly, “but your words were -droll. Tell me about it?” - -Phil unburdened himself to his roommate; telling of the noise that he -had heard in the handling room the day before; of his suspicions, and -of the fatal mistake he had made in not confiding in Lazar before the -firing commenced; then of the accident and Lazar’s accusations. - -“But why should he accuse you?” Sydney asked aghast. - -“I don’t know, but he has,” Phil answered, “and I was struck dumb. I -can’t explain to him now. It would only make things worse.” - -Sydney thought deeply. - -“Phil, the idea is preposterous,” he said decidedly; “he certainly has -better sense than to accuse you openly of this.” - -“That’s the worst of it,” Phil answered sorrowfully; “all he need do is -to cast a suspicion on me and then I must endeavor to clear myself of -the suspicion, and I can’t. If I tell what I have told you, those who -are ready to believe I am capable of doing such a cowardly act to spite -Lazar, will see all the more proof that I am guilty.” - -“It surely is complicated,” Sydney replied. - -Phil opened his desk drawer and picked up the locket, holding it out to -Sydney. - -“This is what I found in the handling room. There’s a girl’s picture -inside. It doesn’t belong to any of the turret’s crew, at least none -have claimed it.” - -“This was dropped by the man who cut the wire,” Sydney mused aloud, -“and this face may help us find him.” - -“You are so mysterious, Syd,” cried Phil impatiently; “how can that -girl’s face help us? There is probably no likeness between it and the -culprit. It’s the face of his sweetheart, undoubtedly.” - -“Yes, but the fact that her face is here will cause him to try to -regain it,” Sydney answered assuredly. - -“Do you believe that Lazar would recognize the face in the locket?” -Phil questioned. “I might show it to him without telling him of the -noise I heard before finding it.” - -“That’s what I was about to suggest,” replied Sydney; “the man who did -the act is an enemy of Lazar’s; he may recognize the girl.” - -Phil immediately sought Lazar. - -“Come in.” Lazar’s voice answered the knock on his stateroom door. - -“Oh, it’s you, is it?” he said discourteously, without rising. “Well, -what do you want here?” - -Phil was confounded. - -“I have a locket here which I found in the handling room yesterday -while I was working on the cars,” he began hesitatingly. - -Lazar took the locket in his hand, then glanced up at the face of the -speaker. - -“Well?” he inquired coldly. - -“There’s a face inside,” Phil stammered. “I thought you might know the -owner in that way.” - -Lazar opened the locket, and if Phil had not been so much occupied -nursing his injured dignity, he might have seen a flash of recognition -in Lazar’s face. However, when he looked up it had passed away and a -look of boredom had taken its place. - -“No, I don’t know her,” he answered shortly, handing Phil the locket. -“Is that all?” - -“That’s all, sir.” - -[Illustration: _“WELL?” HE INQUIRED, COLDLY_] - -Phil withdrew in some confusion, anger and mortification struggling -within him. - -“I am a child in that man’s hands,” he cried, as he reëntered his own -room. “Syd, he awakes in me all the instincts of a brute. I can hardly -keep my hands off him.” - -“Don’t let any one on board hear you express such sentiments,” Sydney -continued gravely. “You must guard your tongue if you are to fight him -successfully.” - -At evening “quarters” Phil saw Lazar in conversation with Captain -Taylor, on the quarter-deck. - -As he passed them he overheard, from Lazar’s lips, words that made his -face flush with anger. - -“I feel I can never trust him again, sir; his work has been very -unsatisfactory from the beginning. I desire to have him relieved.” - -“So that is the reward for my hard work,” thought Phil, despairingly. - -After quarters he hesitated whether to go and tell the captain all the -circumstances and endeavor to save his good name, or let matters take -their course. He felt that Lazar did not believe that he was the cause -of the damage, he only used it as a weapon against him. But how would -the captain act? Would he demand an explanation? - -These reflections were cut short by an orderly at his elbow. - -“Mr. Penfield wishes to see you, sir,” announced he. - -“Mr. Perry, the captain has directed your assignment in his office,” -the executive officer explained, as Phil saluted him a moment later. -“Your duty in the turret will be taken by Mr. Marshall.” - -Phil saluted and turned away. What did it mean? The captain surely did -not believe him guilty of the act he was accused of by Lazar, else he -would not place him in such a responsible position. He felt he had been -removed from the turret under a cloud, yet his promotion to the office -as secretary and assistant to his commanding officer took out most of -the sting. - -“Phil, you can dismiss it from your mind,” Sydney told him after he had -given him the good news. “Lazar has played his trump card, but he has -not moved the captain. He likes you, and of those we like it is hard -to believe evil.” - -Phil’s face beamed with pleasure. - -“Syd, I count myself, indeed, fortunate to have two such friends, -you and Captain Taylor,” he answered, lowering his voice to hide his -feelings. - -In two days more target practice was ended and the fleet once again -anchored at its base under the protecting wing of Cape Cod. - -Phil’s new duties kept his mind from brooding over his troubles with -Lazar and opened up to him a new side of ship life. - -All official papers now passed through his hands and the lad found -himself in very intimate relations with his revered captain. - -It seemed to him, sometimes, that there were some of his shipmates who -were less friendly. - -“It may be my imagination,” he thought. “I have not been entirely -honest and my conscience feels guilty for concealing my secret.” - -In the midst of these thoughts, the wireless operator brought him a -message, just received from the flag-ship. - -He glanced casually at the bit of pink paper, then his eyes opened wide -with excitement as he read the words of the message. - -“Prepare your ship immediately for sea. Destination La Boca, Verazala, -South America. Revolution in progress. Your confidential orders are -being prepared and will be sent over directly.” - -Hastily entering the cabin, he placed the message in his chief’s hand. - -The captain read slowly, and then rang the bell for his orderly. - -“Show this to Mr. Penfield,” he said quietly. “Tell him to make all -arrangements. We shall sail inside of four hours.” - -Phil marveled at the cool manner in which the captain had received -these sudden orders. - -After forty years’ service, he would understand that such orders as -these were too frequent in the course of a navy man’s life to cause -more than passing surprise. Captain Taylor had received orders as -suddenly to go around the world. Why should he show surprise at a small -matter of a couple of thousand miles. - -Phil took an important part in the preparations for carrying out these -sudden orders. Inside the allotted time all was ready. The written -orders and instructions were sealed in the captain’s desk, ready to be -opened and studied at leisure on the way south. - -While the “Connecticut” steamed past her seven mates, the marines and -band were drawn up on each to salute her as she sailed by, officers and -men waving good-byes to friends. Phil’s pulse beat faster. - -“This is a great life, Syd,” he cried joyously to his companion -standing by him on the quarter-deck. “Who of us thought ten hours ago -that this evening would see us bound for South America.” - -The next morning Captain Taylor and Mr. Penfield sat at the cabin -table, reading and discussing the import of the lengthy written -instructions from the Navy Department and admiral. - -Phil stood by, pencil and paper in hand, ready to write down the plan -these experienced officers were about to draw up. - -Each of the high-ranking officers read the letters carefully, weighing -every word. Then Mr. Penfield waited for his superior to speak. - -“This promises to be a very delicate business, Penfield,” the captain -commenced. “The insurgents are said not to be very strong at present, -but it seems they are receiving arms from the United States, which has -greatly embarrassed our relations with the government of the republic. -Official telegrams from the minister, our representative, report the -insurgents a lawless band led by an outlaw called Ruiz. The minister -fears if the city should be captured much valuable foreign and American -property will be destroyed by the rebels, who cannot control their -soldiers. This state of affairs may involve our country seriously. -In upholding the Monroe Doctrine it will insist on a policy of -non-interference by foreign governments, but where neutral property is -destroyed, due to the weakness of the government of Verazala to control -these internal disorders, restitution to the injured must be guaranteed -by our government.” - -“I can read in the tone of the letter,” said Mr. Penfield, speaking -slowly and deliberately, “a purpose to uphold the government through -this rebellion.” - -“Yes,” answered Captain Taylor, “our policy has always been, in -dealing with these rebellions, to uphold the government. If the rebels -win the upheaval is very disastrous to our moneyed interests and -harmful to our friendly relations with the citizens of the republic. -Our country believes, and justly, that it is a crime to change the -government through bloodshed, and has ever counseled the honest use -of the ballot-box to obtain the most popular candidate for president. -But, as this system of suffrage does not appeal to the people here, who -place the military before all else, it is our duty to do what is in our -power to assure the defeat of this rascal Ruiz; but we must do it so -cleverly that the insurgents will never know that our government was -unfriendly to them.” - -“Then what is your plan, sir?” asked Mr. Penfield, much mystified. - -“Our government,” answered the captain, decidedly, “having taken the -side of the present government of the republic, it is our purpose to -see that the rebels receive no aid from the outside world.” - -“You do not mean that we shall actually aid the government?” asked Mr. -Penfield. “Our letter there,” pointing to the mass of correspondence -on the table, “enjoins the strictest neutrality.” - -The captain laughed. - -“No,” he answered, “not aid them openly, but shut our eye to what they -do, and seek diligently for this leak by which the rebels are receiving -arms from our country.” - -“What is it, Mr. Perry?” the captain added, surprising a look on the -lad’s face that told he had a question he would gladly ask. - -“I’d like to volunteer to find out from where the arms come, sir,” he -replied eagerly. - -“That you will,” agreed the captain, smiling at the enthusiastic boy. -“I shall depend upon you young men to ferret this out and stop up the -hole through which this aid comes.” - -Phil’s hand trembled with excitement as it took down the plan devised -by the captain and his executive officer. It included a guard for the -legations, the home of the minister, and all foreign property of value. -Lazar, on account of his linguistic attainments, was to have charge, -and Marshall and Morrison were to be his assistants. Phil was to have -the “Vidette,” a large sixty foot steamer, at his disposal, and Sydney -was to accompany him. - -Bristling with his important news, he found his roommate in their room, -hard at work brushing up his Spanish. - -“Good work, Syd,” Phil cried, glancing at the book in Sydney’s hand; -“we are both going to have lots of practice with that tongue;” and then -he recited to him the news. - -Sydney was delighted and showed it by pounding his roommate over the -back with his book; then he flung it on the bunk and opened a drawer, -disclosing two handsomely mounted Colt revolvers. - -“My graduation present from dad,” he replied to the questioning glance; -“aren’t they beauties? I am going to give you one; they are so much -handier than our large navy revolvers.” - -“I couldn’t think of receiving one,” Phil replied gratefully. “I don’t -believe we need to carry arms at all, and if we do, it would be wiser -to carry them openly.” - -“I shall insist, Phil,” urged Sydney. “Give it back when you have no -further use for it. But you must see there may be times, in secret -work, where we might wish to be considered unarmed civilians, and in -a country in the throes of revolution, it’s much safer to have one of -these little persuaders handy.” - - - - -CHAPTER VI - -SECRET SERVICE - - -Three days of steady steaming brought the “Connecticut” within the -tropics. - -The sea was as peaceful as the waters of a lake and the sun overhead -shone down with pitiless severity. - -“All hands” were now dressed in white uniforms, which made them -comfortable enough on deck under the cool shade of an awning, but below -decks the heat from the engines and boilers was stifling. - -The two friends spent most of their leisure hours in the open air and -at night rolled themselves in their blankets on the clean white deck. - -One evening they had made themselves comfortable for the night and were -both speculating upon what was in store for them in the land of turmoil -to which they were journeying. - -“Did you notice the sailorman,” asked Sydney, “who has been walking -past here as if he were trying to find out who we are?” - -“I didn’t notice,” replied Phil sleepily; “it’s probably one of the -messengers searching for some officer who is avoiding the heat as we -are doing by sleeping on deck.” - -“Maybe so,” Sydney answered, “but it appeared to me he scrutinized us -very closely, although he must have seen immediately who we were. That -light behind us makes us plainly visible.” - -“We are accustomed to the darkness,” answered Phil, with a yawn, “while -he has probably just come out of the light.” - -Sydney was not at all satisfied with the explanation and would have -continued the argument, but Phil’s even breathing showed his companion -was perfectly satisfied with the solution. - -They had been asleep but a short time when one of the heavy tropical -rain-storms, which seem to be ever present on the horizon in these -waters, burst upon the ship, surprising the boys, who had not noticed -the gathering clouds earlier in the night. They saw with regret that -they must seek other shelter or else sleep the remainder of the night -below in their heated stateroom. - -“I am going below, Syd. I am sleepy enough to sleep even in the heat,” -said Phil, gathering his bedding and disappearing down the hatchway. - -He groped his way across the dark passageway, sleepily feeling for the -door of his stateroom. - -Suddenly he collided heavily with a figure which sent him reeling -across the deck. His hand struck the side of the bulkhead and he saved -himself a fall. - -In the dark he could just distinguish a white figure as it dashed -through the door of the mess room and disappeared under the multitude -of sleeping-hammocks on the berth deck. - -What could it mean? What was this man doing in his room? - -Sydney came in after Phil had turned on the light and was told of the -experience. - -“See if any of your valuables are missing?” he suggested. “Mine are -here on the bureau all in plain sight.” - -Phil had been rummaging through his desk. He now turned a smiling face -to Sydney. - -“You were right, Syd,” he laughed, “the locket is gone. He did risk -detection to gain possession of it. But it doesn’t matter, I can never -forget the girl’s face. I have looked at it a hundred times in the last -few days.” - -“The man of the locket and the fellow who was watching us on deck are -one and the same,” Sydney exclaimed, proud of his perception. - -“Probably so,” answered Phil, “but that doesn’t help us; he was clever -enough not to be recognized.” - -The boys, in spite of the incident, soon fell asleep, and when they -awakened the “Connecticut” had anchored inside the break-water at La -Boca. - -It was but a short time after sunrise when they stood together at the -rail gazing intently on their surroundings. - -“So this is South America,” said Sydney finally; “it looks just like -any other country, doesn’t it?” - -“Yes, but there is a difference,” answered Phil, meditatively; “for -instance, see that native boatman sculling along as if he had a week -to reach his destination; then look over there at the coal pile on the -mole. There are nearly enough men to actually eat the coal, yet they -are not doing as much work as ten good Americans. We are in the land -of ‘Mañana’ (to-morrow). No one wishes to work too hard to-day, for he -wishes to save enough to do to-morrow.” - -“We are not the first nation to send a war-ship here, I see,” said -Captain Taylor, joining the boys in their study of the harbor. “There -is a German cruiser over yonder and a Frenchman is anchored just astern -of us, and our wireless operator has been in communication with a -British ship for some hours. She is on her way from Barbadoes. It seems -we are to have an interesting time.” - -Phil was impatient to ask the captain when their work would commence, -but he desisted. It were better the captain should broach the subject. - -“I hope you lads have the ‘lingo’ at your tongue’s tip,” the captain -remarked smilingly. “You won’t find much English spoken here, and a -little Spanish is a necessity.” - -“Yes, sir,” they both agreed. - -Phil could not contain himself longer. - -“When can we start on our work, sir?” he asked. - -“Such zeal I have never seen before,” answered the captain, a merry -twinkle in his eyes. “Soon enough, lad,” he added gravely. “I hope -nothing happens to you youngsters. I almost fear I am wrong in not -sending older and maybe wiser heads to do this work.” - -“Oh, no, sir,” Phil and Sydney cried together; then Phil added, “We are -old enough, sir; we are nearly twenty.” - -“Nearly twenty,” roared the skipper in merriment. “You are both mere -infants in the wicked ways of these people here, but it will be an -excellent lesson for you. When I was your age,” he added, “it was -during the Civil War, many times I did work that in these days of peace -never comes to men of your age.” - -The captain left them to receive the foreign officers who were coming -alongside to pay the customary visit of courtesy to a senior commanding -officer. - -Some hours later Phil and Sydney received orders to prepare themselves -to accompany Captain Taylor ashore to pay his respects to the United -States Minister to Verazala. - -As they left the ship in the speedy “Vidette,” our lads felt that a new -and interesting life was opening before them. Were they not to have a -hand in the affairs of their great nation? - -They found the minister’s carriage awaiting them at the landing, and -were driven rapidly amid staring crowds of natives through the narrow -streets of the city. - -The carriage drew up at a large house on a hill overlooking the harbor. -The coat of arms, emblazoned on the door, was enough evidence that -inside was the inviolable territory of the United States of America. - -“Ah, captain,” cried the Honorable Robert Henderson, as he grasped the -hands of the three officers in turn, “your fine ship carrying that -grand old flag was a welcome sight when we awoke this morning. A great -weight has been lifted from my mind.” - -“We came down at full speed, sir,” replied Captain Taylor, courteously, -“and now we are at your service, every man of us. You have but to -command me.” - -The old diplomat swallowed a lump in his throat before replying. - -“Captain Taylor, you cannot imagine the delight it gives us exiles to -feel that we have so many brave American hearts so near at hand. I pray -there will be no need to resort to force, but affairs appear to be -more serious than I should wish. The rebel army is but a league from -the city, and awaits an opportunity to attack. Their leader, General -Ruiz, is a cutthroat and unfit for the high office of president of -the republic. My most trustworthy informant tells me the rebels are -losing strength daily and so I have informed the State Department, but -affairs lately have led me to believe that their strength has been -underestimated. I should greatly deplore the city being taken by these -brigands, for I fear much valuable property will be destroyed by their -undisciplined followers.” - -“There seems nothing for us to do, save await developments?” asked the -captain, having followed closely the minister’s explanation of the -situation. - -“No, there is nothing,” he answered promptly. “I have a faithful -vice-consul, who keeps me well informed of the movements on both sides. -He is a naturalized American citizen. His name is Isidro Juarez. He has -lived here many years and seems to have friends in both armies. I trust -him implicitly. I shall keep you daily informed so that we may act -promptly in an emergency.” - -“Does the minister know that arms for the insurgents are coming from -the United States?” asked Phil of the captain as they drove back to the -boat landing. - -“He made no mention of it,” he answered. “If his information is really -trustworthy, he must know it.” - -On arriving on board ship, Phil was called upon to make a boarding call -to the American mail steamer, just arrived from New York. - -Buckling on his sword, the badge of official duty, he descended the -gangway. As he was about to step into the “Vidette” alongside, he -glanced up and saw O’Neil was at the helm. - -“Well,” he cried with pleasure, “so you have had a promotion too; I am -mighty glad to see you in my boat. This is going to be my boat while -here,” he confided in a lower tone, “and I know of no one whom I would -rather have than you, O’Neil.” - -The coxswain beamed with pleasure. - -“Thank you, Mr. Perry,” he answered abashed. “It’s a great honor you -are paying me, sir.” - -After getting alongside the anchored merchantman, Phil mounted the -gangway ladder to the main deck. - -There he was received cordially by her captain. - -“Glad to be acquainted with you,” he said, shaking the lad’s hand. “It -does me good to see our fine big ships in foreign ports. These dagos -here are a hundred per cent. more civil already.” - -He led the way to his cabin and gave Phil the information which the -custom of the naval service requires be obtained upon visiting American -merchantmen in foreign ports. - -“No, you cannot be of any assistance to me,” answered the captain to -Phil’s inquiry; “but it’s great to see her over there. Why, she could -blow this whole town into pieces in a half hour, and she would, too, if -it were necessary, wouldn’t she?” the captain interrogated, warmed to -his theme. - -A uniformed official appeared at this moment to speak to him. - -“Come in, Baldwin. This is a young officer from the battle-ship,” the -captain announced; “Mr. Baldwin is our purser.” - -“The legation steam launch is alongside for the minister’s freight,” -the purser reported. “Mr. Juarez is in her to sign the receipts for the -bills of lading. Shall I deliver it at once? There are about twenty -heavy packages.” - -“Very well, Baldwin, go right ahead,” replied the captain. Then turning -to Phil, as the purser withdrew: “A diplomatic officer has a privilege -which no one else has; his freight can be landed direct; everything -else must go through the custom-house ashore and be inspected.” - -The captain excused himself shortly but insisted that Phil should make -himself at home. - -“Take a look about the ship,” he said proudly; “she’s not as big as -yours yonder, but she is a stanch one for this trade.” - -Phil was glad to have an excuse to remain. He had heard something to -arouse his curiosity. - -“I shall have a look at this Juarez and his boxes,” he mused as he -followed the captain on deck. - -Stepping to the high rail, he glanced down on a large launch, lying -alongside the ship abreast her forward cargo hatch. Big boxes were -being hoisted out of the hold by the ship’s derrick and landed on the -smaller vessel’s deck. Phil saw a short heavily built man, dressed in -white clothes, with a wide brimmed panama set over a massive head. He -was superintending the landing of the boxes. - -This man Phil knew must be Juarez, the minister’s confidential -vice-consul. - -Phil descended to the lower deck in order to be nearer the work of -landing the cargo. He also wanted to have a better look at this man. - -He found a convenient air port not ten feet from the launch, where he -could see unobserved by those on board it. - -There were a number of very heavy packages and the small natives on the -deck of the launch strained and pulled to find deck space for them all. - -[Illustration: _HE FOUND A CONVENIENT AIR PORT_] - -Phil saw a small native fishing-boat, her sail flapping idly in the -gentle breeze, move slowly and with deliberation over the tranquil -water, edging in toward the launch. - -The vice-consul seemed not to observe it, but Phil saw the eagerness on -the fisherman’s face. He watched the scene with rising pulse. - -The boat drifted foot by foot to within ten feet of the launch. - -Juarez busied himself at the strap of a large box in the stern of the -launch nearest the fisherman. - -Phil saw the fisherman make a swift move with his hand, and saw a white -object fall on the launch’s deck at Juarez’s feet. Juarez lifted one -foot carelessly and placed it fairly on the object. - -The fisherman put his helm over and hauled taut his sheet. The sails -quickly filled and the boat glided swiftly toward the harbor’s mouth. - -Juarez stooped down and rising, thrust his hands in his pockets. - -Phil felt every nerve thrill. His secret service had begun under a -lucky star. - - - - -CHAPTER VII - -AN IMPORTANT DISCOVERY - - -Returning to the “Connecticut,” Phil told his remarkable experiences to -Sydney. - -“Phil, I believe we have blundered upon the way in which these -insurgents are receiving their arms,” he replied excitedly. - -“I am sure of it,” answered Phil; “and to think that our good -minister’s name is being used in such a way. We must intercept these -boxes before they reach their destination.” - -“One thing is certain,” Sydney insisted; “the minister’s name will -be removed from the boxes before they are sent to the insurgents. -Juarez is too clever to allow himself to be discovered in this risky -undertaking.” - -“You are right,” agreed Phil, “and that means Juarez will land the -boxes on shore here and remove all marks of identification. Come, we -must find where the minister’s launch will land and try to discover -when they will attempt to smuggle the arms to the insurgents. It will -be by water, surely, for he wouldn’t dare attempt to pass through the -lines of the loyal army with his bulky packages.” - -Having received the required permission, the lads landed again on the -great iron pier of La Boca. - -They were both dressed in civilians’ clothes, but in this town of so -few strangers, they were recognized immediately as coming from one of -the men-of-war in port. - -They walked up the water front, examining each wharf as they passed. - -“There she is, Syd,” cried Phil, grasping his friend’s arm and pointing -to a good-sized black launch tied up to a long dock running out into -the bay. - -“Careful,” Sydney cautioned; “don’t destroy our usefulness by being too -much interested. There may be unfriendly eyes looking at us this very -minute. Let’s stroll down and see what she is doing there.” - -The boys sauntered down the wharf. They saw that the boxes had been -removed from the launch. - -“Those boxes are inside that warehouse,” announced Sydney, indicating -a door abreast the launch. The warehouse was a long one, built on the -jutting dock. - -“La Fitte and Company,” murmured Phil, reading the name in large gilt -letters over the door of the warehouse. “Where have I heard of that -firm?” - -“Why, that’s the firm,” cried Sydney, surprisedly, “that has been -trying to get the concession of the Pitch Lakes away from the American -Syndicate. I begin to see a reason for Juarez’s intrigue.” - -“I don’t understand,” returned Phil, who had not followed Sydney’s -thoughts. - -“It’s perfectly clear,” said Sydney, convincedly. “La Fitte and Company -are composed of foreigners, mostly Frenchmen; they have engaged Juarez -to do the work of prejudicing the insurgents against Americans. If -this rascal succeeds and the insurgents gain the reins of government, -the concession will be taken from the American Syndicate and given to -La Fitte and Company. This concession right is a very valuable one, -worth many millions of dollars a year to those who are lucky enough to -obtain it.” - -“Syd, you are a wonder,” cried Phil, admiringly. “Come, we have no more -business here.” - -They turned about and walked past the unloaded launch. - -The vice-consul, who had been inside the warehouse, came to the door as -our lads passed. - -He glanced at them, a startled look on his face, then he smilingly -raised his hat. - -“Good-morning,” he greeted in English, with a marked foreign accent. -“You are off the ‘Connecticut,’ no? We are delighted to see our flag on -such a fine large ship. If I can be of the slightest service I shall be -highly honored,” he added in the suave tones of a Spanish grandee. - -Our boys stopped and returned his greeting, thanking him for his -considerate offer. Then they continued their walk. - -Phil looked over his shoulder and surprised a sinister expression on -Juarez’s face, before he could hide it in a smile of parting. - -“I am sorry that fellow saw us; he may suspect that we know something -of his secret,” confided Phil, as he and Sydney regained the street of -the water front. - -They had been on board their ship but a short while when the minister’s -launch, with his flag flying in the bow, was reported heading for the -“Connecticut.” - -The marine guard and the band were quickly paraded on the quarter-deck -and the officers, headed by Captain Taylor, all in full uniform, were -at the gangway to do honor to the high American official. - -The vice-consul accompanied the minister, and as he followed his chief -through the formality of hand-shaking, Phil saw him grasp Lazar’s hand -cordially and tell him in Spanish how glad he was to see him again. - -Lazar smiled in his cold way, but Phil thought the ensign did not seem -overjoyed to renew the acquaintance. - -“So Lazar has known this scoundrel before,” thought Phil. “I wonder how -much he knows of him.” - -The thought was answered soon enough, and in a way that showed Lazar in -his true character. - -Phil had gone below to his room and was writing his weekly letter -home, which of late his new and eventful life had caused him to neglect. - -He was seated at his desk under the ventilator shaft, which -brought fresh air from above. It opened into one of the numerous -ventilator-cowls on the quarter-deck. - -He could hear indistinctly above him the voices of two men, pacing the -quarter-deck, but they did not disturb him until they stopped directly -over his ventilator shaft, and he recognized at once the voices of -Lazar and the vice-consul. - -“So your precious conscience hurts you, does it?” the vice-consul was -saying. - -“It’s not a question of that,” Lazar’s voice answered, “and you know -it, Juarez. But smuggling is too risky. I had a narrow escape from -detection in New York a year ago, getting your goods ashore, and I -don’t wish to go through that worry again.” - -“You made a handsome sum out of it, didn’t you?” Juarez’s voice -questioned. - -“Not so loud,” Lazar cautioned, “it’s too dangerous; if this were -known, I’d lose my commission.” - -“You are losing your nerve, Lazar,” the vice-consul’s voice sneered; -“there is no one about.” - -“You can’t tell, and anyway, this is not the place to discuss such -matters,” Lazar said decidedly. - -“As you please, but, by the way, I might as well tell you; I know you -dare not betray me,” the vice-consul’s voice said menacingly, “and I -need your help.” - -The speakers changed their positions slightly and their voices failed -to carry distinctly to the eager eavesdropper. - -Phil trembled with expectancy at the startling intelligence he had -received. - -So Lazar had been tempted to do something for which his commission -would be forfeited if found out. What a terrible weapon to hold over -his enemy if he continued his persecution. What was the secret Juarez -had confided to Lazar? The arms surely. - -The voices had now died out entirely, and a shuffling of feet on deck -told Phil that the minister was ready to leave the ship. - -He told Sydney all he had heard as soon as they had returned to their -room after the departure of the American minister. - -“I am not surprised,” exclaimed Sydney, when Phil had finished his -story. “Lazar is capable of anything evil. We have another person to -reckon with, however, in this arms smuggling. If he suspects we are -attempting to intercept them, Lazar will, in hatred of you, try to -defeat your plan.” - -“Hadn’t we better confide in Captain Taylor?” questioned Phil. “We can -thus cut Lazar’s claws.” - -“We should not do that until we can prove our story fully,” answered -Sydney. “The captain might believe our accusations were true, but he -could hardly act officially upon them.” - -“It seems hard that such a scoundrel should wear an officer’s uniform,” -protested the lad, “but I dare say you are right, Syd. We must seek for -more convincing evidence.” - -“What is your plan for to-night?” asked Sydney, as he took his -revolvers out of their case and examined them critically. - -“I have decided to keep a watch during the day, and if no vessel large -enough to carry the boxes leaves port before dark, then to lie in wait -in the ‘Vidette’ at the entrance of the harbor, and overhaul any -suspicious craft that comes out of port.” - -“Excellent,” agreed Sydney. “I am quite confident that Juarez will use -a steamer; the breeze is too light, and as he must go nearly twenty -miles by water to reach the insurgent lines, a sailing vessel would -be out of the question. The note you saw thrown by the native boatman -undoubtedly set a rendezvous for this evening. They will want to get -the arms to the insurgents as soon as possible.” - -Phil and Sydney made their preparations quietly. O’Neil was called -and told something of what was going forward and ordered to keep his -launch, the “Vidette,” in readiness. - -All afternoon the lads spent on deck, casting anxious glances toward -the dock where the minister’s launch was tied. There were a number of -other launches moving about the harbor, but there was only one other -large enough to carry the boxes. - -About 7 P. M., the sun having set a half hour before, it was dark -enough to start, and they appeared on deck. - -“We have the captain’s permission to use the ‘Vidette,’” Phil reported -to the officer of the deck. “I have reported to Mr. Penfield. Will you -have her called away, sir?” - -Then Phil peered through the darkness, the deck lights not being -lighted as yet, and saw Lazar was the officer of the deck. - -“What could he do to prevent our going?” thought Phil nervously. -“Nothing, he would not dare.” - -“Very well, sir,” Lazar answered carelessly, and then he ordered the -bugler to “call the ‘Vidette’ away.” - -Ten minutes dragged by, and still the “Vidette” hung at the lower boom, -motionless in the water. - -A launch steamed by the battle-ship at fair speed, standing out of the -harbor. Phil and Sydney strained their eyes in an endeavor to discover -its identity, but the night was too dark and it was soon lost sight of -in the distance. - -Phil felt sure it was the cargo of arms. He could suppress his -impatience no longer. - -“Mr. Lazar,” he spoke abruptly, “may I go and find out what is holding -the ‘Vidette’?” - -“No, sir, I shall find out in plenty of time,” he sneered. “You young -gentlemen seem to be in great haste.” - -Finally he hailed the “Vidette” and inquired what was the trouble. - -An answer came back in O’Neil’s voice. - -“We can’t get any water in the boiler; the feed pump is jammed, sir,” -he cried, in exasperation. - -Phil’s heart sank. There was the prize slipping away before their very -eyes. He knew that this must be Lazar’s work. - -Turning quickly he rushed to the cabin and unannounced burst in upon -the commanding officer. - -“Some one has deliberately disabled the ‘Vidette,’” he cried excitedly. -“I can’t tell you why now, but believe me, sir, it is very important -for us to get away at once. I asked the officer of the deck, Mr. Lazar, -for permission to go down into the boat, but he refuses.” - -The captain glanced up startled, a look of annoyance on his face. Then -he realized that the lad was in deadly earnest. - -Picking up his cap he led the way on deck. - -“Mr. Lazar,” he ordered sternly, “allow these two young gentlemen to go -down into the ‘Vidette’ immediately.” - -Lazar hesitated but an instant. - -“Certainly, sir. If you say so,” he answered with a wave of the hand to -the waiting lads. - -The two boys scrambled hastily down the Jacob’s ladder from the -lower boom on to the deck of the “Vidette.” Phil made his way to the -machinery space. - -The engineer and fireman were bending over the little feed pump, which -supplied the boiler with water. - -Phil glanced at the gauge glass; there was no water showing. He tried -the test-cocks, then looked quickly at the steam gauge. - -“The boiler is half full of water, but there is only fifty pounds -pressure, and the fires are hauled,” he cried angrily. - -“Put back your fire,” he shouted to the fireman, pushing him fiercely -toward the furnace, then he started in himself to get the feed pump -running. - -O’Neil stood by petrified with astonishment at the way he pitched into -the intricacies of the machinery. - -“The engineer’s a new one, sir,” he whispered to Phil. “I don’t believe -he knows much about this kind of engine. The officer of the deck took -our regular engineer out and put this man in about an hour ago.” - -Phil had been too much occupied trying to find the trouble to grasp the -meaning of the coxswain’s words. - -He followed up each pipe and made every test he had been taught at -Annapolis to use in finding the trouble with these machines. - -“We are beaten,” he cried despondently to Sydney, at his wit’s end. - -The minutes flew by. - -Then he gave a shout of joy, as he saw a tiny steel wedge jammed in -between the moving parts of the pump. - -A tap with a hammer and the pump started up, pumping precious water -into the boiler. - -In but a few minutes more the “Vidette” had cast off her line and was -steaming with ever increasing speed toward the entrance to the harbor. - -Both lads scanned the horizon to seaward. There was nothing in sight. - -“It’s like looking for a needle in a haystack,” Phil exclaimed -dejectedly. “We don’t even know which way they turned when they reached -the entrance.” - -“Begging your pardon, sir,” O’Neil interrupted earnestly, “there ain’t -but one place for her to go, and that is to Mariel. I ran on a line of -coasting steamers once and I know somewhat of the water about here. -There ain’t no place to land the other way for fifty miles.” - -“O’Neil, you are a trump,” cried Phil, much relieved. “We may catch her -yet; she has over a half hour’s start, but we have four knots better -speed.” - -Reaching the harbor mouth, O’Neil put his helm hard astarboard and -headed the “Vidette” to the westward along the coast line. - -“How close to shore can we run?” asked Sydney, addressing the coxswain. - -“After we round the next point of land, sir, as close as you please,” -he answered. - -The minutes dragged heavily along. The point was reached and rounded, -then the “Vidette” was headed to close with the shore line. - -“What is that on the bow there?” Phil asked anxiously, pointing to a -dark shadow on the dimly lighted water. - -There was not a doubt but that it was the prize scudding along. Great -volumes of smoke poured from her stack. The smoke had betrayed her -presence. She was too distant for her hull to be visible. - -“Hold your course,” cried Phil joyously. “We can head her off on this -line.” - -Sydney took from his pockets his Colt revolvers and laid them beside -the big navy Colts. - -“Have you the rifles, O’Neil?” he asked. - -“That I have, sir, and a hundred rounds of ammunition for each one,” -replied the faithful man; “and me and Johnson there know how to use -them.” - -“Well, I trust it won’t be necessary,” said Phil immensely pleased, -“but it’s better to be sure than sorry.” - -The “Vidette” drew up slowly on the fleeing launch. - -“They are surely making for Mariel,” O’Neil announced, “and we can -catch them before they reach there.” - -Of a sudden the engines, which had been running perfectly, suddenly -seemed to slow. - -Phil was on his feet in an instant. - -“What is it?” he asked anxiously. - -The engineer looked up, showing a white, scared face in the dim light -of the solitary lantern. - -“Running a little hot, sir,” he replied haltingly. - -Phil felt the moving parts. They were cool. He looked up in surprise at -the engineer and saw him put his hand quickly in his shirt. - -Impulsively he grabbed the man by the wrist and held his hand to the -light. - -“Sand!” he cried in anger. - -“Get this man out of here, O’Neil,” he suddenly ordered, forcibly -pushing him from the engines and taking the man’s place at the throttle. - -“None of your monkeying now,” O’Neil assured the engineer. “You’ve -given enough trouble already.” - -The engine bearings were thoroughly oiled and the throttle opened wide. -Fortunately, Phil had detected the man in time, for if he had succeeded -in getting the smallest quantity of sand in the bearings, the engines -must have stopped. - -The fleeing launch was now in plain sight, but the landing at Mariel -was but a half mile away. He did not dare open fire on her. Would he -dare attempt to cut her out under the eyes of the insurgents waiting -their expected guns? - -“Launch ahoy!” Phil hailed in Spanish. - -Silence. - -He hailed again and added: “I want to speak to you!” - -From outward appearances, there was no one on the launch, but black -smoke poured from her funnel and her white wake showed she was making a -final spurt. - -The bow of the “Vidette” was now inside and abreast of the launch’s -quarter. It slowly moved forward. There was scarce ten feet of open -water between the two boats. - -With weapons in hand Phil and his men waited. - -“Put her alongside,” Phil ordered, striving to control the nervousness -in his voice. - -The two launches came together, with scarcely a jar, and steamed along -as one boat. - -No one moved on the prize. - -O’Neil instinctively had swung his bow around and headed the boats out -from the land now only a few hundred yards distant. - -Phil saw there were four men on the boat, but his eyes fell with -pleasure on the boxes. - -“Do you surrender?” Phil shouted fiercely to the man at the wheel, only -five feet away from him. - -The man glanced in terror at the pistol pointing at his head, in the -hands of a gringo, one of those whom he had been told could hit a peso -at a distance of a hundred metres. - -“Si, señor,” he answered tremblingly. - -As the two boats headed away, the whole shore line near them burst into -flame, and the hiss of countless bullets sang warningly about them. -Suddenly the suspected engineer threw up his hands and dropped to the -deck. - - - - -CHAPTER VIII - -PRISONERS - - -O’Neil stuck manfully at his post, the bullets showering around him as -he stood exposed at the tiller. - -Phil breathed more easily as the two launches, now secured together, -put sufficient distance between them and the unfriendly shore. - -The coxswain’s voice, raised anxiously, caused our lad fresh alarm. - -“I fear he’s hit badly, sir,” he deplored, as he raised a limp figure -from the bottom of the launch. - -Both boys were beside the wounded man in an instant and quickly -stripped him of his blood-soaked clothing. In the light of a bull’s-eye -lantern, Phil examined the hole made by an insurgent bullet. - -“Only a flesh wound,” he breathed, immensely relieved; “the bullet went -through the fleshy part of the breast. He is stunned, the blow was so -near his heart.” - -“Some water, quick,” ordered Sydney, while Phil bandaged the wounded -man with strips of his own shirt. - -Water thrown on his face brought the man back to consciousness. - -Phil left Sydney to make the wounded sailor comfortable, and followed -by O’Neil, boarded the prize. - -“This is not the minister’s boat; this one has a deck house, while his -boat is flush decked,” he gasped in the greatest alarm. “What have we -done?” Then he flashed his light over the cargo. “The boxes are the -same, I can swear to that, and, as I supposed, all marks have been -removed. These are unaddressed.” - -The frightened crew, imagining, no doubt, they were in the hands of -pirates, were speechless from terror. Juarez was not on board. - -“What launch is this?” demanded Phil, in Spanish. - -“La Fitte and Company’s, señor,” replied, cringingly, the native padron. - -“What have you here?” Phil asked flourishing his revolver menacingly, -“and where were you taking them?” - -“They contain machinery, señor, for Señor La Fitte’s plantation at -Mariel,” replied the native coxswain, gaining confidence, seeing his -life was not in such imminent danger. - -Had they made a terrible mistake? Did these boxes contain machinery -only and no arms? But why should they be sent addressed to the United -States Minister? Then the remembrance of the hot fire, through which -they had just passed, dissipated all doubt. They were surely contraband -arms, but being on board a launch which sailed under the flag of -the republic, the two lads were openly aiding the government of the -republic. - -“What shall I do?” Phil asked himself. “I wish Captain Taylor were -here; this situation is too deep for me to solve.” - -Then he thought with anxiety of the wounded man, an evidence of their -expedition which could not be concealed. - -He was glad when Sydney, who had been attending the sailor, stood -beside him on the captured launch. He tersely explained to him his -discovery. - -“We must not set them free,” Sydney exclaimed immediately. “We have -gone too far for that. You are confident that these same boxes ten -hours ago were marked for our minister, and when we captured them they -were nearly in the hands of the insurgents. There isn’t a doubt but -that the boxes contain arms.” - -Picking up a hatchet lying on the deck of the launch, Phil with a few -swift strokes bared the contents of the nearest box. - -Both lads peered in anxiously. - -“Colt automatic guns,” cried Phil, triumphantly. “Why, this shipment is -worth more to the insurgents than ten thousand rifles. The side which -has these guns will win the fight. There must be several batteries of -them packed in these cases.” - -No longer in doubt, Phil ordered O’Neil to tow the launch back to the -harbor of La Boca. - -They had been on the return but a short time, when O’Neil’s voice -disturbed the lads deep in their own thoughts. - -“There is a launch heading this way, sir,” he reported; “it looks like -one of our steamers.” - -Phil was on his feet instantly peering through the darkness ahead. - -“Ahoy, there,” from the approaching launch; “what launch is that?” - -“The ‘Vidette,’ sir,” Phil answered, greatly relieved. He recognized -Captain Taylor’s voice and ordered O’Neil to stop and “lay to.” - -“Are you all right?” the captain hailed anxiously. - -Phil hesitated an instant, then he thought explanations could be made -when he came on board. - -“Yes, sir,” he answered. - -The steamer sheered up alongside the “Vidette” and the captain stepped -on board. - -“What have you done?” he inquired in alarm as he saw for the first -time the launch in tow. “I felt uneasy after you had gone and followed -you in one of the ship’s steamers. I heard the firing a few minutes -ago and then sighted you coming back. What does it mean?” He stopped -breathlessly in amazement. - -Phil was the first to speak. He quietly and laconically outlined the -incident from the beginning, leaving out all that in any way concerned -Lazar. - -“And now, sir,” he said in conclusion, “I am no longer in command. I am -ready to receive your orders, sir.” - -Both lads saluted, and O’Neil seeing that something was going forward -raised his hand also to his cap. - -“Bless me!” cried the captain, glancing at his piratical crew in the -glimmer of the swinging lantern. They did look desperate; each of the -three was plentifully sprinkled with the blood of the wounded man and -Phil was bared to the waist, his shirt having gone to make a first-aid -bandage. - -“What puzzled us,” began Phil, “is how we are going to dispose of these -arms. Of course, we must set the launch free to-night.” - -“Exactly so,” exclaimed the captain; “that is the question--what to do -with the arms.” - -“Wouldn’t on board the ship be the safest place?” questioned Sydney. - -“Undoubtedly,” returned the captain, “but it wouldn’t do. I have it,” -turning to Phil; “you say you are positive these boxes came on the -steamer this morning addressed to our minister; then we shall deliver -them to him at the legation.” - -“That is our best course, surely,” Phil agreed. “But might not the -minister refuse to receive them, fearing that they might be coveted by -both sides, and thus precipitate an attack on the legation?” - -“There would be no danger of that happening,” answered the captain, -“for I shall send a guard ashore with the boxes, to remain at the -legation. I had intended waiting until affairs became more serious, but -the contents of these boxes furnishes me with sufficient reason to act -at once.” - -O’Neil rang up full speed and the “Vidette,” with her prize in tow, was -again steaming for the entrance to the harbor. - -Phil told the captain about the wounded man, but refrained from -mentioning his conduct during the chase, and that kindly officer -insisted on speaking to the disabled sailor. - -“What is your name, my man?” he questioned sympathetically. - -The engineer glanced up, showing a worried face in the light of the oil -lantern. - -“Joseph Craig, sir,” he answered. - -The excitement of the recent incident had passed away and Phil’s -thoughts now dwelt on the curious action of the engineer. Why had he -tried to detain the “Vidette”? What interest could he have in the -captured arms? He could arrive at but one conclusion: Joseph Craig was -a tool in the hands of Lazar. - -The “Vidette” and her prize were soon alongside the battle-ship, and -the captain stepped on board, followed by the two boys. - -Lazar’s disappointed face gave them a taste of real enjoyment, but the -captain’s words quickly turned the tables. - -“Send word to Mr. Penfield,” he ordered, addressing Lazar, “that I -desire to send the guard for the legation ashore immediately. You will -go in charge, with Midshipmen Marshall and Morrison as your assistants. -The guard will consist of fifty men. They must take tenting and -rations. The boxes in that black launch contain machine guns and were -destined for the insurgent army; these are to be taken to the legation -and your sole duty is to guard them safely.” - -Phil had half started to speak as he saw Lazar’s face light up with -triumph. - -“After all,” he thought, “he dare not deliver up the guns. It would be -worth his commission at the very least. They are surely safe in his -hands.” - -“Now, Mr. Perry,” said the captain in kindly tones, turning from the -officer of the deck to the waiting midshipmen, “you and Mr. Monroe go -below and turn in. You have worked hard enough for one day. Mr. Lazar -can attend to everything. Your service, gentlemen, has been highly -gratifying and a credit to the best traditions of American midshipmen.” - -The lads went reluctantly below to their room, much chagrined at the -course affairs had taken. Their enemy and a paid emissary of the -vice-consul in charge of the arms they had worked so hard to capture. -It was deeply disappointing, but they felt powerless. - -“I couldn’t have interfered,” Phil argued to himself as he lay in his -bunk, “unless I told the captain all, and what proof could I have -brought? Both Lazar and the vice-consul would deny it.” - -Despite their excited experiences, our boys were soon wrapt in profound -slumber. - -They were awake early the next morning and went about their routine -duties on board ship as if nothing had happened. - -The wounded engineer was placed in the sick bay and the doctors -announced he would be ready for duty in a few days. - -A rumor that something extraordinary had happened passed about the -ship, but the captain cautioned the strictest secrecy, and gave out -that he had landed the guard to be ready in case the expected assault -on the city should prove successful. - -Phil, as he stood on the quarter-deck after breakfast, could see the -dozen or more khaki-colored tents on Legation Hill, where Lazar’s men -were encamped. - -“Marshall and Morrison are there, I am thankful to say,” he murmured. -“Lazar will have to reckon with two wide-awake men.” - -“Mr. Perry,” Captain Taylor said a few moments later in his cabin, -where Phil had gone in answer to his summons, “I have just received a -message in cipher from the Navy Department. It is of grave importance. -One which so closely concerns our government that we must needs spare -no effort to ascertain the truth. The State Department have reason -to believe that affairs here are not as represented by official -despatches from the minister. You have already unmasked one villain, -and undoubtedly it was he who has misled the minister in his estimates -of the strength of the insurgents. I do not think it advisable at -this time to report to Washington the perfidy of Juarez. Our minister -believes, as I do, that as we have the arms it is better to say -nothing at present. Juarez of course has deserted and may be in the -insurgent camp. Or, still more likely, he sailed in the American -steamer this morning for Panama. We must have, as soon as possible, -reliable information as to the strength of the rebellion. It is this -intelligence that I wish you to get from the insurgent camp.” - -Phil listened attentively to the captain’s lengthy explanation and -instructions. His pulse beat fast. Here was an opportunity he had -longed for, dreamed of. It was now really true. He was going to the -camp of an army. He would see war. - -“The details I shall leave to you,” the captain continued, smiling -at the distinct delight in the lad’s face. “Do not be too impetuous. -Remember it is hazardous work, and of such a peculiar character that -you may be deprived of your right as a neutral. Mr. Monroe, I am sure, -will wish to go with you, and I think you should have one other.” - -“May O’Neil go along, sir?” asked Phil, attempting to conceal from the -quiet captain his boyish excitement. - -“Yes, certainly,” assented the captain amusedly. “You seem to like -O’Neil.” - -“Like him, sir,” cried he, in admiration, “why he is the finest type of -American sailorman I have ever met.” - -“I am glad you have so much discernment,” the captain said smilingly; -“it is rare at your age. That is also my opinion of him.” He reached -down, and from his desk, took up a sheet of oiled paper, with an -engraving at the top and the seal of the United States across its face. - -“I believe,” he said generously, “that he would rather have this at -your hands than mine. Give this to boatswain’s mate O’Neil.” - -Phil ran from the cabin in joyful haste, after thanking the captain as -if he himself had received the promotion. - -He found O’Neil in his quarters and pressed the paper upon him. - -The new boatswain’s mate’s eyes opened wide with surprise, and his -face was flushed with delight. - -“I congratulate you, O’Neil,” Phil cried. “You deserve it, and more -too.” - -O’Neil’s voice was husky with manly emotion, as he thanked the young -officer. - -“I shan’t forget your kindness,” he said gratefully. - -A few hours later three travelers passed along the narrow streets of La -Boca in the direction of the suburbs. Each carried a small bundle in -one hand and a climbing stick in the other. Their clothes were old and -worn as if their owners were accustomed to much tramping over a rough -country. They passed without hindrance through the successive lines of -defense of the loyal army. Walking Englishmen were frequent and their -costumes bore out the part. - -Leaving the city behind them, they traveled along the military road, -running parallel to the sea. Its sides were lined with high tropical -vegetation, with here and there a hut nestling in a clearing, but all -were deserted. They were between the lines of the two armies. - -A quarter of a mile down the road a dark object came into view, -standing like an abandoned wagon in the middle of the sun-baked -road-bed. - -“Artillery,” Phil cried; “now look out for a challenge.” - -“I hope they don’t shoot first and challenge afterward, like Cuban -guerrillas,” said O’Neil calmly. - -As the three came nearer the solitary cannon, pointing its frowning -muzzle menacingly toward them, several figures suddenly appeared from -the shade of a hut by the roadside, and peered at the approaching -Americans. One then left the group and advanced slowly toward them. - -The travelers saw by his uniform that he was an officer. - -“Good-afternoon,” Phil called politely in Spanish, taking off his hat. - -The officer saluted and gazed questioningly at the three men. - -“What is your business here?” he inquired brusquely in his native -tongue. - -“Oh, we are just out for a tramp,” Phil replied lightly. “You fellows -are so persistent in your siege, that our legs were beginning to get -soft in the city, so we thought we’d come out and stretch them.” - -The officer smiled, pleased at the compliment to the army in which he -was an officer. - -“English?” he asked, relenting. - -“Yes, travelers,” Phil replied suavely; “we are getting news for -European papers.” This, Phil thought, was rather clever and not untrue, -either, for what they found out would in time find its way to European -newspapers. - -“Ah!” exclaimed the officer delightedly, who like all his race saw no -good in fighting unless his valor would be heralded to the world, “you -are just in time to see a grand battle. We are waiting now the order to -attack. General Ruiz expects a number of machine guns; when they arrive -we shall enter the city in triumph;” his voice rose with excitement. -“You will see the greatest battle of the century; there will be many -killed: you are lucky to be with us.” - -Phil expressed his delight as best he could, but the officer’s words -had given him a distinct shock. It would go hard with them if Ruiz -found out they had captured the arms he was awaiting. - -“But he must know they were captured,” Phil thought suddenly. He -glanced out toward the sea. “Why, it was here that we were fired upon.” -Then he said aloud: - -“Is this Mariel?” - -“Yes,” replied the officer, “Mariel is over there. Our general’s -headquarters are just behind the town. It is but a half hour’s walk -from here. I shall do myself the honor of accompanying you.” - -Phil protested that they could go on alone, but the officer politely -insisted. - -He gave some hurried orders to a ragged sergeant, then led the way past -the gun and up the road. - -Phil glanced with interest at the field piece. It was an American made -gun and looked brand new. - -“Some more of Juarez’s rascality,” he thought. - -“My name is Pedro Valdez, Lieutenant of Artillery,” the officer -announced, extending his hand and bowing politely. - -Phil took it and stammered out the names that came first in his mind: - -“Mr. Sydney, Mr. John; and my name is Phillips,” he answered, including -his companions and himself with a comprehensive wave of the hand. - -“Do your comrades speak Spanish?” the officer asked. - -“No,” Phil replied, decidedly in haste, fearing Sydney might answer -in the affirmative. He felt it best that there should be but one -mouthpiece. - -After ten minutes of brisk walking, they arrived at a pretty country -villa. It was surrounded by trees of all descriptions and throughout -the garden flowers of many colors were growing in great profusion, -filling the balmy air with delicious perfume. The house itself was -built of the adobe so common in Spanish speaking countries; one storied -with a central court in which more plants and flowers gave their -fragrance. - -Another officer met them at the door and escorted them to the -courtyard, where a number of tables were laid for a meal. The odor of -savory cooking made our friends remember that their last meal had been -breakfast. - -After a few moments’ wait, an older officer appeared; he was dressed -simply in fatigue uniform, but wore a large gold star over his left -breast. He shook hands cordially with the visitors. - -There had been no introduction, but Phil knew at a glance that this -short, thin, wizened Spaniard, was the great General Ruiz, probably the -next dictator of Verazala. - -“Sit down, gentlemen,” he said in his native language. “We are very -fond of the English; they are always welcome, but your brothers, the -Americans, are different. They do not like me, so I do not like them.” -As he spoke his face showed the vindictiveness of his race. - -Phil felt he ought to say something, but it was hard to collect his -thoughts. The rôle of impostor was a new one. - -“I thank you for myself and friends,” he managed finally to say. “We -desire a pass through your lines. We are writers, and wish to send home -an account of your coming battle.” - -“Can I be sure you will not give your information to our enemy?” the -general answered in a hard voice. “A spy is a danger we must always -look for in war. We shoot them like that;” he snapped his fingers and -showed his even white teeth in a cruel smile. - -Phil did not dare look at his two friends, reduced to enforced silence. - -The disguised American officers were bountifully supplied with food and -pressed to stay over night under the general’s roof, but Phil felt it -safer to be away from under the piercing black eye of this fiery little -Spaniard. - -“How did you feel, O’Neil, when the general spoke about spies?” asked -Phil soberly, after they had left the house behind and were on the road -again. - -“I felt as if I were standing with my back against a wall, with a file -of them dago soldiers shooting at me, sir,” answered the boatswain’s -mate with a grin. - -“I didn’t feel any too happy, either,” acknowledged Phil, “but I hope -we can soon find out what we need to know and get back to the city -before they suspect our mission.” - -That night they slept in a little pueblo inside the insurgent lines -and were on the road early the next morning. - -During the forenoon they passed regiment after regiment of ragged -soldiers. The lads inspected them carefully; their rifles were new and -of a late pattern, and they seemed plentifully supplied with ammunition. - -“I have counted no less than twenty pieces of artillery,” Sydney cried; -and then pointing to a grove of cocoanut trees ahead of them, “and -there is a whole battery of some kind of ordnance.” - -“Syd,” Phil answered, “I believe we have seen enough already, though -we can’t have seen the beginning, to report to our captain that this -revolution is of a serious character and is probably going to win.” - -“I feel sorry for the minister,” Sydney said gravely; “he seemed such a -kind old gentleman; but I suppose he shouldn’t have been so credulous.” - -“I feel very sorry for him, too,” answered Phil, “and I hope we can -straighten this out and save him from the disgrace of being relieved -of his office. He was new here and speaks no Spanish at all. It was -natural he should fall into the snare set for him by that scheming -rascal Juarez.” - -Studying carefully everything they observed, the three Americans moved -slowly along the road, on the borders of which the army of General Ruiz -was encamped, ready for the expected word to assault the city. - -An officer stepped from the grove of trees in front and came boldly -toward them. - -Our boys regarded him indifferently until he approached to within a few -yards of them, then their hearts sank as they recognized the triumphant -face of the American vice-consul. - -He raised his uniform cap in mock civility. - -“Three English newspaper reporters,” he sneered. “I have received -instructions from General Ruiz to show you every courtesy.” - -The lads were dumbfounded. The game was up. A vision of a dark prison -flashed before them. - -Phil was the first to recover himself. - -“We meet you in a new rôle also,” he replied in English, in a voice he -tried hard to control. - -“I have no further use for my other rôle, since your meddling of -yesterday,” Juarez replied savagely. - -“And I suppose,” answered Phil in as cheerful a voice as he could -muster, “we must be hereafter three American naval men.” - -“That shall not save you,” the vice-consul growled. “General Ruiz will -be delighted to meet the men who have cheated him out of his machine -guns. With those guns he could take the city this minute.” - -“We have done what any honorable men would do,” Phil began hotly, but -Juarez turned his back with an expressive shrug of his heavy shoulders. - -“Here, sergeant,” he called, “arrest these spies.” - -The worst had happened. They had met the one man Phil had hoped he -could avoid. Their reason for being there Juarez of course surmised, -and he could defeat them by having them locked up in an insurgent -dungeon until the city had fallen. - -Five or six soldiers came menacingly toward them, bayonets fixed. Phil -saw the futility of resistance. He made the sign of surrender, but the -soldier nearest O’Neil was a little overzealous in the use of his -bayonet. The sailor’s Irish blood was aroused; with a swing of his -powerful fist he sent the man reeling backward, stretching his full -length on the white road. - - - - -CHAPTER IX - -A TERRIBLE PREDICAMENT - - -The rash act of the sailor placed the lives of the three men in -jeopardy. The soldiers snatched up their rifles and closed in -menacingly. - -At this moment, however, a cavalcade appeared suddenly, and the cry of -“Viva General Ruiz,” filled the air. The soldiers near the Americans -fell back sullenly, leaving their captives alone in the middle of the -road. - -“What does this mean?” cried an officer, spurring ahead and drawing -in his spirited animal between the Americans and the natives. “I gave -these Englishmen safe conduct. Who dares disobey my orders?” - -Juarez had cautiously stepped aside at the approach of the horseman; he -now advanced boldly, wearing the air of one who has news of the utmost -importance to divulge. - -“Your Excellency,” for the officer was none other than General Ruiz -himself, “these men are Americans and spies. I am lucky to have -recognized them before they were able to reënter the city and report -our strength to the enemy.” - -The general looked incredulous. He was about to speak, when Juarez -dropped a veritable bombshell at his feet by hastily adding: - -“These two young men are the American midshipmen who captured your -machine guns at Mariel, so you see I have reason to know them.” - -The general turned fiercely on the bewildered Americans, a dark scowl -on his sallow face. - -“So these are the men who captured my guns under my very eyes,” he -cried in rage. - -His face was livid with passion. His hand sought his saber as if he -would cut them down on the spot. - -“Arrest them immediately,” he ordered in a choking voice; “I shall make -an example of these meddling Americans. Colonel Juarez, I appoint you -their jailer. I know it is unnecessary to caution you to guard them -well.” - -“Will they shoot us, sir?” whispered O’Neil anxiously to Phil, his hand -resting grimly on his revolver handle, “for if they will, I have six -bullets here I’d like to get rid of first.” - -The boatswain’s mate was so much in earnest that in spite of the -gravity of the situation, Phil could not repress a smile. He suddenly -paled, as the thought came to him of what the effects of O’Neil’s rough -and ready diplomacy might be. He knew him for an unerring shot, and -the leader of the insurrection would be the first to fall. Then their -chance for life would indeed vanish. - -He grasped the sailor’s hand and breathed: - -“For your life take your hand from your revolver. They would shoot us -down like dogs if we should give them half a chance.” - -Securely bound the three captives were led back the way they had come, -through inquisitive crowds of jeering soldiers. The news of the capture -and the reasons for it spread rapidly before them. The guards commanded -by the vice-consul had great difficulty in bringing them alive to their -prison in Mariel. The infuriated soldiers would have torn them limb -from limb. - -The squalid prison was a relief after this nerve-racking ordeal. The -guards, although saving them from fatal bodily injury, could not shield -them from the vicious blows, taunts and insults showered on them from -all sides. If it had not been for the fear Juarez had for General Ruiz, -he would gladly have given them up to these wild beasts. - -They were indeed in a sorry plight as they were roughly pushed into a -cell of the prison and the heavy oaken door closed loudly behind them. - -The lads were stunned. But a half hour ago, they were free men, -enjoying their precious liberty in the bright world outside; full of -boyish enthusiasm for their discoveries. Now they were held captive by -a cruel tyrant who hated their race and to whom they had given good -cause. He might, without a qualm of feeling, have them shot as spies. -Their country was powerless to help them. In undertaking this duty they -had relinquished their claim upon the protection of the United States. - -O’Neil was the first to recover from these despondent thoughts. He -glanced about their narrow prison, but his gaze failed to discover -aught encouraging, so it returned and rested compassionately on the two -lads. - -They had thrown themselves full length on the rude benches that lined -the walls of their cell and had given themselves up to melancholy -reflections. - -“It won’t do, sir,” O’Neil said, appealingly, to Phil, as the young -man looked up with an expression of utter dejection; “you mustn’t give -in, Mr. Perry; we ain’t dead yet, and what’s more, sir, we ain’t a -going to be, either. Mrs. O’Neil’s son John has been in as tight places -before and has come out with a whole hide---- Which is more than he is -going to do this time,” he added with a grin, showing a deep cut in -his thigh. “That little dago that I knocked down poked his bayonet in -there.” - -In a moment the boys were all interest, forgetting their own troubles -in their anxiety for their wounded companion. - -Phil pulled a first-aid bandage from his pocket and held it up in -triumph. - -“They took everything else from me,” he exclaimed; “your new revolver, -too, Syd.” - -“Yes, and the first time we carried them,” Sydney answered ruefully, as -they made the boatswain’s mate bare his wound, which they washed and -dressed carefully. - -They had hardly finished their solicitous attentions when the door of -the cell was unlocked and flung open: Colonel Juarez appeared. - -He stood in the doorway, his arms folded, a cruel smile curling his -weak mouth. - -“You defeated me once,” he jeered, “but I shall see that you will never -get a chance again.” - -The crestfallen lads only stared. They could find no voice to answer. -The hatred in his eyes appalled them. - -“No doubt you believed yourselves very clever,” he continued, irritated -at the silence of his hearers, “but if it will make you feel any -better, I can tell you that your brilliant work has but delayed us. We -shall possess the arms soon enough.” - -Both lads were startled at this intelligence. Could it be true? Phil -could not conceive how Lazar would have the audacity to deliberately -allow the arms to be taken. Where were Marshall and Morrison? Then he -realized that they were in ignorance of the true character of their -superior officer. They would suspect nothing. Why had he not put them -on their guard? - -“I tell you this,” Juarez added, after a pause to permit them to -grasp the full meaning of his words, and to gloat over the lad’s -discomfiture, “because dead men tell no tales. To-morrow you will be -tried by drum-head court martial,” and shrugging his shoulders, “I am -the president of the court.” - -Phil was about to reply when he saw how futile speech would be. The man -had come to taunt them. Silence was their best course. - -Seeing that his victims could not be moved, he turned and left them. - -They heard his voice in the hallway loudly instructing the guards: - -“If the Americans attempt to escape, shoot to kill.” - -“Do you believe Lazar has given up the guns?” Sydney questioned as -Juarez’s steps died away, forgetting the dire threat in his anxiety for -their cause. - -“I fear Juarez speaks the truth,” Phil answered dejectedly; “I blame -myself for not having cautioned Marshall.” - -“No, you shouldn’t do that,” said Sydney; “as things have turned out, -it would have been wiser. But how were you to know? It seems incredible -that a naval officer, even if he is a scoundrel, would take such a -risk.” - -“A man of Lazar’s character will stoop to any depths for money,” -exclaimed Phil, “and you can be sure that the sum promised him by -Juarez is large.” - -“But his commission in the navy,” Sydney persisted, unconvinced. “If -this crime is discovered he will at least be dismissed the service.” - -“A man of his unnatural talents and intriguing nature soon finds -but little scope for himself in the service, where all are poor but -honorable,” he answered. “No doubt he has contemplated leaving the -service and the fear of detection, therefore, has no influence with -him. As for dismissal, that would be out of the question; the crime of -which we know he is guilty would be nearly impossible to prove before -a naval court martial. Our evidence is only hearsay, and might not -convict him.” - -“Our evidence,” Sydney commenced; then the life died out of his voice -as he added, “we may never be able to give it.” - -The failing light of day, entering the solitary window above their -heads, soon left the prisoners in darkness. The lamp used by their -guards outside their cell door shed a faint glimmer through the cracks -of the stout oaken panel. - -The terrible mental strain which the Americans were enduring gave -them scant desire to sleep, and as they tossed restlessly on the damp -floor of their cell their predicament gradually dawned upon them with -startling force. - -O’Neil alone was cheerful; his indomitable spirit saved the lads from -sinking too deep in the slough of despond. - -Phil lay awake long after his companions had forgotten their troubles -in sleep. The bitter thought of failure was even keener to him than -the dread of death. The watch-word of his profession was “death with -honor.” Why should he fear to die in his country’s service? It was the -end that all true naval men sought. Yet, it was hard to die so young -and when there was so much to live for. Then the thought of his two -companions filled his cup of sorrow brimful. He cried out against a -fate so cruel. If they all could but die fighting, but to be shot down -by these miserable half-civilized soldiers, as they might shoot so many -dogs, was more than his youthful spirit could bear. He dropped off -finally into a profound sleep, and when he awakened the next morning, -he found the door of their cell open and the guards ready to take them -before the military tribunal. - -Hands bound behind their backs, they were marched through the streets -of the town. The natives taunted them with vile epithets, but kept -themselves at a distance, for which favor the captives were grateful. - -After a short march they were led into a courtroom. Here they were -unbound and told roughly to sit down. - -A few moments elapsed, then three officers, led by Colonel Juarez, -appeared and took seats at a table in front of the Americans. - -The room was empty save for the court, the guard and the prisoners. - -Colonel Juarez arose and read in a monotonous voice from a paper in -his hand. Phil understood it to be the order of General Ruiz, convening -the court for their trial as spies. Juarez sat down in silence. - -“What have you to say in your behalf before we pass sentence?” he asked -coldly, turning to Phil as spokesman. - -Phil’s throat was dry. He tried to speak but could not find voice. - -Juarez turned hastily to his companions. Each nodded his head in -assent; the trial was finished and the accused men found guilty. - -Hot blood rushed to Phil’s face as he comprehended the awful import of -this hasty verdict. - -“You dare not carry out this sentence,” he cried wildly, jumping to -his feet. “It will be murder. We are not spies. Our country is not at -war with yours. True, we are here to find out the strength of your -forces, but it is not to take this information to your enemy. If you -do this monstrous deed you will place yourself beyond the pale of -civilization”--his indignation choked him. “I claim my right of appeal -to General Ruiz,” he demanded fiercely. - -The court sat unmoved. On Juarez’s features was a grim expression of -enjoyment. - -“Take them away,” he ordered, rising to dismiss the court. - -As the guards advanced upon the prisoners, a voice from the door -stilled the room. The officers of the court clicked their heels -together at “attention,” and the guards brought their rifles quickly -to the “present.” Turning, Phil’s gaze encountered the steely eyes of -General Ruiz. - -The insurgent commander walked calmly forward, motioning the guards -away. - -“Your verdict, Colonel Juarez?” he demanded. - -“Guilty. To be shot to-morrow at sunrise,” the colonel replied grimly. - -Then turning toward the Americans, he surveyed them critically, a -cunning gleam in his sharp black eyes. - -“You may speak,” he said condescendingly, dismissing the court with an -eloquent gesture, and waving back peremptorily the awaiting guards. - -Phil endeavored to collect his scattered wits. He knew that his appeal -would be their last chance for life. - -“Well,” the general demanded impatiently, “be quick, I have but little -time.” - -Phil felt his body break into a cold perspiration. His heart sank -within him. He saw his words must fall on barren soil. The whole -attitude of this powerful, cruel leader was unfriendly. - -“General Ruiz,” he commenced, intense earnestness in his young face, -“you must not do this terrible deed. We have not intentionally done you -harm. Our mission in your camp is not one of war, but only diplomatic -in character. I cannot tell you its nature. Believe me when I say we -are innocent of crime against the laws of war. We are not your enemies.” - -“You are not my enemies!” exclaimed the leader savagely, his voice -rising in anger. “Then why did you capture my machine guns? Explain -that, if you can?” - -Phil was silent. He could not tell this man the reason; to do so would -betray his country’s policy. - -“Ah, you see your arguments are not convincing,” he cried -triumphantly. “Must I allow those who are not my enemies to capture my -property, then spy on my military movements? Shall I be powerless to -lay by the heels such fellows, and shoot them as they richly deserve?” - -Then a thought seemed to strike him; he led Phil away out of ear-shot -of his companions. - -“I shall grant a reprieve under one condition.” - -“And that is?” exclaimed the boy, his hopes rising. - -“That you cause my guns to be delivered inside my lines,” he answered. - -The lad’s hopes vanished. That he could not do. He had rather die -first. He shook his head determinedly. - -“I can’t do that,” he replied, “even if I would.” - -The general, misinterpreting the meaning implied in the boy’s words, -hastily explained: - -“The arms are this minute in La Boca, but the government and your ship -are so vigilant that I dare not risk attempting to bring them here by -water, and by land is quite out of the question. If I release you, you -could find a safe way to evade detection under the protection of your -flag.” - -The price was tempting to the despairing American youth: three lives -for a cargo of arms, but the vileness of the act which he must commit -to obtain this reward was repulsively horrible. Phil tried hard to -control his indignation. He felt that to show this man how much he -despised him and his clemency would only hasten their end. - -Ruiz believed the lad was wavering. - -“If I release you now, by to-night you will be on board the -‘Connecticut’ and by to-morrow I shall receive the guns and enter the -city at the head of my victorious army.” - -Phil thought quickly. Here might be an opportunity to gain for America -the gratitude of this insurgent leader. If Ruiz was to win the city and -set himself up as dictator, this act could be used with great force to -defeat the intrigues of Juarez and La Fitte and Company. But could he -depend upon earning this man’s gratitude? Would he not forget and vent -his venom on the Americans notwithstanding? The more he thought the -more complex the situation appeared. What did he know of the strength -of Ruiz’s enemies? Phil had heard rumors that they were negotiating for -war vessels; with these against them, the insurgents could only hope to -win by gaining the crews of the ships to their side by golden bribes; -if they remained loyal to the government, Ruiz would not dare enter the -city. The war-ships could train their guns on his army and force him to -evacuate. - -“I shall give you until sunrise to-morrow,” the general added sternly, -“then if you agree, I shall have you set free, but shall retain your -companions as hostages for your good faith until the arms are in my -hands. If not”--a sinister smile and an expressive shrug of his thin -shoulders completed his meaning. - -The Americans were led back to their cell and as the door closed upon -them again, Sydney turned anxiously to Phil. - -“What did he say?” he questioned. - -Phil told his eager companions the one chance of escape from the fate -awaiting them. - -“We can’t accept it,” Phil concluded. “It will look as if we were -afraid to die, and to do this we shall become Lazar’s accomplices, for -I feel assured he has allowed the arms to be stolen from the legation.” - -“Mr. Perry,” O’Neil interrupted, “I know these dagos, having shipped -with them both afloat and ashore. They ain’t going to shoot us. It’s a -bluff--stage acting. You stand pat to-morrow morning. They may line us -up against a wall and point their guns at us, but they ain’t a going to -shoot. They know if they did the United States government would blow -the whole blamed country out of existence.” - -The ring of truth in the sailor’s words forcibly impressed the two -lads. Could this be true? Had they been tortured to make them betray -themselves? But the cruel look in the face of Ruiz when he turned -and left them only a short time before, surely did not bear out this -interpretation of their position. - -“I hope you are right, O’Neil,” Phil said, looking gratefully at the -cheerful sailorman, “but I fear these men are capable of carrying out -their threat.” - -Escape was impossible--they were as secure in this prison as if they -were in the old Bastile. The footfall of their guards told of their -vigilance. The heavy oaken door was doubly barred and locked on the -outside. - -Their midday meal lay upon the floor untasted by the two lads. Food -would have choked them; but O’Neil ate as calmly as if he were aboard -ship. - -The sounds of life outside came faintly to their ears. They heard the -laughter of children playing in the streets, and the rattle of military -accoutrements, as soldiers marched along. The heat of their dungeon was -almost unbearable and they suffered from lack of water to wash their -bruised bodies. - -Suddenly they heard the sounds of alarmed humanity; startled cries, a -hurrying of many feet, and the clang of iron shod hoofs upon the hard -earth. - -O’Neil listened intently. Then he sprang to the window near the ceiling -of their cell, catching the sill with his fingers and drawing himself -up until he could peer through the iron bars. - -“What is it?” cried both lads in alarm. - -“There’s something going on to seaward,” he answered; “the people are -running about like chickens without heads, and the soldiers are moving -inland. I wish we could get a sight----” - -His next word was lost in a heavy crash and sharp explosion that seemed -to shake the building to its foundation. - -“Is it an earthquake?” cried Phil, excitedly. - -“It sounded to me like a six-inch shell,” exclaimed O’Neil. “I ain’t -heard one so close since Santiago, but I recognize the tune.” - -Explosion after explosion followed in rapid succession. - -“The streets are deserted,” shouted O’Neil above the roar of crashing -buildings and exploding shells. “It’s a bombardment. There’s a ship or -two pumping shell into the town from the sea.” - -The sailor slid down from his position of vantage and pointed to the -door. - -“Our guards have run for it. We must break down that door.” - -The three Americans, simultaneously, flung themselves against the stout -oak, but it held firmly despite their united efforts. They stood in the -middle of their cell, the perspiration pouring from their exhausted -bodies. - -A crash louder and sharper rang in their ears. Then an explosion -that threw them violently to the floor. The suffocating fumes of the -exploded shell filled their nostrils. - -But yet another and more sinister smell reached them, which froze the -hot blood in their veins; it was the smoke of a burning building. - -Their prison was afire. If the door held they would all be burned -alive. - - - - -CHAPTER X - -THE SCENE CHANGES - - -Their terrible plight spurred them on to renewed efforts to break -down the heavy door. The iron bolts were bent under their frenzied -onslaughts, and the stifling smoke became thicker. - -The ominous sounds of bursting shell grew louder and more frequent. - -“They are shelling this very building,” exclaimed O’Neil, as he -gathered himself for a spring at the resisting oak. - -The two lads were almost in a panic. The situation seemed indeed -hopeless. The crackling of the approaching fire was very near; so close -that the air of the cell was becoming too hot to breathe. - -Then an explosion, that seemed to the anxious prisoners as if the -building itself had been destroyed, sent them reeling to the farthest -limits of their narrow prison. They clutched the hot wall for support. -The mingled smoke of powder and burning wood was so thick that they -could see but a few feet. Phil felt a sharp pain and glanced down with -horror to see blood flowing down his leg. He knew he had been wounded; -he did not know how seriously. - -He peered through the thick smoke for his companions. Sydney was near -him, his clothes torn, showing the effects of the explosion. O’Neil was -not visible. Phil groped through the suffocating smoke toward the door. -He heard a crash of splintered wood accompanied by a glad cry from the -sailor, and then the cell was lit up by a red glow of fire through the -hole made by the boatswain’s mate in the oaken door. O’Neil stood, -peering through the breach; the explosion of the shell had started, -and he had, with his powerful hands, enlarged it. His glance was calm, -but the sight, to Phil, was calculated to unnerve the stoutest heart. -The hall outside was a veritable furnace, and it was their only road -to safety. They were surely lost. How could they pass through this -scorching heat alive? - -“Come, it’s our only chance,” cried O’Neil. “It’s sure death here. -The building may fall at any minute.” - -[Illustration: _THE THREE PRISONERS RUSHED THROUGH THE FLAMES_] - -Singly the Americans crawled from the comparative cool of their cell to -the hall, through the breach in the door. The door of the building had -been left open by the retreating guards, and showed white through the -red glare of the flames. - -Hand in hand the three prisoners rushed through the scorching flames. -The red tongues reached out on all sides toward their retreating forms. - -A second afterward they were all buried in sand up to their necks in -order to quench the smouldering fire in their clothes. - -“I thought our numbers were made[1] that time,” exclaimed O’Neil when -they had succeeded in extinguishing the flames. “It was that shell what -done the business. I’d like to see the man who fired it. I’d give him -my month’s pay. The shell exploded just on the outside of the door and -splintered it so that I could get my hands on the pieces. But come, -this is none too safe, we must get to the seashore.” - -With shells exploding over their heads they ran pell-mell through the -deserted town to the beach. - -As a view of the sea flashed before the lads, they cried out in -excitement. - -The dark hull of a war vessel steamed a quarter of a mile off shore. -They saw the bright flashes from her gun ports followed by a harsh -screech of shell and then a crash and explosion which seemed to be at -their very feet. - -O’Neil looked about him. - -“We must get to that fish trap,” he cried, pointing to a cluster of -bamboo piles driven under the water, their ends appearing above the -surface. “We’ll be safe there until we can signal the dago war-ship; do -you see the flag of the republic flying from her trucks?” - -Wading and swimming the Americans made their way to the fish trap. It -was just at the end of the coral reef, and when the vessel had finished -the bombardment they would surely be seen and rescued. - -From the hills back of the town came a report of cannon and a shell -struck the water near the cruiser. - -“Our friend the artillery lieutenant,” exclaimed Phil, as the brown -vapor from the exploded shrapnel appeared again in the air above the -cruiser. “He knows her range too. She is turning. I wonder if they have -seen us.” - -“They’ll see us in a minute,” answered O’Neil grimly, as he stripped -himself of his white undershirt and drew from the sand a long bamboo -pole. “But our artillery friends ashore may see us also.” - -“If they do, we must swim for it,” said O’Neil calmly, tying his shirt -on to the pole and raising the conspicuous flag above his head. - -“They see us; I mean the cruiser,” cried Sydney joyfully; “she is -heading toward us.” - -The cruiser had turned in shore; her battery was now silent, but the -spiteful piece of artillery ashore sent its bursting shrapnel ever -nearer the approaching vessel. - -“Get under the water, quick,” cried O’Neil, grasping the lads and -drawing them down with him. - -Through the water the noise of an explosion above them came muffled to -their ears. When they rose to the surface, the agitated water about -them told the story only too plainly. O’Neil’s fears had been realized. -The enemy had also seen them. - -It was fortunate for our friends that they were all good swimmers. They -must leave the protection of their bamboo piling and swim toward the -approaching man-of-war. With but their heads above water they would -afford but a small target for their friend the lieutenant of artillery, -but if he was fortunate with his aim once it would be all over with the -Americans. - -Leaving their insecure resting place they swam slowly out toward the -cruiser, which had now stopped and seemed to be awaiting them. - -The cool freshness of the water put new strength into the swimmers. -O’Neil swam on his back, his eyes turned toward the shore. As soon as -the red flash appeared he commanded his companions to duck, and thus -escaping the shower of bursting shrapnel, they reached the side of the -cruiser in safety. - -Willing hands helped them aboard and up the gangway of the war-ship, -which now steamed away, hurling a parting broadside into the deserted -and burning town. - -The Americans indeed presented a sorry spectacle; with clothes torn -nearly off their bodies, smoke-begrimed, and burned painfully in many -places; but their new found friends on board received them with great -courtesy and cheerfully supplied all their needs. - -In but a short time their wounds and burns, which were found to be -only slight, were carefully attended to by the ship’s surgeon, and -they appeared on deck with the only clothes available, those of the -government officers. - -Captain Garcia, the commanding officer of the cruiser, insisted that -the lads should live with him in his cabin, and O’Neil was to be given -a place among the officers themselves. - -After the experiences of the last few hours all three were exhausted, -and the captain, with tactful generosity, refrained from asking their -story until the rescued men could be refreshed with a bath, clean -clothes and a bountiful dinner. - -Phil and Sydney lay back in the commodious cabin of the war-ship and, -in spite of their eagerness to hear the latest news from La Boca, fell -into a profound sleep. - -It was not until late in the afternoon that the lads were awakened by -Captain Garcia. - -“I hope you are feeling refreshed,” he inquired kindly. “I am delighted -to have you with us for a few days until I can take you back to your -own ship.” - -“For a few days,” Phil exclaimed in astonishment; “aren’t you going -back now to La Boca?” - -“I am sorry if I seem to carry you away against your wishes,” he -replied courteously, “but I am sailing under very imperative orders -from my president to seek the rebel cruisers at Rio Grande. It was but -by accident that I went into Mariel. I saw a great many soldiers of -the enemy drawn up there and took the opportunity to worry them, and -at the same time give my gunners an opportunity to test our new guns.” -He stopped and inquired, “But tell me how you and your two companions -came to be there; was I the means of liberating you? I have not heard -as yet your experiences.” - -Phil had forgotten that the captain had received but little information -as to the reasons why they were at the fish trap, from which they had -swum to safety. He at once told their story: of their capture, the -trial and the verdict, and then of the escape. - -“We owe our lives to you, Captain Garcia,” he added gratefully. “If -your shell had not exploded in front of the door of our prison, we -should have been burned alive, and if you had not stopped to bombard -Mariel we would still be there looking forward to being shot to-morrow -morning.” - -“I am indeed thankful that I have been able to serve those who -prevented the cargo of machine guns from falling into the hands of our -enemy,” the captain answered smilingly. - -“How do you know we did that?” cried Phil in surprise. - -“The story has reached our president,” Captain Garcia responded, “and -he is very grateful to the Americans. Now,” he added, “our launches -are watching every exit by water, so General Ruiz finds himself -effectively cut off from his base of supplies.” - -Phil remembered the machine guns were not in the legation and quickly -his thoughts turned to his uncompleted mission. The pulsations of the -engines showed the vessel was steaming away rapidly from those who -should have his report at the earliest moment. - -“Could you not take us back to La Boca?” he asked anxiously. “I have -secret information which must be received immediately by my captain on -board the ‘Connecticut.’” - -“That is impossible,” replied Captain Garcia; “we are over a hundred -miles from La Boca, but if you will trust the message to me I can send -it safely by wireless telegraph.” - -Phil’s face lit up with pleasure. - -“I shall get the message ready at once,” he answered much relieved. -“You will pardon me if I send it in cipher?” he asked; “I should not -like to divulge its import to even our rescuer.” - -Phil and Sydney put the message, that the former framed, in the cipher -code of the United States. Our lads fortunately had been given the key -word by Captain Taylor before they started on their perilous mission. -Without this secret word the message could not be read by outsiders, so -although the boys knew that all the foreign ships in port would read -this message to the “Connecticut,” none but Captain Taylor could find -it intelligible; to the others it would be a meaningless confusion of -unpronounceable words. The message told the captain of the battle-ship -that the machine guns were no longer in the legation but concealed -in the city of La Boca, and that the insurgent army were strong and -well equipped with modern rifles and artillery; that they alone lacked -machine guns, of which their race stood in great dread; that the -cruiser “Aquadores” was on its way to Rio Grande to fight the enemy’s -men-of-war, and that they were on board and well. - -“I think that will be sufficient, don’t you?” Phil asked Sydney, after -they had laboriously put the long message in the cipher code. - -“Yes,” Sydney replied, “unless you wish to put the captain on his -guard against a traitor in the legation.” - -“The time is not ripe for that yet,” Phil answered promptly; “we must -wait until the evidence against him is overwhelming. Remember Captain -Taylor has a high opinion of Lazar and if we attempted to poison his -ear against him, he might, even though he likes us, believe that we had -formed a combination against the ensign.” - -“Have your own way,” responded Sydney, impatiently, “but I fear by the -time we return to the ‘Connecticut’ all the damage that he is capable -of doing will be done.” - -“What can he do more, Syd?” Phil exclaimed. “If he has given up the -guns he must stop there, for there is nothing more that he can do that -will injure the United States.” - -The message completed they took it to Captain Garcia. - -“Come to the wireless room with me,” requested the captain, “and we -shall see it started on its long journey.” - -Phil was delighted at the opportunity. He had always been interested -in this wonderful method of telegraphy, but had not been able to make -as complete a study of it as he would have desired, owing to his time -being too thoroughly occupied since his reporting for duty in the -Atlantic fleet. - -Sydney also was included in the invitation, and the two lads followed -Captain Garcia to the little compartment in which the delicate -instruments were installed. - -The operator, a bright-faced foreigner, stood up civilly as the three -entered, and took the message held out to him by Captain Garcia. - -“Send this to the American battle-ship,” he ordered. “We shall remain -here to see you manipulate your instruments.” - -The wireless man smiled proudly as he put his hand carelessly on his -sending key. - -“What is her call letter?” he asked politely, turning to Phil. - -“A-D,” the lad replied promptly. - -The switch was closed and the whirring of the mercurial motor showed -the expert that all was ready to commence. - -The man closed his key and on releasing it a bright spark jumped across -the spark gap, charging the storage jars with electrical fluid of a -high tension. The lads understood that this had electrified the aerial -wire leading to the main truck of the cruiser and a wave of electricity -had been started on its journey through space. Again and again in long -and short makes and breaks the key was pressed down upon its platinum -contact. A-D in dots and dashes was sent up to the long wire. After -a minute the key was held at rest and another switch was thrown in, -connecting this same wire to the receiving instruments. All held their -breath in expectancy while the operator placed his telephone receiver -to his ear. Phil watched the man’s face anxiously. He saw on it a look -of satisfaction. Then he saw him again close his key, press it down -twice in acknowledgment, then glance at the paper before him. - -A hundred miles away the aerial wire of the “Connecticut” was set -in electrical vibration. The American operator below the armored -deck heard an even but indistinct buzz in his telephone receiver. He -listened intently. It was surely his own call. Who could be signaling -him. He must be sure, for he did not wish to interfere with the -messages among the foreign war-ships. No, it was distinct enough. -A-D, A-D, unceasingly. He waited until the noise ceased, then quickly -he sent out his acknowledgment, turning the rheostat handle for high -tension, for he knew the sender of this mysterious call was at a long -distance. - -“I have her, señor captain,” the operator of the “Aquadores” reported -in a businesslike voice as he proceeded to send the cipher message -before him. - -Phil breathed easier after the last acknowledgment had been received -from the “Connecticut.” The captain in but a few minutes would know the -situation as well as if they themselves had told him in person. - -“Now that this is off our minds,” exclaimed Phil, as he and Sydney -walked up and down outside the captain’s cabin, “I believe it our duty -to discover how strong this ship is for fighting two of her enemy’s -vessels. I am delighted to be here, but at the same time I don’t care -about getting killed, or what might be worse, captured. If our friend -Ruiz gets us in his power again, it will be all up with us.” - -“What do you propose to do?” asked Sydney excitedly. “I wish we could -fight her for them.” - -“No, that we couldn’t do; but we are surely justified in instructing -them before the battle, and during the battle too, for we can satisfy -our conscience by the plea of self-defense,” answered Phil, regarding -closely a six-inch gun near him. “Look at their guns; they are the very -latest pattern and have two telescope sights each. These men in but a -short time could be trained to use those guns in a way that will insure -a victory.” - -“In training these men to fight a successful battle,” Sydney returned, -thoroughly interested, “we shall also help the government to keep in -control of the country. Do you know for what reason we were sent to the -insurgent camp?” - -“To find out their strength, of course,” answered Phil promptly. - -“Yes, but why did our government wish this information? The reason has -just occurred to me. Some of the foreign governments wish to give the -insurgents the power of belligerents. This the United States does not -desire, for it will give them an opportunity to blockade La Boca with -their navy and thus ruin our shipping with that port. Our merchant -vessels, and also those of foreigners, may be seized at the will of -these outlaws, and this situation would be disastrous. La Fitte and -Company have a powerful backing in two countries of Europe.” - -“Syd, I believe you have hit the nail on the head. Why couldn’t I have -thought of that?” exclaimed the lad, proud of his companion’s sagacity. - -“Then, there’s all the more reason,” Phil added, “why we should do -our utmost to see that these insurgent war vessels never have an -opportunity to blockade La Boca.” - -“That’s exactly it,” answered Sydney promptly, “and as we are due in -Rio Grande in two days more we should start right in now.” - -O’Neil was sent for and told of our lads’ plans. The boatswain’s mate -was greatly delighted. - -“Give me two days, sir,” he cried excitedly, “and they’ll make a -hundred per cent. of hits on the insurgent hulks.” - -The three Americans walked down to the battery deck. The crew were at -quarters. Each division was going through the drill at their guns in a -perfunctory manner. - -“Look at ’em,” scoffed O’Neil, “like a gang of Italian roustabouts on a -New York dock.” - -“After this drill is over, O’Neil,” Phil confided, “you get a group -around you and try to interest them; then get them at the gun and -explain how it should be done. You must poke fun at them in order to -catch their interest. Then we shall see that Captain Garcia sees you. -That ought to open his eyes and make him want to see more. Do you see?” - -“That I do,” exclaimed the sailor, “and you have hit the character of -these dagos as if you’d always lived among ’em.” - -Phil and Sydney strolled quietly up the ladder and entered the -captain’s cabin. - -Captain Garcia was quite willing to be drawn into conversation, and our -lads diplomatically led the topic up to the possibilities in the coming -engagement. - -“As you have been so frank with me,” answered the captain, in reply -to an inquiry from Phil, “I shall tell you what is my greatest -anxiety.” He lowered his voice to a whisper. “The navy to a man were -in sympathy with the rebels, and as soon as General Ruiz began to -collect his army and threaten the capital, our two war vessels, the -‘Soledad’ and ‘Barcelo,’ with a torpedo-boat, sailed from La Boca for -Rio Grande, where they won the sympathy of the citizens and set up -the capital of the rebellion. My men are wavering in their allegiance -to our cause, and if they should mutiny and take the ship, turning it -over to the rebels, our cause would be lost.” He stopped speaking and -glanced seriously at his eager listeners. “My life would of course be -sacrificed. I should either be shot by the mutineers or else executed -by our enemy.” - -This was indeed a startling announcement for our lads. A mutiny on -board the “Aquadores” might be as serious to them as it would be for -her captain. - -“The ‘Aquadores,’” the captain continued in the same low tone, “is a -powerful ship. She was built in your country for our government, and -when this war broke out, a power held her at the dockyard, although -I had my crew on board and was ready to sail; it was the government -of the United States. I could not set sail until your country was -satisfied of my honest intentions. She is more than a match for the -ships of our enemy, but our men are poorly trained, our officers are -half-hearted and incompetent, mere adventurers. They would willingly -fight against their country if they believed it would be to their -personal advantage.” - -The two boys felt a deep sympathy for Captain Garcia. They saw in him -a man of a thousand, differing materially from the majority of his -race. Honorable, brave and loyal, he was ready to die for his cause. -Believing he was sailing toward his death, they had known him for over -twenty-four hours and had not, until this minute, heard one word of -complaint. - -The sound of many people talking loudly, with excited cries and -exclamations, struck upon their ears. - -The captain’s grave face turned a shade paler. - -“What is that?” he cried. - -Phil knew immediately that O’Neil’s strategy was bearing fruit. - -“Let’s see,” he proposed, advancing to the hatchway. - -They descended the ladder and stood in astonishment at the sight -presented. - -O’Neil had indeed succeeded. He had placed a crew at one of the -six-inch guns and was making the men go through the drill in American -style. The native sailors were laughing with excitement. They were as -happy as if they were playing at some athletic game. - -Phil glanced anxiously at Captain Garcia. The latter’s face had dropped -its careworn expression. His eyes brightened. - -“Ah, if I had a crew like that man,” he sighed. - -Phil was silent. The time had not arrived to offer the aid of himself -and his two friends. He knew the pride of the race to which the captain -belonged. He knew by his face that he was a pure-blooded Castilian. - -Some hours later in the cabin the expected question that Phil had -waited for was asked. - -“Mr. Perry, will you and your friends teach my men to use our guns?” - -Phil readily agreed. - -“That removes a great burden from my mind,” exclaimed Captain Garcia -gratefully. “When will you begin?” - -“Now, at once,” answered Phil promptly. “I must be given authority to -order the men about, and to do this I desire to be given the temporary -rank and wear the uniform of your first lieutenant. My friend, Mr. -Monroe, must have the rank of lieutenant, and O’Neil an ensign. In this -way only can we control our pupils.” - -The captain was in high glee. He fell in immediately with the spirit of -the undertaking. - -Donning the uniforms, which fortunately were in store on board, the -Americans set to work to carry out the scheme outlined by Phil. - -The battery was divided into two divisions, one of which was to -be commanded by each of his companions with the native officer as -assistant. Phil himself was to be near the captain and was also to -control the fire of the broadsides. - -The next night our friends had reason to congratulate themselves upon -their wonderful progress. The crew were imbued with a lively interest -and fell to with a will to perfect themselves. - -“My country can never repay its debt to you, señors,” the captain -exclaimed to the lads after they had returned from their last drill. -The enemy would be encountered the next morning, if their commanding -officers had the courage to fight. “I do not now fear the outcome. My -greatest fear has been swept away; it was that if the shells of our -enemy were to hit us too frequently our men might become demoralized -and in spite of me haul down our flag. There can be no danger of that -now.” - -The next morning all hands were called before dawn and preparations -were made for the coming battle. The lads were consumed with excitement -as they moved among the willing sailors. The rapid shooting with which -Phil hoped to overwhelm their two antagonists was provided for by -placing at the guns a quantity of reserve ammunition. O’Neil went among -the men joking with them and telling them what was expected of them. -Their Latin blood was aroused to the highest pitch of excitement. - -“Do you see these guns?” he cried, changing his voice to a harsh tone, -pointing to two revolvers in his belt. “I have twelve dead men here. -The first dozen men who show cowardice are as good as dead right now.” - -By sunrise the low land of the Bay of Rio Grande was in sight. The -red-roofed town, nestling against the side of the dark green of the -forest, reflected the slanting rays of light. - -The “Aquadores” steamed boldly toward the forts at the entrance. - -Phil felt confident that Sydney and O’Neil would give a good account -of themselves in the battle, the outcome of which meant so much to the -Americans. - -As he took his station on the high bridge near the captain, the -fire control instruments in his hands, his pulses throbbed with an -excitement, the height of which he had never known before. Was this the -feeling men had on the eve of their first battle? - -The cruiser drew nearer to the defending forts. The range finder showed -five thousand yards was their distance from the cruiser. - -Suddenly a brown puff of smoke belched from one of the forts, and the -screech of a huge shell sounded ominously. - - - - -CHAPTER XI - -A NAVAL ENGAGEMENT - - -The shell from the fort struck the water some hundred yards ahead of -the “Aquadores,” and showed Captain Garcia that unless he stopped his -ship, he would draw the fire of the forts. This would place him at a -decided disadvantage. His best course was to entice the ships of the -enemy away from the protection of the fortifications. That the captain -understood his proper tactics was soon evident. - -“Hard astarboard,” he ordered, and the cruiser, obedient to her helm, -quickly swung her bow around and headed directly away from the harbor’s -mouth. - -Phil thrilled with the excitement of the moment; he glanced at the -captain’s face; it showed plainly the tremendous strain that he was -undergoing, although he seemed outwardly calm and deliberate. The -gravity of their position came home to the lad; they were on the eve -of a battle between modern ships with modern guns and its outcome meant -either life or death. - -“There’s the ‘Barcelo,’ heading out,” cried Captain Garcia. “I believe -she will give us battle; her mate must be behind the fort and we shall -soon see what their intentions are. If they refuse to fight in the -open, out from the protection of the fort guns, I shall be forced to -enter the harbor regardless of the mines and heavy guns ashore.” - -Phil paled at the thought of entering the enemy’s fortified harbor, -strongly protected by mines. He knew that the “Aquadores” could have -but little chance in such an undertaking. A single mine exploded within -a few feet of her bottom would send her skyward. But a look at Captain -Garcia’s face showed his intense earnestness; he would risk all in his -endeavor to destroy the rebellious navy of his country. - -The enemy’s vessels had now left the harbor. They were in plain -sight, their battle flags waving from their trucks. They presented a -noble appearance, cleared for action, the naked muzzles of their long -high-powered guns pointing toward the apparently fleeing cruiser. - -“What a beautiful sight!” Phil exclaimed. - -“Yes, but deadly,” Captain Garcia replied, casting an apprehensive -glance at the oncoming ships. “They are both nearly new and formidable. -They doubtless hope for an easy victory, as they know of the -half-heartedness of my men. But we are going to surprise them,” he -added, his face brightening; “I believe they will catch a tartar.” - -“We are surely going to win,” cried Phil. “Your men can shoot each of -their guns eight times in a minute; we shall overwhelm them with that -fire. Your crew loads in the American method; our enemy know nothing of -its advantages. We can depend upon my companions to keep their gun’s -crews at work.” - -“What is the range?” inquired the captain in a tense voice. - -“Four thousand yards,” Phil answered, measuring deliberately with his -instrument, “and gaining rapidly. Your stern guns can open fire now.” - -The captain shook his head. - -“I know my countrymen better than you do, lad,” he said lowering his -voice, so as not to be heard by the officers and men near him. “If we -should open fire now they would come no further, but remain under the -protecting wing of the fort guns.” - -“I see,” cried Phil delightedly; “you are making them believe you are -afraid of them and are running away.” - -“Quite right,” replied the captain proudly, pleased at the compliment -to his ability. “We shall draw them far out to sea and then turn on -them and force a fight. I know their speed; it is but seventeen knots; -while with the ‘Aquadores,’ I am sure of twenty-one at any time. So you -see they cannot then escape me.” - -“Thirty-eight hundred yards,” Phil reported, taking his eyes from -the instrument and looking at his watch. “What speed are you making, -captain?” - -“Fifteen knots,” was the prompt answer. - -“Then they are going almost seventeen knots now,” Phil vouched, as -he put his watch away; “they have gained two hundred yards in three -minutes.” - -“If that is so, I must go faster,” cried Captain Garcia, signaling -to the engine room to increase the speed. “I wish them to gain slowly -in order that we may be well out from the harbor when they reach an -effective range with their guns.” - -“Do you see that sun?” cried Phil, pointing toward the red disk but an -hour high. “That’s a bad thing to have in your gun sights. Get between -your enemy and the sun and you have the advantage at the start.” - -“Excellent,” cried Captain Garcia. “It will spoil the enemy’s aim, -and it places me in an advantageous position to head them off if they -attempt to escape me.” - -Phil’s nerves had become quieter, although the long strain of the stern -chase had been heavy. He glanced below him on the gun deck to observe -the behavior of the crew. Silence was ponderous over the ship. The men -at first had talked in low excited tones to each other, but as they saw -the enemy draw nearer, they stood quietly, dreading the first screech -of their enemy’s shell. Sydney and O’Neil seemed cool and collected -as they stood with their officer assistants. Sydney glanced anxiously -through the gun-port, frequently judging the distance of the enemy, -but O’Neil appeared to give the enemy but scant thought. He seemed to -be as calm as if he were at target practice. To him the excitement of -battle was not new; he had served in Admiral Sampson’s fleet during the -Cuban campaign, and the sound of shells screeching about him gave him -no fears. - -“There she goes,” Phil exclaimed loudly in excitement, as a flash of -fire sprang from the leading ship. - -A tremor ran through the crew. Their evident nervousness showed on -their faces and in the muscular twitching of their hands. - -The first shell struck short, but from the bow guns of the two chasers -flash after flash appeared. The screech and hiss of steel missiles -filled the air. - -Phil looked at the captain anxiously. The latter stood surveying the -scene, nervously, with his hand on the wheel rim. - -The menace of the enemy’s fire was becoming more intense. The -geyser-like splashes threw water on to the decks of the fleeing -cruiser. Then a crash below him on the battery deck sent the hot blood -pulsating through the lad’s veins. He looked, a terrible fear in his -eyes. He saw fresh blood on the clean white decks amid the suffocating -smell of an explosion. The swarthy faces below him had paled with an -unknown, unreasonable terror--men scrambled over the mutilated bodies -of their stricken comrades, then stopped, wild-eyed and frenzied, for -they saw no escape. He glanced appealingly at Captain Garcia; the -latter’s face had blanched but his voice rang out true: - -“Hard astarboard! Full speed!” Then he turned to Phil: - -“We are ready to open fire.” - -The lad, with hands trembling with agitation, read the range and -transmitted it by his electrical instrument to the guns. The notes of -the bugle rang out clear on the battery deck: “Commence firing.” - -Sydney and O’Neil drove the men to their guns at the point of the -revolver. - -“If any of you fellows shoot when you ain’t pointing at that leading -ship,” O’Neil sang out in Spanish, in a voice that could be heard above -the crash of exploding shell and the frightened prayers of the sailors, -“I am going to pitch you to the sharks with my own hands,” and he -looked as if he meant every word. No doubt the little brown sailormen -thought he would carry out his dire threat, for they moved slowly back -to their stations. - -The next moment the situation was relieved. The “Aquadores” swung her -port broadside to the enemy and the sharp detonating discharge of her -guns made her crew forget their fear of the enemy’s shells. - -Phil with glasses to his eyes watched their shells wing their way -toward the enemy. The roar of discharges now grew incessant. The -leading cruiser was fairly blotted out by the splashing of steel all -about her. - -The “Aquadores” was not escaping unscathed; the dead and dying littered -the decks, but the crew, with desperation born of their dread for their -officers’ revolvers, worked like madmen. - -Phil saw a heavy pall of smoke rising from the leading cruiser, now -heading about in an endeavor to seek the shelter of their fort’s guns. -It was the “Barcelo.” The “Soledad” was yet unharmed and stood boldly -on, using her guns with terrific effect. He rushed down to the battery -deck. He found his companions drawing their men back to reload the guns. - -“One enemy is disabled,” he cried desperately. “Back to your guns. If -you desert now it means death. Shoot at the other ship!” - -The men went once more to their guns, a sullen scowl on their terrified -faces. - -“For our lives, keep them at it,” he shouted to O’Neil as he swung -himself up the ladder to the bridge. - -The “Soledad” was heading directly for the “Aquadores.” The white foam -under the bow of the former showed she was making a rush to close with -her enemy. - -Captain Garcia was undecided. He stood with his hand ready to clutch -the wheel to retreat. The “Soledad,” a blaze of destruction, came on -with a speed that seemed well-nigh incredible. At the shorter range -her shots were falling thickly about their decks, and the cries of the -wounded were heartrending. - -Phil saw with consternation that she was approaching on a converging -course, and if the “Aquadores” stood on the two vessels must meet in -but a few minutes. What would Captain Garcia do? Sydney and O’Neil were -nowhere in sight. The battery fire had been reduced alarmingly; but -four guns were now firing against ten of their enemy. What could have -happened to his companions? Then a sudden wave of joy filled his heart. -O’Neil and Sydney were both shooting guns themselves and the officer -assistants had taken two others. The excited sailors were working as -hard as their limited strength allowed them, and from the guns of the -Americans, Phil saw with delight, the one hundred pound shells in a -perfect stream were hurled, true to their aim against the side of the -advancing ship. - -Phil read his range finder. - -“Two thousand yards,” he cried, then he froze with sudden fear. “Have -they torpedoes?” he questioned anxiously. - -There was no time for an answer. A puff of white smoke, low down on the -“Soledad’s” leaden side; a flash of bright metal in the sunlight, and -a silent splash in the water, told our lad only too plainly that five -hundred pounds of high explosive had been launched on its deadly errand -against their ship. - -Phil’s voice refused obedience. The “Aquadores” stood on at full speed, -while he saw a white wake of air bubbles in a straight line, ever -extending, marking the path of the Whitehead torpedo. - -Captain Garcia hesitated but a moment; then he grasped the spokes of -the wheel and spun it around, swinging the bow of the cruiser toward -the approaching destroyer. - -The men below, intuitively, knew that some new danger threatened. An -ominous murmur arose from the guns. The dread of an unknown danger had -put the fear of death into their simple minds. - -The “Aquadores” turned swiftly, yet it seemed to the anxious watchers -that she must place herself directly in the path of the torpedo. Our -lad knew that the captain had now made the only correct maneuver; by -presenting his bow to the torpedo, it would give less surface to the -steely fish, and a glancing blow on the curved under-water side of the -cruiser might not explode its death-dealing head. - -Through his glass Phil watched the fast approaching tube of steel. It -was running but a few feet under the clear blue water, leaving behind -it a trail of bubbles from the air exhausted through its tiny engines. - -It seemed to the lad that the torpedo could not miss. He grasped the -hand-rail near him to brace himself against the terrific impact of the -explosion he knew would come with the speed of light when the deadly -point of the tube plowed into the “Aquadores’” steel plates. He could -not withdraw his fascinated gaze from the approaching menace; yet he -heard ominous sounds on the deck below him that showed him the awful -plight of the cruiser. - -The torpedo was now very near, pointing directly for the bow of the -“Aquadores,” ever swinging toward its small enemy. - -A flash of steel across the cruiser’s bow; a whir of tiny propellers; -a white streak of foam, and the danger had passed. Death had brushed -close by and gone beyond on a futile errand. - -“Back to your guns,” Captain Garcia cried, steering his vessel toward -the now retreating enemy. - -“If you don’t put them out of business now,” Phil heard O’Neil shout -to the uncertain men, “they’ll let loose another one of them torpedoes, -and they’ll hit us sure next time.” - -As the gunners returned to the battery, the roar of discharges brought -confidence to the panic-stricken crew. - -It was soon the “Aquadores’” turn to be joyful. The demoralized enemy -were running for cover. Their fire had almost ceased, but the deck of -the cruiser, strewn with dead and dying, told of the havoc while it had -lasted. - -Those on the bridge had, by a miracle, escaped unharmed. Phil had felt -many a shell pass him, scorching him with its hot blast. - -“Concentrate on the nearest vessel,” Phil shouted to his companions -below him. The range was but scant two thousand yards. The “Aquadores’” -shell went true to their aim. The smoke of explosions on the deck of -the nearer vessel rose in clouds, almost concealing her from view. She -had fired a few shots with a stern gun as she turned to follow her -fleeing mate; this now ceased. She was bending all efforts to escape. -Once under the cover of their shore batteries they could refit the -ships and again be ready for battle. - -Captain Garcia’s face wore a look of determination as he took in his -hand the flexible speaking-tube to the engine room. - -“Make all speed possible,” he ordered. - -“Cripple her,” he cried to his gunners below. “Let neither escape us.” - -The intense excitement was fairly stifling. Both vessels of the enemy -were making more speed than Captain Garcia had given them credit -for being able to do. The distance was not increasing but they were -persistently holding their own, and the “Aquadores’” shooting had not, -despite the volume of fire, succeeded in reducing their speed by even -the fraction of a knot. - -“Aim at her water line,” Phil shouted to his companions, pointing at -the “Soledad.” - -The next few shots from the “Aquadores” were fired singly by O’Neil. -Phil sent him the exact range from his range finder, while Sydney saw -the sight bar was accurately set. - -The first shell struck only a few yards short, in her white wake. The -next shot struck under her counter and exploded with an echoing report. - -“You jammed her rudder,” Phil shouted jubilantly, as he saw the -“Soledad” sheer widely to starboard and expose half of her broadside -to the bow fire of the chaser. O’Neil saw his opportunity to plant a -number of shells against her water line. Putting the cross wire of his -telescope sight fairly and steadily on her water line amidships, he -fired. The watchers on the bridge anxiously followed with their eyes -the shell speeding toward the “Soledad.” Then the sound of a mighty -explosion filled the air and the hindmost enemy was blotted out in a -cloud of white, vapor-like smoke. - -“Her boilers have exploded!” cried Phil, grasping Captain Garcia’s arm -in his excitement. - -The “Barcelo,” as if fearing the terrible punishment of her mate would -be visited upon her, had stopped dead on the water. - -Captain Garcia steamed his vessel cautiously up to the vanquished enemy. - -The “Soledad” was a pitiful sight as she rolled a shattered hulk on the -ocean swell; smoke-stacks gone; her decks blackened with the fire of -explosions, and torn and rent by the terrific violence of the blown up -boilers. - -“She’s sinking,” cried Phil in horror, turning anxiously to Captain -Garcia. - -The captain nodded his head in the affirmative. - -“I fear many of her crew have perished. We must save every life we can.” - -The “Aquadores” was stopped near the sinking ship and boats were -lowered promptly. But as Captain Garcia had feared, there were but -a handful of survivors left on the surface after the “Soledad,” her -colors still flying, sank beneath the surface of the sea. - -In a half hour more a prize crew from the “Aquadores” had been sent -on board the captured “Barcelo” and the two vessels, now no longer -enemies, lay quietly awaiting the darkness to finish the work of -destruction of the insurgent navy; a torpedo-boat must yet be accounted -for before Captain Garcia could sail back to La Boca and report to his -president that his work had been successfully accomplished. - -“The ‘Barcelo’ is quite serviceable,” Captain Garcia informed the -American lads, after his return on board the “Aquadores” from his visit -to the captured vessel. “She suffered badly from our shells and has -lost many men; fortunately her surgeons are uninjured, and are now -attending to her wounded. Our losses have been heavy; I weep for my -poor countrymen, fighting against their own flesh and blood.” - -Captain Garcia burst into tears. The sight quite unmanned the youths. -It was a new sight for them--a man, who had borne himself with so much -bravery through the terrible trials of the last few hours, breaking -down and crying like a child. - -The lads tried to console the sorely tried man, but he was -inconsolable. The reaction on his Latin nature was more than his nerve -could stand. - -“You have placed me under a heavy debt,” the captain said, his voice -breaking with emotion. “I believe in my heart that without your superb -assistance, my ship would now be beneath the waves instead of the -‘Soledad,’ or, which is far worse for an honorable man, lying there -vanquished, my flag trailing in the dirt.” He pointed through the -gun-port at the battle-scarred “Barcelo,” her lowered flag still -trailing from her mast in sign of surrender. - -“Don’t think of it in that way,” Phil hastily assured him. “We have -served our own ends as well as yours.” - -“But you have risked your lives many times for our sacred cause,” cried -Captain Garcia. He took each by the hand, while tears of gratitude -streamed down his face. “I take your hands as brothers; and that superb -sailorman! if he would join our navy our president would make him a -captain.” - -Both lads were pleased and proud that their work had been appreciated -so highly by their friend. Their short acquaintance with his noble -character tended to change the opinion they had formed of the men of -his race. This man was surely one of nature’s noblemen. - -The boys thanked him warmly for his words. - -“We have risked our lives, Captain Garcia, in your cause,” Phil replied -earnestly, “because your cause happens to be our cause.” - -Captain Garcia looked puzzled. - -“However you put it,” he declared, “I shall always consider that you -three Americans have given us this victory. We could never have won -without your aid, and our president shall richly reward you.” - -“That will be impossible, sir,” Phil explained quickly. “Do not believe -us unappreciative, but you must not tell any one of the part we have -played in this battle. I pray you will counsel secrecy to your officers -and men. It will do us much harm if the truth were known.” - -Captain Garcia was more perplexed than ever. He shrugged his shoulders -as much as to say: - -“Young man, your American ways are entirely too complicated for me to -understand.” - - - - -CHAPTER XII - -CAPTAIN GARCIA’S STRATEGY - - -Captain Garcia’s face showed the midshipmen his keen disappointment. - -“You are denying my men and myself a rightful pleasure,” he answered -after an appreciable silence. “They are acclaiming you their -deliverers and I fear they will not observe my orders when I counsel -secrecy. Señor O’Neil is already their idol; to a man they are wildly -enthusiastic over his rough and ready ways, and unless I am much -mistaken the praises for the three Americans will be sung in every -house in La Boca a short time after we have returned.” - -“But, Captain Garcia,” Phil replied hastily, a sudden fear in his -voice, “you must tell the men that by speaking of our work on board the -‘Aquadores’ they will injure those to whom they wish well. Our future -careers in the navy may be jeopardized.” - -“Never fear them,” exclaimed the captain earnestly, seeing the alarm -on the lad’s face. “My men know that they owe you their lives. They -shall be silent. I can vouch for that.” - -Captain Garcia soon departed to lay his plans for the coming night, -leaving the boys in the cabin. It was the first time they had been -alone since the battle. - -“Syd, you were a wonder during the fight,” Phil began enthusiastically; -“you appeared to be as cool as if you were only drilling.” - -“I wasn’t cool,” Sydney confessed; “I was all-powerfully scared, I can -tell you. As the men deserted the guns, when the ‘Soledad’ fired her -torpedo and the shells were exploding, it seemed all about me, I felt -as near like making a mile run as I ever did in my life.” - -“That’s only modesty,” Phil declared in admiration. “You acted like a -veteran under fire.” - -“I am glad I didn’t show my true feelings,” he replied much pleased, -“but to me the greatest marvel was O’Neil; he doesn’t know what fear -is. I saw him, on two occasions, catch in his arms a man who had been -killed at his side by an exploding shell, lay him gently out of the -way of the guns, and go back to his work with jaws set like iron and -his eyes flashing with the joy of fighting. A crew of such men could do -miracles.” - -“Syd, during the fight, when I saw O’Neil, I forgot the sense of fear -myself,” he cried gladly. “He was superb.” - -“Did you really mean what you told the captain here,” questioned Sydney -anxiously; “that our careers might be endangered if the part we took in -the battle were known?” - -“I fear I did,” he returned. “Our enemies could use it against us and -do us a great deal of harm. My conscience is clear, however; our lives -were in mortal danger and our actions were prompted by the natural law -of self-defense.” - -“Will you tell Captain Taylor what we have done?” Sydney asked. - -“Yes, I shall have to make a clean breast of it to him,” Phil declared. -“He may condemn our actions and even send us home in disgrace; but we -must take that risk. He should know all. From now on we must return to -our rôle as neutrals. I do not know what Captain Garcia’s plans may be, -but I feel sure he will not be satisfied until the torpedo-boat is -disposed of. She will remain a menace to the ‘Aquadores’ as long as she -floats and flies the flag of the rebellion.” - -“Then we shall take no further part in the fighting,” exclaimed Sydney -ruefully. - -“No, not unless we can do so justly,” his companion answered. “It -will have to be in self-defense. We dare not take the initiative in -a hostile act---- Hallo! We are moving rapidly,” he added glancing -through the gun-port, “and we seem to be heading toward La Boca. We -surely cannot be going to abandon the torpedo-boat.” - -It took the midshipmen but a few moments to appear on deck. There -they saw that the “Aquadores” was steaming swiftly to the northward, -followed by the “Barcelo.” The harbor of Rio Grande was gradually -fading astern. - -“What does it mean?” exclaimed Sydney. “If I were Captain Garcia I’d -make short work of the torpedo-boat before I left this port. One of -these dark nights she may steal into La Boca harbor and torpedo the -‘Aquadores.’” - -“I am not so sure that he is abandoning the idea of destroying her,” -replied Phil thoughtfully. “I have come to consider him a clever naval -officer. There is some good reason for his action. Let’s go to the -bridge--I am sure he will enlighten us.” - -The lads found Captain Garcia in the wheel house carefully studying the -chart of Rio Grande. - -Phil shot a swift glance at Sydney as he divined the captain’s -intentions. “There’s more work ahead,” he whispered. - -The captain raised his head finally and greeted the midshipmen. - -“The more I look into this matter the more hazardous it appears,” he -confided, a worried look on his face. “I may undo the effect of our -victory by losing both ships. Yet I cannot return to La Boca and report -one vessel still at large and a menace to our cause.” - -The captain paused and seemed in deep thought. The boys regarded him -intently in silence. - -“I am resorting to strategy,” he finally explained, pointing ahead in -the direction of La Boca. “It is now three o’clock; there are three -more hours of daylight and by dark we shall be fifty miles from Rio -Grande. Our enemy will watch us pass below the horizon and I hope will -believe that we have continued our way northward. As soon as it is dark -I shall turn about and steam back for the harbor at full speed.” - -The boys were consumed with delight at the plan. - -“And then?” asked Phil. - -“I have reasoned thus,” continued Captain Garcia smiling in spite of -himself at the lads’ eager faces: “the torpedo-boat, believing we have -gone, may leave the harbor and go outside to reconnoitre. She will go -out to the locality where the ‘Soledad’ sank; there is a great deal -of wreckage there which has undoubtedly been seen from ashore. I am -depending upon the curiosity of my countrymen to see the ill-fated -spot. If she should leave the harbor now she would be back inside -before I could turn and head her off, but if she delays until sunset -she will find me waiting here at the harbor’s mouth on her return. -When we reach the entrance the ‘Barcelo’ will leave us and search to -seaward.” - -“And if she is still inside?” questioned Phil. - -“Then I shall sacrifice the ‘Barcelo,’” the captain answered quickly, -“in an attempt to run the mine fields to engage the enemy inside. The -night will be moonless and the advantage will be with the attacking -force.” - -The boys could not hide their admiration of the captain’s strategy. - -“How could you ever have thought of it?” cried Phil delightedly. “I -believe that is exactly what she will do.” Then a thought came to him. -“But if she is outside will she not discover you before you see her? -You dare not use your search-lights, for she can then easily avoid you -and escape into shallow water, where you could not follow her.” - -“That is the risk of war,” Captain Garcia answered grandiloquently. “If -she torpedoes us we must sink her even if we ourselves are sunk. My -government can buy another ‘Aquadores.’” - -The two vessels steamed swiftly away from their enemy. The sun sank -slowly toward the horizon to the westward. The midshipmen watched the -molten ball dip into the fiery sea. Darkness came quickly, for in these -latitudes there is no twilight. - -Inside of ten minutes night had settled down over the sea and the -war-ships had turned about and were steaming at full speed toward the -enemy’s harbor. - -The hours passed with leaden feet. Cloud banks which had been visible -on the horizon before sunset slowly spread a filmy mantle over the sky, -blotting out the brilliant tropical stars. The night became darker. -With all lights screened, the gray hulls moved noiselessly through the -calm sea. - -“If she is outside the night is in her favor,” Captain Garcia said, -peering through the inky blackness. “We couldn’t see her five hundred -yards away, while from her low deck she could see our hull at nearly -twice that distance.” - -“Maybe our better chance is to enter the harbor after all,” exclaimed -Phil, losing heart. - -“But think of the mines and the guns of the forts,” replied the -captain; “for me, I’d rather find her outside. She can hardly be lucky -enough to sink both ships, and I have confidence that we shall sink her -if we see her.” - -He turned to Phil questioningly. - -“May I count upon my American friends for aid?” he added. - -Phil hesitated. If the torpedo-boat attacked them it would be surely -self-defense for them to help defend the cruiser. - -“We are entirely at your service, sir,” he declared, “if the boat is -outside. I am sorry, but our aid cannot be given otherwise.” - -Captain Garcia seemed perplexed. - -“I find I become ever more heavily your debtor. Are all American naval -men like you and your companions?” Then he added sincerely, “I pray -that some day I shall be given an opportunity to show my gratitude.” - -The boys took his proffered hand and wrung it warmly. - -O’Neil stepped hesitatingly on the bridge. The lads seized upon the -sailor and brought him up beside them. - -“What is it now?” he inquired, peering into the darkness ahead. - -The situation was quickly explained. - -The boatswain’s mate’s face lit up with pleasure for a moment, then he -turned to Phil, a troubled note in his voice. - -“Them dagos can’t hit even the water at night,” he whispered; “some of -them have been begging me to come and find out what’s going to happen.” - -“But the enemy’s sailors are just as much afraid of the dark,” Phil -declared in a low tone. - -“These men ain’t sailors,” he answered disgustedly, “they are soldiers, -landlubbers. All the sailormen of the country are with the rebels.” - -A sudden idea struck the lad. He turned from O’Neil toward Captain -Garcia, wrapped in his own thoughts. - -“Captain Garcia, O’Neil says all your men are soldiers,” he cried -anxiously. - -The captain nodded. - -“I had to take them,” he returned; “the sailors were disloyal to a man. -I was naval attaché at the outbreak of the war in Washington and was -forced to be satisfied with the men my government sent to me to man my -ship.” - -“How many prisoners have you?” Phil questioned hurriedly. - -Captain Garcia’s face brightened. - -“I see your drift,” he cried. “I believe I can depend upon them. We -have over a hundred.” - -“Put them at the guns, sir, and have your soldiers stand over them. -I’ll make them shoot straight when I tell them it’s ‘Davy Jones’ -locker’ if they don’t,” O’Neil urged. - -In a short time the hundred rebel sailors were liberated from the lower -hold and put at the guns. The old crew, rifles in hand, were placed as -sentries about the ship. - -“Me for the rigging if those chaps mutiny,” laughed O’Neil, pointing to -the scores of riflemen, carelessly handling their pieces, guarding the -captured sailors at the big guns. The loom of the land near Rio Grande -was now dimly discernible on the starboard bow. - -The two cruisers slowly closed in toward the shore. The vibrations of -the engines lessened. The war-ships were soon motionless in the water. -The harbor entrance had been reached. - -Phil glanced apprehensively through the darkness. He could see dimly -the smudges of forts, but he knew from them the “Aquadores” and her -mate, although but a scant half mile distant, were quite invisible; -their steel gray sides blended in with the dark sea and sky, showing an -unbroken line. - -His companions were at their stations at the guns. Every gun was loaded -and ready to be fired instantly. - -Phil from his station at the range finder above the battery deck peered -down on the scene below him. He could make out the shadowy figures -of the men at the guns; he saw the men at the sight telescopes and -the anxious loaders behind the breech of each gun, with the shell and -powder ready. O’Neil stood almost directly under him; he seemed to be -the unconscious man-of-war’s man surrounded by perils. - -“Put down those firing keys,” he cautioned. His voice was low, but -it sounded distinct and commanding over the silent deck. “You’ll be -getting nervous and shooting off before we clap eyes on her.” - -The “Barcelo” steamed by; she had received her orders from Captain -Garcia to search the neighborhood of the wreck for the enemy. - -They watched her slowly dissolve in the night. - -Phil’s pulses beat fast. The moment was fraught with grave perils. The -unseen torpedo-boat might be even then aiming a deadly blow at the -motionless cruiser. - -The crew were all watching intently; keyed to the highest pitch of -nervous excitement; their eyes set fixedly, staring into the total -gloom about them; alert for the first sound of the approaching enemy. - -The attitude of the prisoners was reassuring; they could not load as -rapidly as O’Neil had made the soldiers do; but they were used to naval -warfare, they were on their own element, the night and the unseen -danger held for them many terrors, but they were not so terrified as -their soldier comrades; also they had been told that they would all -be drowned if the “Aquadores” was torpedoed and that if they refused -to fire they would suffer death from the soldiers’ rifles. Phil felt -confident the sailors could be depended upon. He glanced aloft at the -search-light platforms, high above the bridge deck; the operators -stood ready, like shrouded statues, silhouetted against the starless -sky. - -Captain Garcia was the man of action, one hand on the telegraph to the -engine room and his other on the switch for the search-lights, his eyes -peering into the night. - -Phil read his intention at a glance: on the discovery of the enemy -to start ahead at full speed and flash both search-lights on her -simultaneously. - -“The ‘Barcelo’ should be there by now,” the captain said in a tense -voice to the lad beside him. “Will my strategy fail? Have I made an -error in my judgment of my countrymen?” - -Phil was silent. His nerves were at too high tension to speak. - -“The ‘Barcelo’s’ orders were if she discovered the torpedo-boat,” -Captain Garcia continued in a nervous whisper, “to turn her -search-light upon the enemy and steam at full speed toward us. We shall -remain dark. My dread is that our enemy may be now returning to the -harbor and will suddenly find me in her path.” - -“But even if that happens will she be able to fire a torpedo -immediately?” questioned Phil in a voice he tried hard to control. - -“Her torpedoes will be in the tubes,” he answered, “and probably primed -ready to be fired, but she must first aim her tube at us and not -suspecting that we are near, there should be a sufficient interval for -us to sink her.” - -Captain Garcia had been so fully occupied gazing to seaward that he -had failed to notice that the tide entering the harbor was slowly -setting the “Aquadores” in toward the forts. An exclamation from the -lad at his side made him throw an apprehensive glance over his shoulder -at the near-by shore. It seemed very close. He seized the engine -room telegraph and signaled for full speed ahead. But a flash from -the batteries and a sullen roar showed him their thoughtlessness had -discovered them to the watchful enemy. The shells screeched over their -heads and struck the water with a spiteful hiss. - -“We have lost,” Captain Garcia exclaimed in bitter anguish; “if the -torpedo-boat is out she can easily avoid us, knowing we are near. From -her deck she can see us long before we can sight her. My hope was that -they would not be watchful; now they have been warned and will run -cautiously.” - -The “Aquadores” slowly gathered speed and, turning, steamed out to sea -in the direction taken by her consort. - -Shell after shell followed her, but in the darkness the fort’s aim was -bad; the gunners ashore could not know the range. - -Suddenly Phil saw a flash far out on the ocean. - -“See, a shot,” he cried breathlessly, grasping the captain’s arm in his -excitement. A distant boom came to their ears. - -Flash followed flash in rapid succession, as if a firefly were flying -low above the horizon. Then a white shaft of light cut the blackness, -swung undecidedly to and fro, and then held steadily on the water. - -Phil’s glasses trembled as he gazed at the end of the light shaft. - -Captain Garcia’s voice rang out joyfully when his keen eyes saw the -small white object under the search-light’s ray, far out on the ocean. - -“Be ready, men, she’s coming this way. Either they will sink, or we -shall. You must choose--I promise full pardon to all--if we sink her.” - -A low murmur ran along the decks. In it were betrayed both joy and -fear:--joy for the promised reprieve, fear at the sudden unknown danger -of the approaching torpedo-boat. - -O’Neil’s clear voice was raised in cautioning. - -“Steady, men. Don’t fire; she’s too far away. Wait till I give you the -word. Then fire for your lives.” - -The “Aquadores” turned swiftly toward the object illuminated by the -search-light of the “Barcelo.” The former ship was in complete darkness. - -“Can you read the range?” questioned the captain’s eager voice. - -Phil put his eyes to the range finder and moved a switch which made -the torpedo-boat’s bright hull appear as a line of light. He moved his -wheel and brought the direct and reflected rays together. - -“Five thousand yards,” he announced. - -“Let me know when she is twenty-five hundred yards away,” said Captain -Garcia. - -The “Aquadores” was steaming at full speed toward the rapidly moving -torpedo-boat. They were approaching each other at terrific speed, yet -to the overwrought midshipman it seemed an age when his range pointer -reached the distance given him by the captain. - -“Twenty-five hundred yards,” he cried, his voice rising with an -excitement he was powerless to control. - -A second afterward the blinding flashes from the “Aquadores’” guns, -accompanied by ear splitting discharges, made the scene on the cruiser -one of terrible splendor. - -The “Barcelo’s” search-light still illumined the enemy, but she had by -her superior speed drawn out of range of the former’s guns. - -Phil’s fascinated gaze held to the torpedo-boat with grim tenacity. - -“She’s lost her,” he cried, as the end of the “Barcelo’s” search-light -swept uncertainly over the water. The boat had vanished into the night. - -“Cease firing,” cried O’Neil’s stentorian voice, as he saw the -torpedo-boat had slipped away from the discovering light. - -The “Aquadores’” lights were flashed and groped about in despair for -the lost vessel. The sailors stood terrified at their guns. O’Neil -walked coolly along the deck, shaking men roughly to wake them out of -their stupor of fear--some had fallen to praying on their knees. - -“When we pick her up you’ll need all your prayers,” he cried, “if you -don’t shoot.” - -Phil felt he was nearer a panic than he had ever been; he walked up -and down, his eyes following one struggling beam and then the other; -he almost resolved to go up to a search-light himself. Captain Garcia -during the moments of uncertainty had turned his vessel toward the -harbor’s entrance. He would brave the fire of the forts if that could -prevent his prize from escaping. He was ready to sacrifice his ship in -this last attempt. - -Suddenly through the black night Phil saw a darker shade on the surface -of the water. It seemed but a stone’s throw away. His voice was -paralyzed. He tried to speak but it was impossible. His lips gave out -unintelligible sounds. Grasping Captain Garcia’s arm, he pointed a -trembling finger at the dread object. - -“Port quarter, quick, your search-lights,” shouted the captain. - -The lights, before uncertain, now swung obediently to the assigned -direction, and in the bright glare, the torpedo-boat flashed in sight -heading bows on to the luckless cruiser. - -“Don’t look. Shoot,” cried O’Neil to the gunners fascinated, terrified; -while he and Sydney stormed among them. - -It seemed ages before the tension was relieved by the discharges of -their own guns. - -The torpedo-boat was so close that the range finder could not get her -distance. She could not be over five hundred yards away and coming on -with terrific speed. Even now a Whitehead torpedo might be speeding -below the inky water on its mission of destruction. - - - - -CHAPTER XIII - -LAZAR’S CUNNING - - -The next few moments were ones long to be remembered. The daring -torpedo-boat was making a desperate attempt to sink the “Aquadores,” -which stood between herself and safety. Her small dark hull stood out -as bright as day under the search-light beams. Hundred pound missiles -from her huge enemy were churning the water to foam about her; one -lucky hit and she would be no more. - -With heart beating tumultuously and breath abated, Phil saw a group of -sailors at her forward torpedo-tube. Spellbound, fascinated as one who -gazes into the green spark-like eyes of the cobra, he could not take -his eyes from the ominous sight. The tube moved slowly around; those -moving it were apparently careless of the thunderbolts striking so near -them. Two of the men stepped back quickly, one remained at the tube. -The torpedo-boat was within short torpedo range of her enemy. - -A flash of fire from her miniature bow; then a great geyser of water -shot high in the air from under her forefoot. At last a shell had -reached her. Her bow sank as she drove forward, until she was half -submerged. Then, all in a moment it seemed, her stern lifted in the -air, and the last of the rebel navy took a graceful dive to the bottom -of the ocean. - -The incident came so suddenly that but few on board the “Aquadores” -could grasp the meaning of what had happened. The search-lights showed -a seething sea where the enemy had but a second before been visible. -The gunners of the “Aquadores” could see nothing through the sights; -the discharges ceased suddenly. The crew gazed about them in fear that -some new and more dangerous peril was at hand. - -“It was her torpedo,” Phil cried in joyful relief. “She fired it, -and as it struck the water a six-inch shell must have hit the high -explosive head. It’s all over.” - -“Cease firing,” cried O’Neil as he saw some of the gunners were about -to reopen fire. Phil’s words had been in English and had conveyed no -intelligence to the anxious sailors. “She’s gone to the bottom, now.” - -Captain Garcia stood overcome with conflicting emotions. After his -first wild joy had died away his thoughts dwelt upon the fate of the -brave men who had a moment before with splendid courage aimed a deadly -blow at his vessel. - -The “Aquadores” was brought to rest amid the whirling eddies, the -aftermath of the explosion of hundreds of pounds of gun-cotton; but -there was not a living shape on the surface of the sea: all had -perished gallantly and their torpedo-boat had furnished their bodies a -fitting sepulchre. - -Four days brought the cruiser in sight of La Boca. To the three -Americans on her bridge, straining to catch the first glimpse of their -ship, it seemed an age since the day on which they had set out so -cheerfully to seek information within the rebel lines. The experiences -of the past ten days were like a bad dream from which they were fast -awakening. - -Rounding the headland the harbor burst into view with its fleet of -vessels anchored therein. - -“The whole battle-ship squadron is there,” exclaimed Phil in amazement. -“What does it mean?” - -There was no reply. Captain Garcia’s face showed that he too was -surprised. - -“There can be but one explanation,” he answered; “your government fears -the intervention of some foreign power. That array of fighters would -deter any open act.” - -The “Aquadores” and the captured “Barcelo” steamed in between the -sentinel forts at the entrance and then between the lines of the -American war vessels. - -Cheer after cheer arose from the mighty ships as the battle-scarred -veterans steamed swiftly past. - -The lads’ nerves tingled and Captain Garcia’s eyes filled with tears. -He was touched beyond words at this enthusiastic greeting. - -As soon as the “Aquadores” was anchored the Americans were ready to -leave the ship on board which they had been through so many thrilling -scenes. - -“I am sorry to part,” Captain Garcia declared with genuine grief. “You -have all endeared yourselves to me in many ways.” - -They expressed their thanks to the gallant captain and as they passed -through the motley crew the men broke out in excited cheers for “los -Americanos.” O’Neil was surrounded by an admiring crowd, all shouting -enthusiastically; they hugged him and cried over him and would have -forcibly detained him on board. O’Neil stood it like a stoic. - -“Them dagos are like a lot of women at a wedding,” the boatswain’s mate -declared disgustedly, when they had left the ship and were being rowed -across the water to the “Connecticut.” “You’d thought I was the bride, -the way they embraced me.” - -“I am glad we can talk our own tongue once more,” remarked Phil. “It -seems so long since I used it that I’ll be talking Spanish to everybody -I meet; I have the habit.” - -A steam launch flying the American flag passed close by the Americans -in their boat flying the Verazala flag at the stern. An officer wearing -the uniform of an ensign saluted promptly. - -“That’s the last salute we’ll get from an ensign for some years,” -chuckled Sydney as they returned the salute. “Wouldn’t that fellow feel -cheap if he knew we were only midshipmen.” - -“I had quite forgotten how we are dressed,” Phil laughed, “but it was -these or nothing.” - -A few moments afterward, they climbed the high gangway ladder and -passed through two lines of saluting sailors. The officer of the deck -of the “Connecticut,” a lieutenant, stood civilly by to receive the -foreign officers. - -“Why, it’s Mr. Perry,” he gasped, wringing the lad’s hand gladly. -“Whatever are you doing in those togs? We had given all three of you -up for dead,” he added. “The admiral and Captain Taylor will be mighty -glad to see you. We are flag-ship now.” - -The lads descended to their room, while O’Neil was escorted forward by -a worshiping crowd of shipmates. - -The boys discarded their foreign uniforms and donning their simple -midshipman’s clothes were ready to report their return to their -commanding officer. - -In a few minutes they entered the cabin. Captain Taylor’s face was -smiling with joy as he, almost embracing the midshipmen, introduced -them to the commander-in-chief, Admiral Spotts. The boys were abashed -in the presence of such an important personage. - -“Gentlemen, this is indeed a happy moment,” Captain Taylor exclaimed. -“Before the cruisers were sighted entering the harbor we were about to -cable to the Navy Department the news of your deaths.” - -“Our deaths, sir!” cried both lads aghast. - -“Yes,” Captain Taylor explained. “We heard four days ago that the -‘Aquadores’ had been sunk with all on board. The leader of the -rebellion, General Ruiz, gave out the news as received by cable from -Rio Grande. We have tried to catch you by wireless but not receiving -any answer to our call, we feared the news was authentic. He also -issued an ultimatum that La Boca would be blockaded--Admiral Spotts -with his squadron was ordered here from the West Indies and arrived but -an hour ago.” - -“‘Aquadores’ sunk!” exclaimed Phil. “Why should he give such -information?” - -“What did happen? Tell us,” questioned the admiral eagerly. - -“The ‘Aquadores’ sunk the ‘Soledad’ and torpedo-boat and captured -the ‘Barcelo,’” Phil replied proudly, then he described all that had -happened since they had left the “Connecticut.” - -The two officers listened in silence at the lad’s story, told simply -and modestly. He bestowed unstinted praise on his two companions, -barely mentioning the important part that he himself had played, which -brought from Sydney an unselfish protest. - -“Mr. Perry, sir, was everything to us,” Sydney interrupted, his face -flushed with joy at his companion’s praises for him. - -When Phil had told of the part they had taken in the sea fights, the -admiral could contain himself no longer; he felt his boyhood blood once -more flowing through his veins; he had in his youth taken part in many -a fight during the long Civil War. - -“Our only excuse,” Phil ended contritely, “is that we acted in -self-defense.” - -The admiral chuckled gleefully. - -“Self-defense,” he laughed. “You young rascals, you did it for the -love of fighting. Now own up to it! If you had done otherwise I’d have -had you all court-martialed.” He lowered his voice. “You have done a -great service to your country; when the news of the sinking of the -‘Aquadores’ reached Europe, three countries there acknowledged the -rebels as belligerents, which gave General Ruiz the temerity to declare -the blockade. If this is established our country’s commercial interests -will suffer to the extent of many millions of dollars a day. My orders -are if the rebel war-ships attempt to stop our merchantmen from -entering or leaving this port to put an end to the blockade by force, -and you see I have the force,” he added smiling. “But why did you not -send us a wireless instead of keeping us in this suspense?” - -“We couldn’t, sir,” Phil explained; “our wireless was totally wrecked -in the first engagement.” - -The lads were indeed happy. Instead of being punished for their acts, -the admiral was praising them. They dared not look at each other; they -feared they would shout out with excess of joy. - -“For the present of course everything must be kept secret,” the admiral -cautioned, rising to depart, “but bear in mind, I shall not forget your -valuable services.” - -He nodded to the captain and smiled at the joyous lads; then passed -into his own cabin, leaving the midshipmen alone with Captain Taylor. - -Phil asked the question which had been trembling on his lips during all -the time the admiral was talking: - -“Where are the arms, sir?” - -“They are safe in the legation,” the captain replied gladly; “you were -grossly misinformed by that scoundrel Juarez. As soon as your cipher -message was translated, I took Mr. Penfield with me and we went ashore -to the legation. We saw Mr. Lazar and showed him your message. He took -us immediately to the cellar of the minister’s residence and pointed -out the boxes, all intact; he opened for us the box which you had half -opened on the launch the night of the capture; the arms were in plain -view. It was but a plot of the rebels to make you betray the arms to -them.” - -“Where are the rebel lines?” Phil asked, unconvinced; “have they -approached nearer to the city?” - -“Yes,” Captain Taylor answered, “the two armies are now intrenched with -but a scant one thousand yards between them. General Ruiz threatens to -assault the city momentarily. We believed he was awaiting his war-ships -to shell the government forces from inside the harbor; but your story -disproves that conjecture unless he himself has been misled.” - -The lads soon left the cabin and went into their own mess room. Their -return was hailed with enthusiasm, but neither had ears for praise; -there was still work in hand. - -“What do you think, Syd,” asked Phil, on reaching the quiet of their -room, “are the arms in the legation?” - -“The captain says he saw them,” replied Sydney thoughtfully. “How could -he be mistaken?” - -“It surely seems very strange,” declared the other, “why both Juarez -and General Ruiz should tell us they were not in the legation but safe -in the city ready to be brought into the rebel lines. Ruiz thought -himself safe in telling us this for he had no idea we could escape. It -was purely providential that the ‘Aquadores’ came along. Even if he -hadn’t shot us, he surely would have kept us close prisoners. We knew -too much to be set free.” - -The next morning the lads went to see Captain Taylor. They had thought -the matter over during the evening and had lain awake thinking about it -a good part of the night; they were no nearer a solution of the vexing -problem. - -Captain Taylor received them with his usual kindness. - -“Captain,” Phil commenced as spokesman, “please do not believe us -incredulous always, but the idea that the guns are elsewhere than in -the legation has taken such a hold on us that we have come to ask you -to take us to the legation with you this morning.” - -Captain Taylor looked puzzled. He realized the lads were in deadly -earnest. - -“Bless me!” he exclaimed. “If it will ease your minds, of course I -shall take you.” - -He ordered his boat and the boys found themselves shortly climbing -Legation Hill on the way to the residence of the American minister. - -“I feel sure,” spoke Captain Taylor while they climbed the steep -streets, “that your doubts will soon be set at rest. Mr. Lazar is a -careful officer; he has shown me how he has placed his guards and it -seems impossible that the arms could be taken without detection. The -guns, I explained before, are in the cellar. There is but one exit, a -stairway leading up to the ground floor. At the top of the stairs is -a door and there two sentinels are posted night and day. Machinist’s -Mate Craig, the man who was wounded in your expedition, sleeps on a cot -in the cellar within reach of the boxes. So you see how well they have -been guarded? The full force of the guard are encamped on the grounds -of the legation and are ready for instant call.” - -Phil and Sydney exchanged knowing glances. Craig--Lazar’s tool! The -arms were surely not in the legation! - -Lazar met them at the gate and saluted the captain. He bowed to the -lads in mock courtesy. - -“I am delighted,” he said, “to see you are safe.” He did not offer his -hand. He doubtless knew it would be ignored by the midshipmen. - -“Mr. Lazar,” Captain Taylor began merrily, “Mr. Perry and Mr. Monroe -wish to be convinced that we still hold the guns securely, so I have -brought them to feast their eyes on their captured arms.” - -“Aye, aye, sir,” replied Lazar smartly, leading the way into the -legation. - -The boys were welcomed by both Marshall and Morrison, who would have -plied them with many anxious questions, but the lads were too impatient -to see the boxes in the cellar of the legation. - -The minister received the captain cordially. The latter explained his -mission. - -“When you have had a look below there,” the minister said, “I would -like to see you in the office. I have news that may interest you.” - -Reaching the cellar the lads saw Craig, looking pale and haggard, -standing beside the boxes. He gave them a quick glance in which Phil -thought he read terror. He had seen that same look on many human faces -in the last few weeks. - -Lazar picked up a hatchet and bared the contents of a box. - -The lads peered in. There were the Colt guns: two barrels, two tripods -and the accessory boxes. - -Phil glanced up and caught Lazar’s eye. The latter smiled confidently. - -“Are you satisfied?” he asked, a sneer in his voice. - -Phil reached for the hatchet, but Lazar ignored the motion and stepping -away stood beside Captain Taylor. - -“That man of yours, Lazar,” said the latter in a low voice, “should not -be made to sleep in this damp hole any longer. He seems to show the -effects greatly. I believe I shall order him back to the ship. You can -pick out another reliable man to take his place and change them often.” - -“I shall relieve him immediately, sir, but, with your permission, I -would like to retain him with me. He is a valuable man to me.” - -“Have it your own way,” the captain agreed, “but don’t let him sleep -there any longer; he appears a sick man.” - -Phil watched Captain Taylor and Lazar move slowly up the steps. The -former threw an inquiring glance over his shoulder at the lads standing -determinedly in the cellar. The officers disappeared and the midshipmen -heard their footsteps enter the minister’s office above. - -Phil turned a glance full of pity on Craig. The sailorman shook as if -with ague. - -“Are you ill?” asked Phil in sympathy. - -“Yes, sir. I don’t want to stay here any longer,” the miserable man -pleaded. “Can’t you, sir, get me back on board ship?” - -Phil noticed the unhealthy pallor on the man’s cheeks. - -“Have you a cough?” he asked. - -“Only lately, sir, but it seems to get worse,” he answered. - -Sydney had been rummaging about in the cellar; he now appeared with a -piece of bar steel pointed on the end. - -“Let’s open another box, Phil,” he suggested. - -After a few minutes the cover of a box was pried open. The lads gave a -gasp of surprise. It contained only rocks. Another and another lid was -forced, until the last box was opened to the light. Not one contained -arms but were piled to the top with rocks; only the one examined by -Lazar held arms. - -Craig was stupefied with terror. - -“If you wish to save yourself,” Phil whispered, turning upon the -frightened sailor, “tell us where the guns have been taken. We know you -have been forced to do this work.” - -The man’s knees shook and his voice failed him. - -“He’ll kill me if I tell,” he whined pitifully. - -“No, he won’t,” Phil hastily assured him. “We shall tell him nothing. -We promise.” - -“They were taken through this underground passageway to the next -house,” Craig replied in a terrified whisper, showing the cleverly -concealed opening to a secret tunnel underneath the cellar floor; “they -are now in Mr. Juarez’s house at La Mesa. I overheard the order given -to hide them there.” - -The lads had discovered quite enough. They ascended the steps and -walked excitedly to the minister’s office. - -[Illustration: _“YOU SEIZED ONLY A CARGO OF ROCKS”_] - -Captain Taylor at once noticed the agitation on their faces. - -“What’s the matter?” he inquired in alarm. - -“Please come with us, sir,” Phil begged in as calm a voice as he could -muster. - -The captain and Lazar followed the midshipmen back to the cellar. - -A cry of surprise escaped from Captain Taylor when he saw the contents -of the remaining boxes. - -Lazar’s face was a study. A cynical smile curled his mouth. His manner -was calm. He held himself perfectly under control. - -“I fear the rebels were too cunning for you, Mr. Perry,” he said -casting a look, full of hatred, at the midshipman. “You thought you had -arms, but you seized only a cargo of rocks.” - -“But the one box,” exclaimed Captain Taylor. - -“Only a clever ruse, I presume,” Lazar explained promptly; “that one -was placed on the launch in just such a manner as a card trickster -forces on you a card from his pack. It was the logical one to open. The -remaining arms are probably by now in the hands of the insurgents.” - -Both lads gasped at the scoundrel’s deceit, and hot words came in their -thoughts, but their promise to Craig held them unspoken. - - - - -CHAPTER XIV - -THE HOUSE ON LA MESA - - -Captain Taylor was quite satisfied upon hearing Lazar’s ready -explanation. The thought that the latter was aught but the honorable, -efficient officer that he appeared never entered his generous mind. He -gazed at the lads with compassion on his kindly face. - -“It must be a great disappointment,” he said to the silent, stunned -lads. “You have worked so hard and then to be hoodwinked by the -villainous cunning of the vice-consul must indeed be hard. But never -mind, his just retribution will overtake him if the government is -successful.” - -In silence they ascended the stairs and entered the minister’s office. -That official had just received news that seemed to put him in an -excited state of mind. - -“Captain, I was just about to tell you when you so hastily left me -a moment ago,” he began rapidly, “that I have received reliable -information that General Ruiz at last is going to make a determined -assault on the city. My informant says the force of the attacking army -will be concentrated on Tortuga Hill; it is a high, round-top hill to -the right of the city. This appears to be the key to the situation -and is now well fortified. I want your advice as to whether I shall -give the information to the president in order that his general may be -prepared to defend that position.” - -“Most certainly,” Captain Taylor replied at once, showing in his calm -face a spark of excitement. “The admiral’s orders are, you know, to -uphold the government; we have thrown our fortune into the scale -against the rebels. When will the assault take place?” - -“That my informant does not know,” answered the minister, “but he -believes it will be very soon, perhaps to-day or to-morrow.” - -“From whom does this information come, sir?” hazarded Phil, bluntly. -His interest was so intense that he quite forgot his teaching that -midshipmen should stay in the background of their seniors’ affairs. - -The minister looked surprisedly at him; then his face beamed with -pleasure as he recognized the lad. - -“Mr. Perry, your work and that of your companions has awakened our -admiration,” he exclaimed, shaking the boy’s hand. “I trust you will -not again prove that my information is wrong;” he smiled ruefully; “the -man who brings me this is a member of a rich and powerful business -firm. He has too much at stake to afford to see the city given over -to the lawless army of General Ruiz and yet he dares not take his -information to the government for fear of the rebel sympathizers within -the city; so he has brought it to me and begged me to see that it was -received at once at the president’s palace.” - -The explanation sounded plausible; yet there was a flaw. Could this -man be a member of the firm of La Fitte and Company? Did the minister -suspect that Juarez had been hand and glove with this firm? Phil -thought he saw the trick; if the arms were on La Mesa then there would -be the assault. General Ruiz, or more likely Juarez, had sent this -information in order that the greater part of the government force -would be removed to Tortuga Hill and away from the real objective. - -“Then I shall send the despatch immediately,” the minister added, -addressing Captain Taylor. “Will you notify Admiral Spotts as to what I -have done?” - -Phil was strongly tempted to stop the despatch by telling of the arms, -when he remembered he could not do this without bringing to a crisis -his enmity with Lazar; but of the latter’s evil deeds he had no proofs. - -Shortly the captain, Sydney and Phil left the legation and walked -toward the landing-pier to take their boat back to the ship. - -After their arrival on board, the boys got the chart of La Boca from -the navigator and studied the surroundings. - -“Here is La Mesa,” Phil exclaimed, pointing with his finger, “and here -is Tortuga Hill. Nowhere near each other. Do you see the ruse, Syd? La -Mesa will be the main point of attack, for if they can take that hill -they will have the machine guns. Then with these guns mounted they can -command the city from behind and where the cruiser’s guns can do but -little damage; while Tortuga Hill is near enough to the sea for the -‘Aquadores’ to shell the rebels out if they were fortunate enough to -capture it.” - -“What can we do?” pondered Sydney, agreeing with his chum on every -point. - -“It’s surely puzzling,” rejoined he; “we might have stopped the -message, but we should have found ourselves very much involved by so -doing and I fear if we made our charges against Lazar without being -able to furnish sufficient evidence, we would be in a difficult -position with both admiral and captain, and besides would break our -promise to Craig.” - -A few hours later they and their faithful boatswain’s mate, having -received the necessary permission, were once more ashore. This time -they were in uniform, with heavy Colt revolvers in their holsters. They -trudged up the hill back of the town, known to the natives as La Mesa. - -O’Neil had been informed about the stolen arms, and his keen judgment -had suggested an immediate and personal investigation of the locality. - -The hill was steep but not high and but sparsely inhabited. At the top -they knew was the residence of Juarez. - -On reaching the summit they gazed about them. Further inland away from -the city was a second hill higher than La Mesa; in fact La Mesa was -not a hill but a flat spur of the hill in front. On top of the latter -they could see a battery of loyal artillery. To their right and left -the lines of the defenders were in sight, each prominent point well -supplied with men and guns. Far away to their left rose Tortuga Hill, -and trailing up its steep slope were visible small objects which the -lads knew were reënforcements. - -“The reserves,” Phil exclaimed pointing to the turtle shaped hill; “the -minister’s message has arrived and is being acted upon.” - -O’Neil had left the lads deep in the study of the strategic positions -of the defense and was bent on investigating the houses on the -table-like hill. He entered the garden of a prosperous looking building -and strolled slowly toward the house; knocking loudly on the door, he -waited, listening for footsteps within. He heard a sound of some one -moving about and then a hurried whispering. A few moments and the door -was opened slowly; a man’s face peered through the narrow slit. - -“What do you want?” the man asked gruffly in Spanish. - -“Does Señor Juarez live here?” O’Neil asked in the same tongue. - -The man’s face blanched and he would have closed the door, but the -sailor’s heavily booted shoe had wedged it open. - -“Not so fast,” he added sternly; “answer my question.” - -The man stared, an angry scowl on his face. - -“He is not here,” he snarled. - -“I asked you if he lived here,” O’Neil corrected, wedging the door -further open with the powerful force of his body, “not if he was here.” - -The sound of whispering from behind the door caused his hand to go -quickly to his revolver holster. The door suddenly swung open and the -sailor found himself inside in inky darkness. The door had closed with -a snap behind him. - -He held his revolver in his hand, his finger on the trigger, his ears -straining to locate an enemy. - -He heard a noise behind him and swinging around fired directly toward -the sound. The flash of his pistol lit up the dark hall for the -fraction of a second, but before he could seek a protecting wall he was -struck heavily from behind and his senses left him. - -“A shot, did you hear it?” cried Sydney swinging about in the direction -of the cluster of buildings. “Why, where’s O’Neil?” he added in alarm, -noting that the sailor was nowhere in sight. - -With an apprehension of coming evil they walked hastily toward the -building from which they had heard the report of fire-arms. - -Phil uttered a cry of dismay and ran up the steps of the large house. - -“O’Neil’s hat,” he cried, a terrible dread in his voice. “There’s been -foul play here.” - -“Juarez’s house,” said Sydney aghast, “and O’Neil is inside alone.” - -They looked about for assistance. There was none nearer than the foot -of the hill, where a company of infantry were encamped. - -“What shall we do?” questioned Sydney in despair. “They may murder him; -and if we attempt to force an entrance they could dispatch us without -fear of detection and we would do O’Neil no good.” - -“Come,” cried Phil clutching his companion’s arm and dragging him -away. “You go down to that camp and ask for aid. I shall stay here and -keep guard. They undoubtedly thought he was alone, and if they haven’t -already seen us we may surprise them.” - -Sydney found the soldiers only too willing to aid them and he soon -returned with a lieutenant and thirty men. - -Phil quickly explained the situation. The lieutenant stationed his men -about the house, surrounding it on all sides. - -Phil and Sydney knocked heavily on the door; there was no answer. They -tried to force it, but it was of stout material and doubly barred on -the inside. - -“A battering ram,” Sydney cried. The willing soldiers soon brought a -huge log of wood and after a few minutes’ pounding the door flew inward -in pieces. - -With drawn revolvers and followed by a file of soldiers they entered -the gloom of the house. - -The lads cast bewildered looks about them. - -“Blood,” cried Phil aghast, pointing a trembling finger at a dark stain -on the polished floor. - -He raised his hand for silence; but there was no sound audible save the -beating of their own hearts and the heavy breathing of the soldiers. - -Each floor of the house was searched diligently, but no trace could be -found of the missing sailor; the house was empty of human beings. - -The boys were quite overwhelmed at the suddenness of the blow; O’Neil -was perhaps done to death almost within sound of their voices. - -“The men who have done this deed must yet be in the house,” Sydney -exclaimed; “they could not have escaped without detection; there must -be a secret chamber. We must hunt for it; we cannot give up.” - -Despairingly the searchers moved about from room to room, tapping the -wall and floor in a vain effort to discover the door they felt sure -must be there concealed; their exertions were for naught. - -The lads finally came back to the telltale signs on the floor. - -“Look there,” cried Phil excitedly, putting his finger on a large -hole in the plastered wall. “We heard the shot; it was from O’Neil’s -revolver, and there’s where it struck. If he fired at a man then that’s -his blood there on the floor, not O’Neil’s; he never misses his aim; -that bullet must have gone through a man’s chest; it’s just the right -height.” - -“Then we’ll catch them,” Sydney cried, a ring of hope in his voice, -“for they can’t go far with a wounded man.” - -Phil had dropped to his knees on the floor and examined the blood -tracks carefully. - -“Do you see?” he said to Sydney, close beside him, his voice low but -excited, “the blood stops here. The wounded man stood here for a number -of seconds, you can see that by the quantity of blood.” - -He pounded the board with his bare fist; but it gave back a solid sound. - -“Hit that board again,” cried Sydney, his eyes intent on the edge next -the wall near him. - -Phil struck the board a resounding blow. - -Its edge moved ever so slightly. Sydney grasped a bayonet from a -soldier and entered its sharp point between the edge of the board and -the wall. - -In but a moment the board had been removed and the lads peered down -into a black pit from which the damp smell of earth came up to their -nostrils. - -The silence was breathless. The first to enter might be killed -instantly by the enemy cornered like rats in the dark hole. - -“Light, quick,” whispered Phil to a wide-eyed soldier. - -One was soon brought and lowered into the yawning chamber. - -“It’s a cellar,” exclaimed Phil from his knees, his head peering -beneath the level of the floor; “we must go down.” - -Some of the soldiers brought a rope and knotted it; the dangling end -led down to the earth floor of the cellar. - -The boys with revolvers tightly grasped descended quickly, their hearts -beating wildly, until their feet struck the earth twenty feet below -them. - -The light from above threw a glimmer about the mouldy cavern. There -was no one there. - -“The guns,” Sydney whispered suddenly, clutching Phil’s arm and -pointing to a corner of the cellar. There was a large pile of some -objects covered carefully with canvas. A closer observation showed -Sydney was right. The machine guns and many boxes of ammunition were -stored under that large expanse of canvas. - -The lieutenant and five of his men slid down on the rope, their rifles -rattling menacingly; the other men remained at the top of the hole -ready to haul the men up from below when necessary. - -“The blood leads down that tunnel,” Phil cried in alarm. “Two men could -stand off two dozen in that place--but we must attempt it. Come on, -Syd.” - -Carrying the light they cautiously advanced, the soldiers slowly -bringing up the rear. - -“A door,” Sydney whispered as the dim light of the lantern showed the -tunnel ending in a heavy partition of wood. - -Calling the soldiers forward, the party flung themselves against the -door, but it had doubtless been built for just such a purpose and -withstood each successive attempt. - -Some of the men went back for the battering ram while the lads examined -the door closely. - -“There is blood on the door,” Phil cried, showing the fresh red stains -on his hand from contact with the door. “But where does it lead?” - -“I believe it goes into the next house,” cried Sydney, “and they’ll get -away from us. Tell the lieutenant to order his men to surround both -houses on each side.” - -The lieutenant, evidently not relishing this uncertain way of attack in -a dark cellar with but a poor and inefficient lamp, agreed readily to -go back himself to see that both houses were covered by his men. - -It seemed an age to the anxious lads until the soldiers returned with -the heavy log. - -“All hands now,” cried Phil, he and Sydney laying willing hands on the -ram. “Together; there she goes.” - -The door shivered but stood firm. Again and again the log was launched -against the heavy door. - -With sweat pouring from their bodies, their lungs choked with dust, -they put forth their entire strength. - -“It’s giving,” cried Phil, as the ram struck the door a powerful blow, -and it gave way suddenly, throwing them face downward on the earth. - -A flash of a pistol almost in their faces; a sharp report echoing -deafeningly in the tunnel, and all was darkness. - -The lads on their hands and knees crawled noiselessly to the side of -the tunnel. The lamp had been upset and had plunged the tunnel into -night. The soldiers’ stumbling footsteps as they retreated in a panic -toward the exit came to their ears. They strained their eyes in the -direction of the fallen door but could see nothing. They knew their -enemies were near; the pistol flashed so close above their heads that -their nostrils were stung with the pungent fumes of burnt powder. - - - - -CHAPTER XV - -THE DEFENSE - - -The lads dared not move. Even their breathing might attract the -attention of their enemies, ready to open fire at the first sound; -their number they could but conjecture; O’Neil had not been overpowered -by only one man, they felt sure. - -Down on their hands and knees in darkness so intense that they could -not see an inch before their eyes they waited, with bated breath, for -they knew not what. - -Suddenly a noise in front of them awakened their failing hopes. A faint -glimmer of light, only enough to penetrate the inky veil of night, -came through an opening beyond the fallen door. An excited whisper in -Spanish caught their ears. - -“The houses are surrounded by those miserable soldiers; they haven’t -the courage to attack us themselves, but these meddling Americans fear -nothing.” - -“They seem to fear something, judging by their hasty retreat just now -in face of my revolver,” another voice replied in a louder tone. “We -have cut the claws of one of them at least and if the Americans return -down the tunnel they’ll find us prepared to give them a hot reception.” - -Phil’s heart leaped to his throat; it was the voice of Colonel Juarez. -How badly had O’Neil been injured? This man was quite capable of making -away with him entirely if it would serve his ends. - -“You must not stay here,” the first speaker declared; “you should go at -once to General Ruiz’s lines and tell him how I am situated. He must -attack immediately; if he delays the arms may fall into our enemy’s -hands through the aid of these Americans.” - -“How can I escape capture?” Juarez asked; “even if I could avoid -the soldiers, I could not pass through the government lines without -challenge; if it were night it might be possible, but by sunset the -attack will have begun.” - -“It is now but two o’clock,” urged the other, “and if I am captured -here I shall be killed. The president would have me shot immediately -as a traitor.” - -“You could readily explain your mission here,” replied Juarez’s voice, -“you, who have been so loyal to the government cause.” - -“It would be impossible,” said the first speaker, anxiously; “if the -arms are found here and afterward the plan of battle shows that Ruiz -massed his attacking column on this hill when I have informed the -American minister that Tortuga Hill was the real objective, you see how -black a case they would have against me. One small seed of suspicion -sown at this time and I am lost.” - -“But the president doesn’t know that you gave this information to the -minister,” retorted Juarez. - -“But,” said the other voice promptly, “the minister would be quick to -clear himself by informing on me. The arms must not be taken. You must -go at once.” - -“So I must risk my life to save yours; is that it?” questioned Juarez -bitterly. - -“You are in my pay; why shouldn’t you take this risk? If I lose, the -money for your work can never be paid.” - -There was silence for some minutes. Phil had almost made up his mind to -crawl back down the tunnel, but he realized instantly that the noise -they could not avoid making would draw their enemies’ fire and defeat -his design of getting the soldiers to again enter the tunnel and charge -room beyond. - -His better course was to remain where he was. If they attacked they -might injure their companion who was there with these two scheming -villains. - -The first speaker’s voice sounded again after the pause. - -“I came here in my automobile. Can you run it?” - -“Yes,” answered Juarez promptly. - -“My chauffeur is awaiting me at the foot of La Mesa near Sanchez’s -Villa,” continued the other. “If you could reach the car you could run -the guards on the El Poso road. Just before you get to the outpost slow -the machine as if you were stopping; then throw in the high gear and -advance the spark to the limit. The soldiers will be too astonished to -hit you even if they fire, and you will be in safety before they can -fire more than one shot each.” - -“Where is Pedro?” asked Juarez. “You and he must remain here and guard -the arms. As long as you fire down the tunnel the soldiers will be -afraid to enter the cellar. The American midshipmen will urge them to -return, but your shots will prevent their courage from returning into -their yellow hearts. I am sick of these natives; they must be driven -like sheep. The more I see of their valor the more I am convinced that -the city is ours if we can gain and mount these machine guns.” - -“Pedro and I shall remain here,” the other answered; “he is not badly -wounded; it is but a flesh wound on the arm. He is now above in the -other house watching the soldiers from one of the windows.” - -“Help me with this American pig,” Juarez’s voice said cruelly. “I’ll -put on his uniform, and if I am fortunate enough not to meet one of the -Americans I can deceive the soldiers; they do not know me.” - -The lads heard O’Neil’s unresisting body dragged about and knew that -Juarez was divesting the sailor of his uniform. - -“I’d like to finish him,” said Juarez savagely, but the other objected. - -“No, don’t waste your time on him, every second is precious; they may -return any moment. He’s thoroughly stunned, and I can take care of him -if he comes to.” - -As the speaker’s voice was stilled, the lads heard footsteps. The faint -light died into blackness. They were glad to know that O’Neil was not -seriously hurt, but the thought that Juarez might escape and hasten -the attack before the machine guns could be rescued stirred them to -the highest pitch of anxiety. They listened intently, but could hear -nothing save the beating of their own hearts. Undoubtedly Juarez had -gone, but the other man was surely there on guard, and soon the man -called Pedro would join him. - -Phil dared not speak; he felt immediate action was needed. Suddenly an -inspiration came to him. He slowly and cautiously moved his hand toward -where he knew his companion must be, until it rested over Sydney’s -fingers. Then pressing firmly as if his friend’s hand were a telegraph -key, he signaled the one word in the naval code: - -“Forward.” - -His companion understood and answered by a steady pressure of the -hand, then followed Phil slowly and painfully over the fallen door. -They dared not breathe; they must now be within arm’s length of their -enemy. Sydney’s hand touched Phil. The shock of his cold touch made the -overwrought lad spring to his feet, pointing his revolver menacingly. A -second and the situation was grasped. They were alone in the tunnel. - -“We must get O’Neil and hurry. The men may return any moment and we -must avoid a fight,” whispered Phil. - -By the sound of the sailor’s breathing they located his prostrate body. -They lifted him carefully and picked their way back over the fallen -door. They reached the opening in the cellar, thankful at saving their -shipmate from the hands of these men, who would have killed him without -pity if it served their ends. - -“Go up first, Syd,” commanded Phil. Sydney hesitated, casting an -apprehensive glance down the dark tunnel. If the men came back they -could see Phil by the light from the opening above. - -“Stand back,” Sydney urged, “until I am ready to help you up.” - -Sydney ascended quickly. Phil made the rope fast around the body of the -unconscious man, and Sydney slowly hauled O’Neil to safety. - -Phil was alone in the blackness of the cellar. He strove against the -fear of an unknown danger. It seemed an age before the rope was free -and came swiftly back to him. - -In but a moment they emerged from the house with their burden into the -warm sunshine. - -“Where are the soldiers?” questioned Sydney anxiously. They placed the -unconscious sailor on the soft earth and looked quickly about them. -There was not a soldier in sight. - -“Some of Juarez’s work, you can be sure of that,” replied Phil -uneasily. “He took a desperate risk impersonating O’Neil, and probably -told the soldiers they were no longer needed, and the lieutenant was -glad enough to get back to the security of his camp.” - -“I wish we had a half a dozen of our own men,” Sydney declared; “we’d -have those guns safely out of that cellar in a jiffy.” - -Phil dropped down on his knees beside the prostrate sailor. - -“See,” he cried pointing to an ugly lump on his head, “they stunned him -by a blow on the head. If we could get a doctor we’d soon have him back -to his senses.” - -Sydney had walked over to the brow of the hill and peered below at the -soldiers’ camp. He rushed back and caught Phil’s arm. - -“See, Phil, there he goes toward that group of trees. He will reach -the automobile and once in it he can run the government lines. Ruiz -will attack immediately and the guns will fall into his hands without a -struggle. How can we stop him?” - -Phil had been too engrossed with the injuries to O’Neil to think -about the consequences of Juarez’s escape. The ominous meaning in his -companion’s words brought him back with a start to their dangerous -position. - -Casting an anxious glance at the unfortunate sailor he started down the -hill, then compassion for O’Neil made him return quickly to his side. - -“We must not abandon him here,” he cried. “Go, Syd, quick. You must -get down there and prevent Juarez’s escape.” - -Sydney needed no further urging and Phil saw him dart down the hill, -but he also saw the white figure of Juarez hastening toward the waiting -automobile. - -Phil raised the stalwart form of O’Neil to his shoulder and carried -him slowly down the hill. His burden was great, but he bore it easily; -thanks to his athletic training. Sydney was now almost among the -soldiers; he saw them turn toward the approaching midshipman, then go -scurrying away after the figure in O’Neil’s uniform. - -Phil put forth his young strength and redoubled his speed; a cry of -despair escaped him. A dark shape darted out of the grove of trees and -sped away along the road, leaving a thick cloud of dust behind it. - -“The automobile. Shoot!” he yelled at the top of his lungs. Yet he knew -his voice could not be heard by the pursuing soldiers. He fairly ran -down the hill with the sailor’s body securely on his shoulders. The -sharp crack of rifle shots came up to him from below. The firing spread -along the lines of the defending army, but the lad saw with bitterness -that Juarez would not be stopped; the machine was running at top speed -down the military road straight for the outpost at El Poso. - -Reaching the camp Phil laid his burden on the soft grass. He was -breathless with his great exertions of the last few minutes. His lungs -seemed unable to get enough air. - -The soldiers were returning from their futile chase after Juarez. - -“Quick, a doctor,” Phil ordered, his voice betraying his great anxiety. -La Mesa and the arms now would surely be captured, and Ruiz would take -the city. - -“A medico, señor?” questioned an officer, eying the prostrate figure on -the grass. Phil caught him roughly by the arm. - -“Are you a doctor?” he cried excitedly. “This man has been stunned by a -blow in the head. Can you bring him to?” - -“I have no time to attend to the wounded of the enemy,” the doctor -replied, shaking him off. - -“He is not an enemy,” Phil cried, tearing off the insurgent coat of -Juarez from the scantily clad sailor; “he is an American, one of my -companions. We need his services badly,” the lad begged, throwing a -glance up toward La Mesa. - -“An American,” the doctor exclaimed in genuine surprise, bending at -once over the senseless body. He then stood up and called for his -assistants and together they carried him inside the hospital tent near -by. - -Phil, relieved of his charge, looked anxiously about for the -lieutenant. He saw him returning with Sydney from their race after the -automobile. - -“Come quick, Syd, we want all these soldiers,” he shouted, turning back -up the hill. The lieutenant waved his hand and gave rapid orders to his -men. - -Side by side the midshipmen raced back up the steep slope of La Mesa. -Once at the top they stopped and waited impatiently for the soldiers. - -“Have you told him of the machine guns?” Phil questioned his companion -breathlessly. - -Sydney nodded his head in the affirmative. - -“Yes, he has orders to go immediately to Tortuga Hill with his -company, but he wished to see the arms first.” - -They were soon in the house peering down into the dark cellar. The lads -knew that at least two of their enemy were guarding the tunnel and -would open fire at the first man who descended the rope. - -Sydney would have pushed his companion aside but Phil anticipated him -and grasping the rope firmly he slid down until his feet struck the -earth floor. - -A fusillade of shots came from the guarding enemy; he felt the rush of -air from a bullet that grazed his cheek. He jumped backward hastily -against the wall and glanced anxiously up at his companions. Sydney was -descending rapidly and was soon by his side. Another volley came from -down the tunnel. - -“Come down,” Phil urged the hesitating soldiers; “don’t desert us, the -arms are here, see!” He grasped a gun from under the canvas cover and -dragged it out until the light from above disclosed its character to -the wavering men above. - -The enemy in the tunnel opened a rapid fire; the soldiers ready to -descend drew back in fear. In desperation Phil drew his revolver and -faced squarely down the dark tunnel; six shots from his Colt rang out. - -“We are coming, señor,” the lieutenant cried, forcing some of his men -before him down the rope and following them quickly, while the lads -silenced the fire of the enemy with their revolvers. - -The soldiers once in the cellar opened fire with their rifles down the -tunnel. - -“The guns, now,” cried Phil; “two soldiers must keep up the fire,” he -directed turning to the lieutenant. - -The canvas cover was removed and a great store of ordnance material was -revealed to the astonished eyes of the lieutenant and his men. - -They needed no further urging, but with willing hands carried the -machine guns from the end of the cellar to the hole in the floor above; -the lads quickly knotted the rope about their steel barrels and thirty -guns were soon safely landed on the floor of the hallway of the house. -Then the ammunition, box after box, each containing six hundred -rounds, was brought out by the men and passed up to their companions -above. - -This task completed, the lads, ordering the soldiers up the rope, fired -a few parting shots down the tunnel. - -“We must watch for the other man,” Phil said, turning to Sydney as they -emerged from the house. “We know now that he is the member of the firm -of La Fitte and Company who has been financiering this revolution; -and that it was he who confided the supposed plan of attack to our -minister; if we can lay hands on him the end of the rebellion will be -in sight.” - -The astonishment on the soldiers’ faces upon seeing the machine guns -which their ten companions had passed out to them from the house -was almost ludicrous, but our lads could give no thought now to the -drollness of the situation. Juarez had undoubtedly reached the rebel -lines in safety; by now orders were being sent from Ruiz’s headquarters -to attack immediately instead of waiting for sunset. The government, -acting upon the information from the minister, given in good faith, had -strengthened Tortuga Hill to the disadvantage of all other points of -the defense. La Mesa was almost deserted. Before the lads’ bewildered -eyes a mounted aide rode at full gallop up to the battery on the hill -above them, shouting hurried orders. They saw the battery limber up and -charge down the slope, disappearing along the military road below them. - -“Syd, you must intercept that horseman,” Phil cried pointing to -the solitary figure but a scant five hundred yards from them. “He -has ordered that battery away; he must be told the seriousness of -abandoning this hill.” - -Sydney bounded away in pursuit. The aide walked his horse down the -slope, away from La Mesa, surveying the scene about him. He stopped and -cast an enquiring glance at those on the hill. Catching sight of the -approaching midshipman he wheeled about to meet him. A moment later he -had dismounted at Phil’s side and with eyes full of astonishment saw -the machine guns and the great store of ammunition. - -Phil explained in a breath. The aide’s swarthy face betrayed his fear -for the results of the expected assault. - -“You say the rebels will attack at once,” he cried after the lad had -finished his story; “then this hill is lost. It will take an hour to -get sufficient force here to hold it.” - -“We can hold it ourselves, if these men will remain,” Phil declared -stoutly. “But the lieutenant has orders to leave us.” - -“I don’t understand,” exclaimed the aide incredulously; “how can you -expect to hold this hill with but a company of soldiers? You have just -said that General Ruiz will concentrate his entire force here to obtain -these guns. We must retreat carrying these guns with us.” - -He opened his mouth to give the order, but Phil raised his hand -desperately to be heard. - -“That would be unwise,” he cried earnestly. “My companion and I can -mount these guns. We have ammunition here in abundance. These thirty -guns can hold La Mesa against the rebel army.” - -The aide’s face was a study. He knew nothing about machine guns; and -like all ignorant men he believed the Americans were deceiving him. - -Phil thought quickly. If they retreated carrying the guns with them, -the government forces would be reënforced by their addition but the -rebel army was a match for them even with this powerful acquisition. -If they could mount the guns and allow the rebel army to assault La -Mesa in ignorance of what was awaiting them on the top, the rebel -forces would receive a check which would be a terrible blow to their -cause; the murderous stream of lead would strike terror to the simple -unsuspecting hearts of their soldiers. If he could but show the aide -how important it was to his cause to retain these men and hold the hill! - -Motioning Sydney, Phil bent over a gun, raising it quickly to its -tripod; adjusted the firing mechanism deftly and wiped off the heavy -coating of preservative grease from its intricate working parts. -Sydney was busy at a second gun. Phil stripped the cover from a box -of ammunition. His heart beat joyfully. It was already loaded in the -belts ready to be run through the automatic mechanism of the Colt gun’s -breech. He held up a long string of cartridges closely laid within the -“feed-tape.” He took the end and with skilful fingers fed the first -cartridge to the steel maw of the gun; a string of others trailed away -along the tape to the box beneath the breech of the gun. - -“This gun is ready for action,” he cried, turning anxiously to the -surprised and delighted aide. “This is worth a whole company of -soldiers and there are thirty more waiting to be made ready.” - -“Stay with these guns,” the aide ordered as he precipitously dashed -away. “I shall send reënforcements.” - -The lads worked with trembling fingers. Their anxiety nearly stifled -them. The attack might begin at any moment. They knew that their -soldier allies could not be depended upon if the attack began before -the guns were ready. - -They had just raised the last gun to its tripod when the silence was -disturbed by a sullen boom of warning from Tortuga Hill: the rebels -were advancing. - - - - -CHAPTER XVI - -THE ASSAULT - - -Battery after battery within the government lines opened fire. The -Americans could trace the points of defense by the red tongues of flame -and the smoke from the heavy guns. The rattle of musketry spread along -the line like a prairie fire, but its volume was greatest at Tortuga -Hill. In a fever of excitement they saw the rebel columns advance from -their protecting trenches; their heavy guns now took part in the battle -and sent their shells over the heads of the advancing men against the -waiting government soldiers. - -“Divide your men,” Phil ordered the lieutenant; “four for each gun.” - -They saw the machine guns placed in positions of vantage covering all -directions from which the attack must come. - -“Keep your fingers pressed on the triggers and the guns pointed at the -enemy,” Phil instructed the anxious soldiers; “play the stream of -bullets as if it were a hose, but for your lives don’t shoot until I -give the order.” - -The soldiers gazed in enchanted wonder at the guns. They had never -seen their like before. They imagined they were something almost -supernatural. Had not the Americans said one gun was equal to a company -of soldiers? - -“Look, Syd,” cried Phil in admiration, pointing toward Tortuga Hill; -the entire hillside seemed alive with flashes of fire from countless -guns, but Phil’s finger pointed at a horseman riding full gallop up the -slope, shells bursting all about his mount. “There is the aide, but -before reënforcements can reach us the fight will be over. If the guns -don’t jam we can hold the hill.” - -“My fear is that our men will not stand the preliminary shelling,” -returned Sydney; “all their guns are directed at Tortuga Hill now, but -when they have made their feint, look out up here. We’ll have every gun -against us.” - -“Our intrenchments are safe enough if the men keep down in them,” Phil -encouraged, as they finished mounting the last gun and instructed its -squad how to manipulate it, “but if a panic takes them, they will not -listen to us. I wish we had O’Neil; his influence with these natives is -next to marvelous.” - -Everything was now ready; the soldiers had all been instructed how -to fire and reload a second tape of six hundred fresh cartridges. -All would go well if the soldiers’ courage could be depended upon to -withstand the searching fire of artillery which the lads knew must soon -commence. - -The midshipmen viewed the appalling spectacle with nervous eyes. -Regiment after regiment advanced from the cover of the trenches in -extended order and pressed forward silently, the artillery behind them -and on their flanks sending its heavily charged shells screeching over -their heads to fall within the government lines. - -“They are surely concentrating on Tortuga Hill,” Sydney exclaimed, -hardly able to believe his eyes, as he saw masses of khaki clad men -emerge from the dense foliage of the level country and sweep upward -toward that almost impregnable position. - -“They surely do not intend to assault that hill,” Phil exclaimed; -“their loss would be tremendous.” Then he rubbed his eyes, believing -that he must have been dreaming. The first line of assault had vanished -into the earth. “Why, where did the first line go?” he shouted -excitedly, peering down at the remaining columns as they swept silently -forward. In but a minute the last enemy had disappeared from sight on -the level plain. It seemed like magic. The soldiers whispered nervously -to each other. - -“What can it mean?” Sydney gasped as they gazed in wonder at this -remarkable illusion. “Look out,” he cried, as a shrapnel shell exploded -over their heads, sending showers of bullets all about them. - -The artillery fire of the enemy redoubled, and now every gun in the -rebel army was concentrating on La Mesa; bursting shell and shrapnel -were falling on every hand, and the few defenders of the hill were in -momentary danger from their well aimed shooting. - -“Keep down in the trenches,” the lads warned the excited soldiers. A -number had already ventured out to satisfy their curiosity and were -stretched in their death agony behind the trench. The midshipmen -paced up and down between their guns, apparently unconscious of the -death-dealing missiles about them. Their one fear was that the men -would break and run before this terrible bombardment was over. - -Phil braved the storm of iron above his head and took a comprehensive -look at the panorama before him. Something unusual was happening on -Tortuga Hill; its fire lessened, and down the slope away from the enemy -men streamed in countless numbers. Officers could be seen brandishing -their swords and gesticulating wildly. Was it a retreat? Phil’s heart -rose in his throat. A battery of field guns galloped wildly away down -the hill; it reached the level country; the enemy saw its intention and -opened upon it a scathing fire. Yet on it came heading directly for La -Mesa. - -The midshipmen cried out for joy and pointed out the nearing aid to -their terrorized men. - -“Steady your men,” Phil urged the lieutenant; “reënforcements are -coming.” - -A cry from Sydney at his side made his hopes sink. - -“There they come,” he gasped. “We can never stop them.” - -As Phil took in the situation his blood seemed to freeze in his veins. -From the woods in front of La Mesa a swarm of men broke cover and -pressed forward on a run. While as if from the ground, midway between -them and La Mesa, a seething fire of musketry swept over the handful of -defenders. - -“We have the whole rebel army against us now,” he whispered to Sydney, -fearing his men might hear this terrifying intelligence. “It was a -trench. They moved in it by the flank and are now in front of us. -They must have known this on Tortuga Hill when we saw them hurry our -reënforcements to us. If we can hold our men fifteen minutes longer -we’ll win.” - -The lad was right. The insurgents had, unobserved by the defending -army, dug a deep trench during the night, half-way between the two -lines. The greater part of the assaulting army had advanced on Tortuga -Hill until they had reached the shelter of this ditch, and then had, -protected from their enemy’s fire, moved by the flank until they were -directly in front of and but five hundred yards from the top of La -Mesa. A withering fire came from the concealed men; bullets like hail -sang about the Americans and their well-nigh demoralized men. The -government batteries were directing a hot fire on the approaching -masses; yet on they came determinedly. Phil knew that when the second -column reached the trench thousands of soldiers would storm up the few -hundred yards between them and their coveted prize, La Mesa. Would the -machine guns have power to stem this irresistible host? - -“How near will you let them come?” questioned Sydney eagerly. - -Phil estimated the distance. - -“If we fire as they leave the trench, they might return to it and -continue their artillery to shell us out,” he answered quickly. “It -would be wiser to let them gain half the distance before we let them -know they have the guns against them. They must see the reënforcements -coming to us from Tortuga Hill, but they now believe the hill will be -theirs without a struggle before they can get here.” - -The two midshipmen were at the highest pitch of excitement. They -realized that the fortunes of the government of Verazala depended upon -this assault. The insurgents’ brilliant strategy won their admiration. -With these Colt guns in their hands the city would be theirs inside of -twenty-four hours. They knew that in these countries a victory often -means a complete rout for the vanquished. Whole regiments have been -known to turn about, if the battle is seen to be going against their -side, and fight with the enemy against their former comrades. - -The batteries within range of the assaulting columns opened a furious -cannonade as they saw the great surge of humanity leave the newly -made trench and charge boldly up the slopes of La Mesa. Tortuga Hill -batteries opened a rapid fire, but the distance was too great, their -shells were opening deep holes in the earth, but many yards short of -the attacking enemy. - -The lads saw with anxiety that their men were fighting desperately -against the terror which told them to flee; the awful, terrifying horde -of armed enemy were rushing upon them with unnerving speed; they -knew the custom of their countrymen: they gave “no quarter”; death -approached them on three sides. - -The midshipmen pleaded with the men to be calm; they even threatened -them; but their courage was fast slipping away. The terrible sight of -the thousands of their yelling merciless enemies was too much for their -shaken nerves. - -Then another sight brought a new fear to the hearts of the despairing -boys; the men on the hill above them had abandoned their guns and were -retreating. Down the spur of the hill they came. Their path led over -part of the trench in which the midshipmen stood. The lads knew that -this flood of fear would sweep their own men along with it as so much -flotsam. - -The time had arrived. Once the sound of the magic guns had been heard -the engulfing tide might be turned. - -“Open fire,” Phil shouted, his voice hoarse with emotion. - -The furious barking of the guns, sending their leaden streams into -the advancing ranks brought back the waning courage of the defending -company. - -The assaulting columns hesitated in their mad rush for the hill. They -saw their comrades mowed down by the score. Where was the easy victory -their officers had told them would be theirs? A horrible fear of -treachery came into their simple minds; they stopped. No power could -urge them a step further; in another second they had broken and fled in -an ungovernable panic back to their trenches for safety. - -The men on La Mesa were wild with delight. The lust of blood had -entered their souls. They became foolishly brave and leaped upon the -top of their protecting trench, screaming malediction and defiance at -their routed enemy. - -“Get down,” the lads cried, grasping those near them and dragging -them forcibly to shelter; but some had already paid the penalty of -their childlike, reckless bravado. The enemy, once again secure in its -trenches, had opened a heavy fire on La Mesa. - -Phil knew that the insurgents would attack again. Ruiz would not be -satisfied, even if he sacrificed every man, until the hill was taken. - -“Keep cool,” the lads urged the excited soldiers, moving among them and -seeing that the guns were reloaded with a full supply of ammunition. -“If you can hold them once more our reënforcements will be here.” - -The rebels knew their time was short if they would take the hill; -they saw the government reserves rapidly approaching to succor their -comrades on La Mesa. - -Phil felt a touch on his shoulder, and turning hastily, he looked into -the revengeful face of Lazar. - -“What do you mean by fighting here, wearing the uniform of the United -States navy?” Lazar began peremptorily. “Come with me to the legation -immediately, I command you! - -“Do you hear?” he continued in a voice choking with wrath, as the lad -showed no signs of obedience. “I order you to leave here and follow me. -Both of you,” he added, pointing toward the oblivious Sydney, who was -out of ear-shot at the far corner of the intrenchment, gazing in awe -at the battlefield in front of them. - -Phil sought the reason why Lazar was there. It came to him suddenly; -he saw it all; it was not an accidental meeting; his stained uniform -showed he had ridden hard to reach La Mesa. Juarez must have sent the -chauffeur to the legation with the news that he and Sydney were on La -Mesa, and Lazar had arrived in the nick of time. If he obeyed Lazar’s -order and deserted the soldiers while the enemy were about to make a -desperate assault, he knew that they would break before the rebels got -half-way to the top, and the Colt guns would be lost. They would see a -new and terrible peril in being deserted by the Americans. He could not -explain to them why he must leave them. He saw in their eyes already -an awakening dread. The next assault would be desperate. It had been -the surprise at the defense of La Mesa that had sent the enemy back to -their trenches in a panic. Now they knew with what they had to deal, -and the knowledge that but a handful of men held the hill would spur -them on to redoubled energy. - -[Illustration: _“DO YOU REFUSE?” HE CRIED, HOARSELY_] - -“Mr. Perry, do you realize that you are deliberately disobeying my -orders?” cried Lazar in exasperation. “I am your superior officer, in -command of our forces on shore, and I again order you both to come with -me.” - -“Mr. Lazar, can’t you see the consequences of deserting these men?” -Phil questioned, struggling to keep calm. - -“I have no concern for them,” answered Lazar hotly. “You are wearing -the United States uniform and you are acting unadvisedly. I order you -to leave this hill at once!” He was white with anger as he read in -Phil’s face determination to disobey. - -“Do you refuse?” he cried hoarsely, his hand moving almost -unconsciously to his revolver holster. - -Excited cries from the soldiers made Phil turn an anxious glance toward -the enemy. They were sweeping out of their trenches and charging again -up the hill. To leave now could mean but failure to the government arms. - -“I am sorry, sir, I must disobey your order,” he said determinedly. - -Lazar’s revolver was now out of its holster. His eyes blazed with anger -and mortification. - -“You defy me,” he roared, advancing menacingly, holding his revolver in -his clenched hand. - -Phil was so amazed that he could not find voice to answer. Then his -indignation at the threatening attitude of his senior swept caution -aside. - -“I refuse to obey you,” he cried angrily. “I shall not leave until the -rebels are repulsed.” - -His body trembling with passion, Phil turned from the ensign toward the -soldiers standing uncertainly watching the enemy’s approach. - -“Hold on, sir, begging your pardon, sir, but that won’t do,” a familiar -voice cried out behind him. Phil glanced about quickly. There was -O’Neil, big and strong; he had seized Lazar’s arm as he spoke and was -forcing his revolver back into its holster. - -Lazar’s face was deadly white; he controlled himself with difficulty. -The soldiers regarded the Americans anxiously, doubtlessly realizing -that their own safety depended upon the outcome of this clash of -authority. - -Lazar gave Phil a look full of hatred, then turned away and disappeared -by the way he had come. - -The lieutenant had heard enough to fear that the Americans might leave -them. He turned to Phil and begged him to remain. The lad assured him -that they would stand by the guns. - -The soldiers were experiencing the same sensations that they had felt -when their enemy had commenced the first attack. Soldiers of this stamp -never become veterans. - -O’Neil steadied them in his cheery voice. - -“What are you scared about?” he cried loudly. “All you got to do is to -put your black fingers on the triggers; the guns will do the rest. If -you fire when you get the order the rebels will not stop running until -they strike the next republic.” - -“Commence firing,” Phil ordered. The Colt guns spit flame, sending -countless messengers of death into the rebel ranks. - -On came the rebel hosts. Their ranks broke sorely, but with -determination born of despair they closed in the gaps and charged -onward. - -The enemy’s artillery fire opened with redoubled energy. Shell and -shrapnel burst with telling effect about the handful of men. The -trenches could not protect them. One after another, the gun’s crews -were depleted by bursting shrapnel. Yet the little guns spitefully -ground out bullets from their heated muzzles into the unprotected mass -of humanity now but a short distance from their goal. - -The ominous sounds of jammed and overheated guns sent a thrill of dread -through the hearts of the Americans. What they feared would happen -was now taking place: the guns were thickly coated with a grease to -preserve them in transit; there had been time to remove but a small -part of it before the guns were fired; now this grease had become mixed -with the residue of burnt powder and had formed a thick paste which -clung to the delicately fitting parts of the mechanism, thus causing -the guns to jam. Absolutely powerless to remedy this fatal defect, the -lads stood, fear clutching at their hearts, hearing one gun after -another cease its fire. But a handful of guns remained in action. The -horrified soldiers were deserting, running away from the avalanche -sweeping upon them. - -A few of the guns were still pumping a leaden stream into the ranks of -the rebels, now but a hundred feet away, firing their rifles as they -came to keep up their fleeting courage. - -The Colt guns were stilled, the last soldier had deserted; the -Americans were alone in the trench except for the dead and those too -badly wounded to escape from the terrifying sound of the advancing army. - -The silence of their enemy behind the intrenchments on La Mesa sent a -thrill of terror through the advancing hundreds. Their dead and dying -behind them told them only too plainly the power of these concealed -guns. They imagined the silence was but a trick to draw them nearer, -then hurl on them a stream of bullets that would mow them down like -chaff before the reaper. Fifty yards from the top of the hill they -stood still, their contorted faces white with a terrible fear. Phil -saw Juarez rush ahead of his demoralized men, urging them to advance. -The glad rattle of a Colt gun rang in the lad’s ears. He saw O’Neil -beside it; he had wiped out the hard obstructing substance. The gun -again played its death-dealing stream on the doubting enemy. The -rebels, impelled from behind, advanced slowly. Phil saw Juarez sink -to the ground; the tide of soldiers streamed over his lifeless body; -again they wavered, then came on more determinedly than ever. O’Neil’s -gun jammed again with an ominous click. The enemy were now only a -stone’s throw away from the trench; a few seconds more and they would -be pouring over its top and butchering those who dared remain. Phil -grasped his revolver, and leaned against the wall of earth behind him. - - - - -CHAPTER XVII - -THE ACCUSATION - - -“Down for your lives,” cried O’Neil, grasping the benumbed lads, and -dragging them to the bottom of the trench. - -A heavy fusillade of musketry from behind them, a stamping of many feet -in their rear, then a swarm of humanity had pressed in close to the -almost empty trench and were emptying the contents of their rifles at -the surprised enemy but a rod away. - -The lads were filled with joy; the reserves had arrived. Phil peered -out between the loyal rifles around him at the startled, disappointed -enemy; they had been sure of victory until this second and now, their -ranks depleted by hundreds left on the naked field behind them, they -had still opposed to them a formidable force of loyal soldiers, whose -number they did not know. Their confidence had flown; this terrible -hill had been a death trap, while they had been assured of an easy and -bloodless victory. For an instant they hesitated; then they turned and -retreated, a scathing fire from the coveted trenches impelling them -onward in their flight for safety. - -The excitement among the government troops was intense. The three -Americans were cheered to the echo by the wildly joyful soldiers. - -A group of horsemen galloped up the hill; they approached the trenches -amid welcoming cries from the men. - -“Come, Syd, we can do no more here,” Phil cried breathlessly. “Let’s -get away quickly.” - -With O’Neil, they pressed their way through the jubilant natives, but -had gone but a short distance when they were stopped by a horseman; he -reined in his foaming steed, swung himself from his saddle and placed -himself smilingly before them. - -“Our president desires to meet our American allies,” he cried proudly. - -Phil’s countenance fell. He had been hoping to avoid this meeting, yet -he could not refuse; to do so would have the appearance of a slight to -the chief magistrate of the country. - -He acknowledged the honor paid them with appropriate words, and then -they followed the officer back toward the group of horsemen now halted -in the rear of the trenches which the boys had just left. - -“My good friends,” a familiar voice hailed in Spanish, and the next -minute the lads were embraced by their warm friend, Captain Garcia. - -“General Barras,” the latter cried, dragging the bashful Americans -forward, “to these three American officers we owe our success at Rio -Grande.” - -The general’s face was wreathed in smiles. He was joyful at snatching -victory from what had seemed to him but a few minutes before utter -defeat. He grasped the hands of both lads and in his native tongue -expressed his heartfelt obligations. - -“Señors,” he said, “you have accomplished that which I was powerless to -do. These machine guns I knew were leaving your country for my enemy, -but I was powerless to find out the means by which they were to be -landed; your marvelous work here to-day has saved my government from -being overthrown and the lawless rebels raised to power. Your defense -of this hill with but a company of raw soldiers has won our highest -praise.” - -Captain Garcia’s face wore a puzzled look. He knew nothing of the -defense of La Mesa. - -“General Barras,” he exclaimed, “these gentlemen have shown themselves -our staunch friends; they have risked their lives many times for our -cause. I have told you but an unimportant part of their work for me on -board the ‘Aquadores,’ and now they have saved the day for us here. -Cannot we suitably reward them for their heroic services?” - -“General Barras,” Phil finally managed to explain to the president of -the republic, who had been directing the defense in person, “for my -companions and myself, I thank you for the high compliments you and -Captain Garcia are paying us, but we dare not allow the knowledge of -our work to become common property. I crave your pardon if we appear -ungrateful, but we ask that our services here and at Rio Grande be -kept as secret as is possible.” He stopped, seeing the disappointment -and surprise on the president’s face; then he continued hurriedly: -“These machine guns arrived in La Boca in such a manner that we -felt ourselves in honor bound to see that they did no harm to your -government; the small service we have been able to do for you has -been made possible through our determination to prevent the guns from -falling into the hands of your enemy. We have acted upon the dictates -of our consciences, but we are in the naval service of the United -States and our motives, if the circumstances were known, might be -easily misconstrued to our ruin.” - -The president, though disappointed at not being allowed to show his -official appreciation for their invaluable services, readily promised -secrecy, and after bidding them farewell they were allowed to continue -on their way. - -“Those are the two finest dagos I have ever seen,” exclaimed O’Neil, -after they had gotten out of ear-shot. - -The excitement of the last half hour had been so intense that the lads -had quite forgotten to ask of O’Neil his experiences in the house of -Juarez. - -“How did you get into the house?” Phil questioned the sailor, while -they walked rapidly toward the city. - -The boatswain’s mate told his experiences, quite ashamed of his conduct. - -“I certainly acted like a landlubber,” he complained mournfully. “I -walked right into the spider’s web with both eyes wide open, but seeing -nothing. Think of my deserting you and letting you do all this work -alone.” - -Then it was O’Neil’s turn to ask questions, and the lads told him of -their nerve-racking ordeal in the tunnel and of their difficulty in -getting the soldiers to help them. - -“I was on the right track then, after all,” cried O’Neil. “It was -Juarez’s house, and he was at home. It wasn’t a very hospitable -reception he gave me,” he added, putting his hand to his swollen head. -“I fired at one of them in the darkness and that’s the last I remember -until the little dago doctor tried to make me swallow some ill-tasting -medicine. Then I broke away from him and ran up the hill just in time -to see Mr. Lazar point his gun at you; his face was not encouraging, so -I thought the gun was safer in its holster.” - -“He wouldn’t have dared shoot you, Phil,” Sydney exclaimed, “would he?” - -“He might have,” answered the lad thoughtfully; “he saw that we must -defeat his plans if we remained, and in the excitement after the -assault had commenced, it could not have been laid at his door.” - -The Americans were now in the city. They walked rapidly through the -crowded streets; excited groups of natives had gathered and were -discussing in loud tones the battle which they had just witnessed from -afar. They had seen the assault and had expected to see their homes -given over to pillage. - -“Where are we going?” asked Sydney, as they pressed their way through -the joyful natives. - -“To the legation,” Phil explained. “I am going to put the minister on -his guard against the villain who gave him the information which nearly -lost the day for the government. Once the president of the republic, -General Barras, hears of his treachery, his firm will cease to do -business in La Boca.” - -“The firm can be no other than La Fitte and Company,” declared Sydney, -“the one that is striving to get the concessions away from the American -syndicate; but this man surely cannot hope to succeed now; the rebels -have lost. With the Colt guns, properly handled, in addition to -artillery and infantry, the city will now be impregnable.” - -“Quite true,” agreed Phil, “but it is better to render this man -harmless; he doubtless stands high in the confidence of General Barras. -You heard the minister say that he did not wish his name connected -with the information; that was of course an act of caution in case the -rebels failed; but now I feel sure the minister will divulge his name.” - -Reaching the legation they met Marshall, in charge in Lazar’s absence; -his men ready under arms in case of need. - -He greeted them in astonishment. The midshipmen for the first time -appreciated what a sorry sight they presented; their white uniforms -stained with mud and sprinkled with blood; while O’Neil’s burly figure -was incased in a suit of khaki many sizes too small. - -“Who won?” Marshall questioned anxiously. “We have been hearing the -firing for the last two hours. The bullets have been whistling over us -by the hundreds.” - -“It’s all over,” Phil answered. “General Ruiz was repulsed and General -Barras holds his lines strongly.” - -Marshall and his men were not at all pleased to hear the news. They had -anticipated interesting work if the city were taken by the rebels and -their longing for adventure had received a keen disappointment. - -“All this work for nothing,” Marshal cried dejectedly. “We have been -kept here ready for over two weeks, expecting any moment to have -exciting times, and now there isn’t going to be anything.” - -“Where’s the minister?” questioned Phil intent on his mission. - -“Inside, in his office,” answered Marshall, leading the way into the -legation. - -The diplomat received them immediately, his manner anxious and excited. - -“We can see nothing from this house,” he exclaimed, as the midshipmen -entered the office, “and I have as yet heard no news of the battle. Mr. -Lazar went out to the lines to observe, but as yet has not returned, -and the firing has been stopped now for over a half hour.” Then his -restless eyes were attracted to the disheveled uniform of the lads -before him. “You have been in the battle?” he questioned eagerly. “Tell -me quickly, must I send to the admiral to land his men? Are the rebels -advancing into the city?” - -“We witnessed the fight,” Phil answered promptly; “your fears are -groundless, sir. General Barras has repulsed the enemy at every point;” -he stopped and looked at the minister, a mischievous smile on his face; -“the main attack was on La Mesa.” - -The minister gasped. - -“And on Tortuga Hill, what of that?” he exclaimed in alarm. - -“The attack there was a well devised feint that came near defeating the -government,” Phil explained, and then he tersely described the battle, -but said nothing of the part they had taken. - -“Then I might have brought defeat on the government arms in giving the -information I had received from Señor Mareno,” he cried aghast. “What -does it mean?” - -“It means,” returned Phil dramatically, “that Mr. Mareno is in league -with the rebels.” - -“Impossible,” exclaimed the minister quickly. “His firm has too much at -stake to cast their fortunes with such scoundrels.” - -Phil was surprised that the minister could not see the villainy of -Mareno; it was plain enough to him. Then he realized the minister did -not possess the mass of incriminating evidence that they held against -him. How could he show the true character of this man without betraying -himself and his companions? - -“What about the valuable concessions held by the American syndicate?” -he asked, seeing a way to enlighten the minister. “Who has the power to -give and take away this concession right?” - -“The president of Verazala only,” replied he perplexedly. - -“Very well, sir,” continued Phil; “if Ruiz was president to whom would -he give the concession?” - -“To those who offer him the largest price,” the minister answered -readily, “and that has always been this American syndicate.” - -“Yes, but suppose he should be heavily in debt financially to the firm -of Señor Mareno, besides being bound down by promises before he became -president. What then?” questioned Phil. - -“I remember now that La Fitte and Company have bid for the concession,” -said the minister thoughtfully, “but their price was too small. It’s -but a matter of money, you see.” - -“Is Mr. Mareno of that firm?” asked Phil, though he knew he must be. - -“Yes,” replied the minister, “he is the head and the largest -stockholder.” - -“Then that proves my case,” cried the lad. “La Fitte and Company desire -the Pitch-Lake concession and also the new concession which American -capital is endeavoring to obtain, to open up the rich mining country -in the interior of the republic, which will include the right to build -a railroad over the mountains and thereby open to the sea the large -rubber, coffee and sugar industries now shut in by this impassable -mountain range.” - -“Remarkable,” exclaimed the minister, intensely excited. “Why should -I not have thought of that? I believed it was but a meaningless -revolution to change the party in power. I had no thought that such -black intrigue might be bound up in it. What villains these men are to -sacrifice hundreds of lives for the sake of their own pockets.” - -“It was by the merest accident that we unearthed the plot,” said Phil -delighted at the success of his argument. “There are many of Ruiz’s -sympathizers within the city who would have welcomed him with delight -if he had been even partially successful to-day. Many of General -Barras’ regiments were ready with but slight encouragement to join the -rebels; all of this was done with Señor Mareno’s gold.” - -“What treachery!” the minister cried angrily. “I shall write -immediately to the president and give him the name of my informant.” -Then he looked with admiration at the midshipmen. “You boys are a -marvel to me; how did you ever find this out?” - -Well pleased with the impression their disclosure had made on the -minister, they withdrew from his presence without telling him further. -They were glad he hadn’t required proofs; to have given them would have -greatly embarrassed the lads, for they could not tell the minister of -the part they had taken in recapturing the arms; he might not agree -to secrecy and this knowledge in the hands of the State Department in -Washington might cause serious consequences. - -O’Neil joined them at the door of the legation; he was now in a sailor -uniform, borrowed from one of the men of the guard. - -“Mr. Lazar is here,” he whispered, “with a Spaniard; they just came -through the gate. There they are,” he added as the two men approached -the house by the gravel walk and mounted the steps of the legation. - -As Lazar passed them the lads saluted stiffly. He turned a glance full -of hatred on them. - -“Mr. Perry, wait here; I wish to see you,” he ordered sharply, then he -and the visitor entered the minister’s office. - -Phil stepped inside the house noiselessly and stopped breathlessly to -listen. A sound of voices raised excitedly came from within the room. -Phil quickly rejoined his companions. - -“That was Mareno,” he exclaimed, “the owner of the automobile. I can -never forget his voice in the tunnel. He will try to undo our work -with the minister.” - -Inside of a minute Señor Mareno appeared; his swarthy face was pale, -showing the mental strain he was enduring. - -“You see, I too was deceived,” he was urging the minister, standing on -the threshold of his office. - -The latter’s answer was diplomatic: - -“You can readily explain that to General Barras,” he answered. “My -letter will show him that I did not misinform him intentionally.” - -Señor Mareno thought deeply and was about to speak, but as he glanced -up at the office door the minister had gone within. Then he turned and -regarded the midshipmen blankly; a spark of recognition turned his face -unconsciously a shade paler, then he strode away down the steps without -a word. - -A moment afterward Lazar confronted them. - -“Mr. Perry,” he said coldly, “you have put your authority above mine. I -order you and your companions to return to the ship immediately. Your -mutinous conduct on La Mesa shall not pass unnoticed.” - -Phil’s blood boiled with anger. His hands twitched and he controlled -himself with difficulty. He glanced at his companions, who regarded him -inquiringly; he saw he must obey. - -As they left the legation, they pondered deeply over their predicament. -Lazar would report the occurrence on La Mesa. The admiral and Captain -Taylor might in their hearts be glad the lads had acted as they had, -but their high positions in the navy forbade their official countenance. - -Lazar might not see fit to report aught but Phil’s disobedience; in -time of urgent danger on foreign soil, he, as their senior officer -ashore, had ordered them to leave La Mesa and Phil had deliberately -refused for himself and companions. - -The penalty in the “articles of war” under which naval courts adjudged -their punishments was dismissal from the service. - - - - -CHAPTER XVIII - -AN IMPORTANT WITNESS - - -“How has he the face to report you for disobeying his order when he -must realize that we have evidence enough against him to dismiss him -from the service?” exclaimed Sydney as they were on their return. - -“That’s what puzzles me, too,” declared Phil. “What can he gain by -having me court-martialed? He can hardly expect me not to use all the -weapons I have to fight him; though when you sum it up our proofs are -not very strong: Juarez is dead, and Mareno, even if he knows the part -Lazar played in the arms case, would not testify before a naval court.” - -“But Craig’s evidence,” Sydney interrupted earnestly, “will prove -that he deliberately betrayed his trust and gave up the arms. If this -evidence can be placed before the court, Lazar’s reasons for ordering -us from La Mesa will be clearly shown.” - -“Lazar can’t know that Craig has confessed to us,” Phil replied -happily, “and he believes he’ll have everything his own way. If he knew -that Craig had confided to us his secret of the stolen arms, he would -not have reported me for the incident on La Mesa.” - -“What hold has he over this man Craig?” Sydney questioned thoughtfully. -“Would this influence be sufficient to seal his lips? Suppose he should -deny telling us that the arms were stolen from the cellar of the -legation?” - -“Even if he should,” Phil answered decidedly, “your testimony that you -heard him give the information would be taken by the court. He must -tell the truth in the witness box; if not it will not be difficult to -impugn his statements. However, you must see him as soon as possible -and tell him if he will speak the truth we shall see that no harm comes -to him. He fears Lazar, but if you can show him that we are powerful -enough to protect him, unless I am much mistaken in the man, he will be -glad to tell the truth.” - -“I believe,” cried Sydney joyfully, “that Lazar has caught a tartar -this time. What fun it will be to see his face when he hears that -Craig has told of his dishonest dealings with Juarez.” - -Reaching the landing they took the first boat back to the “Connecticut” -and reported their return to the officer of the deck. - -“The captain wishes to see you at once,” that officer said, addressing -Phil. - -Phil went immediately down the cabin ladder and was ushered by the -orderly into the presence of Captain Taylor. - -A glance at his chief’s face told the anxious lad that Lazar had -already made his report. - -Mr. Penfield, who had been in conversation with the captain as the boy -entered the cabin, excused himself quickly and left, casting a glance -of sympathy at Phil as he passed him. - -It seemed to the waiting youth that he must have been standing there -a long time before Captain Taylor’s voice relieved the oppressive -silence; its tone was not unkind, but it was strictly official. - -“I have but this minute received Mr. Lazar’s report of the battle,” -he spoke slowly, punctuating his words; “he tells of the rout of the -rebels, which is good news indeed, but he makes a serious charge -against you, Mr. Perry.” Here the captain took in his hand a paper -which he had doubtless been reading to the executive officer before -Phil had appeared. “This is Mr. Lazar’s report; I shall read it to you: -‘It is my painful duty to report to you the following incidents which -happened about 4 P. M. this afternoon,’” the captain read from the -paper in his hand. - -“‘By order of the minister I left the legation at 3:30 P. M. and -rode out to the lines to view the battle which I believed was about -to commence. Upon my arrival at the outskirts of the city the first -assault was made, which I was too far away to witness distinctly, but -I saw that the rebels were repulsed. From my position I sighted two -figures in white on the top of the hill, La Mesa; these aroused my -suspicions, believing they were foreigners helping the government arms. -Upon closer investigation I was astounded to recognize in these figures -Midshipmen Perry and Monroe, apparently in command of a detachment of -Verazala infantry. - -“‘Believing that they were committing an unwise act, I approached Mr. -Perry and ordered him to leave the hill at once and return with me to -the legation. - -“‘He refused to obey and defied my authority, turning his back upon me. - -“‘By your order I was in supreme command over our men ashore and feel -that I was within my authority in giving this order to Midshipman Perry. - -“‘Such a serious breach of military discipline should not go -unpunished, and for the good of the service I have to request that -Midshipman Philip Perry be brought to trial by general court martial on -charges growing out of this incident.’” - -The captain ceased reading and laid the paper on the table. - -Phil was alarmed at the serious sound of the charge against him; he -felt he was hopelessly involved. Even if he could prove Lazar a traitor -would not his own guilt be proven? According to military law an order -must be obeyed without question. He tried to speak, but his throat was -dry. Captain Taylor waited, his face full of compassion for the stunned -boy. - -“I shall not ask a statement from you now, Mr. Perry,” the captain -said finally. “I fear the charge is of such a serious character that -the admiral will order a court at once.” - -Phil left the cabin and with a heart full of bitterness sought his own -room. Sydney read in his chum’s face the bad news. - -“So he has already done his work,” he exclaimed, as Phil entered -looking tired and worried; “but cheer up; you are in the right, -and when the court has the true story, Lazar will find himself in -a position that with all his cleverness he will have difficulty to -explain.” - -Phil smiled gratefully at his companion’s cheerful attempt to console -him. - -“Syd, you must defend me,” he said, throwing himself in his chair -dejectedly. “It’s a very serious charge,” and then Phil quoted the -letter of Lazar’s, almost word for word, so deeply had it made its -impression on his mind. - -Sydney agreed readily to act as Phil’s counsel. - -“Our case,” he declared, “must be based on Lazar’s motives for ordering -us from the hill. This we can prove through Craig. Never fear, Phil, -you will be cleared.” - -“My last hope is in Craig,” answered Phil; “if he goes back on us, we -are powerless. We can do nothing.” - -“It’s a shame that such a scoundrel as Lazar can pose as such a paragon -of virtue,” cried Sydney hotly, “while we know what a double dyed -villain he is and have no means of proving it. As you say, we are alone -dependent upon breaking down the testimony of his accomplice. If Lazar -doesn’t know of Craig’s confession this may be easy, but if he does he -will take great pains to teach Craig how to answer our questions.” - -Phil’s already dejected expression turned to one of deeper -disappointment as he pondered on the last words of his companion. - -“What innocents we are!” he cried suddenly. “Lazar surely must know -that we have discovered his intrigue, else how could we have found -the hiding-place of the arms? If, as I suspect, Juarez sent him word -we were in the house on La Mesa, then Lazar would reason that he had -been found out and would know that our information must have come from -Craig. And yet, knowing this, he reports me,” he added thoughtfully. - -“Syd,” he continued after a pause, “this man is no common villain. We -have to deal with a very clever rogue. There is something more that we -don’t know about; he is not going into this court martial blindly. If -he can have me found guilty then he will be safe, because our testimony -against him will be declared prejudiced and would not be admitted -before a court.” - -The two midshipmen were in a state of great excitement over their -perplexing position, but their labors on this eventful day had so -wearied them, that it was but a short time after they had “turned in” -before they fell into a sound and peaceful sleep. - -They awoke the following morning feeling greatly refreshed and better -able to grapple with the problem. - -All danger that the rebels would force an entrance into the city being -over, the admiral ordered the legation guard back to the “Connecticut.” - -Phil and Sydney were on deck when Lazar and his men returned. - -“He isn’t there!” Phil gasped as he saw the last man come up the -gangway ladder and “fall in” in ranks on the quarter-deck. “I watched -every man and Craig isn’t among them.” - -“Perhaps there are others ashore, yet to come,” vouchsafed Sydney -hopefully. - -Lazar had reported to the officer of the deck and had then gone down -the companionway to announce his return to the captain. - -Marshall and Morrison remained on deck with the men awaiting Lazar’s -return, before being dismissed to go to their quarters. - -Phil and Sydney examined closely every one of the hundred bronzed faces -of the legation guard. Craig was missing. - -In a few minutes Lazar returned, and gave orders to “break ranks” and -go forward; then he turned to his two assistants, and raising his voice -for the benefit of Phil and Sydney, he said: - -“Craig is a good riddance. I believed he was a trustworthy man, but I -find he has betrayed my confidence. I have recommended to the captain -that no effort be made to apprehend him.” - -Lazar cast a glance of mingled triumph and scorn at the discomfited -midshipmen as he passed down the hatch to the deck below. - -The boys were stupefied. This contingency had never occurred to them. -So Craig had deserted! - -“We can catch him, Phil,” Sydney cried, when the terrible significance -of Lazar’s words forced themselves upon him; “steamers are infrequent, -and if he remains in the country he can be apprehended by the -government.” - -“Lazar has doubtless arranged for that,” Phil answered brokenly; “he is -too clever for us, Syd. We are children in his hands.” - -“But we must capture him,” Sydney exclaimed, thoroughly aroused; “he is -our only witness.” - -O’Neil, showing no ill effects from his rough handling of the day -before, was back at his ship’s work. He saw the boys standing -disconsolately on the quarter-deck and crossed over to them. - -“How are you, O’Neil?” Phil inquired solicitously as the sailor saluted -them. - -“Never better, sir,” he answered, “but you, sir, I’m sorry to hear of -the trouble you are in; and that fellow Craig, that you were counting -so much on, has deserted. The men say he is too sick to go far and had -been acting queer like all last evening. When the guard fell in to be -marched on board this morning he was missing.” - -“Too sick to go far?” questioned Phil eagerly. - -“Yes, sir,” the sailor answered, “the men of the guard say he coughed -all the time; they all believe he can’t live long.” - -Phil turned to Sydney. - -“Syd, Lazar will try to send him off by steamer. If he hasn’t gone -already we may be able to catch him,” he cried hopefully. “Lazar has -furnished him money and has recommended to the captain that no search -be made for him.” - -“There ain’t been no steamer sailing since last night,” declared -O’Neil; “that steamer with the blue smoke-stack is the next one to -leave; she’s flying the sailing flag now. Craig must be still in La -Boca.” - -“Syd,” Phil cried hurriedly, “I may be put under arrest now at any -moment, but you and O’Neil will be free. It may be possible that we -can outwit Lazar yet. You must go ashore and find Craig. Promise him -anything if he will return and speak the truth.” - -“If he is in La Boca, trust O’Neil to find him,” declared the sailor -stoutly. - -Phil saw the captain’s orderly approaching. His heart felt like lead: -here was his summons, he felt sure. - -“Captain Taylor would like to see Mr. Perry,” the orderly announced as -he reached Phil’s side. - -The lad descended to the cabin with sinking hopes. He found the captain -awaiting him, nervously pacing up and down his narrow cabin. - -“Mr. Perry,” he said as he caught sight of the attentive midshipman, -“I have a very painful duty to perform;” he held a paper in his -outstretched hand; Phil took it in silence. “Those are the charges -against you,” he continued slowly; “the admiral orders that you be -tried by court martial.” - -The lad’s eyes were full of tears of anger and mortification. He dared -not speak. He feared he might say too much and prejudice himself with -his captain. - -“You will send me your sword and consider yourself in close arrest.” -The captain added, “The trial is set for to-morrow morning at eight -o’clock.” - -Then the captain dropped from his voice its official coldness and put -his hand affectionately on the humiliated lad’s shoulder. - -“Mr. Perry, you have been a great disappointment to me,” he said sadly. -“Your work here has been all the more admirable because it can never -receive official sanction. It must always be kept a secret from our -government in Washington. Even our admiral, as powerful as he is, could -not save you if your part in this war came to the official ears of the -Navy Department. ‘The end justifies the means’ does not fit such a -case. By your loyal and plucky work, you and your companions have saved -our government from very complicating and perhaps dangerous diplomatic -conflicts with foreign powers. You have also saved American merchants -from great financial losses. But nevertheless,” he added after a short -pause, “Mr. Lazar was well within his authority when he ordered you -away from La Mesa; and from my knowledge of that officer I believe he -was acting according to his best judgment and for your own good. You -should not have taken part in this fight at all, but it was far worse -as you did it, openly, wearing the uniform of the United States.” - -“Believe me, Captain Taylor,” cried Phil earnestly, “we were not on La -Mesa for pure love of fighting; there was a good reason and I hope to -be able to show soon that my act of disobedience was not as black as it -looks.” - -“I sincerely hope, Mr. Perry,” Captain Taylor replied kindly, “that you -can explain this seemingly deliberate act of insubordination.” - -Phil left the cabin in a happier frame of mind than he had entered. He -was assured of Captain Taylor’s sympathy and his and his companion’s -work had been appreciated. He saw how these high officers must regard -their work on La Mesa, knowing nothing of the story of the Colt guns -and Lazar’s part in their betrayal. If Craig could be found now all -would be plain sailing. The court on hearing his testimony against -Lazar would surely acquit Phil of criminality in his disobedience. - -He entered his room glad in the thought that with two such friends as -Sydney and O’Neil, Craig would soon be found and brought aboard to give -his evidence before the court. - -But Sydney’s greeting sent the happiness out of his heart and put there -a feeling of hopelessness beyond power of expression. - -“Phil, that scoundrel has laid his wires cleverly,” he cried angrily. -“O’Neil and I are, by the admiral’s order, restricted to the ship until -the ‘Connecticut’ sails. Lazar is bound that Craig shall not be found.” - - - - -CHAPTER XIX - -THE COURT MARTIAL - - -Phil felt his last hope had gone. Craig, their only witness, would make -good his escape. There was nothing left for him but to face the court -martial and be found guilty of one of the most serious offenses against -military discipline. - -“It’s perfectly hopeless, Syd,” he exclaimed dejectedly; “we can make -no defense without this man.” - -“Cannot Marshall be induced to hunt for him ashore?” questioned Sydney -thoughtfully; “he is your friend and hasn’t any love for Lazar.” - -“We might do that,” answered Phil readily. Then he shook his head on -second thoughts; “it won’t help us. Lazar will find it out and see a -means of keeping him aboardship too. He is a master schemer.” - -A soft tap on their door sounded startlingly to the unstrung lads. They -exchanged glances, despair written on their faces. They had spoken in -low tones, but they knew the ship was a sounding-board. Had they said -anything that might be advantageous to their enemy? - -Phil stepped to the curtain and drew it cautiously aside, half -expecting to see the cynical face of Lazar. - -“Why, O’Neil!” he cried gladly, “you gave us a scare. Come in.” - -“What is it?” Phil added, seeing the look of determination in the -sailor’s face. - -“I’ve heard that ‘all hands’ are to be kept on board ship,” the -sailor answered. “I heard Mr. Penfield talking to Mr. Lazar on the -quarter-deck a minute ago. The admiral has given the order. Mr. Lazar -has gone to the admiral himself to get permission to go ashore.” - -“That’s his doing,” cried Sydney hotly. “But he’ll get the permission,” -he added dejectedly. - -“What I was going to say, sir,” O’Neil continued, “is, I have made my -mind up to catch this fellow Craig, and I’ve come for that uniform I -wore on the dago war-ship.” - -“I knew you couldn’t be downed, O’Neil,” Sydney exclaimed delightedly. -“I have the three suits here. I was keeping them for souvenirs.” - -Phil’s face during the time his companions were talking wore a look -of quiet dignity. He now put his hand affectionately on the sailor’s -shoulder. - -“I can’t allow you to take this risk,” he said gently. “It’s my -misfortune and I shall stand it.” - -O’Neil interrupted him hurriedly. - -“Mr. Perry, John O’Neil is always ready to obey you, but in this, sir, -I know what is best. I want the clothes. I am too old a hand, sir, to -get caught. You can trust me for that.” - -Phil would have broken in, but O’Neil would be heard. - -“I knew how you’d act about it, sir, but I need the uniform.” - -Sydney dragged the uniform out from a locker and gave it to the sailor. - -“Here you are,” he cried, “don’t listen to Mr. Perry. He seems to want -to be convicted. I’ll go with you if you need me.” - -“No, sir,” O’Neil replied decidedly. “You are better here cheering up -Mr. Perry, but before that court meets you’ll see me bringing Craig -back, ready to give his evidence.” - -“What’s your plan?” Sydney asked, following the sailor from the room. - -“It’s this, sir,” he answered. “I am going to watch every vessel that -leaves port, and if I find Craig, I’ll get him to come back with me, -whether he wants to or not. Trust me, sir, if I clap eyes on him back -he’ll come.” - -“That’s a good idea,” Sydney agreed; “our last hope is in you, O’Neil,” -he added, as he returned to join Phil. - -“O’Neil seems confident that he can locate him, Phil,” Sydney said in a -cheering voice as he reëntered their stateroom. “He only told me half -of his plan,” he said to himself. “I believe he knows what he is doing.” - -Phil was reading over the fatal paper given him by the captain. The -wording of the charges against him seemed written in fire on his brain. - -A moment later the captain’s orderly came for the midshipman’s sword. -Phil gave it to him with a heart full of anguish. - -“Lieutenant Barnes is on deck, sir, and would like to see Mr. Perry,” -the orderly said, a look of sympathy in his face. “I hope you ain’t -guilty, sir,” he added hastily. - -Phil almost smiled at the earnestness of the kind-hearted marine. - -“Thank you, orderly,” he answered gratefully. - -Lieutenant Barnes entered the boys’ stateroom shortly afterward. The -lads stood quickly to attention. - -“Mr. Perry, I am the judge advocate of your court,” the officer -announced in official tones, holding himself very straight and -regarding Phil coldly. “I see you have received a copy of the charges -against you,” noticing the paper Phil held in his nervous hand. “Do you -desire any one to act as your counsel?” - -Phil’s throat was parched; he swallowed several times before he could -find voice to speak. - -“Midshipman Monroe, sir, has offered,” he replied. - -“Very good,” the officer consented; “you will be ready at 8 A. M. -to-morrow. Your counsel will inform me at that time the witnesses you -wish to call in your defense.” He bowed ceremoniously and withdrew. - -“There’s not much kindness in him, is there, Syd?” Phil observed sadly. -“He believes I am guilty, by the way he looked at me.” - -“What are we to do?” Sydney exclaimed. “If O’Neil fails you must take -the stand and tell all.” - -“No, I shan’t do that,” Phil declared; “the court would not believe our -estimate of Lazar. It would be easy for him to convince the court that -he had acted honestly and that our charges were malicious. If Craig is -not found I must take my punishment in silence.” - -“But if O’Neil and I both testify to the truth of your story, Phil,” -Sydney urged. - -“Even then,” he replied. “Lazar could not be accused. The fact that -Craig deserted would point to the latter’s guilt in allowing the guns -to be taken from the legation and would prove Lazar’s innocence. -Sydney, if Craig is not found I stand convicted.” - -The weary, anxious day dragged slowly by. The fateful morning dawned. - -At the hour set, Phil and Sydney were ready to appear before the court. - -Phil dreaded the ordeal. Far rather would he have faced a battery of -Colt guns than go before those seven commissioned officers, accused as -he was of a military crime. - -With heart beating fast, and with pale, set face he took the chair next -the judge advocate; Sydney sat beside him, a determined look in his -eyes. - -Phil raised his head and braved the eyes of the court. - -The picture now before his eyes would never be forgotten. The officers -were all strangers to him, selected from other ships than his own. At -the head of the long table sat the president, a captain in the navy, -commanding a battle-ship in the fleet; the other six officers were all -above the rank of ensign. - -Phil saw his sword brought in by the captain’s orderly and placed on -the court table, its sheathed point directed at himself, the accused. -He knew that this sword would be the silent tale bearer of the court’s -verdict. If after the trial was over the sword remained with its point -toward him he had been adjudged guilty, but if upon entering to receive -the judgment, the sword had been swung with its hilt toward him, then -the court had found him not guilty. - -The judge advocate arose, and in a clear voice read the admiral’s order -assembling the court for the trial of Midshipman Perry. - -The formalities of organization were soon over and the court was ready -to try the accused on the charges. - -As one in a dream Phil heard the detailed charges read. He knew them by -heart, but now in the cold hard tones of Lieutenant Barnes they rang -ominously. - -“He, the said Midshipman Philip Perry, did maliciously and wilfully -disobey the order of his superior officer Ensign Jules Lazar, who was -then and there in the execution of his lawful duty, and further did -treat his superior officer, the said Ensign Jules Lazar, with contempt, -and was insubordinate to him by words and gestures; this to the -prejudice of good order and military discipline.” - -The awful sound took his breath away. A voice was saying to him in his -inner consciousness, “You are guilty, you are guilty.” - -Yes, every word was only too true; he could deny nothing, but he must -plead “not guilty,” in hopes that Craig would arrive in time to give -his testimony. - -There was a pause; the judge advocate cleared his throat. The court -shifted their positions expectantly. Phil’s heart seemed almost ready -to stop beating while the prosecutor’s voice sounded through the quiet -room: - -“You, Philip Perry, have heard the charges preferred against you. What -say you: Guilty or not guilty?” - -Phil mustered all his strength and in a clear voice answered: - -“Not guilty.” - -In a few moments Lazar entered the courtroom. He was calm and -self-possessed. He walked up to the president promptly and took the -oath; then he sat down carelessly in the witness chair, and turned upon -Phil a cold scrutinizing gaze. - -Lazar told his story to the hushed court. Phil knew it was the truth, -but not the whole truth which Lazar had sworn to tell. - -The witness had finished; the judge advocate turned to Phil, -questioningly. - -“Do you wish to interrogate the witness?” he asked. - -Phil shook his head and Lazar withdrew from the room, casting an -incredulous look at the accused midshipman. - -The judge advocate ceased his writing and looked up at the president of -the court. - -“Mr. President,” he announced slowly, “there is no other witness for -the prosecution. Ensign Lazar’s testimony is not disputed; it proves -every word of the charges against the accused.” He sat down in silence, -then he glanced quickly at Sydney, sitting stunned by Phil’s side. - -“The defense begins,” he added. - -The two lads exchanged glances. O’Neil had not returned. - -“Who is your first witness?” asked the judge advocate impatiently. - -Sydney was about to speak; he would ask to be put in the witness chair; -he could tell the true story to the court; surely they would see it -was the truth, but Phil’s quiet resigned voice cut short his intentions. - -“I have no witnesses to call,” he said in a low voice. - -The court was astounded; its members looked surprisedly at one another. -The president arose to his feet. - -“Mr. Perry,” he began, “do you understand the gravity of these charges? -Can you make no defense? Can you give no reason, no excuse for your -extraordinary conduct? Will you not make a statement to the court? Your -record at the Naval Academy and here on the ‘Connecticut’ is too good -to be so stained without some reason.” - -The court showed their accord by nods of assent. - -Phil turned to Sydney, a look of pain in his eyes. - -“O’Neil has failed,” Sydney whispered; “he would come direct to the -court if he were on board.” - -Phil arose to his feet, his face pale and anxious. The court was -silent, in breathless expectancy. - -“I can offer no excuse, sir,” he said in a voice suppressed with -emotion. “I can only say that I acted according to my belief in -what was my duty.” His face became suffused with embarrassment as -he realized how odd his words must sound to these officers who knew -nothing of the real circumstances; but he must gain time; perhaps even -now O’Neil was returning with the missing witness. Once the trial was -finished he would stand convicted and even Craig’s testimony could not -change the decision of the court. - -“My first duty was to remain where I was, and to do this it was -necessary that I should disobey Mr. Lazar’s direct order. I can say no -more,” he said finally, covered with confusion. - -As Phil stopped and sat down, a hum of astonishment passed over the -court. What did he mean? Had the strain unbalanced his mind? were the -questions asked in glances of the eye by his judges sitting solemnly -before him. - -The judge advocate arose to his feet to make his closing address to the -court. - -“Gentlemen,” he commenced, “the accused by the evidence is proved -guilty. It is my duty as prosecutor for the United States Navy to -point out that the offense of which he is charged is one of the most -serious against military and naval discipline, and is punishable under -the ‘articles of war’ by dismissal from the navy of the United States. -The excuse offered by the accused is unintelligible and worthless.” - -He sat down, his eyes riveted on the president of the court. The -latter raised his hand; Phil knew that when it fell to the table the -trial would be over and no more witnesses could be summoned. It was a -dreadful moment for the accused midshipman. He knew he sat before his -judges adjudged guilty of the military crime of which he was accused. - -The president, with his hand still raised, hesitated; he seemed -unwilling to make the trial a closed book. As he paused thus, there -came a knock on the door of the cabin. - - - - -CHAPTER XX - -THE SEARCH - - -O’Neil after leaving the midshipman went to his room under the -forecastle and hid away the bundle of clothes until nightfall, when he -intended to leave the ship under the cover of darkness. - -As soon as he was sure his movements could not be observed, he let -himself over the bow of the battle-ship and silently dropped into the -water; his foreign uniform he carried in a flat roll on his head. He -was a strong swimmer, and in but a few minutes he was standing safely -on the dock. The friendly darkness permitted him unobserved to discard -his sailor clothes, and he soon stood completely disguised in the garb -of a Verazala naval officer. - -He started out briskly for the public landing, hired a shore boat and -was soon alongside the “Aquadores.” - -The officer on duty greeted him as an old friend, and the boatswain’s -mate was shortly in Captain Garcia’s presence. - -O’Neil told his errand as soon as Captain Garcia would allow him -time to speak; the Spaniard was enthusiastic in his reception of the -American sailor. - -“And, sir, I knew you would help me catch this man,” he added; “our -young friend is to be tried by court martial, and if found guilty will -be dismissed from the service.” - -Captain Garcia showed the anxiety he felt for Phil’s predicament. - -“I am always at the service of my American friends,” he declared -immediately; “but how may I help you find this man?” - -“He will go by steamer,” replied O’Neil, “and we must find out the one -and drag him off before she sails. If I go alone I can’t do it, but you -are known and they won’t dare stop us, if you are with me.” - -“But may he not have sailed already?” questioned Captain Garcia -anxiously. - -“I have thought of that,” O’Neil answered decidedly; “he was at the -legation late last night, and there has been no steamer sailing since. -I’ll stake anything that he is still in La Boca.” - -Inside of two hours every vessel in the harbor had been visited by the -two men, but they were doomed to disappointment. Craig was not on board -any of them. - -Bitterly disappointed they walked disconsolately through the -brilliantly lighted streets of the town; the city was in gala dress, -celebrating the victory won by the government arms. They passed many -soldiers of both armies, arm in arm; their differences were forgotten -already and they fraternized as if they had always been the best of -friends. - -O’Neil felt his mission had failed. To-morrow morning at eight o’clock -the court would try the midshipman, and the missing witness was as far -out of his grasp as ever. Where in this great city could he turn to -search for him? Then his thoughts turned to Ensign Lazar; he had gone -to the admiral to obtain permission to go ashore when he went to the -midshipmen’s room. Where would he be in this thickly populated city? -O’Neil felt confident that if he could find him Craig would not be far -away. - -The two friends were passing a palatial residence on the Plaza. An -automobile standing at the curb caught O’Neil’s eye, the chauffeur -sitting erect and expectant in the front seat. - -“Whose house is that?” he asked, suddenly turning to Captain Garcia. - -“The house of one of our most loyal citizens, Señor Mareno,” he -answered; “he is rich and powerful and stands high in the favor of -General Barras. That is his automobile; he rides in it all the time; it -has just been returned to him; it was stolen on the day of the assault -by the rebels from one of his country villas.” - -O’Neil stopped suddenly and gazed at the house. Mareno must be there; -the automobile was awaiting him; its gasoline engine was puffing and -ready to propel the heavy car over the streets of the city at a speed -far greater than they could possibly follow. - -Captain Garcia’s voice interrupted O’Neil’s cheerless thoughts. - -“Our president,” he was saying, “for the loyal work of Señor Mareno’s -firm, La Fitte and Company, during the war, has promised to give the -vast mining concession to it. In these times of rebellion loyalty is a -rare jewel.” - -“What did Mareno do?” asked O’Neil in genuine surprise. - -“It was he that loaned the government the money to buy the -‘Aquadores,’” Captain Garcia answered proudly. “Our government had no -credit and the company who built the cruiser would not allow her to -leave their shipyard until every dollar of the money had been paid. -The victory of the ‘Aquadores’ at Rio Grande made the rebel cause -a failure, for if they had won and then had blockaded La Boca, the -government must have fallen.” - -O’Neil was puzzled; there was more intrigue that his friends the -midshipmen had failed to discover. So Mareno had made himself secure -with both sides. - -“If it had not been for you and your companions,” continued Captain -Garcia after a pause, “we could not have won. My crew, as you know, -were green men and were almost mutinous. My officers were half-hearted -and my executive officer I feel sure was in the pay of the enemy. He -resisted my authority from the day we left the United States and when -we sailed from La Boca for Rio Grande, I found a means of leaving him -behind.” - -While Captain Garcia was speaking two men came hurriedly out of the -house and got into the waiting machine. - -“That’s Señor Mareno now,” exclaimed Captain Garcia. “I know him well. -He owns most of the steamship lines, and can help us by ordering his -agents to watch for this man when he buys his ticket. I shall speak to -him at once,” and he drew away from O’Neil and stepped quickly to the -side of the machine. - -“Good-evening, Señor Mareno,” he said saluting him in military fashion. -“May I detain you but a moment?” - -Mareno turned a startled face toward the naval officer. - -“What do you want?” he questioned impatiently. - -O’Neil saw at a glance that the meeting was inopportune for the -merchant. The sailor edged nearer, his curiosity aroused. An electric -street lamp above them threw their faces in shadow; but there was -something familiar in the figure sitting beside Mareno in the -automobile. - -“Mr. Lazar,” he gasped beneath his breath; he reached out and took -Captain Garcia by the arm, almost roughly, and wheeled him about. The -next second the automobile had gone. - -Captain Garcia turned on O’Neil, a world of surprise in his face. - -“Why did you do that?” he exclaimed. “He surely could have helped us.” - -The sailor looked about him hurriedly. So Lazar and Mareno were hiding -Craig. If they would find him they must follow the automobile; but how? - -“The man with him was Ensign Lazar,” O’Neil explained to the amazed -captain. “If he recognizes me the game is up. How can we follow them?” - -Captain Garcia was still more amazed at hearing this startling news. -Why was Señor Mareno with Mr. Lazar? What part had Señor Mareno in -the plot to convict his young friend, Midshipman Perry? And was he a -friend of the man who had sold the machine guns back to the rebels? - -“Come,” he cried much aroused, “there’s an automobile standing on the -next corner, but I fear we can’t catch them; Señor Mareno’s machine is -the fastest in the city.” - -As luck would have it they found a waiting machine, and jumping in -Captain Garcia hurriedly gave the order. - -“Mariel road, quick,” he cried to the chauffeur. - -In a minute they were speeding through the streets and out on the -lonely road to Mariel. - -The quarry was not in sight; had they turned off on one of the many -cross streets? This was surely the direction they had taken. - -They sped along, O’Neil pressing money into the hands of the chauffeur -to open wider his throttle. - -“There they are,” O’Neil whispered triumphantly as a dark object came -in sight ahead. The pursuers were gaining slowly. - -The machine ahead was slowing, and O’Neil whispered to their chauffeur -to go on by. They passed Mareno and Lazar as they were alighting from -the automobile and entering a large house by the roadside. - -“Mareno’s country home,” whispered Captain Garcia as their machine -whizzed past. - -“Then here we’ll find Craig,” replied O’Neil confidently, as he -directed the chauffeur to stop their machine. - -Out of sight of the overtaken men they left their machine and went back -on foot. Reaching the house they saw Mareno’s automobile had drawn up -inside the yard and the chauffeur had already made himself comfortable -for a nap. - -“They are inside,” O’Neil whispered, “and will be there some time, from -the looks of that man yonder,” pointing to the reclining figure. “We’ve -got to get inside.” - -Captain Garcia hesitated. - -“This man Mareno is powerful,” he objected. “I dare not force an -entrance into his house.” - -They had approached the house from the rear. O’Neil pushed a door -gently; it yielded and the next moment they found themselves in a small -room. - -The room was unlighted, but the fire on the hearth illuminated -obscurely their surroundings. - -A native jumped up from a couch, rubbing his eyes; seeing the officers -he doffed his hat respectfully. - -“Whom do you wish to see, señors?” he asked. - -“We are friends of Señor Mareno, who is up-stairs, is he not? We shall -go up,” O’Neil answered quickly in a low voice. - -The man seemed to hold no suspicions; he was glad to get back to his -interrupted nap. - -“Very well, señors,” he answered. - -The two men cautiously walked up the narrow stairs. Reaching the next -floor, they stopped, breathless, to listen. - -A sound of voices came from a room in the front of the house. - -Captain Garcia was worried. He did not relish his mission; there was -too much at stake for him if Mareno discovered that they had forced -an entrance into his house. In these countries it is but a step to a -prison cell and another to the execution wall where many men are put to -death daily during these revolutions. He was anxious to retrace his -steps, but O’Neil held him firmly by the arm. - -The voices of Mareno and Lazar sounded distinctly; they were talking -in loud natural tones, so sure were they that they were alone in this -lonely house. - -“I have changed the letter, Señor Mareno,” Lazar was saying; “here it -is: as it reads now your name does not appear and Midshipman Perry’s -name has been substituted. But you must make sure that the minister and -the president never meet, for they might discover the change in the -letter.” - -“I have arranged that,” answered Mareno. “As soon as the fleet leaves, -which will be to-morrow, the president will telegraph to Washington for -the minister’s recall, giving the reason that he is unsatisfactory to -the government.” - -“Good,” Lazar’s voice replied; “then you have nothing to fear, unless -General Ruiz might tell of your share in the rebellion.” - -“Ah,” Mareno’s voice had a glad ring, “he knows nothing. Juarez -alone knew of my support, and he is dead; he was the agent in all my -transactions.” - -“Very well; I shall deliver this letter in person at the palace this -evening,” Lazar said, “and then we must put this man on board the -steamer. I don’t believe he will live to reach Mexico.” - -Captain Garcia knew nothing of the letter, but from the trend of the -conversation between the two conspirators he saw that the much trusted -Mareno had done something which Lazar was endeavoring to cover up for -him. He dared not ask O’Neil; even a whisper might be heard. - -“What is the name of the steamer?” Lazar added. “It is now after -midnight. At what time will she sail?” - -“It is the ‘Mercedes’; one of our own ships,” Mareno answered; “she is -scheduled to sail at daylight and her first port will be Vera Cruz, -Mexico; her captain need know nothing except that the sick man is to be -landed there.” - -“Can’t she sail as soon as we get this man on board?” Lazar asked -eagerly. “I shall breathe freer when he is on the high seas. My -enemies have resources and the sooner we get this man away the less -danger there is for me. The court meets at eight o’clock, and without -this witness my friend Midshipman Perry must be convicted.” - -[Illustration: _THE DOOR OF THE ROOM OPENED SUDDENLY_] - -“That can be easily arranged,” Mareno agreed at once. “She has already -cleared the custom-house and can sail whenever I give the word.” - -O’Neil glanced at Captain Garcia’s face. The light through the transom -of the room in which the conspirators were shone dimly on his strong -face. O’Neil was fairly startled at its expression. He feared that -upon hearing the course which his enemy would pursue, Garcia might act -precipitately, and spoil the plan. - -“Come,” the sailor whispered, grasping the captain’s arm, “we must go.” - -But the naval officer could not be moved. He reached in his pocket and -drew out a silver-mounted revolver, and took a step forward toward the -door of the room. - -“You’ll spoil everything,” O’Neil whispered hoarsely. - -The door of the room opened suddenly and a flood of light shone out in -the hallway. Lazar stood on the threshold, his face turned backward -over his shoulder; he was talking to Mareno behind him. - -“Craig is up-stairs, is he not? I shall get him and join you -immediately,” he said. - -O’Neil was terribly anxious. If their presence were discovered, the -conspirators would change their plans. The light seemed to fall -directly upon himself and Captain Garcia. How could Lazar fail to see -them? - -Lazar passed the eavesdroppers so close that it seemed to O’Neil -detection was a certainty. What should he do? He dared not lift his -hand against his superior officer. His long training in the navy had -taught him what terrible consequences would be the result of such a -rash act. He held his breath tightly and drew Captain Garcia closer -against the wall. The door swung shut and the hall was again in partial -gloom. Lazar’s footfalls could be heard ascending the stairs. - -“We’ve got to get out,” he breathed in relief as he half dragged his -companion down the steps. - -They left the house by the way they had entered; this time they were -not observed, for the caretaker of the house was fast asleep. - -Reaching their automobile they got in and waited for their enemies to -leave the house. - -“What does it mean?” Captain Garcia asked excitedly. “What is this -letter?” - -O’Neil explained how Mareno had informed the minister that Ruiz’s -attack would be on Tortuga Hill. How the midshipmen had discovered him -in the house of Juarez where the stolen arms were stored, and how the -minister had written a letter to General Barras telling from whom the -information came. - -“A clever plot indeed,” cried Captain Garcia. “Mr. Lazar has changed -this letter clearing Señor Mareno and putting the guilt on Midshipman -Perry’s shoulders, and Señor Mareno has induced the president -meanwhile, before the arrival of the letter, to ask the Washington -government to recall the minister. My inclinations were as an officer -of our government to arrest Señor Mareno for treason.” - -“That would have defeated us,” answered O’Neil. “They wouldn’t have -submitted without a fight and I couldn’t have raised my hand against -Ensign Lazar.” - -“I can hardly believe that Señor Mareno is a rebel,” declared Captain -Garcia excitedly; “if so, why did he buy the ‘Aquadores’ for General -Barras’ government?” - -“That’s easy to see now,” answered O’Neil with a superior smile; -“didn’t you say your executive officer was mutinous and your crew were -all green men?” - -The naked truth dawned on the unsuspecting naval officer. - -“You mean that Mareno believed that on our arrival in La Boca the -‘Aquadores’ would fly the rebel flag,” cried the naval officer, aghast -at the depth of the treason of which Mareno was the instigator. - -“Certainly,” O’Neil replied; “he thought it was as good as buying her -for the rebels and a better and easier way. Even when you went after -the rebel ships at Rio Grande, he was sure you’d be licked, and before -he could get news of the fight he spread the report that she’d been -sunk.” - -Captain Garcia was stunned at the extent of the conspiracy. - -“Then I owe you and your companions much more than I dreamed,” he cried -putting his arm affectionately on O’Neil’s shoulder. “That explains -why their two vessels seemed so eager to give us battle. They thought -we would prove an easy victim.” - -O’Neil nodded. - -“But now, Captain Garcia,” he exclaimed earnestly, “you’ve got your -chance to repay us.” - -“Myself and everything I can command are at your service,” the Spaniard -gratefully replied. - -“Then here’s my plan,” O’Neil explained hurriedly: “they’ll put Craig -in that machine and take him to La Boca; then on board the ‘Mercedes,’ -and we can’t stop them. She’ll get away and then we’ll follow her in -the ‘Aquadores’ and bring Craig back. Isn’t that easy? Will you do it?” - -“Willingly,” the captain exclaimed delightedly. “You are a clever man -to have thought of this. Fortunately I have steam up in my vessel and -as soon as we get on board we can be under way.” - -It seemed hours to the anxious men before Mareno’s machine moved -slowly up to the door; its headlight cutting through the darkness -illuminating brightly the courtyard in front of the house. - -“They are going at last,” whispered O’Neil. “What time is it?” - -Captain Garcia took out his watch and glanced at its face. - -“It’s after two,” he answered; “they have been in there two hours.” - -The automobile in front of the house moved swiftly toward them. As it -reached the machine in which our friends were awaiting it speeded up -and tore past them. O’Neil looked closely; the curtains were drawn, and -he could see nothing within. - -“What does that mean?” questioned Captain Garcia in amazement. “They -are going to Mariel.” - -“It means my plan is no good,” cried O’Neil despairingly. “Mareno has -had the ‘Mercedes’ sent to Mariel and they’ll put him on board her -there.” - -“Quick, man,” cried Captain Garcia as he watched Señor Mareno’s machine -fade in the distance. “What shall we do?” - -O’Neil was in deep thought. Did he dare attack these men and take Craig -forcibly away from them? It would mean a prison for him. - -“Follow them,” he ordered sharply, “for all you’re worth. I’ll give you -ten pesos if you catch her before we get to Mariel,” he cried to the -chauffeur. - -Their automobile bounded ahead and rushed along the dark road. Mile -after mile was eaten up by the steel monster. The anxious men peered -ahead hoping to see the dark form of Mareno’s machine, but the suburbs -of Mariel were reached and their enemies were still invisible. - -“If we catch ’em,” rasped O’Neil, “we must seize Craig by force; it’s -our last chance.” - -Captain Garcia was delighted. That had been his plan from the first. - -“I’ll swing for it if Mr. Lazar recognizes me,” O’Neil muttered, “but -the fun’ll be worth it.” - -The black smudge in the road ahead of them slowly took shape out of the -darkness. The anxious seekers breathed easier, as they looked to their -weapons. - -“Bring her alongside,” O’Neil ordered the amazed chauffeur. - -The man did not relish this hazardous undertaking on a rough and narrow -road, but the sight of the sailor’s revolver gave him the courage to -steer his machine abreast of the fleeing automobile ahead of them. - -“Hold there!” Captain Garcia shouted firing his revolver to emphasize -his order; “we want to speak to you.” - -The other machine immediately slowed and the two cars were soon -motionless side by side on the road. - -It was but the work of a second for our two friends to leap out of -their car and throw back the curtains of the other car. O’Neil, with -his automobile goggles concealing the upper part of his face, advanced, -his revolver in front of him covering the occupants inside. Captain -Garcia covered with his revolver the trembling chauffeur. - -“They are not here,” O’Neil gasped; “they have tricked us again.” - -O’Neil was in despair. Captain Garcia’s watch showed it was nearly -three o’clock. Their enemies had surely gone to La Boca hours ago and -had used this automobile to delay them until they could get Craig -safely on board the ship and away from the harbor. - -“They knew we had followed ’em,” O’Neil exclaimed. “That native wasn’t -as sleepy as we thought.” - -In a second they were inside their machine and were speeding back along -the road. - -Reaching the villa of Mareno, they alighted by mutual consent and -boldly entered the house by the rear door. - -The native was dragged from his bed and under the terrifying influence -of a loaded revolver at his head confessed that Señor Mareno and two -companions had gone on foot nearly three hours ago, and that they had -been told of the presence in the house of the two naval officers. - -“We can catch her yet,” Captain Garcia declared stoutly as they sped -back to La Boca. - -In the course of what seemed ages to O’Neil, but was in reality but a -half hour, they were on board the “Aquadores.” - -As the cruiser steamed out of the harbor, O’Neil heard with a sinking -heart the bells strike on the men-of-war at anchor. It was four o’clock -and the escaping vessel had over three hours start. He had lost. The -court would meet in four short hours and Midshipman Perry would be -adjudged guilty. - -Swiftly the “Aquadores” steamed to the westward. Captain Garcia and -O’Neil on the forward bridge watched with failing hopes the gray of -dawn spread on the eastern horizon behind them. The sea in front was -unbroken. Their prize was not in sight. - -Swiftly the cruiser plowed her way through the tranquil sea, but -swifter yet the hands of the clock moved around its fatal dial. The sun -appeared on the horizon out of a molten sea. - -As the gloom slowly melted, the eager sailor, straining his eyes to -discover the vessel he hoped the increasing light would soon reveal, -sighted the black hull of a steamer but a few miles ahead. - -“We’ve got her!” he cried joyously, then he turned with apprehension -and saw the hands of the clock stood at six. “Stop her with a shot!” he -pleaded. “We need every minute.” - -Captain Garcia gave a hurried order and a six-inch shell soared in the -air, raising a column of water close to the merchantman. - -“That did the business,” O’Neil exclaimed as the merchantman stopped -and ran up Verazalan colors at her gaff. - -In a few minutes the “Aquadores” was hove to near the “Mercedes” and -Captain Garcia and O’Neil were quickly rowed to the intercepted vessel. - -They climbed to the top of the sea ladder, where the merchant captain -met them. - -“You have a sick man on board,” Captain Garcia began in a tone of -authority; “we want to take him back with us immediately. Do you -understand?” - -The sailing master gave the naval men a look of inquiry and amazement. - -“We have a man who is very ill; he was brought on board by Señor Mareno -just before we sailed,” he answered. “This is irregular,” he added, -more boldly. - -“You are on the high seas,” Captain Garcia retorted savagely. “I alone -am responsible for my actions. Take me to this man.” - -The merchantman was not in his employer’s secret, but he readily saw -that these officers were defeating his intentions. Fear of Mareno -made him hesitate. But he knew he was at their mercy; a glance at the -formidable cruiser close by assured him of that. - -“Come with me,” he said gruffly, leading them to a stateroom on the -lower deck. - -There O’Neil saw a sight that wrung his heart. Craig’s emaciated form -lay on the bed; his feverish eyes wide with a terrible fear as he -recognized the boatswain’s mate, in spite of his foreign uniform. - -The petty officer walked over to his bedside and looked down at him -compassionately. He put his hand almost affectionately on his hot brow. - -“You must come back with us, Craig,” he said determinedly; “you’ll not -be harmed. Don’t kick; we’ve just time to get back to clear Mr. Perry.” - -The sick man cringed and turned white with terror. A fearful shaking -took hold of his thin form. - -“I dare not,” he pleaded in a terrified whisper. “They’ll send me to a -penitentiary for my crimes.” - -“Don’t take on so,” exclaimed O’Neil in exasperation, as he saw the -precious minutes slipping away. “A hospital is where they’ll send you.” - -He beckoned to Captain Garcia and together they lifted the almost -exhausted man from his bed; he struggled feebly, but soon realized he -was only wasting his strength. - -They carried him down into the boat and aboard the “Aquadores,” which -was soon heading at top speed back for La Boca. - -O’Neil did his utmost to cheer the dejected machinist, who lay tossing -miserably, brooding over his imaginary troubles. - -“You just tell the truth, Craig,” O’Neil counseled, “and you’ll not be -harmed. Mr. Lazar will not be in it if you tell your tale to the court.” - -O’Neil saw with sinking hopes that it was eight o’clock; the court had -met and the “Aquadores” was nearly half an hour away. If she were too -late in bringing this important witness, none but the President of the -United States could grant a reprieve to the condemned midshipman. - -“But do your best, Captain Garcia,” he urged. “If luck is with us we -may save him yet.” - - - - -CHAPTER XXI - -CONCLUSION - - -The loud knock on the door resounded through the tense stillness of the -courtroom. The door was thrown open violently and the stalwart figure -of O’Neil, with Craig trembling beside him, stood on the threshold. - -Sydney sprang to his feet and placed himself beside the boatswain’s -mate. - -“What is the meaning of this unwarranted intrusion?” cried the -president of the court, turning fiercely on O’Neil. - -“This man is a witness for the defense,” cried Sydney, joyously -pointing at Craig. - -The court turned in amazement to gaze at the would-be deserter. - -“I object to further testimony,” announced the judge advocate -earnestly; “the case is now in the hands of the court.” - -Phil’s heart beat wildly. Would the president sustain this objection? - -The president rose to his feet; the court room became so still that the -heavy breathing of O’Neil and his prisoner, from their recent exertions -to arrive in time, was plainly audible above all other sounds. - -“The case is still in the hands of the defense,” the president -announced. “I shall administer the oath to the witness.” - -O’Neil withdrew quietly, leaving Craig within the courtroom. - -“Were you on a hill called La Mesa near the city of La Boca on the day -of the assault by the insurgents?” the judge advocate asked the witness -after he had been directed to take the stand by the president. - -Craig looked at Sydney nervously then he answered in a trembling voice: - -“No, sir.” - -The judge advocate jumped to his feet. - -“I object to this witness,” he cried loudly; “he can know nothing of -the charges.” - -The president glanced at the faces of his colleagues. They nodded their -approval. - -“The objection is sustained,” he was on the point of saying when he -caught sight of Sydney’s anxious face. The latter had sprung from his -chair and was endeavoring to catch the president’s eye before the fatal -words were uttered. - -“Well, what have you to say?” the officer asked impatiently. - -Sydney thought rapidly; as Phil’s counsel he could plead and say things -he knew his chum would be too modest to tell. - -“I ask the court’s indulgence,” Sydney commenced, seeking for -appropriate words to convey clearly all that was in his mind to the -members of the court. “The accused has been charged with disobeying the -orders of his superior officer on La Mesa the day of the assault. We -have two witnesses who will testify that in a house belonging to the -ex-vice-consul, Mr. Juarez, thirty Colt automatic guns with ammunition -were found; that these guns were mounted by the accused and his -companions and manned by a company of government soldiers. The attack -was on La Mesa, although the minister representing the United States -had informed General Barras that a reliable informant had told him the -attack would be upon Tortuga Hill. We can show that the presence of -the accused and his companions was indispensable on La Mesa at the -time of Mr. Lazar’s arrival. If the order had been obeyed the Colt -guns would have fallen into the hands of the insurgents, which would -have discredited the minister and the United States in the eyes of the -existing government. Our witness Craig will tell the part Mr. Lazar -has taken in connection with these arms and will show why the accused -deliberately disobeyed a positive order.” - -Sydney sat down, his eyes flashing, his face pale and anxious. - -The court was silent for a fraction of a second and then a hum of -surprised interrogation spread among its members. All knew of the -captured arms and how the rock-filled boxes were found at the legation. - -“The witness will be allowed to testify,” the president spoke decidedly. - -“I have no further question to ask,” snapped the judge advocate, -betraying in his voice the disappointment at losing his point. - -The court looked to Sydney; he whispered reassuringly to the unnerved -Craig. - -The terrified sailor’s voice was so low pitched that the seven judges -strained their hearing to listen. The silence was profound. - -“At New York, while we were there for repairs,” he commenced feebly, -“I received a telegram that my sister was dying. I went to Mr. Lazar -as the senior officer on board at the time and asked for leave to go -to her bedside. He refused me permission. I showed him the telegram -and her picture in a locket I always carried with me; she was my only -living relative and we were everything to each other. I implored with -tears in my eyes. He refused again and accused me of deceiving him to -get ashore when I was not entitled to liberty. - -“The next day I received word she had died. The executive officer was -on board and allowed me to go to bury her body. - -“I hated this officer, Ensign Lazar, for his cruelty to me and when I -saw an opportunity to injure him I was happy. I filed half-way through -the hoist wire in his turret. The accident happened, as I knew it -must; but unfortunately for me while I was filing the wire rope Mr. -Perry came into the turret; he heard me at work and called. In my -haste to leave before he could detect me, I turned in the darkness -to escape. The locket was in the pocket of my blouse which I had laid -on the turret floor. I heard it fall on the metal deck as I grasped -my clothes, but there was no time to regain it. Afterward I risked -detection in getting it from Mr. Perry’s room, but I soon found that -Ensign Lazar had already seen it and recognized the locket I had shown -him, and knew at once that I had been guilty of injuring the turret. -He told me if I didn’t want to go to jail for a long term of years I -must do as he told me. I feared him. He first made me try to injure the -‘Vidette’s’ machinery on the night those arms were captured. Then I was -wounded and before I had recovered entirely I was taken ashore with him -and forced to sleep in the cellar of the legation. He told me that on a -certain night I was to open the boxes, all but one, and that men would -come through a tunnel below the cellar and carry the Colt guns away, -giving me rocks to put in their places. - -“I heard one of the natives who received the arms tell another where -they were to be taken, and when Mr. Perry discovered that the boxes -were full of rocks and that the arms were gone, I told him what I had -done and where they had been taken. - -“I didn’t want to desert, but Mr. Lazar told me I had betrayed him and -that if I didn’t he would find a way to dispose of me. He made all the -arrangements and hid me in the house of a friend of his; then last -night they took me on board a steamer, where O’Neil found me.” - -The judge advocate was on his feet before the witness’s voice had died -into nothingness. - -“I object to this testimony,” he cried impetuously, making a last -attempt to reinstate himself and prove his case against the accused. -“By his own evidence, this man is a criminal; his testimony is -malicious and should not be received in evidence. He stands a would-be -deserter from the navy.” - -The president of the court hesitated. The truth in the judge advocate’s -words was impressive. - -“Recall Mr. Lazar,” he ordered, after a moment’s thought. “He should -be here to hear this evidence and clear up this imputation against his -good name in the navy.” - -The court orderly was sent to summon Lazar again before the court. - -The two midshipmen sat anxiously watching the door for the appearance -of their enemy. They knew him to be a clever rogue. This situation had -never occurred to them. Would Lazar deny Craig’s testimony and assert -that this sick cringing sailor was alone guilty of the crime? Craig’s -testimony came as a surprise to the lads; they had not suspected that -he was the owner of the locket. - -The time dragged heavily. The president became impatient. He glanced at -the clock; its hands showed it was now twenty minutes since the orderly -had gone to notify the ensign to appear. What had detained him? He must -be on board ship. Permission to leave the ship would not be granted him -while the court was in session. - -The orderly opened the door quietly and saluted the president. - -“Ensign Lazar can’t be found, sir,” he reported, “but the captain is -outside, sir, and wants to appear before the court.” - -Captain Taylor, a sheet of paper in his hand, strode into the -courtroom. - -“Mr. President,” he exclaimed excitedly, “Mr. Lazar has left the ship -without obtaining permission. This is the communication that he has -sent me. I shall read it to the court.” - - “SIR: - - “I hereby tender my resignation as an ensign in the United States - Navy. - - “Very respectfully, - “JULES LAZAR, - “_Ensign, U. S. Navy_.” - -The midshipmen were joyous. Lazar’s courage had failed him. If he had -braved it out and thrown discredit on Craig’s evidence, Phil might -have after all stood convicted, for on this testimony their case was -constructed. But Lazar dared not commit perjury before his brother -officers. - -“I am at a loss to explain its meaning,” Captain Taylor added, folding -the paper. - -The court understood, but by law they could not enlighten the mystified -captain, who withdrew. - -“Is there any further evidence?” inquired the president after the -court had recovered a little from its surprise. Sydney and the judge -advocate said they had nothing more to offer. - -“Then the trial is finished,” the president announced. - -The judge advocate, and the accused and his counsel arose to leave the -courtroom, but the president waved them back to their seats, glancing -inquiringly at his colleagues. Each member nodded his head in the -affirmative, without hesitation. The president took up Phil’s sword -lying on the court table with its point toward the accused, and swung -its hilt within reach of the lad’s hand. - -This mute confession that he was held guiltless filled the midshipman’s -heart with joy. He looked with gratitude on the president, who had -relieved his mind of its heavy burden. This acknowledgment of their -verdict was irregular and for that reason Phil felt all the more -grateful. The official news might be days in reaching him and relieving -his mind. The proceedings must first be written smoothly, signed by all -the members and reviewed by the admiral before he would hear officially -that he had been cleared of the terrible charges. - -With hearts overflowing with gladness the two midshipmen helped the -almost prostrated witness to his feet and supported him from the court -room. - -“You have nothing to fear,” Phil whispered to him encouragingly as the -doctor’s attendants bore him away to the sick bay. - -At the door of their room they found O’Neil awaiting them, a broad -smile on his face. - -“I knew it was going to be all right,” he exclaimed as they greeted him -enthusiastically, “when I saw Mr. Lazar steal away in a shore boat from -the port gangway. He slipped off when the officer of the deck wasn’t -looking and left a paper with the corporal of the guard.” - -“That was his resignation,” Sydney explained. “After he knew Craig was -before the court his courage deserted him; but however did you find the -witness?” - -O’Neil led them into the room, drawing the curtain, then detailed his -experiences of the night before. - -“Captain Garcia is the one who got him,” he ended unselfishly. “If it -had not been for him and the ‘Aquadores,’ Craig would have gotten away -sure.” - -“Captain Garcia has put me as much in his debt as he claimed he was in -ours,” exclaimed Phil gladly. “Where is he? I hope we’ll have a chance -to thank him before we sail.” - -“That you will, sir,” O’Neil returned. “He said he’d go direct to -General Barras, so that Mareno could be nabbed, and then he’d come -aboard here to say good-bye; he knows we sail at noon.” - -Sydney and O’Neil went about their routine work on shipboard, but -Phil remained in his room. His empty sword rack, however, gave him no -twinges of regret. For the first time in two days he felt at peace with -the world. The illness of Craig, the man whose testimony had stood -between him and dismissal, concerned him. He resolved to stand by him -and see that he received the best of care. - -Phil had been alone with his thoughts for nearly an hour when he heard -a bugle call ring out sharply on the deck above him, followed by hoarse -commands. - -Putting his head out of his air port, he saw the sailors on the -battle-ships manning the rail, their guards and bands falling in on -their quarter-decks. He knew the import of this formation at once: the -president of Verazala was on his way to visit the admiral. - -Sydney came rushing in for his sword, giving the news which Phil had -already surmised. - -“If Captain Garcia comes with him,” Phil pleaded, “don’t let him go -without seeing me. Tell him I am still a prisoner.” - -Sydney declared he would see to that as he buckled on his sword and -made for his station. - -The roaring of many guns in salute from the men-of-war, told -the imprisoned midshipman that General Barras was on board the -“Connecticut.” - -Five minutes later Phil received a summons from the admiral, which he -obeyed with alacrity. On entering the cabin the astonished boy found -himself in the presence of General Barras and Admiral Spotts. The -midshipman drew himself up stiffly to “attention,” not daring to glance -at these important men; his heart beat wildly. - -The admiral held Phil’s sword in his hand. - -“I take great pleasure in restoring you to duty,” he said handing the -confused lad the badge of honor. The admiral turned toward General -Barras, inclining his head in Phil’s direction. - -“This is Mr. Perry,” he added. - -The president acknowledged the introduction with a cordial hand shake. - -“I have already had the honor of meeting Midshipman Perry,” he -exclaimed, “but I could not then thank him appropriately, for I knew -only a part of his splendid service to us.” Then turning an admiring -glance at the embarrassed boy: - -“Señor Perry,” he continued, “your gallant deeds will ever be -remembered by true patriots of Verazala. Please convey my personal -thanks to your two companions.” - -Phil found voice to stammer his gratitude for this unheard of honor; -then he withdrew from the cabin. - -As he closed the door behind him, the knob was wrenched from his hand -and he found himself in Captain Garcia’s strong embrace; that officer -had been an unobserved witness to the lad’s happy discomfiture. - -While the two friends walked arm in arm to Phil’s room, where Sydney -was awaiting them, the boy poured out his heartfelt thanks to the naval -man for his zealous work in his behalf. - -“I am further in your debt than I can ever repay,” exclaimed Captain -Garcia, refusing to listen to the earnest words of his young friend. -“What I did last night was nothing; and moreover, it has led to the -unmasking of a traitor to my country.” - -“O’Neil has told us,” replied Phil. “Did you capture him?” he asked -eagerly. - -“Señor Mareno has escaped,” the naval officer told the lads; “he is now -on board a foreign war-ship and as he is a political refugee, we cannot -demand him. General Barras knows all, and will give the concessions -to the American syndicate. The minister of course knows nothing of -how close he was to being summarily ordered home. General Barras was -in such a rage when he learned of the perfidy of Mareno, his trusted -friend, that I believe if he had been arrested, the president would -have ordered his execution.” - -“Have you heard that Ensign Lazar has resigned?” questioned Sydney in -his turn. - -Captain Garcia was soon told the story of the court martial and of -Lazar’s desertion. - -“We shall see that he doesn’t prosper here,” replied the Spaniard -determinedly; then with genuine regrets he bid them farewell and joined -the president, who was about to leave the ship. - -After Captain Garcia had gone our two lads lapsed into silence. Their -thoughts dwelt upon the stirring events of the last few weeks. What a -relief and happiness it was to feel that their energy and foresight had -been repaid and a result pleasing to their countrymen had been achieved. - -“The captain desires to see Midshipmen Perry and Monroe,” the captain’s -orderly announced, his face beaming as he spoke to Phil. “I knowed you -were not guilty, sir; every mother’s son of us forward were hoping -you’d not be punished.” - -Phil thanked the marine, tears of gratitude springing to his eyes, -while the two midshipmen arose to obey their captain’s summons. - -Captain Taylor awaited them in his cabin. - -“I have just finished reading the proceedings of Mr. Perry’s court -martial,” he began, shaking both boys by the hand, “and I could but -marvel at the wickedness of Ensign Lazar: I had believed he was an -example of honor and efficiency. The actions of both of you have been -worthy of the best traditions of American naval officers. You, Mr. -Perry, were willing to stand convicted of this military crime rather -than make charges against an officer which were conclusive in your own -mind but which might have been considered recriminating in the mind of -the court.” - -“There was nothing else to do, sir,” Phil replied, his face flushed -with pride. “I did disobey the order and my one defense was that I did -it to save the good name of our minister.” - -“Sir, the officer of the deck reports the signal to get under way is -about to be hoisted by the admiral,” the orderly informed the captain. - -“Very good, orderly,” Captain Taylor answered, and then turning again -toward the midshipmen, who had moved toward the door to go to their -station: “Gentlemen, you may ever consider me ready to help you in -your ambitions in the service. If there is aught I can do for you, let -me know; your services here can only be rewarded in such ways: official -recognition is denied you.” - -“Well! What is it?” the captain exclaimed, reading the look in Phil’s -face. - -“We would like to go to the Orient, sir,” Phil answered bashfully; “we -want to see the world.” - -“Is that all you wish?” returned the captain surprised at the modesty -of the lads. “I shall see that your wish is gratified. I have received -an intimation that I shall go to that station when I have received -my promotion to rear-admiral, which will be in a few months now, and -I shall be happy to have such officers under my command. I am sorry -the naval regulation does not allow me to nominate midshipmen on my -personal staff.” - -The boys thanked him enthusiastically. Phil stood irresolutely -regarding the captain: there was one more request he wished to make. - -“Go on, out with it,” Captain Taylor exclaimed kindly. - -“Boatswain’s Mate O’Neil, sir, may he go too?” Phil asked hesitatingly. - -“Well! Well!” laughed the captain; “yes, I shall see that your good man -Friday goes too.” - -Within an hour the squadron was under way, and the boys took their last -view of La Boca, not without regrets, for the leaf just turned in their -life histories had been an interesting one. As they scanned the scenes -of the recent adventures they could hardly be expected to realize that -the stirring deeds of the past few weeks formed but a milestone in the -career of one who served his country on the seas. - - - - -FOOTNOTE: - -[1] “I thought our numbers were made.” Each officer and man in the navy -is denoted by a number, and when one is called by a higher authority -his number is called or “made” by signal flags. O’Neil’s meaning is -that a Higher Authority had “made” their numbers. - - - - -TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES: - - -Italicized text is surrounded by underscores: _italics_. - -Obvious typographical errors have been corrected. - -Inconsistencies in hyphenation have been standardized. - -Archaic or alternate spelling has been retained from the original. - - -*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK A UNITED STATES MIDSHIPMAN -AFLOAT *** - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions will -be renamed. - -Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright -law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works, -so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the -United States without permission and without paying copyright -royalties. 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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 <a href="https://www.gutenberg.org">www.gutenberg.org</a>. If you -are not located in the United States, you will have to check the laws of the -country where you are located before using this eBook. -</div> - -<p style='display:block; margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:1em; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em'>Title: A United States Midshipman Afloat</p> -<p style='display:block; margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:0; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em'>Author: Yates Stirling</p> -<p style='display:block; margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:0; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em'>Illustrator: Ralph L. Boyer</p> -<p style='display:block; text-indent:0; margin:1em 0'>Release Date: January 21, 2022 [eBook #67215]</p> -<p style='display:block; text-indent:0; margin:1em 0'>Language: English</p> - <p style='display:block; margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:0; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em; text-align:left'>Produced by: D A Alexander, David E. Brown, and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net (This file was produced from images generously made available by University of California libraries)</p> -<div style='margin-top:2em; margin-bottom:4em'>*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK A UNITED STATES MIDSHIPMAN AFLOAT ***</div> - -<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/cover.jpg" width="40%" alt="" /></div> - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_0"></span></p> -<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/i_frontispiece.jpg" alt="" /></div> - -<p class="drop-cap"><i>THE BOAT HEADED UP<br /> -TO THE BUOY</i></p> -</div> -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> -<div class="chapter"> -<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/i_title.jpg" alt="" /></div> -</div> -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="titlepage"> -<h1>A<br /> -UNITED STATES<br /> -MIDSHIPMAN<br /> -AFLOAT</h1> - -<p><i>by</i><br /> -<span class="xlarge">Lt. Com. Yates Stirling Jr. USN</span></p> - -<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/i_titlelogo.jpg" alt="" /></div> - -<p><span class="large">Illustrated <i>by</i> Ralph L. Boyer</span></p> - -<p><span class="xlarge">THE PENN PUBLISHING<br /> -COMPANY PHILADELPHIA<br /> -MCMVIII</span></p> -</div> - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> -<div class="chapter"> -<p class="center">COPYRIGHT<br /> -1908 BY<br /> -THE PENN<br /> -PUBLISHING<br /> -COMPANY</p> - -<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/i_logo.jpg" alt="" /></div> -</div> - - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_3">[3]</span> - -<h2 class="nobreak">Contents</h2> -</div> - - -<table border="0" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="2" summary="table"> - - -<tr><td class="tdr">I</td><td> <span class="smcap">Enemy or Friend</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_7"> 7</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td class="tdr">II</td><td> <span class="smcap">Under Arrest</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_21"> 21</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td class="tdr">III</td><td> <span class="smcap">The Track Meet</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_38"> 38</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td class="tdr">IV</td><td> <span class="smcap">The Face in the Locket</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_56"> 56</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td class="tdr">V</td><td> <span class="smcap">Hurried Orders</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_71"> 71</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td class="tdr">VI</td><td> <span class="smcap">Secret Service</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_87"> 87</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td class="tdr">VII</td><td> <span class="smcap">An Important Discovery</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_100"> 100</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td class="tdr">VIII</td><td> <span class="smcap">Prisoners</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_118"> 118</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td class="tdr">IX</td><td> <span class="smcap">A Terrible Predicament</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_141"> 141</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td class="tdr">X</td><td> <span class="smcap">The Scene Changes</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_161"> 161</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td class="tdr">XI</td><td> <span class="smcap">A Naval Engagement</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_185"> 185</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td class="tdr">XII</td><td> <span class="smcap">Captain Garcia’s Strategy</span> </td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_204"> 204</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td class="tdr">XIII</td><td> <span class="smcap">Lazar’s Cunning</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_224"> 224</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td class="tdr">XIV</td><td> <span class="smcap">The House on La Mesa</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_243"> 243</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td class="tdr">XV</td><td> <span class="smcap">The Defense</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_258"> 258</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td class="tdr">XVI</td><td> <span class="smcap">The Assault</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_277"> 277</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td class="tdr">XVII</td><td> <span class="smcap">The Accusation</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_295"> 295</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td class="tdr">XVIII</td><td> <span class="smcap">An Important Witness</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_311"> 311</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td class="tdr">XIX</td><td> <span class="smcap">The Court Martial</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_326"> 326</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td class="tdr">XX</td><td> <span class="smcap">The Search</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_339"> 339</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td class="tdr">XXI</td><td> <span class="smcap">Conclusion</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_364"> 364</a></td></tr> -</table> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_4">[4]</span></p> -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_5">[5]</span> - -<h2 class="nobreak">Illustrations</h2> -</div> - - -<table border="0" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="2" summary="table"> - - -<tr><td> </td><td class="tdr"><small>PAGE</small></td></tr> - -<tr><td><span class="smcap">The Boat Headed Up to the Buoy</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_0"> <i>Frontispiece</i></a></td></tr> - -<tr><td><span class="smcap">“Well?” He Inquired, Coldly</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_76"> 76</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td><span class="smcap">He Found a Convenient Air Port</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_98"> 98</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td><span class="smcap">The Three Prisoners Rushed Through the Flames</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_163"> 163</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td>“<span class="smcap">You Seized Only a Cargo of Rocks</span>”</td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_241"> 241</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td><span class="smcap">“Do You Refuse?” He Cried, Hoarsely</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_289"> 289</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td><span class="smcap">The Door of the Room Opened Suddenly</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_351"> 351</a></td></tr> -</table> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_6">[6]</span></p> - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_7">[7]</span> - -<p class="ph2">A United States<br /> -Midshipman Afloat</p> - -<h2 class="nobreak">CHAPTER I<br /> - - -<small>ENEMY OR FRIEND</small></h2> -</div> - -<p><span class="smcap">The</span> Navy-Yard at Brooklyn buzzed with -its daily turmoil of labor. It was a bright -June morning, and the high chimneys of the -numerous shops and foundries belched forth -flame and smoke. Thousands of begrimed -workmen toiled incessantly, hammering, -bending and riveting masses of metal, fashioning -them into shape to be carried by the -steam cranes to be blended into the hulls of -waiting battle-ships.</p> - -<p>Through this scene of activity two boys -walked briskly. Their clothing was new and -in the latest style. It clung to their well set -up figures, betraying the hand of the military -tailor. Each carried a bright leather suitcase -to the top of which a cased sword was -strapped.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_8">[8]</span>Emerging from the tangle of buildings, the -youths glanced about, and an exclamation of -pleasure escaped them as a view of their -nation’s sea power met their eyes: ten huge -battle-ships resplendent in their glassy white -and contrasting buff paint lay tied up, filling -every foot of the dock frontage.</p> - -<p>“Which is ours, Phil?” asked one of the -youths, stopping and setting his case down -with a sigh of relief.</p> - -<p>Philip Perry, as he slowly shifted his bag -to his other hand, glanced down the long line -of stately defenders.</p> - -<p>“There she is, Syd,” he finally replied, -pointing his free hand in the direction of one -moored at the foot of the street. “The one -with three smoke-stacks and eight turrets. -What a beauty she is!”</p> - -<p>Philip Perry and Sydney Monroe were the -names stenciled in bold type on the new -traveling bags, and underneath the names in -smaller capitals were the letters: U. S. N.</p> - -<p>Any one familiar with the navy could have -told by a glance that they were midshipmen, -just graduated from the Naval Academy at -Annapolis and in the distribution of their<span class="pagenum" id="Page_9">[9]</span> -class to the many ships of the navy, these -two had received orders and were on their -way to report for duty on board one of the -powerful battle-ships lying directly before -them.</p> - -<p>The four years’ course of study at Annapolis -had filled their minds with a store of wisdom, -and the rigorous outdoor drills had -given to their bodies suppleness and strength. -They were a sample of the finished output -of the Naval National Academy.</p> - -<p>The picturesque life on the ocean would -give them ample opportunity to benefit themselves -and put to good use their stored-up -knowledge. They were on the threshold of a -new era, in which their character and professional -worth would be valued by the success -achieved.</p> - -<p>As they walked in silence toward their -future home, their minds dwelt on the vast -intricacies of this creation of steel, but these -thoughts were quickly forgotten as they -stepped over the side of the U. S. S. “Connecticut” -and reported their arrival to the -officer of the deck.</p> - -<p>They were wrapped in wonder at the work<span class="pagenum" id="Page_10">[10]</span> -of getting a battle-ship ready for sea. Ammunition -and stores were being taken on board -from huge cargo barges with lightning rapidity -by hundreds of strong bronzed sailormen. -All was activity. The dockyard had completed -its work on the steel hull and all -hands seemed eager to breathe once more the -pure air of the sea.</p> - -<p>Five minutes later they were grasping the -welcoming hands of their future messmates—those -midshipmen who had been graduated -from Annapolis one short year ago, yet had -mastered the mystery of many things which -to the newcomers were as an unopened book.</p> - -<p>“The captain will see you both as soon as -you are ready, sir,” the marine orderly reported -to Phil.</p> - -<p>Donning their bright new uniforms, which -had been the sole contents of their valises, -and buckling on their swords, they were -ushered into the captain’s spacious quarters.</p> - -<p>They found him brusque and businesslike. -A hand to each in turn, with a firm manly -pressure:</p> - -<p>“Glad to have you with us;” then to the -attentive orderly:</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_11">[11]</span>“Show these gentlemen to the executive -officer,” and the ordeal was over.</p> - -<p>Phil and Sydney had no time for conversation -during the next twenty minutes, while -they found themselves hurried through the -rounds of official formality and then sent to -their quarters to unpack and be ready for immediate -duty.</p> - -<p>“They gave me no choice of a roommate, -did they, Syd?” said Phil, ten minutes later, -as he dived into his trunk and commenced to -toss his belongings on to his bunk to have -them more handy to stow into the numerous -small receptacles located about the narrow -room which he and Sydney had been ordered -to occupy.</p> - -<p>“No, they didn’t,” answered Sydney, with -a grin, “but we have stood each other for four -years; I guess we can do it for two more.”</p> - -<p>The last of their belongings was scarcely -stowed when a servant announced that the -midday meal was ready in the mess room.</p> - -<p>They entered and were greeted by more of -their former schoolmates. Phil found his seat -next to Marshall, an old friend of Annapolis -days, who was anxious to give him all the tips<span class="pagenum" id="Page_12">[12]</span> -possible on what he could expect in his daily -life on a battle-ship. Phil listened intently -while he breathlessly recited all the gems of -wisdom that came into his head:</p> - -<p>“You are in Lazar’s division. It’s a crackerjack, -too; you’ve got your work cut out for -you. He’s a hustler. He isn’t much liked by -the middies because he ‘horses’ us so much, -but the captain swears by him. Beaty—you -remember old ‘Pike’?—he had your job, but -I guess Lazar was too many for him. We -sent him to the hospital with nerves a week -ago. Some of the fellows saw him yesterday, -doing the gentleman act there, looking as pink -and fresh as a girl. Hope you will manage -all right.”</p> - -<p>Phil tried to look cheerful, but Marshall’s -quick eye detected something wrong.</p> - -<p>“Do you know Lazar? of course you were -at the Academy with him, but——”</p> - -<p>He stopped and glanced hurriedly into Phil’s -face, then dropped his voice:</p> - -<p>“Why, it was you that fought him. How -unfortunate!” Then musingly, “He is not the -man to forget.”</p> - -<p>“I can’t believe that he would allow a boy’s<span class="pagenum" id="Page_13">[13]</span> -quarrel—remember, that was nearly four years -ago—to influence his feelings for me now,” -answered Phil, gaining but scant comfort from -his own words.</p> - -<p>He remembered how bitter Lazar had been -in his relations to him the few months before -the older man graduated and left him in -peace. He was but a plebe then. Well, the -future would tell.</p> - -<p>As soon as the short meal was over Phil -went to his room and changed his uniform, -donning the oldest he owned, but the bright -lace and lustrous braid was in great contrast -to the uniforms of those officers and midshipmen -who had received their baptism of salt -spray, in the year at sea on board the battle-ship, -cruising and drilling until their ship -was considered to be in efficient condition to -join the fleet and compete in all the drills and -games that go to make up the very full itinerary -of the sailor’s life afloat.</p> - -<p>Sydney came in full of enthusiasm, having -seen his divisional officer and obtained an idea -of what he had to do.</p> - -<p>“I have a fine job,” he cried, as he threw -his coat on his bunk and started to get out his<span class="pagenum" id="Page_14">[14]</span> -older clothes. “Four seven-inch guns, all my -own; Lieutenant Brand says if I don’t make -all hits at target practice, he won’t give me a -two-five——”</p> - -<p>Then, stopping and catching sight of his -chum’s face in the mirror back of the washstand:</p> - -<p>“Whatever is wrong, Phil?” he exclaimed -anxiously. “You look as glum as an oyster.”</p> - -<p>Phil hesitated. Should he confide in his -roommate of Annapolis days? Or should he -fight it out alone? He felt it was a situation -needing every ounce of his manhood and tact. -What harm could be done by asking Syd’s -friendly advice?</p> - -<p>“I have great misgivings, Syd,” he commenced -cautiously. “I was prepared for almost -anything, but Lazar for my divisional -officer had never occurred to me. Do you -blame me for looking and feeling glum?”</p> - -<p>Sydney’s joyous face became serious in an -instant.</p> - -<p>“That’s certainly hard luck. Why couldn’t -I have been assigned to his division instead -of you?” exclaimed he, generously. “I never -liked him, but he doesn’t know me from an<span class="pagenum" id="Page_15">[15]</span> -old shoe, and he has a good reason to know -you.” Then, reminiscently, “I can remember -his face after your fight with him as -plainly as if it were yesterday; the referee -called it a draw, but every one knew that you -had the better of the fight. He was in the -hospital for a week until his face healed up, -while you were in ranks at the next -formation, with no more marks than I give -myself daily shaving.”</p> - -<p>“Do you believe he has forgotten, or at -least forgiven?” asked Phil.</p> - -<p>“You or I would have long ago,” replied -Sydney thoughtfully, “but Lazar always -seemed so vindictive to me; maybe his Latin -blood makes him so. Jules Lazar is not -an appropriate name for a forgiving nature; -it sounds very belligerent to me.”</p> - -<p>“You certainly are comforting,” smiled -Phil, as he started to leave the room to report -to his divisional officer and find out for himself -what the outward signs of friendship or -enmity might tell.</p> - -<p>With many misgivings he went up the -companion ladder leading to the quarter-deck. -As his foot touched the clean white deck, he<span class="pagenum" id="Page_16">[16]</span> -raised his hand to his cap in salute to the -flag.</p> - -<p>Standing near the great twelve-inch turret, -managing the labor of filling the -spacious storerooms and magazines, was -Lazar, the spy-glass in his gloved hand -identifying him as the officer of the deck, in -charge of the progress of work on the big -fighter.</p> - -<p>Phil stepped smartly up to him and -saluted.</p> - -<p>Lazar turned slowly toward him. His -brow contracted imperceptibly as he returned -the salute of the midshipman.</p> - -<p>“Mr. Perry reports to you, sir, as junior -officer of the fourth division,” Phil said in -the official tone he had been taught to use at -Annapolis. His eyes unwaveringly sought -the restless energetic face of his divisional -officer.</p> - -<p>Would Lazar give him his hand? Phil -was ready to believe that his boyish quarrel -and fight were forgiven. He waited what -seemed a long time while officer and midshipman -each looked straight into the eyes of the -other. Neither wavered, and each seemed to<span class="pagenum" id="Page_17">[17]</span> -wish to sweep aside the other’s mask and read -the thoughts behind the cold impassive exterior.</p> - -<p>“Aye, aye, Mr. Perry,” finally replied -Lazar. “Get a correct list of the division, and -a copy of our station bills. You will find -them posted in the division bulletin-board.” -Then glancing at the bright clean uniform of -the youth before him, “You had better put -on your oldest clothes, then come up here, -and I shall give you something to occupy -you. You stand watch with me, you -know?”</p> - -<p>Phil held his hand at his side ready to -offer it at the first intimation that it would be -accepted by the older man, but Lazar did not -show by voice or sign that he wished for -anything more than purely official relations -with the midshipman.</p> - -<p>“I am ready now for duty, sir,” answered -Phil in a voice that, strive as he could to hide -it, betrayed a tone of disappointment, tinged -with indignation. Glancing down at his converted -Annapolis uniform, “I have no older -ones,” he confessed. “I might as well break -this in, sir.”</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_18">[18]</span>“Very good; you will take charge of the -work on the forecastle.” Glancing about and -motioning a smart-looking petty officer to advance, -“O’Neil, here, is in our division.” Then -addressing the attentive coxswain, “You are -excused from other work and will lend Mr. -Perry a hand. He is our new midshipman, -and is about to direct the work on the forecastle.” -Then again turning to Phil and dropping -his voice: “That’s a splendid man, he knows -the name of every man on board. You will -find him a willing subordinate.”</p> - -<p>Phil saluted stiffly in Annapolis fashion, -while O’Neil jerked his hand toward his cap -and in a businesslike voice announced his -readiness by a hearty, “Aye, aye, sir.”</p> - -<p>O’Neil led the way through the battery deck, -the men engaged in work there standing aside -in respectful attention to allow the new arrival -to pass.</p> - -<p>Phil’s mind wavered between the decision -that Lazar would give him a fair showing, and -the contrary one that he would make his life -as unpleasant as possible; and from the accounts -he had heard of Beaty, the midshipman -in the hospital with “too much Lazar,”<span class="pagenum" id="Page_19">[19]</span> -as one of the midshipmen had diagnosed -his complaint, he knew his new divisional -officer, by voice and action, could make the -life of one he disliked so unhappy that a cot -in the hospital might be preferable.</p> - -<p>He found his work on the forecastle just -what he needed to keep his mind off his troubles, -and in the language of O’Neil: “he -made good,” as he encouraged, directed and -helped the men handle the bulky packages.</p> - -<p>“That’s a fine young gentleman,” O’Neil -confided to a brother petty officer, as he watched -Phil put his shoulder against a twelve-inch -shell and guide it clear of an iron hatch top. -“Do you see the way the boys are working? -As if they were to get shore leave at the end -of this job. It’s a pity to see him spoil them -bright new clothes, but when I tried to help -him he told me he wanted exercise.”</p> - -<p>Phil had found his thoughts very unpleasant -companions as he had watched the work -progress, and now doing the manual labor of -a leading man, he had forgotten, for the time -at least, the sombre reflections that had, like -spectres, come into his mind.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_20">[20]</span>Would this man attempt to ruin him? -And could he do so if he so wished?</p> - -<p>He considered going to the captain and asking -to be assigned to another division, stating -his reasons, but he saw immediately how -childish it would seem to that busy officer. -A boys’ quarrel, long ago forgotten, he would -call it.</p> - -<p>Phil wished it were so.</p> -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_21">[21]</span> - -<h2 class="nobreak">CHAPTER II<br /> - - -<small>UNDER ARREST</small></h2> -</div> - -<p><span class="smcap">Phil</span> awakened the next morning at an -early hour. Hurriedly dressing, he went on -deck.</p> - -<p>His sleep had refreshed him and his mind -was less ready to dwell on the dark side of his -life on board ship. He believed when he and -Lazar had become better acquainted the old -grudge would be overshadowed in the intimacy -of the life on the ocean.</p> - -<p>With muster-roll and station bills neatly -copied in his note-books, he was impatient for -the bugle to sound the call to “quarters,” -when he would meet his division for the first -time.</p> - -<p>He watched with interest the scene about -him. Petty officers and men were busily engaged -putting the finishing touches to the -clean deck and bright brass work of the vessel. -Others were using a clothes-brush carefully -on their neatly fitting blue uniforms or<span class="pagenum" id="Page_22">[22]</span> -giving a parting rub to their broad shoes. -The gunners’ mates guarded their huge guns -jealously, occasionally rubbing an imaginary -spot of rust or dirt.</p> - -<p>While the bugle call was being sounded on -each of the many decks, he was an interested -spectator of the magic effect of the clear notes. -Confusion seemed to melt away into the most -perfect order as men took their places in ranks -abreast the guns they served.</p> - -<p>Lazar stood facing his division,—fifty well -set up, youthful men. Back of him were the -turret guns for which his division formed the -crews. Across the deck the marine guard was -paraded, the military bearing of the soldier-sailors -contrasting with the easy pose of the -picturesque sailormen about them.</p> - -<p>The executive officer was at his station -across the deck from Lazar.</p> - -<p>Such is the formation for quarters on -board a war-ship of the navy. Each divisional -officer musters his men, inspecting carefully, -in order that the standard of neatness may -be maintained. He then reports the result to -the executive officer, receives his orders for -drill and returns to his station.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_23">[23]</span>Upon the completion of muster the captain -will be informed of the number of absentees -and then this report is signaled to the flag-ship.</p> - -<p>Upon such a scene Phil gazed for the first -time as an officer and thrilled to the impressive -ceremony. He stood at “attention” on -the right of the division.</p> - -<p>Lazar, muster-book in hand, glanced along -the double line of men until his eyes rested -on his midshipman. The precision in the -attitude of his junior caught his eye. His -glance wavered and the slightest of sneers -appeared on his face. For the fraction of a -second he seemed to hesitate, then words that -brought the blush of shame and anger to the -face of the unsuspecting boy struck harshly -upon his ears:</p> - -<p>“Mr. Perry, I gave you the credit for -knowing that at quarters all officers must -wear sword and gloves. Go below, sir, and -get yourself in proper uniform.”</p> - -<p>Phil stood motionless. He was stunned for -the moment, not so much by the words as -by the scorn in his voice.</p> - -<p>Almost overcome with confusion and embarrassment,<span class="pagenum" id="Page_24">[24]</span> -he turned away and hastily -descended the ladder to the deck below.</p> - -<p>Once more in his room he found his sword -and gloves where he had placed them but ten -minutes before the call to quarters. Then -had come a call to the executive officer, and -once on deck all save the scene about him -was driven from his mind. His own thoughtlessness -alone could be blamed, but the sneer -in Lazar’s voice rankled.</p> - -<p>When he again reached the deck, the men -had broken ranks and the sharp pipe of the -whistles of the boatswain and his mates -filled the air, followed in sonorous tones and -in perfect chorus:</p> - -<p>“All hands unmoor ship.”</p> - -<p>The stout hemp lines and chains securing -the battle-ship to the dock were cast off, and -like writhing serpents, hauled aboard by the -lusty crew. The two great propellers churned -the muddy water and the war-ship glided -out into the crowded waters of the East -River.</p> - -<p>Two handy tugs attached themselves to -this unwieldy mass of steel and slowly -swung her armored bow toward the Brooklyn<span class="pagenum" id="Page_25">[25]</span> -Bridge, spanning the river like a huge rainbow -of metal.</p> - -<p>“Let go!” shouted the captain of the war-ship -to his tiny helpmates; then to the -attentive executive officer by his side—</p> - -<p>“Slow speed ahead!”</p> - -<p>Quietly, the powerful engines started in -motion the sixteen thousand tons of fighting -material.</p> - -<p>“Half speed ahead,” ordered the captain.</p> - -<p>The Brooklyn Bridge swept by overhead. -The docks and shipping melted into a confusion -of masts and smoke-stacks.</p> - -<p>Through the harbor the battle-ship glided -like a great giant, then turned and headed -through the Narrows for the open sea.</p> - -<p>The ship was soon well out on the Atlantic, -the haze of the city melted astern. The low -lying coast of Long Island was dimly in -sight on the port hand.</p> - -<p>The two friends spent the remainder of the -day in getting their bearings in their new -home, and when eight o’clock came were quite -willing to seek their bunks.</p> - -<p>It was midnight when Phil found himself<span class="pagenum" id="Page_26">[26]</span> -by Lazar’s side on the high bridge of the -battle-ship, as junior officer of the watch.</p> - -<p>The wind, which had been light at the -start, had increased steadily in violence until -now the vessel was plunging heavily into the -teeth of a moderate gale. Her powerful -engines crowded her steel shod prow with -terrific force into the rising seas, flinging tons -of spray on to her high forecastle.</p> - -<p>Lazar stood with his face close to the -canvass weather cloth, for the protection of -those on the bridge against the force of the -blast, and peered through the inky blackness.</p> - -<p>The responsibility for the ship rested upon -his shoulders for the next four hours.</p> - -<p>Turning toward the younger man, he motioned -him nearer.</p> - -<p>“Mr. Perry, your duties are to muster the -watch on deck,” he shouted in Phil’s ear, in -order to be heard in the roar of the wind; -“examine both life-boats; see that everything -movable about decks is secure. We are going -to have a bad night,” he added, glancing at -the angry sea. “Your duty is to go in the -life-boat if she is called away; but I shall not -lower a boat to-night.”</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_27">[27]</span>Phil glanced in amazement at the officer -of the deck. He could but see the outline of -his face in the gloom of his southwester.</p> - -<p>“Did I understand you, sir, to say you -would not lower a life-boat to-night?” he -asked incredulously.</p> - -<p>“Yes, sir, you did,” snapped Lazar, “in this -sea to do so would mean sending seven men -to death.”</p> - -<p>Phil made his way aft, to where the watch -had gathered to keep dry against the heavy -seas of spray that periodically were flung over -the deck.</p> - -<p>O’Neil held the lantern while Phil called -off the men’s names. Then he and O’Neil -climbed out and examined the life-boats, one -on each side, swung securely from their davits, -overhanging the angry water. Then Phil -went on the quarter-deck and questioned the -marine sentry at the patent life-buoy. Every -one seemed to be well instructed. All was -secure.</p> - -<p>“Keep your men from the side,” he cautioned -the boatswain’s mate of the watch; “we -don’t want any one overboard in a sea like -this.”</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_28">[28]</span>“Aye, aye, sir,” replied the sailor, “there -ain’t any danger now; maybe when they hoists -ashes some of them lubberly firemen may -get too near the side. But I’ll warn ’um, -sir.”</p> - -<p>Returning to his station on the bridge, he -sought the friendly shelter of the weather -cloth against the increasing fierceness of the -wind and stinging spray. The sound of flapping -canvas and the sea breaking its fury on -the steel bow were the only sounds above the -roar of the wind.</p> - -<p>Phil counted not the time. All was too -new and absorbing. His thoughts had turned -to many things when his breathing stopped -and his heart sank as a terrifying cry from -aft came faintly but clearly to his ears.</p> - -<p>“Man overboard.”</p> - -<p>He was rooted to the spot. In helpless -consternation he looked to his officer for instructions. -A human being was adrift in this -angry sea, or maybe had been already killed -by a swiftly moving propeller blade.</p> - -<p>As in a dream he saw Lazar grasp the -handles of the telegraphs to the engine room -and signal “full speed astern.”</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_29">[29]</span>There could be but one interpretation. -Lazar would lower a life-boat after all.</p> - -<p>Phil ran down the bridge ladder and swung -himself nimbly out on the life-boat gallery.</p> - -<p>There he found the lee life-boat ready for -lowering; six sailors sat quietly at the thwarts, -while those of the watch had led out the boat-falls. -O’Neil, the coxswain, with his hand on -the strong-back, stood ready to leap into the -boat. That they were doing more than their -duty did not occur to these stout American -hearts. A fellow-being was in danger of -drowning—that was enough reason for them.</p> - -<p>“Shall I lower, sir?” the coxswain shouted -to Phil as the latter swung himself over the -rail of the superstructure and stood by his -side; “he can’t live long in this sea.”</p> - -<p>Phil surveyed hastily the strongly built -boat, then his gaze traveled down to the angry -sea beneath him.</p> - -<p>The engines were backing. He saw the -heavy surge of the sea astern as the propellers -threw a powerful race current forward. Why -did not the order come? After the ship had -started astern the boat could not be lowered. -Far away on the lee quarter the chemical<span class="pagenum" id="Page_30">[30]</span> -flame of the patent life-buoy showed a dim -light against a background of troubled waters.</p> - -<p>Under the spell of one of those impulses -that seem to take possession so absolutely of -the mind in times of emergency, Phil cried:</p> - -<p>“Lower away,” and he and O’Neil swung -themselves on board the life-boat as she -dropped evenly and quickly toward the black -sea beneath her.</p> - -<p>Phil seized the handle of the steering oar in -both hands, motioning O’Neil away. The -boat shivered as she struck the lumpy sea.</p> - -<p>“Sit here, O’Neil, and hang on to my legs,” -shouted Phil at the top of his lungs, through -the roaring of the gale, as the boat shot ahead -on her life-line, while with the steering oar -he swung her stern in toward the white wall -of the battle-ship towering above them.</p> - -<p>The life-line sheered the boat clear of the -menacing ship.</p> - -<p>“Let go,” shouted the youth.</p> - -<p>“Give way! Bend to it, men,” he cautioned, -turning the life-boat’s prow toward the -flicker of light appearing periodically on the -crest of a wave and quickly disappearing down -into its deep trough.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_31">[31]</span>Straight-backed and supple the six oarsmen -sent the long, narrow boat over the seas that -seemed ready to engulf her.</p> - -<p>“Never mind me,” shouted Phil to O’Neil, -bracing his legs firmly against the stern -boards. “Stand by forward there, we shall -be at the life-buoy in a moment.”</p> - -<p>O’Neil glanced with grave concern at the -midshipman.</p> - -<p>“Aye, aye, sir. Keep your weather eye -open, sir,” he cautioned. “If you go overboard -with them rubber boots on, you’ll go to -the bottom like a shot.”</p> - -<p>Protesting at the boy’s recklessness, he -crawled forward and stood ready to grasp the -man if he were clinging to the life-buoy or -yet swimming on the surface of the angry -water.</p> - -<p>“Can you see the buoy, sir?” shouted -O’Neil. “It’s broad off the starboard bow.”</p> - -<p>“I see it,” shouted back Phil, as he threw -the stern to port and bore down on the -two flames still burning brightly amid the -tempest.</p> - -<p>“Stand by to ‘peak your oars.’ Peak!” he -shouted to the crew as the boat with a rush<span class="pagenum" id="Page_32">[32]</span> -was brought around and headed up to the -buoy.</p> - -<p>“He’s there, boys,” cried O’Neil, joyously, -as he leaned far out and grasped a limp, -bedraggled figure clinging to the life-buoy. -The men dropped the handles of their oars -between their feet, raising the blades clear of -the passing waves.</p> - -<p>“In you come, my hearty,” cried the coxswain, -as his arms encircled the half-drowned -man, and he lifted him from the hungry sea -to safety in the life-boat.</p> - -<p>Searchlights were now playing from the -battle-ship. One beam of light held steadily -on the struggling boat, while the others swept -fretfully about as if they sought to pierce the -dark water.</p> - -<p>As the midshipman struggled manfully at -the steering oar, holding the bow of the boat -up against the impact of the powerful seas, -Lazar’s words seemed to ring in his ears like -a knell.</p> - -<p>Fear clutched at his heart that he might -by his disobedience send these brave men to -a watery grave.</p> - -<p>As long as the oarsmen could give the boat<span class="pagenum" id="Page_33">[33]</span> -headway, he felt confident all would go well, -but some of the men were exhausted, and the -sea was ever increasing.</p> - -<p>“Steady, men! Give way together. This is -for your lives,” he shouted, as a white wall -of water reared itself close aboard out of the -blackness to windward.</p> - -<p>The boat seemed to fairly crawl over the -angry bosom of foam.</p> - -<p>“Stand by to peak your oars,” he shouted -hoarsely. “Peak!” as the monster wave -curled over, ready to engulf them, and struck -the bow of the life-boat. She shivered to her -keel and half filled with water, then lay dead -on the surface of the sea.</p> - -<p>Wave after wave swept over the half-submerged -boat, almost drowning the exhausted -crew. Phil attempted frantically to head the -boat up to the battering seas.</p> - -<p>Casting a despairing look at his men, whose -efforts were becoming ever weaker, he read on -their faces a look of hope. Throwing a swift -glance over his shoulder, he saw the misty -form of the “Connecticut” loom up out of -the darkness, scarce a boat’s length away. -He heard the whir of her backing propellers;<span class="pagenum" id="Page_34">[34]</span> -the dull boom of the sea spending its -fury against her sides; the rapidly given -orders, and the scurry of shod feet on her -decks.</p> - -<p>A line whistled overhead and fell in the -midst of the exhausted crew.</p> - -<p>“Take a turn with that line,” Phil shouted.</p> - -<p>O’Neil grasped the line and secured it to -the bow-thwart of the boat.</p> - -<p>Phil braced himself against the jar of the -tautening line.</p> - -<p>The boat rose and fell on the angry sea, in -momentary danger of splitting herself asunder -on the sides of the battle-ship. The waves, -but half broken by the armored bow, swept -over the struggling men.</p> - -<p>He felt himself grasped and held strongly -by hands from above, and then slowly hauled -upward. He saw the whole boat lifted on a -giant sea and then swept wildly against the -ship’s steel side. A crash of splintered wood. -Then all was darkness.</p> - -<p>Phil opened his eyes in his own room, with -Sydney and Marshall bending over him and -a doctor binding up a cut over his temple. -Two or three times he attempted to speak, to<span class="pagenum" id="Page_35">[35]</span> -find out the worst. He knew that the life of -every man sacrificed was caused by his impulse. -He had given the order to lower the -boat directly contrary to the stated instructions -of the officer of the deck.</p> - -<p>He had not the courage to ask of the fate -of his men. He had seen the boat go to -pieces with his own eyes, surely some of the -crew had been drowned.</p> - -<p>He could not stand the suspense a moment -longer. He must know all. It would be -better than this uncertainty.</p> - -<p>“Syd, tell me what happened?” he whispered -hoarsely.</p> - -<p>“All were saved,” Sydney answered. “We -abandoned the boat, of course. You were -struck by a splinter as you were being hauled -on board. You are the biggest man on this -ship to-night, Phil.”</p> - -<p>The joyful news made the overwrought boy -tremble. He turned his face away to hide -his emotion.</p> - -<p>Greatly strengthened by the happy tidings, -he put on dry clothes and, despite Sydney’s -offer to stand the remainder of his watch, -made his way to the bridge to report his<span class="pagenum" id="Page_36">[36]</span> -return to Lazar. It seemed an age since he -had responded to that terrifying cry, but the -clock told him it had been but scarce a half -hour ago.</p> - -<p>What would Lazar say? Would not success -wipe away the guilt of disobedience? -What was the loss of a boat compared to the -loss of a human life?</p> - -<p>With a cheerful ring in his voice he reported -his return to duty.</p> - -<p>“I was struck by a piece of the boat, sir,” -he offered in excuse for his tardiness. The -ship had been on her course for nearly ten -minutes.</p> - -<p>Lazar turned on him fiercely. His even -white teeth gleamed under his black moustache.</p> - -<p>“You can thank Providence, Mr. Perry, that -you are alive this moment.” His voice rose -in anger. “A midshipman who cannot obey -orders is a menace to the safety of those under -him. That you were not all drowned was due -to me, sir. I saved you by putting the ship -between your boat and the seas, and hauling -you aboard like so much cargo.” Then in a -voice cold and passionless: “I have received<span class="pagenum" id="Page_37">[37]</span> -the captain’s authority, Mr. Perry, to place -you under arrest for wilfully disobeying my -order. You will go to your room, sir.”</p> - -<p>Phil turned away without a word.</p> -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_38">[38]</span> - -<h2 class="nobreak">CHAPTER III<br /> - - -<small>THE TRACK MEET</small></h2> -</div> - -<p>“<span class="smcap">Brace</span> up and don’t pull such a long face, -Phil,” Sydney was saying in their room after -breakfast the next morning.</p> - -<p>“You are the boast of the ship, and the -captain will not be severe with you. You -disobeyed orders, of course, but so did Admiral -Nelson at the battle of the Nile, and yet he was -promoted for his action because he ‘made -good’——”</p> - -<p>“Yes, but I didn’t ‘make good.’ Lazar -‘made good’ for me and he took pains to tell -me so last night. I would rather have drowned -than listen to his scornful denunciation of my -conduct,” answered Phil sadly.</p> - -<p>“You are entirely too sensitive,” answered -Sydney in a disgusted voice. “If I had been -in your place last night I’d have been proud of -myself, and Lazar’s scorn would be as water -on a duck’s back. Every one is for you, even -Mr. Penfield, the executive officer. I hear<span class="pagenum" id="Page_39">[39]</span> -he said at the wardroom mess-table that he -was of the opinion that you should be publicly -commended by the secretary of the navy.”</p> - -<p>Phil blushed with pleasure at his friend’s -impetuous words.</p> - -<p>“Did he, though?” he said, brightly; then -his face clouded as his eyes fell on his empty -sword rack.</p> - -<p>“The humiliation of the arrest is what -hurts,” he added. “When the captain sent -for my sword I felt like a veritable -traitor.”</p> - -<p>“There you are, sentiment again,” cried -Sydney. “The sword is merely a matter of -form. You will have it again in a jiffy. I’m -coming back as soon as we anchor,” he added, -buckling on his sword and hurriedly leaving -the room as the bugle call sounded, and the -boatswain’s mates’ hoarse voices were heard -calling:</p> - -<p>“Bring ship to an anchor!”</p> - -<p>Throwing himself into his chair, Phil turned -over in his mind the various incidents that -had led to his arrest. How could he answer -Lazar’s accusations? His only manly course -was to acknowledge his guilt and hope for the<span class="pagenum" id="Page_40">[40]</span> -captain’s clemency. Down in his heart he -knew he would do the same again. It was -cruel to stand by and see a man perish without -raising a hand. Yet Lazar’s judgment -had been sound. For the benefit of many it -were better to allow one to drown.</p> - -<p>Alone in his room he followed the movements -of the ship by the noises about him. -As the vibrations of the propellers lessened, he -knew that the vessel was near the anchored -fleet and had slowed her engines. Shortly, -he heard the rattle of chain as the anchor was -dropped overboard.</p> - -<p>“Sir, the captain wishes to see Mr. Perry in -the cabin,” announced the orderly five minutes -later.</p> - -<p>Entering the cabin, Phil removed his cap -and stood with military exactness before his -commanding officer.</p> - -<p>“Take a seat, Mr. Perry,” said the captain, -not unkindly.</p> - -<p>A few moments elapsed, then Lazar entered, -and at a motion from the captain occupied a -chair next to Phil.</p> - -<p>Phil’s heart beat fast. The solemnity of the -occasion awed him. His hopes were ready to<span class="pagenum" id="Page_41">[41]</span> -sink within him as he waited for the captain’s -decision.</p> - -<p>“Gentlemen,” the captain began, weighing -his words, “Mr. Perry, in deliberately disobeying -the order of his senior officer, helped -to save an unfortunate man from certain -death;” the captain hesitated and shifted his -gaze to Lazar. “If it had not been for the -masterful manner in which the officer of the -deck, Mr. Lazar, handled the ship, placing -her between the helpless boat and the force of -the seas, eight more men would have been sacrificed.” -Then turning to Phil and addressing -him directly: “It was Mr. Lazar’s high -sense of duty that compelled him to report -your disobedience. What have you to say, -sir?”</p> - -<p>Phil was silent. The captain thrummed -on the table, as if impatient for an answer. -Lazar fidgeted uneasily in his chair, no doubt -wondering what defense the boy would advance.</p> - -<p>“I have nothing to say, sir,” began Phil in -a low voice. “I committed a grave error, sir. -I have steered life-boats before, but the sea -was greater than I realized.” He stopped and<span class="pagenum" id="Page_42">[42]</span> -glanced up in embarrassment at the captain. -“I am afraid, sir, I would do the same again, -sir.”</p> - -<p>“Well spoken, lad,” cried the captain delightedly. -He had prepared himself for an -excuse, so this straightforward acknowledgment -was extremely gratifying to the blunt -sailor.</p> - -<p>“Bless you, boy, you gave me a few new -white hairs as I watched your boat. I never -thought to see any of that crew again, but all’s -well that ends well, eh, Lazar?” he asked, -turning suddenly on the ensign.</p> - -<p>“I feel I have done my duty, sir; the verdict -rests with you,” answered he, in a strained -voice, in which Phil thought he read disappointment.</p> - -<p>The captain became grave, apparently noting -the attitude of the claimant. “That is all, -Mr. Lazar,” he said in a changed voice. -“You may withdraw.”</p> - -<p>As the door closed on the ensign, the captain’s -face again assumed a kindly expression.</p> - -<p>“Mr. Perry, I cannot find heart to punish -you for this,” he spoke earnestly. “You were -too impulsive and it might have turned out<span class="pagenum" id="Page_43">[43]</span> -disastrously, nevertheless it became you well. -You have shown that you are made of the -right stuff; now let me see you fashion it into -the officer that you are capable of becoming.” -Reaching out his hand he took up Phil’s -sword, and as he returned it to him, said:</p> - -<p>“Remember, obedience is your first duty.”</p> - -<p>“What did I tell you?” Sydney cried, shaking -Phil’s hand a moment later, as he returned -with his sword. Then in an anxious voice: -“I don’t like Lazar’s attitude. He came out -of the cabin a minute ago looking like a thunder-cloud. -He apparently was not pleased at -the captain’s decision.”</p> - -<p>“He may dislike me,” Phil answered charitably, -as they entered their own room, “but -I believe so far he has treated me as he would -have any of us midshipmen.”</p> - -<p>The life-boat incident raised Phil to a high -place in the opinions of most officers of the -ship, and the men were all devoted to him. -He was their favorite midshipman after that.</p> - -<p>This was the first time the eight big battle-ships -of the Atlantic fleet had been together -since their winter rendezvous at Guantanamo, -Cuba, and good-natured rivalry between the<span class="pagenum" id="Page_44">[44]</span> -ships in tests of strength and physical prowess -of their crews ran high. The admiral of the -fleet, a great believer in encouraging these pastimes, -had given orders for a track meet to be -held on shore, and all hands turned to organize -their forces to win the pennant to be -given to the ship that showed herself capable -of producing the cleverest athletes.</p> - -<p>“I have been pressed into service to get the -entries from our ship for the meet,” Marshall -announced at the mess-table that evening. -“It is to take place next Saturday. We need -all the good men we can get. We certainly -have a prize in Lazar; he has entered for all -the short runs up to the 440-yards. He held -all the Annapolis records for them when he -was there, and he keeps himself in fine condition.”</p> - -<p>Phil had brightened up at the prospects for -a day of field sports, and held his hand out -gladly for the paper to put down his name, -but when Lazar’s name passed Marshall’s lips, -his face clouded and he withdrew his hand -quickly.</p> - -<p>“Syd, you should do something in the jumping -line,” said Phil in a voice of feigned indifference.<span class="pagenum" id="Page_45">[45]</span> -“I shan’t enter; I’m not in form for -running.”</p> - -<p>“Are you crazy, man?” Sydney cried. -Then turning to Marshall: “He made a -clean sweep last year of the short runs at Annapolis, -lowered one record and equaled the -others. Don’t listen to him, he is only -modest; put him down for all up to the 440.”</p> - -<p>“No, no,” cried Phil earnestly. “I’m not -going to enter, so that ends it.”</p> - -<p>“If you have no more ship’s spirit than -that, you can go hang,” replied Marshall, -much nettled at Phil’s stubbornness.</p> - -<p>Sydney allowed his name to be written on -the entry sheet for several events, but the -sheet went back to Lieutenant-Commander -Penfield, the executive officer, without Phil’s -name for a single event.</p> - -<p>“What’s the matter with you, Phil?” demanded -Sydney, in their room after dinner. -“Why should you refuse when you know you -are in excellent condition and could win the -majority of your races? Is it because Lazar -has entered?”</p> - -<p>“Yes, if you must know,” he replied in a -tone of finality. “I’d sooner stay away and<span class="pagenum" id="Page_46">[46]</span> -retain my peace of mind. Our relations are -strained enough already. I have no wish to -incur his further enmity. We would hotly -contest each event, and if I won, his treatment -of me would not be improved.”</p> - -<p>Sydney’s further persuasions fell on barren -soil. Phil held to his point and would not be -moved.</p> - -<p>Great preparations were being made for the -coming struggle. Enthusiasm waxed high in -the fleet, and all longed for the day to arrive -when each could test his prowess.</p> - -<p>The day of the meet finally came; the sun -shone from a cloudless pure sky; the cool sea -breeze swept over the athletic grounds, invigorating -the hundreds of sailor athletes with -its salty crispness. This was an event new in -the annals of the navy, and had aroused intense -interest, so when the lads arrived with -their party of contestants from the “Connecticut,” -they found an audience had collected -from the surrounding country. The grand -stands, erected by the carpenters of the ships -of the fleet, were packed to overflowing, while -the field, which had been turned into an arena -for the many contests, was gay with the uniformed<span class="pagenum" id="Page_47">[47]</span> -sailormen who had come to cheer their -champions.</p> - -<p>On a bulletin-board at the entrance to the -grounds the lists of those to compete in the -several events was posted.</p> - -<p>So much pressure had been brought to bear -upon Phil that he had finally been prevailed -upon to enter the short runs. The executive -officer and even the captain had upbraided -him so severely for what they thought was -his lack of ship’s spirit, that he had, much -against his inclinations, allowed his name to -be put on the list before it was sent to the -flag-ship.</p> - -<p>Our two boys stopped to read the names of -the competitors. Many of those entering were -strangers, but an occasional name would evoke -a remark of surprise or pleasure from one or -the other of the readers.</p> - -<p>Lazar’s name was in but one list, that for -the 100-yard run, and Phil wondered whether -the latter had withdrawn because he had entered. -The next minute Marshall came rushing -up to him.</p> - -<p>“Lazar is running only in the 100-yard. I -suppose you noticed his name is not in the<span class="pagenum" id="Page_48">[48]</span> -others. I have just seen him and he seems -confident of being able to win the race. Now, -if you can win the others and run second in -this short dash, we shall win the pennant -hands down.”</p> - -<p>Phil immediately bristled.</p> - -<p>“Did he say I might run second?” he -asked quickly.</p> - -<p>Marshall hesitated.</p> - -<p>“You know what I mean, Perry,” he answered -knowingly; “after your other races -you can hardly expect to beat Lazar, but if -you try for second, you can get it. Don’t -you see?”</p> - -<p>“Is that his suggestion?” Phil asked, his -anger rising.</p> - -<p>“To be frank with you, yes, it is,” confessed -Marshall. “He found that the three races -were being run too close together, so he -scratched in the others and thinks he is sure -for the shorter run. It’s all perfectly square.”</p> - -<p>“H’m, maybe so,” Phil answered shortly, -as he turned toward the dressing-tent to be -ready for the first race in which he was entered.</p> - -<p>“‘Second,’ eh?” he soliloquized. “I’ll -give him the race of his life for first.”</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_49">[49]</span>The races were run amid great enthusiasm -as the sailors saw the possibility for the winner -gradually narrow down until the coveted -pennant lay between but two ships, the “Connecticut” -and the “Minnesota.”</p> - -<p>“You have just a half hour to rest up before -the first heat of the big race,” said Sydney, -as he and Phil walked toward the hospital -tent after the 440-yard run.</p> - -<p>Phil felt the strain of his two races. He -had won the 220-yards by a narrow margin, -but had been cleverly outstripped in the longer -race by a sailorman from the “Minnesota.”</p> - -<p>Sydney had acquitted himself with credit; -he had taken second place in two of the -jumping contests.</p> - -<p>“You seem to be a hot favorite for the -100-yards, Mr. Perry,” said the doctor, with -a smile of admiration at the well-knit figure -before him, as he directed his nurses to rub -the strained muscles to keep them in shape -for the final contest. “I hear the pennant -lies between your ship and the ‘Minnesota.’”</p> - -<p>Marshall came into the tent, and unabashed -at the rebuke administered by Phil earlier in -the day, began his argument anew:</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_50">[50]</span>“I know you don’t like Lazar any too -well,” he said in an undertone, “and because -he suggested this, you immediately became -angry, but let me show you a perfectly fair -way of doing it, without blocking anybody. -Say Lazar can win, then leaving yourself out -of the count, some one will run second. Now -don’t try to catch Lazar, but keep ahead of -the man who threatens him and takes second -place. If you overexert yourself to pass -Lazar you may give out and be beaten by -two or three men. That is surely fair in a -contest between ships.”</p> - -<p>“But suppose I feel confident I can beat -Lazar and win,” answered Phil dryly.</p> - -<p>“That’s too much to expect, Perry,” said -he earnestly. “After running as you have it’s -only natural that you cannot be in as good -condition as if you hadn’t run, and we must -take both first and second place in this last -race to be sure of beating the ‘Minnesota.’ -She leads us now by nearly ten points. Can’t -you do this for your ship?”</p> - -<p>Phil was silent. He believed the proposition -as far as Marshall was concerned was -prompted solely by a desire to see his ship<span class="pagenum" id="Page_51">[51]</span> -win, but as coming from Lazar it was a slur -on his manliness. The latter had hinted at -blocking off the fast runners, pocketing them -by keeping ahead and preventing their passing -him, thus insuring a win for Lazar if he -succeeded in getting off quickly, which was -his greatest asset; he was the quickest starter -Phil had ever seen. But even in the form -outlined by Marshall, although it might not -be considered unfair, yet it was unsportsmanlike -and savored of jockeying.</p> - -<p>“I am sorry I can’t see it your way, old -man,” he answered finally in not an unkind -voice; then the indignation he felt for Lazar -blazed from his eyes.</p> - -<p>“You may tell Mr. Lazar I shall run to -win.”</p> - -<p>“Bully for you, Phil,” cried Sydney delightedly. -He had listened intently in -silence, and was afraid he might be influenced -by the plausible arguments of his tempter. -“I’d be willing to have the ship lose to see -you beat him.”</p> - -<p>The preliminary heats were run amid great -enthusiasm.</p> - -<p>Lazar and Phil, with eight others, found<span class="pagenum" id="Page_52">[52]</span> -themselves at the starting line for the final -test.</p> - -<p>Phil, in spite of the tax on his strength in -his hard fought races, never felt in better -trim. The earlier races assured him that his -muscles had not deteriorated. As he stood -with his body thrown forward, hands on the -ground in front of him, he vibrated like a -highly tempered spring. Every muscle was -held in the leash, ready to be loosed by his -will at the discharge of the pistol. He wished -that he might be transformed into a knight -of older times, horsed and about to “enter the -lists” with his antagonist. How he would -delight to see Lazar’s pride unhorsed beneath -his charger’s feet.</p> - -<p>With these mad thoughts coursing through -his brain he heard, as if from far away, the -starter’s voice:</p> - -<p>“Are you ready?”</p> - -<p>“On your mark!”</p> - -<p>Then a pause, followed by a loud report.</p> - -<p>As if shot from a catapult, the lithe figures -darted forward—breath held tightly, every -face set with dogged determination.</p> - -<p>Phil saw Lazar dart two yards ahead of<span class="pagenum" id="Page_53">[53]</span> -every competitor. It was an enormous -handicap in his favor, for it precluded a -chance of being pocketed either by accident -or design.</p> - -<p>Phil strained his muscles to their utmost -in an endeavor to free himself from the mass -of threatening, surging runners. If each ran -inside his chalk line all would be well, but -on the sandy soil marks were indistinct. He -held his breath a prisoner. His old trainer -at Annapolis had taught him the trick. -“A full breath at ‘on your mark’ and another -thirty yards from the finish. It’s all -the air you need,” were the words repeating -themselves in his mind. His exertions were -crowned by finding himself within a yard of -Lazar. The next danger thundered three -yards behind him.</p> - -<p>Swiftly they drew toward the finish.</p> - -<p>Lazar, running in his chalked lane, edged -over inch by inch until he was directly in -Phil’s path. The man behind had now drawn -up so close to Phil that he could feel his -hot breath in his ear. He knew him for the -little sailor who had beaten him in the -440-yard run. Phil was now running on<span class="pagenum" id="Page_54">[54]</span> -the left edge of the course. The runner -behind him was in the line that had been -Lazar’s. If Phil were not to be pocketed -he must pass Lazar to his right and might -thereby interfere with and perhaps foul the -plucky little runner from the “Minnesota.” -Phil knew that if the latter ran first or -second the pennant would go to the sailor’s -ship. In all its hideousness Lazar’s trick -flashed before Phil’s eyes. Lazar would make -him pocket the sailor or else be beaten by -both men. With the eye of a runner he -judged the time for his full breath and final -spurt had come.</p> - -<p>Slowly he drew up abreast of Lazar; the -third man was close at his elbow. He put -forth his full power. To himself his muscles -felt chained. He seemed fairly to crawl toward -the finish. But the spectators saw him -draw surely up to Lazar—then forge ahead. -Phil heard a pistol shot, and gave himself -into the grasp of a group of sailormen. -He knew none of them, but they all wore -“Connecticut” on their caps, and their faces -were alight with pride and satisfaction.</p> - -<p>“Well done, Mr. Perry,” they shouted.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_55">[55]</span>He felt himself raised on a mountain of -sturdy shoulders and heard the triumphant -shouts of victory.</p> - -<p>Then his eyes fell on the face of Lazar, -likewise honored by his delighted men. -Amid the happy faces below him that of -the older officer showed only anger and bitter -mortification.</p> -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_56">[56]</span> - -<h2 class="nobreak">CHAPTER IV<br /> - - -<small>THE FACE IN THE LOCKET</small></h2> -</div> - -<p><span class="smcap">Sports</span> of whatever nature were now by the -order of the admiral relegated to the past and -all hands turned to for the coming target -practice.</p> - -<p>With the Atlantic fleet the days were now -indeed full of hard, but useful work.</p> - -<p>At eight o’clock in the morning the -squadron would daily be under way. Drill -after drill followed to perfect the officers in -handling the unwieldy monsters, until even -the ships seemed to have acquired an intelligence -all their own.</p> - -<p>Phil, standing his watch duty under Lazar, -spent many instructive hours. To see the -eight battle-ships steaming at twelve-knots -speed, with a distance between the bow of one -and the stern of the next of less than three -ship lengths, was a sight calculated to inspire -a feeling of wonder and admiration.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_57">[57]</span>One day on the bridge, while the squadron -was engaged in maneuvers, the real danger -of this apparently simple drill was forcibly -demonstrated. Phil, telescope in hand, was -reading the fluttering flags hoisted by the -flag-ship, calling out the numbers to Lazar, -who was solving their meaning in the signal -book he held in his hand.</p> - -<p>Suddenly the battle-ship directly ahead in -the column swung herself across the path of -their ship. Phil saw the “dispatch flag,” a -signal of breakdown, flying at her main masthead. -The danger of a collision appeared so -suddenly that he was bound to the spot. He -was new to such an emergency. Lazar’s eyes -were upon the ship ahead. His attitude was -alert, his face calm and his manner deliberate.</p> - -<p>“Port, hard aport,” he ordered, in a natural -voice.</p> - -<p>The heavily-shod bow of their ship pointed -fairly amidships of the ship now nearly broadside -in their path.</p> - -<p>Slowly, painfully the “Connecticut’s” bow, -in answer to her helm, moved along the -length of the exposed and all but helpless -white hull ahead. The ships drew together<span class="pagenum" id="Page_58">[58]</span> -with such rapidity that it seemed to Phil a -collision was inevitable.</p> - -<p>Such were undoubtedly the thoughts on -board the ship ahead. The shrill screech of -her syren screamed across the water—a signal -for all on board immediately to close every -door and scuttle throughout the ship, so that -in the event of a collision the water entering -the wounded side would be prevented from -spreading throughout the ship and endangering -her buoyancy.</p> - -<p>Lazar’s actions showed not a sign of indecision. -He appeared as cool as if he were -performing an ordinary maneuver of routine -duty.</p> - -<p>The “Connecticut” cleared her prostrated -mate and swung by her swiftly—so close -aboard that it seemed to Phil that they must -have touched, then she followed in the wake -of the other ships.</p> - -<p>The boy was filled with admiration for the -officer. He wondered if he would ever be -able to use such remarkable judgment and -remain as tranquil.</p> - -<p>The more he saw of the older man the -more he regretted their common enmity. As<span class="pagenum" id="Page_59">[59]</span> -an officer he could not but command his -respect. He was capable and self-possessed -under the most trying circumstances, and -yet, in spite of this enviable talent, he lacked -the power of endearing himself to those under -him. There was hardly a sailor on the ship -who liked him. As a rule he was silent, yet -the man who displeased him awakened a -tongue so bitter that its sting covered the -unfortunate one with shame and confusion. -Those of his own mess admired him for his -seamanlike ability, but despised him for his -cynical and abusive disposition. He confided -in no one, was friendly with none.</p> - -<p>With such a personality Phil found himself -closely associated, both in his duty on -deck and also in the turret, where hard work -was their daily portion. Lazar was ambitious, -and he spared neither his men nor himself in -building up such efficiency that the turret he -commanded could not be outstripped in its -record by any other of its class.</p> - -<p>Phil had no real grounds for complaint. -Lazar’s biting cynicisms hurt his pride, but -only spurred him on to further efforts to perfect -himself in his duties.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_60">[60]</span>“Come out with us, Phil,” cried Sydney, -the day before target practice, to his roommate, -hard at work over some knotty problem. -“You take things too seriously. Let -it alone for awhile. We are going for a row -in the dinghy, to the beach, and have a swim. -Marshall, Morrison and Hill are going. You -will just make a crew.”</p> - -<p>Phil’s face brightened at the prospect, but -remembering his work, he shook his head.</p> - -<p>“No, I must work this out first. It’s very -irritating. I know there must be a way, but -I can’t see how to do it.”</p> - -<p>“You are working entirely too hard,” replied -Sydney, earnestly. “It isn’t worth it. -What credit does Lazar give you? He never -has a word to say unless it’s to correct a mistake -in his sarcastic voice. It makes me angry -to see you slave for him. Come out with us -and harden up your muscles.”</p> - -<p>But Phil could not be moved. His interest -had been aroused in this work and he would -master it before he gave in.</p> - -<p>“After all,” he thought, when the pleasure -seekers had gone, “what do I care for Lazar’s -praise. He has taught me to curb my temper<span class="pagenum" id="Page_61">[61]</span> -and I have worked harder than I thought -myself capable in order to be free from his -faultfinding tongue.”</p> - -<p>The problem was only one of many Phil -had fought out alone, and he finally saw the -solution. Putting his drawings aside, he went -up into the turret to test his ideas practically.</p> - -<p>“Boyd,” he shouted as he reached the gun -platform.</p> - -<p>“Here, sir,” answered a slim, active looking -sailorman, the gunner’s mate of the turret, -emerging from under the guns, a number of -tools in his begrimed fingers.</p> - -<p>“Get O’Neil and come down below in the -handling room. I have a scheme I want to -try.”</p> - -<p>“Aye, aye, sir,” answered Boyd with alacrity, -putting his wrenches in the tool-racks. “I’ll -get him and join you in a second, sir.”</p> - -<p>He disappeared through the smoke hatch to -the top of the turret.</p> - -<p>Phil glanced about him. The objects which -to him three weeks ago seemed so confusing -were now wonderfully simple: the guns in -their massive steel carriages, the weighty -cylinders with their internal pistons and<span class="pagenum" id="Page_62">[62]</span> -springs to check the force of the recoil when -the guns are fired and send them back again -to their normal position without undue jar to -the structure of the ship. Here were the -electric ammunition hoists, reeling a stout wire -about a metal drum and this bringing up the -heavy ammunition car with its burden of shell -and powder from the handling room fifty feet -below, and placing the charge directly in front -of the open breech of the guns, to be driven -home by the swiftly moving electric rammers. -Phil saw below him the twin motors which -turned the massive turret at the will of man. -All these, to their minutest detail, were clear -to him. Did other midshipmen master as -much in so short a time? Was it not an advantage -to serve under a man who could inspire -such a desire to learn, even though the -craving for knowledge was aroused by a determination -to be free from his sarcastic -taunts?</p> - -<p>Standing thus deep in thought, the stillness -in the turret was broken by a sound from below. -It was faint but distinct. He listened -with held breath. It seemed to be caused by -a file against a metal surface. He could see<span class="pagenum" id="Page_63">[63]</span> -nothing. The heavy iron shutters, built to -protect the crew of the handling room from -accidents in the turret, were shut tightly.</p> - -<p>The sound continued, seemingly becoming -louder. Then it ceased and a metal object -rattled on the deck below. It was so clear and -distinct that he thought it must be caused by -Boyd in the handling room. Doubtlessly he -was already there awaiting him.</p> - -<p>“Boyd,” he raised his voice in order to be -heard beyond the shutters.</p> - -<p>No answer.</p> - -<p>He called again louder. The sound of footsteps -came to his ears from the handling room. -What could it mean? By Lazar’s orders no -work was to be done in the turret or handling -room by any one save Boyd, and he had just -gone up the hatch, and if he were below he -would have answered his call.</p> - -<p>Phil swung himself down the ladder, through -the scuttle in the turret platform, then down -a second ladder, and found himself in darkness -on the floor of the handling room.</p> - -<p>All was silence.</p> - -<p>Presently he heard his name called from -above in the voice of Boyd. What could it<span class="pagenum" id="Page_64">[64]</span> -mean? Some one had been there but a second -ago and what had he been doing?</p> - -<p>“Turn the light on down here,” he called -back. His heart beat wildly.</p> - -<p>The electric lights flashed as the switch was -turned from above.</p> - -<p>The handling room was empty.</p> - -<p>A glint from a small bright object caught -his eye in the shadow of an ammunition car. -He stooped down and picked up a gold locket. -Could it be a clew to the mystery? The -thing was harmless enough in itself.</p> - -<p>O’Neil and Boyd quickly joined him.</p> - -<p>“Have you been doing any repair work -here?” he asked the gunner’s mate.</p> - -<p>“No, sir, everything is right here, barring -that shell car you were figuring on,” answered -he promptly.</p> - -<p>Phil held the locket in his open palm.</p> - -<p>“Ask the men of the division if any of -them lost a locket,” he spoke carelessly. “If -one claims it send him to me,” he added, -dropping the trinket in his pocket.</p> - -<p>His experiments successfully over, he carefully -surveyed the different familiar objects -about him. All seemed normal.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_65">[65]</span>“The noises must have come from the shaft -alleys or engine room,” he said softly to himself.</p> - -<p>“Did you speak, sir?” inquired O’Neil, hearing -his low voice.</p> - -<p>Phil glanced up with the intention of confiding -in his petty officer, then changed his -mind.</p> - -<p>“No, I was only thinking,” he replied.</p> - -<p>Arriving in his room he tried to dismiss the -incident from his mind. He still held the -locket in his hand.</p> - -<p>“One of the men dropped it during drill,” -he assured himself. But instinctively his -eyes traveled back to the locket as if it were a -talisman. A feeling took possession of him -that if he opened the locket the clew would -be inside. But he controlled this feeling. It -would not be honorable to open it.</p> - -<p>He regretted that Lazar was away—on board -the “Minnesota,” umpiring her target practice. -If he were here he would tell him of -his fears; then he could do as he thought best.</p> - -<p>“I believe Syd is right,” he said half aloud; -“this close application to work has gotten on -my nerves. I take things too seriously. I<span class="pagenum" id="Page_66">[66]</span> -hear a noise in the turret, and the ship being -a regular sounding-board, it may have come -from anywhere. Then why should I take for -granted it came from the handling room? -And then I find a small gold locket which I -at once take as a sure sign that I am right in -my conjecture.” Then his thoughts became -more serious. “But if it was in the handling -room, it shows that some one was there who -had no business there, because when I called -he did not answer. Could any one wish -to injure the turret gear? Had Lazar an -enemy?”</p> - -<p>For hours that night he lay awake revolving -in his mind all the possible phases of the -incident and at last dropped into a troubled -sleep.</p> - -<p>Awakening the next morning he was in a -state of mental depression. An overpowering -desire to open the locket came to him which -he could not refuse. He took it out of his -bureau drawer and forced the tiny thing open. -A girl’s face looked out at him. He studied -it carefully, then closed the locket and threw -it back into the drawer with a gesture of disappointment.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_67">[67]</span>“I wonder what I expected to find there,” -he said with a sarcastic smile. “My nerves -are in about the same condition as those of a -man before his first battle. I shall certainly -be happy when it’s over.”</p> - -<p>“Mr. Lazar is in the turret, sir,” announced -O’Neil, putting his head in the midshipman’s -mess room, while Phil was eating his breakfast, -“and he’d like to see you.”</p> - -<p>“We are to fire as soon as the umpires arrive, -Mr. Perry,” Lazar informed him as the -midshipman crawled down through the scuttle -and stood by his side between the two big -guns.</p> - -<p>Phil wavered in his inclination to inform -his division officer of the incident of the day -before.</p> - -<p>“The umpires are here, sir, and the captain -says you will fire first. Let him know when -you are ready to go on the range,” reported -the orderly, from the turret top.</p> - -<p>Phil found himself at his station in the -handling room. The mystery was still a -secret.</p> - -<p>All thoughts of the affair were quickly forgotten. -His mind was now on the work of<span class="pagenum" id="Page_68">[68]</span> -supplying ammunition from the magazines -and shell rooms as fast as the two metal tubes -above could hurl it at the target.</p> - -<p>The shell rooms were opened and the big -shells were brought out on the overhead tracks -ready to be placed on the ammunition cars, -then to be hoisted to the turret fifty feet above. -The magazine doors were closed, but the -hinged metal flaps were undogged and men -stood ready to enter the powder magazines -and pass the charges of powder through these -fire-proof flaps to those in the handling room, -then to be placed with the shell on the car.</p> - -<p>Standing surrounded by his twenty-four -men, Phil waited the order from Lazar to load -the cars.</p> - -<p>“Mr. Perry,” Lazar’s voice came down the -flexible speaking-tube.</p> - -<p>“Aye, aye, sir,” Phil answered back.</p> - -<p>“Are you ready?”</p> - -<p>“All ready, sir,” shouted Phil.</p> - -<p>“Load!”</p> - -<p>The cars were loaded and raised, and a second -shell for each was brought out, ready to -be put on the cars as soon as they came back.</p> - -<p>“They are off,” Phil shouted excitedly, as<span class="pagenum" id="Page_69">[69]</span> -both cars were hoisted with terrific speed up -the curved steel rails; the shutters between the -turret and handling room opened obediently -to allow the cars to pass; a glimpse of half-naked -men above them came into view, then -they fell shut with a bang, shutting out the -scene.</p> - -<p>A dull crash from above told those in the -handling room that the first gun had been -fired.</p> - -<p>An empty ammunition car came down -through the shutter, was quickly supplied -with its shell and powder and again disappeared -upward through the magic shutter.</p> - -<p>The firing above was rapid. The empty -cars appeared so frequently that the men below -were hard pressed to prevent the crews -above from waiting for their ammunition.</p> - -<p>“That’s the fastest firing I have ever seen,” -cried one of the men in admiration, as he -hurled a fifty pound powder bag accurately on -to its shelf in the car; “they ain’t nothing in -the fleet can touch this.”</p> - -<p>“Hold on there!”</p> - -<p>Phil saw with consternation the car start up -prematurely with but one bag of powder,<span class="pagenum" id="Page_70">[70]</span> -where four were necessary for a charge. It -would have to go clear to the turret and then -come down again for the other three bags, a -loss of much precious time.</p> - -<p>As if he thought he might call the impatient -car back, he watched it gather speed to -open the shutter. He saw it disappear and -the shutter close behind it with a rasping -noise. Then came a crash as of a heavy falling -body, from above. The din of tearing -metal filled his ears.</p> - -<p>“Stand clear, men,” he had barely time to -shout, when the loaded car, shutter and all, -shot down into their midst, a hopeless mass -of twisted metal.</p> -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_71">[71]</span> - -<h2 class="nobreak">CHAPTER V<br /> - - -<small>HURRIED ORDERS</small></h2> -</div> - -<p><span class="smcap">The</span> accident came so unexpectedly that it -was some moments before Phil could find his -voice. Then he realized there was nothing to -be done. The damage was beyond his capacity -to repair. The turret was useless for further -service.</p> - -<p>He glanced, apprehensively, upward through -the jagged rent of the shutter and his eyes fell -upon the angry, excited face of his divisional -officer.</p> - -<p>There was small reason to ask the trouble. -The dangling end of the wire rope told the -story only too plainly: the hoist rope had -broken when the ammunition car was nearly -at the breech of the gun, and it had then -plunged downward, with its burden of nearly -a ton of shell and powder, wrecking itself and -the shutter.</p> - -<p>A moment later Lazar was in the handling<span class="pagenum" id="Page_72">[72]</span> -room, viewing the effects of the unlucky accident.</p> - -<p>Stooping down he raised the car end of the -wire rope.</p> - -<p>“Cut half through,” he cried in a voice -full of passion, “and by a file or saw.” His -disappointment was too keen to conceal.</p> - -<p>“All my work for nothing. The umpires -will decide the accident against me, and only -half the firing over.”</p> - -<p>Phil felt sorry for the older man. He -would willingly take the blame on himself, -if that could have helped matters.</p> - -<p>These charitable thoughts were however -quickly stifled by the humiliating words of -his superior officer.</p> - -<p>“This looks like your work,” he hissed in -Phil’s ear. “I have no way to prove it, but -it looks very black for you.”</p> - -<p>“I, sir!” he gasped. Then the thought of -the locket and his secret came to him. He -stopped vexed and mortified.</p> - -<p>It did look black, indeed.</p> - -<p>Lazar gave him a swift glance of triumph -as he turned away.</p> - -<p>Phil directed the work of clearing away<span class="pagenum" id="Page_73">[73]</span> -the wreck and as soon as the ship’s machinists -had commenced on the repairs, he hunted up -his friend to make a clean breast to him of -the secret which had grown in a night from a -mole-hill to the size of a mountain.</p> - -<p>He found Sydney in his room, washing the -evidence of target practice from his face and -hands.</p> - -<p>“I made a fine score,” Sydney cried joyously, -without looking up, as Phil entered -their small stateroom. “What on earth happened? -Your turret started out finely; -every shot hit the target, then suddenly -you stopped shooting.”</p> - -<p>“Everything happened,” answered Phil, -sadly. “The ammunition hoist broke and -Lazar thinks it’s my work, and the only way -I can clear myself is to get myself further -implicated.”</p> - -<p>“Well, that certainly is Irish,” laughed -Sydney heartily; then a view of his friend’s -face cut short his mirth, for he saw that it -was serious.</p> - -<p>“I beg your pardon, Phil,” he added -soberly, “but your words were droll. Tell -me about it?”</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_74">[74]</span>Phil unburdened himself to his roommate; -telling of the noise that he had heard -in the handling room the day before; of his -suspicions, and of the fatal mistake he had -made in not confiding in Lazar before the -firing commenced; then of the accident and -Lazar’s accusations.</p> - -<p>“But why should he accuse you?” Sydney -asked aghast.</p> - -<p>“I don’t know, but he has,” Phil answered, -“and I was struck dumb. I can’t explain -to him now. It would only make things -worse.”</p> - -<p>Sydney thought deeply.</p> - -<p>“Phil, the idea is preposterous,” he said -decidedly; “he certainly has better sense than -to accuse you openly of this.”</p> - -<p>“That’s the worst of it,” Phil answered -sorrowfully; “all he need do is to cast a -suspicion on me and then I must endeavor to -clear myself of the suspicion, and I can’t. -If I tell what I have told you, those who are -ready to believe I am capable of doing such a -cowardly act to spite Lazar, will see all the -more proof that I am guilty.”</p> - -<p>“It surely is complicated,” Sydney replied.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_75">[75]</span>Phil opened his desk drawer and picked -up the locket, holding it out to Sydney.</p> - -<p>“This is what I found in the handling -room. There’s a girl’s picture inside. It -doesn’t belong to any of the turret’s crew, at -least none have claimed it.”</p> - -<p>“This was dropped by the man who cut -the wire,” Sydney mused aloud, “and this -face may help us find him.”</p> - -<p>“You are so mysterious, Syd,” cried Phil -impatiently; “how can that girl’s face help -us? There is probably no likeness between -it and the culprit. It’s the face of his sweetheart, -undoubtedly.”</p> - -<p>“Yes, but the fact that her face is here will -cause him to try to regain it,” Sydney answered -assuredly.</p> - -<p>“Do you believe that Lazar would recognize -the face in the locket?” Phil questioned. -“I might show it to him without telling him -of the noise I heard before finding it.”</p> - -<p>“That’s what I was about to suggest,” -replied Sydney; “the man who did the act -is an enemy of Lazar’s; he may recognize -the girl.”</p> - -<p>Phil immediately sought Lazar.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_76">[76]</span>“Come in.” Lazar’s voice answered the -knock on his stateroom door.</p> - -<p>“Oh, it’s you, is it?” he said discourteously, -without rising. “Well, what do you want -here?”</p> - -<p>Phil was confounded.</p> - -<p>“I have a locket here which I found in the -handling room yesterday while I was working -on the cars,” he began hesitatingly.</p> - -<p>Lazar took the locket in his hand, then -glanced up at the face of the speaker.</p> - -<p>“Well?” he inquired coldly.</p> - -<p>“There’s a face inside,” Phil stammered. -“I thought you might know the owner in -that way.”</p> - -<p>Lazar opened the locket, and if Phil had -not been so much occupied nursing his injured -dignity, he might have seen a flash -of recognition in Lazar’s face. However, -when he looked up it had passed away -and a look of boredom had taken its -place.</p> - -<p>“No, I don’t know her,” he answered -shortly, handing Phil the locket. “Is that -all?”</p> - -<p>“That’s all, sir.”</p> - - -<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/i_076.jpg" alt="" /></div> -<p class="drop-cap"><i>“WELL?” HE INQUIRED,<br /> -COLDLY</i></p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_77">[77]</span>Phil withdrew in some confusion, anger and -mortification struggling within him.</p> - -<p>“I am a child in that man’s hands,” he -cried, as he reëntered his own room. -“Syd, he awakes in me all the instincts of -a brute. I can hardly keep my hands off -him.”</p> - -<p>“Don’t let any one on board hear you -express such sentiments,” Sydney continued -gravely. “You must guard your tongue if -you are to fight him successfully.”</p> - -<p>At evening “quarters” Phil saw Lazar in -conversation with Captain Taylor, on the -quarter-deck.</p> - -<p>As he passed them he overheard, from -Lazar’s lips, words that made his face flush -with anger.</p> - -<p>“I feel I can never trust him again, sir; -his work has been very unsatisfactory from -the beginning. I desire to have him relieved.”</p> - -<p>“So that is the reward for my hard work,” -thought Phil, despairingly.</p> - -<p>After quarters he hesitated whether to go -and tell the captain all the circumstances and -endeavor to save his good name, or let matters -take their course. He felt that Lazar did<span class="pagenum" id="Page_78">[78]</span> -not believe that he was the cause of the damage, -he only used it as a weapon against him. -But how would the captain act? Would he -demand an explanation?</p> - -<p>These reflections were cut short by an -orderly at his elbow.</p> - -<p>“Mr. Penfield wishes to see you, sir,” announced -he.</p> - -<p>“Mr. Perry, the captain has directed your -assignment in his office,” the executive officer -explained, as Phil saluted him a moment -later. “Your duty in the turret will be taken -by Mr. Marshall.”</p> - -<p>Phil saluted and turned away. What did -it mean? The captain surely did not believe -him guilty of the act he was accused of by -Lazar, else he would not place him in such a -responsible position. He felt he had been -removed from the turret under a cloud, yet -his promotion to the office as secretary and -assistant to his commanding officer took out -most of the sting.</p> - -<p>“Phil, you can dismiss it from your mind,” -Sydney told him after he had given him the -good news. “Lazar has played his trump -card, but he has not moved the captain. He<span class="pagenum" id="Page_79">[79]</span> -likes you, and of those we like it is hard to -believe evil.”</p> - -<p>Phil’s face beamed with pleasure.</p> - -<p>“Syd, I count myself, indeed, fortunate to -have two such friends, you and Captain -Taylor,” he answered, lowering his voice to -hide his feelings.</p> - -<p>In two days more target practice was ended -and the fleet once again anchored at its base -under the protecting wing of Cape Cod.</p> - -<p>Phil’s new duties kept his mind from -brooding over his troubles with Lazar and -opened up to him a new side of ship life.</p> - -<p>All official papers now passed through his -hands and the lad found himself in very intimate -relations with his revered captain.</p> - -<p>It seemed to him, sometimes, that there -were some of his shipmates who were less -friendly.</p> - -<p>“It may be my imagination,” he thought. -“I have not been entirely honest and my -conscience feels guilty for concealing my -secret.”</p> - -<p>In the midst of these thoughts, the wireless -operator brought him a message, just received -from the flag-ship.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_80">[80]</span>He glanced casually at the bit of pink paper, -then his eyes opened wide with excitement -as he read the words of the message.</p> - -<p>“Prepare your ship immediately for sea. -Destination La Boca, Verazala, South America. -Revolution in progress. Your confidential -orders are being prepared and will be sent over -directly.”</p> - -<p>Hastily entering the cabin, he placed the -message in his chief’s hand.</p> - -<p>The captain read slowly, and then rang the -bell for his orderly.</p> - -<p>“Show this to Mr. Penfield,” he said -quietly. “Tell him to make all arrangements. -We shall sail inside of four hours.”</p> - -<p>Phil marveled at the cool manner in which -the captain had received these sudden orders.</p> - -<p>After forty years’ service, he would understand -that such orders as these were too frequent -in the course of a navy man’s life to -cause more than passing surprise. Captain -Taylor had received orders as suddenly to go -around the world. Why should he show surprise -at a small matter of a couple of thousand -miles.</p> - -<p>Phil took an important part in the preparations<span class="pagenum" id="Page_81">[81]</span> -for carrying out these sudden orders. -Inside the allotted time all was ready. The -written orders and instructions were sealed in -the captain’s desk, ready to be opened and -studied at leisure on the way south.</p> - -<p>While the “Connecticut” steamed past her -seven mates, the marines and band were -drawn up on each to salute her as she sailed -by, officers and men waving good-byes to -friends. Phil’s pulse beat faster.</p> - -<p>“This is a great life, Syd,” he cried joyously -to his companion standing by him on the -quarter-deck. “Who of us thought ten hours -ago that this evening would see us bound for -South America.”</p> - -<p>The next morning Captain Taylor and Mr. -Penfield sat at the cabin table, reading and -discussing the import of the lengthy written -instructions from the Navy Department and -admiral.</p> - -<p>Phil stood by, pencil and paper in hand, -ready to write down the plan these experienced -officers were about to draw up.</p> - -<p>Each of the high-ranking officers read the -letters carefully, weighing every word. Then -Mr. Penfield waited for his superior to speak.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_82">[82]</span>“This promises to be a very delicate business, -Penfield,” the captain commenced. -“The insurgents are said not to be very strong -at present, but it seems they are receiving arms -from the United States, which has greatly embarrassed -our relations with the government -of the republic. Official telegrams from the -minister, our representative, report the insurgents -a lawless band led by an outlaw called -Ruiz. The minister fears if the city should -be captured much valuable foreign and American -property will be destroyed by the rebels, -who cannot control their soldiers. This state -of affairs may involve our country seriously. -In upholding the Monroe Doctrine it will -insist on a policy of non-interference by -foreign governments, but where neutral property -is destroyed, due to the weakness of the -government of Verazala to control these internal -disorders, restitution to the injured must -be guaranteed by our government.”</p> - -<p>“I can read in the tone of the letter,” said -Mr. Penfield, speaking slowly and deliberately, -“a purpose to uphold the government through -this rebellion.”</p> - -<p>“Yes,” answered Captain Taylor, “our policy<span class="pagenum" id="Page_83">[83]</span> -has always been, in dealing with these rebellions, -to uphold the government. If the -rebels win the upheaval is very disastrous to -our moneyed interests and harmful to our -friendly relations with the citizens of the republic. -Our country believes, and justly, that -it is a crime to change the government through -bloodshed, and has ever counseled the honest -use of the ballot-box to obtain the most popular -candidate for president. But, as this system -of suffrage does not appeal to the people -here, who place the military before all else, it -is our duty to do what is in our power to assure -the defeat of this rascal Ruiz; but we -must do it so cleverly that the insurgents will -never know that our government was unfriendly -to them.”</p> - -<p>“Then what is your plan, sir?” asked Mr. -Penfield, much mystified.</p> - -<p>“Our government,” answered the captain, -decidedly, “having taken the side of the present -government of the republic, it is our purpose -to see that the rebels receive no aid from -the outside world.”</p> - -<p>“You do not mean that we shall actually -aid the government?” asked Mr. Penfield.<span class="pagenum" id="Page_84">[84]</span> -“Our letter there,” pointing to the mass of -correspondence on the table, “enjoins the -strictest neutrality.”</p> - -<p>The captain laughed.</p> - -<p>“No,” he answered, “not aid them openly, -but shut our eye to what they do, and seek -diligently for this leak by which the rebels -are receiving arms from our country.”</p> - -<p>“What is it, Mr. Perry?” the captain added, -surprising a look on the lad’s face that told he -had a question he would gladly ask.</p> - -<p>“I’d like to volunteer to find out from -where the arms come, sir,” he replied eagerly.</p> - -<p>“That you will,” agreed the captain, smiling -at the enthusiastic boy. “I shall depend -upon you young men to ferret this out and -stop up the hole through which this aid -comes.”</p> - -<p>Phil’s hand trembled with excitement as it -took down the plan devised by the captain -and his executive officer. It included a -guard for the legations, the home of the minister, -and all foreign property of value. Lazar, -on account of his linguistic attainments, was -to have charge, and Marshall and Morrison -were to be his assistants. Phil was to have<span class="pagenum" id="Page_85">[85]</span> -the “Vidette,” a large sixty foot steamer, at -his disposal, and Sydney was to accompany -him.</p> - -<p>Bristling with his important news, he found -his roommate in their room, hard at work -brushing up his Spanish.</p> - -<p>“Good work, Syd,” Phil cried, glancing at -the book in Sydney’s hand; “we are both going -to have lots of practice with that tongue;” -and then he recited to him the news.</p> - -<p>Sydney was delighted and showed it by -pounding his roommate over the back with -his book; then he flung it on the bunk and -opened a drawer, disclosing two handsomely -mounted Colt revolvers.</p> - -<p>“My graduation present from dad,” he replied -to the questioning glance; “aren’t they -beauties? I am going to give you one; they -are so much handier than our large navy revolvers.”</p> - -<p>“I couldn’t think of receiving one,” Phil -replied gratefully. “I don’t believe we need -to carry arms at all, and if we do, it would be -wiser to carry them openly.”</p> - -<p>“I shall insist, Phil,” urged Sydney. “Give -it back when you have no further use for it.<span class="pagenum" id="Page_86">[86]</span> -But you must see there may be times, in -secret work, where we might wish to be considered -unarmed civilians, and in a country -in the throes of revolution, it’s much safer to -have one of these little persuaders handy.”</p> -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_87">[87]</span> - -<h2 class="nobreak">CHAPTER VI<br /> - - -<small>SECRET SERVICE</small></h2> -</div> - -<p><span class="smcap">Three</span> days of steady steaming brought the -“Connecticut” within the tropics.</p> - -<p>The sea was as peaceful as the waters of a -lake and the sun overhead shone down with -pitiless severity.</p> - -<p>“All hands” were now dressed in white uniforms, -which made them comfortable enough -on deck under the cool shade of an awning, -but below decks the heat from the engines -and boilers was stifling.</p> - -<p>The two friends spent most of their leisure -hours in the open air and at night rolled -themselves in their blankets on the clean -white deck.</p> - -<p>One evening they had made themselves -comfortable for the night and were both speculating -upon what was in store for them in the -land of turmoil to which they were journeying.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_88">[88]</span>“Did you notice the sailorman,” asked -Sydney, “who has been walking past here as -if he were trying to find out who we are?”</p> - -<p>“I didn’t notice,” replied Phil sleepily; -“it’s probably one of the messengers searching -for some officer who is avoiding the heat -as we are doing by sleeping on deck.”</p> - -<p>“Maybe so,” Sydney answered, “but it appeared -to me he scrutinized us very closely, -although he must have seen immediately who -we were. That light behind us makes us -plainly visible.”</p> - -<p>“We are accustomed to the darkness,” answered -Phil, with a yawn, “while he has probably -just come out of the light.”</p> - -<p>Sydney was not at all satisfied with the explanation -and would have continued the argument, -but Phil’s even breathing showed his -companion was perfectly satisfied with the -solution.</p> - -<p>They had been asleep but a short time -when one of the heavy tropical rain-storms, -which seem to be ever present on the horizon -in these waters, burst upon the ship, surprising -the boys, who had not noticed the gathering -clouds earlier in the night. They saw<span class="pagenum" id="Page_89">[89]</span> -with regret that they must seek other shelter -or else sleep the remainder of the night below -in their heated stateroom.</p> - -<p>“I am going below, Syd. I am sleepy -enough to sleep even in the heat,” said Phil, -gathering his bedding and disappearing down -the hatchway.</p> - -<p>He groped his way across the dark passageway, -sleepily feeling for the door of his stateroom.</p> - -<p>Suddenly he collided heavily with a figure -which sent him reeling across the deck. His -hand struck the side of the bulkhead and he -saved himself a fall.</p> - -<p>In the dark he could just distinguish a -white figure as it dashed through the door -of the mess room and disappeared under the -multitude of sleeping-hammocks on the -berth deck.</p> - -<p>What could it mean? What was this man -doing in his room?</p> - -<p>Sydney came in after Phil had turned on -the light and was told of the experience.</p> - -<p>“See if any of your valuables are missing?” -he suggested. “Mine are here on the -bureau all in plain sight.”</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_90">[90]</span>Phil had been rummaging through his desk. -He now turned a smiling face to Sydney.</p> - -<p>“You were right, Syd,” he laughed, “the -locket is gone. He did risk detection to gain -possession of it. But it doesn’t matter, I can -never forget the girl’s face. I have looked at -it a hundred times in the last few days.”</p> - -<p>“The man of the locket and the fellow -who was watching us on deck are one and the -same,” Sydney exclaimed, proud of his perception.</p> - -<p>“Probably so,” answered Phil, “but that -doesn’t help us; he was clever enough not to -be recognized.”</p> - -<p>The boys, in spite of the incident, soon fell -asleep, and when they awakened the “Connecticut” -had anchored inside the break-water -at La Boca.</p> - -<p>It was but a short time after sunrise when -they stood together at the rail gazing intently -on their surroundings.</p> - -<p>“So this is South America,” said Sydney -finally; “it looks just like any other country, -doesn’t it?”</p> - -<p>“Yes, but there is a difference,” answered -Phil, meditatively; “for instance, see that<span class="pagenum" id="Page_91">[91]</span> -native boatman sculling along as if he had a -week to reach his destination; then look over -there at the coal pile on the mole. There are -nearly enough men to actually eat the coal, -yet they are not doing as much work as ten -good Americans. We are in the land of -‘Mañana’ (to-morrow). No one wishes to -work too hard to-day, for he wishes to save -enough to do to-morrow.”</p> - -<p>“We are not the first nation to send a war-ship -here, I see,” said Captain Taylor, joining -the boys in their study of the harbor. -“There is a German cruiser over yonder and a -Frenchman is anchored just astern of us, and -our wireless operator has been in communication -with a British ship for some hours. She -is on her way from Barbadoes. It seems we -are to have an interesting time.”</p> - -<p>Phil was impatient to ask the captain when -their work would commence, but he desisted. -It were better the captain should broach the -subject.</p> - -<p>“I hope you lads have the ‘lingo’ at your -tongue’s tip,” the captain remarked smilingly. -“You won’t find much English spoken here, -and a little Spanish is a necessity.”</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_92">[92]</span>“Yes, sir,” they both agreed.</p> - -<p>Phil could not contain himself longer.</p> - -<p>“When can we start on our work, sir?” he -asked.</p> - -<p>“Such zeal I have never seen before,” answered -the captain, a merry twinkle in his -eyes. “Soon enough, lad,” he added gravely. -“I hope nothing happens to you youngsters. -I almost fear I am wrong in not sending -older and maybe wiser heads to do this -work.”</p> - -<p>“Oh, no, sir,” Phil and Sydney cried together; -then Phil added, “We are old enough, -sir; we are nearly twenty.”</p> - -<p>“Nearly twenty,” roared the skipper in -merriment. “You are both mere infants in -the wicked ways of these people here, but it -will be an excellent lesson for you. When I -was your age,” he added, “it was during the -Civil War, many times I did work that in -these days of peace never comes to men of -your age.”</p> - -<p>The captain left them to receive the foreign -officers who were coming alongside to pay the -customary visit of courtesy to a senior commanding -officer.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_93">[93]</span>Some hours later Phil and Sydney received -orders to prepare themselves to accompany -Captain Taylor ashore to pay his respects to -the United States Minister to Verazala.</p> - -<p>As they left the ship in the speedy “Vidette,” -our lads felt that a new and interesting life -was opening before them. Were they not to -have a hand in the affairs of their great nation?</p> - -<p>They found the minister’s carriage awaiting -them at the landing, and were driven rapidly -amid staring crowds of natives through the -narrow streets of the city.</p> - -<p>The carriage drew up at a large house on a -hill overlooking the harbor. The coat of arms, -emblazoned on the door, was enough evidence -that inside was the inviolable territory of the -United States of America.</p> - -<p>“Ah, captain,” cried the Honorable Robert -Henderson, as he grasped the hands of the -three officers in turn, “your fine ship carrying -that grand old flag was a welcome sight -when we awoke this morning. A great weight -has been lifted from my mind.”</p> - -<p>“We came down at full speed, sir,” replied -Captain Taylor, courteously, “and now we are<span class="pagenum" id="Page_94">[94]</span> -at your service, every man of us. You have -but to command me.”</p> - -<p>The old diplomat swallowed a lump in his -throat before replying.</p> - -<p>“Captain Taylor, you cannot imagine the -delight it gives us exiles to feel that we have -so many brave American hearts so near at -hand. I pray there will be no need to resort -to force, but affairs appear to be more serious -than I should wish. The rebel army is but a -league from the city, and awaits an opportunity -to attack. Their leader, General Ruiz, is a -cutthroat and unfit for the high office of -president of the republic. My most trustworthy -informant tells me the rebels are losing -strength daily and so I have informed the -State Department, but affairs lately have led -me to believe that their strength has been underestimated. -I should greatly deplore the -city being taken by these brigands, for I fear -much valuable property will be destroyed by -their undisciplined followers.”</p> - -<p>“There seems nothing for us to do, save -await developments?” asked the captain, having -followed closely the minister’s explanation -of the situation.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_95">[95]</span>“No, there is nothing,” he answered promptly. -“I have a faithful vice-consul, who keeps me -well informed of the movements on both sides. -He is a naturalized American citizen. His -name is Isidro Juarez. He has lived here -many years and seems to have friends in both -armies. I trust him implicitly. I shall keep -you daily informed so that we may act -promptly in an emergency.”</p> - -<p>“Does the minister know that arms for the -insurgents are coming from the United States?” -asked Phil of the captain as they drove back -to the boat landing.</p> - -<p>“He made no mention of it,” he answered. -“If his information is really trustworthy, he -must know it.”</p> - -<p>On arriving on board ship, Phil was called -upon to make a boarding call to the American -mail steamer, just arrived from New York.</p> - -<p>Buckling on his sword, the badge of official -duty, he descended the gangway. As he was -about to step into the “Vidette” alongside, he -glanced up and saw O’Neil was at the helm.</p> - -<p>“Well,” he cried with pleasure, “so you -have had a promotion too; I am mighty glad -to see you in my boat. This is going to be<span class="pagenum" id="Page_96">[96]</span> -my boat while here,” he confided in a lower -tone, “and I know of no one whom I would -rather have than you, O’Neil.”</p> - -<p>The coxswain beamed with pleasure.</p> - -<p>“Thank you, Mr. Perry,” he answered -abashed. “It’s a great honor you are paying -me, sir.”</p> - -<p>After getting alongside the anchored merchantman, -Phil mounted the gangway ladder -to the main deck.</p> - -<p>There he was received cordially by her -captain.</p> - -<p>“Glad to be acquainted with you,” he said, -shaking the lad’s hand. “It does me good -to see our fine big ships in foreign ports. -These dagos here are a hundred per cent. -more civil already.”</p> - -<p>He led the way to his cabin and gave Phil -the information which the custom of the -naval service requires be obtained upon visiting -American merchantmen in foreign ports.</p> - -<p>“No, you cannot be of any assistance to -me,” answered the captain to Phil’s inquiry; -“but it’s great to see her over there. Why, she -could blow this whole town into pieces in a -half hour, and she would, too, if it were<span class="pagenum" id="Page_97">[97]</span> -necessary, wouldn’t she?” the captain interrogated, -warmed to his theme.</p> - -<p>A uniformed official appeared at this -moment to speak to him.</p> - -<p>“Come in, Baldwin. This is a young -officer from the battle-ship,” the captain announced; -“Mr. Baldwin is our purser.”</p> - -<p>“The legation steam launch is alongside -for the minister’s freight,” the purser reported. -“Mr. Juarez is in her to sign the receipts for -the bills of lading. Shall I deliver it at once? -There are about twenty heavy packages.”</p> - -<p>“Very well, Baldwin, go right ahead,” replied -the captain. Then turning to Phil, as the -purser withdrew: “A diplomatic officer has -a privilege which no one else has; his freight -can be landed direct; everything else must -go through the custom-house ashore and be -inspected.”</p> - -<p>The captain excused himself shortly but -insisted that Phil should make himself at -home.</p> - -<p>“Take a look about the ship,” he said -proudly; “she’s not as big as yours yonder, -but she is a stanch one for this trade.”</p> - -<p>Phil was glad to have an excuse to remain.<span class="pagenum" id="Page_98">[98]</span> -He had heard something to arouse his -curiosity.</p> - -<p>“I shall have a look at this Juarez and his -boxes,” he mused as he followed the captain -on deck.</p> - -<p>Stepping to the high rail, he glanced down -on a large launch, lying alongside the ship -abreast her forward cargo hatch. Big boxes -were being hoisted out of the hold by the -ship’s derrick and landed on the smaller vessel’s -deck. Phil saw a short heavily built -man, dressed in white clothes, with a wide -brimmed panama set over a massive head. He -was superintending the landing of the boxes.</p> - -<p>This man Phil knew must be Juarez, the -minister’s confidential vice-consul.</p> - -<p>Phil descended to the lower deck in order -to be nearer the work of landing the cargo. -He also wanted to have a better look at this man.</p> - -<p>He found a convenient air port not ten feet -from the launch, where he could see unobserved -by those on board it.</p> - -<p>There were a number of very heavy packages -and the small natives on the deck of -the launch strained and pulled to find deck -space for them all.</p> - - -<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/i_098.jpg" alt="" /></div> -<p class="drop-cap"><i>HE FOUND A CONVENIENT<br /> -AIR PORT</i></p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_99">[99]</span>Phil saw a small native fishing-boat, her -sail flapping idly in the gentle breeze, move -slowly and with deliberation over the tranquil -water, edging in toward the launch.</p> - -<p>The vice-consul seemed not to observe it, -but Phil saw the eagerness on the fisherman’s -face. He watched the scene with rising -pulse.</p> - -<p>The boat drifted foot by foot to within ten -feet of the launch.</p> - -<p>Juarez busied himself at the strap of a large -box in the stern of the launch nearest the -fisherman.</p> - -<p>Phil saw the fisherman make a swift move -with his hand, and saw a white object fall on -the launch’s deck at Juarez’s feet. Juarez -lifted one foot carelessly and placed it fairly -on the object.</p> - -<p>The fisherman put his helm over and -hauled taut his sheet. The sails quickly -filled and the boat glided swiftly toward the -harbor’s mouth.</p> - -<p>Juarez stooped down and rising, thrust his -hands in his pockets.</p> - -<p>Phil felt every nerve thrill. His secret -service had begun under a lucky star.</p> -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_100">[100]</span> - -<h2 class="nobreak">CHAPTER VII<br /> - - -<small>AN IMPORTANT DISCOVERY</small></h2> -</div> - -<p><span class="smcap">Returning</span> to the “Connecticut,” Phil told -his remarkable experiences to Sydney.</p> - -<p>“Phil, I believe we have blundered upon -the way in which these insurgents are receiving -their arms,” he replied excitedly.</p> - -<p>“I am sure of it,” answered Phil; “and -to think that our good minister’s name is -being used in such a way. We must intercept -these boxes before they reach their -destination.”</p> - -<p>“One thing is certain,” Sydney insisted; -“the minister’s name will be removed from -the boxes before they are sent to the insurgents. -Juarez is too clever to allow himself -to be discovered in this risky undertaking.”</p> - -<p>“You are right,” agreed Phil, “and that -means Juarez will land the boxes on shore -here and remove all marks of identification. -Come, we must find where the minister’s -launch will land and try to discover when<span class="pagenum" id="Page_101">[101]</span> -they will attempt to smuggle the arms to the -insurgents. It will be by water, surely, for -he wouldn’t dare attempt to pass through -the lines of the loyal army with his bulky -packages.”</p> - -<p>Having received the required permission, -the lads landed again on the great iron pier -of La Boca.</p> - -<p>They were both dressed in civilians’ clothes, -but in this town of so few strangers, they -were recognized immediately as coming from -one of the men-of-war in port.</p> - -<p>They walked up the water front, examining -each wharf as they passed.</p> - -<p>“There she is, Syd,” cried Phil, grasping -his friend’s arm and pointing to a good-sized -black launch tied up to a long dock running -out into the bay.</p> - -<p>“Careful,” Sydney cautioned; “don’t destroy -our usefulness by being too much interested. -There may be unfriendly eyes looking -at us this very minute. Let’s stroll down and -see what she is doing there.”</p> - -<p>The boys sauntered down the wharf. They -saw that the boxes had been removed from -the launch.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_102">[102]</span>“Those boxes are inside that warehouse,” -announced Sydney, indicating a door abreast -the launch. The warehouse was a long one, -built on the jutting dock.</p> - -<p>“La Fitte and Company,” murmured Phil, -reading the name in large gilt letters over -the door of the warehouse. “Where have I -heard of that firm?”</p> - -<p>“Why, that’s the firm,” cried Sydney, surprisedly, -“that has been trying to get the -concession of the Pitch Lakes away from the -American Syndicate. I begin to see a reason -for Juarez’s intrigue.”</p> - -<p>“I don’t understand,” returned Phil, who -had not followed Sydney’s thoughts.</p> - -<p>“It’s perfectly clear,” said Sydney, convincedly. -“La Fitte and Company are composed -of foreigners, mostly Frenchmen; they -have engaged Juarez to do the work of prejudicing -the insurgents against Americans. If -this rascal succeeds and the insurgents gain -the reins of government, the concession will -be taken from the American Syndicate and -given to La Fitte and Company. This -concession right is a very valuable one, -worth many millions of dollars a year to<span class="pagenum" id="Page_103">[103]</span> -those who are lucky enough to obtain -it.”</p> - -<p>“Syd, you are a wonder,” cried Phil, admiringly. -“Come, we have no more business -here.”</p> - -<p>They turned about and walked past the -unloaded launch.</p> - -<p>The vice-consul, who had been inside the -warehouse, came to the door as our lads passed.</p> - -<p>He glanced at them, a startled look on his -face, then he smilingly raised his hat.</p> - -<p>“Good-morning,” he greeted in English, -with a marked foreign accent. “You are off -the ‘Connecticut,’ no? We are delighted to -see our flag on such a fine large ship. If I -can be of the slightest service I shall be highly -honored,” he added in the suave tones of a -Spanish grandee.</p> - -<p>Our boys stopped and returned his greeting, -thanking him for his considerate offer. -Then they continued their walk.</p> - -<p>Phil looked over his shoulder and surprised -a sinister expression on Juarez’s face, before -he could hide it in a smile of parting.</p> - -<p>“I am sorry that fellow saw us; he may suspect -that we know something of his secret,”<span class="pagenum" id="Page_104">[104]</span> -confided Phil, as he and Sydney regained the -street of the water front.</p> - -<p>They had been on board their ship but a -short while when the minister’s launch, with -his flag flying in the bow, was reported heading -for the “Connecticut.”</p> - -<p>The marine guard and the band were -quickly paraded on the quarter-deck and the -officers, headed by Captain Taylor, all in full -uniform, were at the gangway to do honor to -the high American official.</p> - -<p>The vice-consul accompanied the minister, -and as he followed his chief through the formality -of hand-shaking, Phil saw him grasp -Lazar’s hand cordially and tell him in Spanish -how glad he was to see him again.</p> - -<p>Lazar smiled in his cold way, but Phil -thought the ensign did not seem overjoyed to -renew the acquaintance.</p> - -<p>“So Lazar has known this scoundrel before,” -thought Phil. “I wonder how much -he knows of him.”</p> - -<p>The thought was answered soon enough, -and in a way that showed Lazar in his true -character.</p> - -<p>Phil had gone below to his room and was<span class="pagenum" id="Page_105">[105]</span> -writing his weekly letter home, which of late -his new and eventful life had caused him to -neglect.</p> - -<p>He was seated at his desk under the ventilator -shaft, which brought fresh air from above. -It opened into one of the numerous ventilator-cowls -on the quarter-deck.</p> - -<p>He could hear indistinctly above him the -voices of two men, pacing the quarter-deck, -but they did not disturb him until they -stopped directly over his ventilator shaft, and -he recognized at once the voices of Lazar and -the vice-consul.</p> - -<p>“So your precious conscience hurts you, -does it?” the vice-consul was saying.</p> - -<p>“It’s not a question of that,” Lazar’s voice -answered, “and you know it, Juarez. But -smuggling is too risky. I had a narrow escape -from detection in New York a year ago, -getting your goods ashore, and I don’t wish to -go through that worry again.”</p> - -<p>“You made a handsome sum out of it, -didn’t you?” Juarez’s voice questioned.</p> - -<p>“Not so loud,” Lazar cautioned, “it’s too -dangerous; if this were known, I’d lose my -commission.”</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_106">[106]</span>“You are losing your nerve, Lazar,” the vice-consul’s -voice sneered; “there is no one about.”</p> - -<p>“You can’t tell, and anyway, this is not the -place to discuss such matters,” Lazar said decidedly.</p> - -<p>“As you please, but, by the way, I might -as well tell you; I know you dare not betray -me,” the vice-consul’s voice said menacingly, -“and I need your help.”</p> - -<p>The speakers changed their positions -slightly and their voices failed to carry distinctly -to the eager eavesdropper.</p> - -<p>Phil trembled with expectancy at the startling -intelligence he had received.</p> - -<p>So Lazar had been tempted to do something -for which his commission would be forfeited if -found out. What a terrible weapon to hold -over his enemy if he continued his persecution. -What was the secret Juarez had confided -to Lazar? The arms surely.</p> - -<p>The voices had now died out entirely, and -a shuffling of feet on deck told Phil that the -minister was ready to leave the ship.</p> - -<p>He told Sydney all he had heard as soon as -they had returned to their room after the departure -of the American minister.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_107">[107]</span>“I am not surprised,” exclaimed Sydney, -when Phil had finished his story. “Lazar is -capable of anything evil. We have another -person to reckon with, however, in this arms -smuggling. If he suspects we are attempting -to intercept them, Lazar will, in hatred of -you, try to defeat your plan.”</p> - -<p>“Hadn’t we better confide in Captain -Taylor?” questioned Phil. “We can thus cut -Lazar’s claws.”</p> - -<p>“We should not do that until we can prove -our story fully,” answered Sydney. “The -captain might believe our accusations were -true, but he could hardly act officially upon -them.”</p> - -<p>“It seems hard that such a scoundrel -should wear an officer’s uniform,” protested -the lad, “but I dare say you are right, Syd. -We must seek for more convincing evidence.”</p> - -<p>“What is your plan for to-night?” asked -Sydney, as he took his revolvers out of their -case and examined them critically.</p> - -<p>“I have decided to keep a watch during -the day, and if no vessel large enough to -carry the boxes leaves port before dark, then -to lie in wait in the ‘Vidette’ at the entrance<span class="pagenum" id="Page_108">[108]</span> -of the harbor, and overhaul any suspicious -craft that comes out of port.”</p> - -<p>“Excellent,” agreed Sydney. “I am quite -confident that Juarez will use a steamer; the -breeze is too light, and as he must go nearly -twenty miles by water to reach the insurgent -lines, a sailing vessel would be out of the -question. The note you saw thrown by the -native boatman undoubtedly set a rendezvous -for this evening. They will want to get -the arms to the insurgents as soon as possible.”</p> - -<p>Phil and Sydney made their preparations -quietly. O’Neil was called and told something -of what was going forward and ordered -to keep his launch, the “Vidette,” in readiness.</p> - -<p>All afternoon the lads spent on deck, casting -anxious glances toward the dock where -the minister’s launch was tied. There were a -number of other launches moving about the -harbor, but there was only one other large -enough to carry the boxes.</p> - -<p>About 7 <span class="allsmcap">P. M.</span>, the sun having set a half hour -before, it was dark enough to start, and -they appeared on deck.</p> - -<p>“We have the captain’s permission to use<span class="pagenum" id="Page_109">[109]</span> -the ‘Vidette,’” Phil reported to the officer -of the deck. “I have reported to Mr. Penfield. -Will you have her called away, sir?”</p> - -<p>Then Phil peered through the darkness, -the deck lights not being lighted as yet, and -saw Lazar was the officer of the deck.</p> - -<p>“What could he do to prevent our going?” -thought Phil nervously. “Nothing, he would -not dare.”</p> - -<p>“Very well, sir,” Lazar answered carelessly, -and then he ordered the bugler to “call the -‘Vidette’ away.”</p> - -<p>Ten minutes dragged by, and still the -“Vidette” hung at the lower boom, motionless -in the water.</p> - -<p>A launch steamed by the battle-ship at fair -speed, standing out of the harbor. Phil and -Sydney strained their eyes in an endeavor to -discover its identity, but the night was too -dark and it was soon lost sight of in the -distance.</p> - -<p>Phil felt sure it was the cargo of arms. He -could suppress his impatience no longer.</p> - -<p>“Mr. Lazar,” he spoke abruptly, “may I -go and find out what is holding the -‘Vidette’?”</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_110">[110]</span>“No, sir, I shall find out in plenty of -time,” he sneered. “You young gentlemen -seem to be in great haste.”</p> - -<p>Finally he hailed the “Vidette” and inquired -what was the trouble.</p> - -<p>An answer came back in O’Neil’s voice.</p> - -<p>“We can’t get any water in the boiler; the -feed pump is jammed, sir,” he cried, in exasperation.</p> - -<p>Phil’s heart sank. There was the prize -slipping away before their very eyes. He -knew that this must be Lazar’s work.</p> - -<p>Turning quickly he rushed to the cabin -and unannounced burst in upon the commanding -officer.</p> - -<p>“Some one has deliberately disabled the -‘Vidette,’” he cried excitedly. “I can’t tell -you why now, but believe me, sir, it is very -important for us to get away at once. I -asked the officer of the deck, Mr. Lazar, for -permission to go down into the boat, but he -refuses.”</p> - -<p>The captain glanced up startled, a look of -annoyance on his face. Then he realized that -the lad was in deadly earnest.</p> - -<p>Picking up his cap he led the way on deck.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_111">[111]</span>“Mr. Lazar,” he ordered sternly, “allow -these two young gentlemen to go down into -the ‘Vidette’ immediately.”</p> - -<p>Lazar hesitated but an instant.</p> - -<p>“Certainly, sir. If you say so,” he answered -with a wave of the hand to the waiting -lads.</p> - -<p>The two boys scrambled hastily down the -Jacob’s ladder from the lower boom on to the -deck of the “Vidette.” Phil made his way -to the machinery space.</p> - -<p>The engineer and fireman were bending -over the little feed pump, which supplied the -boiler with water.</p> - -<p>Phil glanced at the gauge glass; there was -no water showing. He tried the test-cocks, -then looked quickly at the steam -gauge.</p> - -<p>“The boiler is half full of water, but there -is only fifty pounds pressure, and the fires are -hauled,” he cried angrily.</p> - -<p>“Put back your fire,” he shouted to the fireman, -pushing him fiercely toward the furnace, -then he started in himself to get the feed pump -running.</p> - -<p>O’Neil stood by petrified with astonishment<span class="pagenum" id="Page_112">[112]</span> -at the way he pitched into the intricacies -of the machinery.</p> - -<p>“The engineer’s a new one, sir,” he whispered -to Phil. “I don’t believe he knows -much about this kind of engine. The officer -of the deck took our regular engineer out and -put this man in about an hour ago.”</p> - -<p>Phil had been too much occupied trying to -find the trouble to grasp the meaning of the -coxswain’s words.</p> - -<p>He followed up each pipe and made every -test he had been taught at Annapolis to use -in finding the trouble with these machines.</p> - -<p>“We are beaten,” he cried despondently to -Sydney, at his wit’s end.</p> - -<p>The minutes flew by.</p> - -<p>Then he gave a shout of joy, as he saw a -tiny steel wedge jammed in between the moving -parts of the pump.</p> - -<p>A tap with a hammer and the pump -started up, pumping precious water into the -boiler.</p> - -<p>In but a few minutes more the “Vidette” -had cast off her line and was steaming with -ever increasing speed toward the entrance to -the harbor.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_113">[113]</span>Both lads scanned the horizon to seaward. -There was nothing in sight.</p> - -<p>“It’s like looking for a needle in a haystack,” -Phil exclaimed dejectedly. “We don’t -even know which way they turned when they -reached the entrance.”</p> - -<p>“Begging your pardon, sir,” O’Neil interrupted -earnestly, “there ain’t but one place -for her to go, and that is to Mariel. I ran on -a line of coasting steamers once and I know -somewhat of the water about here. There -ain’t no place to land the other way for fifty -miles.”</p> - -<p>“O’Neil, you are a trump,” cried Phil, much -relieved. “We may catch her yet; she has -over a half hour’s start, but we have four -knots better speed.”</p> - -<p>Reaching the harbor mouth, O’Neil put his -helm hard astarboard and headed the “Vidette” -to the westward along the coast line.</p> - -<p>“How close to shore can we run?” asked -Sydney, addressing the coxswain.</p> - -<p>“After we round the next point of land, -sir, as close as you please,” he answered.</p> - -<p>The minutes dragged heavily along. The -point was reached and rounded, then the<span class="pagenum" id="Page_114">[114]</span> -“Vidette” was headed to close with the shore -line.</p> - -<p>“What is that on the bow there?” Phil -asked anxiously, pointing to a dark shadow -on the dimly lighted water.</p> - -<p>There was not a doubt but that it was the -prize scudding along. Great volumes of smoke -poured from her stack. The smoke had betrayed -her presence. She was too distant for -her hull to be visible.</p> - -<p>“Hold your course,” cried Phil joyously. -“We can head her off on this line.”</p> - -<p>Sydney took from his pockets his Colt revolvers -and laid them beside the big navy -Colts.</p> - -<p>“Have you the rifles, O’Neil?” he asked.</p> - -<p>“That I have, sir, and a hundred rounds -of ammunition for each one,” replied the -faithful man; “and me and Johnson there -know how to use them.”</p> - -<p>“Well, I trust it won’t be necessary,” said -Phil immensely pleased, “but it’s better to be -sure than sorry.”</p> - -<p>The “Vidette” drew up slowly on the fleeing -launch.</p> - -<p>“They are surely making for Mariel,”<span class="pagenum" id="Page_115">[115]</span> -O’Neil announced, “and we can catch them -before they reach there.”</p> - -<p>Of a sudden the engines, which had -been running perfectly, suddenly seemed to -slow.</p> - -<p>Phil was on his feet in an instant.</p> - -<p>“What is it?” he asked anxiously.</p> - -<p>The engineer looked up, showing a white, -scared face in the dim light of the solitary -lantern.</p> - -<p>“Running a little hot, sir,” he replied -haltingly.</p> - -<p>Phil felt the moving parts. They were -cool. He looked up in surprise at the -engineer and saw him put his hand quickly -in his shirt.</p> - -<p>Impulsively he grabbed the man by the -wrist and held his hand to the light.</p> - -<p>“Sand!” he cried in anger.</p> - -<p>“Get this man out of here, O’Neil,” he suddenly -ordered, forcibly pushing him from the -engines and taking the man’s place at the -throttle.</p> - -<p>“None of your monkeying now,” O’Neil -assured the engineer. “You’ve given enough -trouble already.”</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_116">[116]</span>The engine bearings were thoroughly oiled -and the throttle opened wide. Fortunately, -Phil had detected the man in time, for if he -had succeeded in getting the smallest quantity -of sand in the bearings, the engines must -have stopped.</p> - -<p>The fleeing launch was now in plain sight, -but the landing at Mariel was but a half mile -away. He did not dare open fire on her. -Would he dare attempt to cut her out under -the eyes of the insurgents waiting their expected -guns?</p> - -<p>“Launch ahoy!” Phil hailed in Spanish.</p> - -<p>Silence.</p> - -<p>He hailed again and added: “I want to -speak to you!”</p> - -<p>From outward appearances, there was no -one on the launch, but black smoke poured -from her funnel and her white wake showed -she was making a final spurt.</p> - -<p>The bow of the “Vidette” was now inside -and abreast of the launch’s quarter. It slowly -moved forward. There was scarce ten feet of -open water between the two boats.</p> - -<p>With weapons in hand Phil and his men -waited.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_117">[117]</span>“Put her alongside,” Phil ordered, striving -to control the nervousness in his voice.</p> - -<p>The two launches came together, with -scarcely a jar, and steamed along as one boat.</p> - -<p>No one moved on the prize.</p> - -<p>O’Neil instinctively had swung his bow -around and headed the boats out from the -land now only a few hundred yards distant.</p> - -<p>Phil saw there were four men on the boat, -but his eyes fell with pleasure on the boxes.</p> - -<p>“Do you surrender?” Phil shouted fiercely -to the man at the wheel, only five feet away -from him.</p> - -<p>The man glanced in terror at the pistol -pointing at his head, in the hands of a gringo, -one of those whom he had been told could hit -a peso at a distance of a hundred metres.</p> - -<p>“Si, señor,” he answered tremblingly.</p> - -<p>As the two boats headed away, the whole -shore line near them burst into flame, and -the hiss of countless bullets sang warningly -about them. Suddenly the suspected engineer -threw up his hands and dropped to the deck.</p> -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_118">[118]</span> - -<h2 class="nobreak">CHAPTER VIII<br /> - - -<small>PRISONERS</small></h2> -</div> - -<p><span class="smcap">O’Neil</span> stuck manfully at his post, the bullets -showering around him as he stood exposed -at the tiller.</p> - -<p>Phil breathed more easily as the two -launches, now secured together, put sufficient -distance between them and the unfriendly -shore.</p> - -<p>The coxswain’s voice, raised anxiously, -caused our lad fresh alarm.</p> - -<p>“I fear he’s hit badly, sir,” he deplored, as -he raised a limp figure from the bottom of -the launch.</p> - -<p>Both boys were beside the wounded man in -an instant and quickly stripped him of his -blood-soaked clothing. In the light of a -bull’s-eye lantern, Phil examined the hole -made by an insurgent bullet.</p> - -<p>“Only a flesh wound,” he breathed, immensely -relieved; “the bullet went through -the fleshy part of the breast. He is stunned, -the blow was so near his heart.”</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_119">[119]</span>“Some water, quick,” ordered Sydney, -while Phil bandaged the wounded man with -strips of his own shirt.</p> - -<p>Water thrown on his face brought the man -back to consciousness.</p> - -<p>Phil left Sydney to make the wounded -sailor comfortable, and followed by O’Neil, -boarded the prize.</p> - -<p>“This is not the minister’s boat; this one -has a deck house, while his boat is flush -decked,” he gasped in the greatest alarm. -“What have we done?” Then he flashed his -light over the cargo. “The boxes are the same, -I can swear to that, and, as I supposed, all -marks have been removed. These are unaddressed.”</p> - -<p>The frightened crew, imagining, no doubt, -they were in the hands of pirates, were speechless -from terror. Juarez was not on board.</p> - -<p>“What launch is this?” demanded Phil, in -Spanish.</p> - -<p>“La Fitte and Company’s, señor,” replied, -cringingly, the native padron.</p> - -<p>“What have you here?” Phil asked flourishing -his revolver menacingly, “and where -were you taking them?”</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_120">[120]</span>“They contain machinery, señor, for Señor -La Fitte’s plantation at Mariel,” replied the -native coxswain, gaining confidence, seeing -his life was not in such imminent danger.</p> - -<p>Had they made a terrible mistake? Did -these boxes contain machinery only and no -arms? But why should they be sent addressed -to the United States Minister? Then the remembrance -of the hot fire, through which -they had just passed, dissipated all doubt. -They were surely contraband arms, but being -on board a launch which sailed under the flag -of the republic, the two lads were openly aiding -the government of the republic.</p> - -<p>“What shall I do?” Phil asked himself. -“I wish Captain Taylor were here; this situation -is too deep for me to solve.”</p> - -<p>Then he thought with anxiety of the -wounded man, an evidence of their expedition -which could not be concealed.</p> - -<p>He was glad when Sydney, who had been -attending the sailor, stood beside him on the -captured launch. He tersely explained to -him his discovery.</p> - -<p>“We must not set them free,” Sydney exclaimed -immediately. “We have gone too far<span class="pagenum" id="Page_121">[121]</span> -for that. You are confident that these same -boxes ten hours ago were marked for our minister, -and when we captured them they were -nearly in the hands of the insurgents. There -isn’t a doubt but that the boxes contain arms.”</p> - -<p>Picking up a hatchet lying on the deck of -the launch, Phil with a few swift strokes bared -the contents of the nearest box.</p> - -<p>Both lads peered in anxiously.</p> - -<p>“Colt automatic guns,” cried Phil, triumphantly. -“Why, this shipment is worth more -to the insurgents than ten thousand rifles. -The side which has these guns will win the -fight. There must be several batteries of them -packed in these cases.”</p> - -<p>No longer in doubt, Phil ordered O’Neil to -tow the launch back to the harbor of La Boca.</p> - -<p>They had been on the return but a short -time, when O’Neil’s voice disturbed the lads -deep in their own thoughts.</p> - -<p>“There is a launch heading this way, sir,” -he reported; “it looks like one of our steamers.”</p> - -<p>Phil was on his feet instantly peering through -the darkness ahead.</p> - -<p>“Ahoy, there,” from the approaching -launch; “what launch is that?”</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_122">[122]</span>“The ‘Vidette,’ sir,” Phil answered, greatly -relieved. He recognized Captain Taylor’s -voice and ordered O’Neil to stop and “lay to.”</p> - -<p>“Are you all right?” the captain hailed -anxiously.</p> - -<p>Phil hesitated an instant, then he thought -explanations could be made when he came on -board.</p> - -<p>“Yes, sir,” he answered.</p> - -<p>The steamer sheered up alongside the -“Vidette” and the captain stepped on board.</p> - -<p>“What have you done?” he inquired in -alarm as he saw for the first time the launch -in tow. “I felt uneasy after you had gone and -followed you in one of the ship’s steamers. I -heard the firing a few minutes ago and then -sighted you coming back. What does it -mean?” He stopped breathlessly in amazement.</p> - -<p>Phil was the first to speak. He quietly and -laconically outlined the incident from the -beginning, leaving out all that in any way -concerned Lazar.</p> - -<p>“And now, sir,” he said in conclusion, “I -am no longer in command. I am ready to -receive your orders, sir.”</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_123">[123]</span>Both lads saluted, and O’Neil seeing that -something was going forward raised his hand -also to his cap.</p> - -<p>“Bless me!” cried the captain, glancing at -his piratical crew in the glimmer of the -swinging lantern. They did look desperate; -each of the three was plentifully sprinkled -with the blood of the wounded man and Phil -was bared to the waist, his shirt having gone -to make a first-aid bandage.</p> - -<p>“What puzzled us,” began Phil, “is how -we are going to dispose of these arms. Of -course, we must set the launch free to-night.”</p> - -<p>“Exactly so,” exclaimed the captain; “that -is the question—what to do with the arms.”</p> - -<p>“Wouldn’t on board the ship be the safest -place?” questioned Sydney.</p> - -<p>“Undoubtedly,” returned the captain, “but -it wouldn’t do. I have it,” turning to Phil; -“you say you are positive these boxes came -on the steamer this morning addressed to our -minister; then we shall deliver them to him -at the legation.”</p> - -<p>“That is our best course, surely,” Phil -agreed. “But might not the minister refuse -to receive them, fearing that they might be<span class="pagenum" id="Page_124">[124]</span> -coveted by both sides, and thus precipitate an -attack on the legation?”</p> - -<p>“There would be no danger of that happening,” -answered the captain, “for I shall -send a guard ashore with the boxes, to remain -at the legation. I had intended waiting until -affairs became more serious, but the contents -of these boxes furnishes me with sufficient -reason to act at once.”</p> - -<p>O’Neil rang up full speed and the “Vidette,” -with her prize in tow, was again steaming for -the entrance to the harbor.</p> - -<p>Phil told the captain about the wounded -man, but refrained from mentioning his conduct -during the chase, and that kindly officer -insisted on speaking to the disabled sailor.</p> - -<p>“What is your name, my man?” he questioned -sympathetically.</p> - -<p>The engineer glanced up, showing a worried -face in the light of the oil lantern.</p> - -<p>“Joseph Craig, sir,” he answered.</p> - -<p>The excitement of the recent incident had -passed away and Phil’s thoughts now dwelt -on the curious action of the engineer. Why -had he tried to detain the “Vidette”? What -interest could he have in the captured arms?<span class="pagenum" id="Page_125">[125]</span> -He could arrive at but one conclusion: Joseph -Craig was a tool in the hands of Lazar.</p> - -<p>The “Vidette” and her prize were soon -alongside the battle-ship, and the captain -stepped on board, followed by the two boys.</p> - -<p>Lazar’s disappointed face gave them a taste -of real enjoyment, but the captain’s words -quickly turned the tables.</p> - -<p>“Send word to Mr. Penfield,” he ordered, -addressing Lazar, “that I desire to send the -guard for the legation ashore immediately. -You will go in charge, with Midshipmen Marshall -and Morrison as your assistants. The -guard will consist of fifty men. They must -take tenting and rations. The boxes in that -black launch contain machine guns and were -destined for the insurgent army; these are to -be taken to the legation and your sole duty is -to guard them safely.”</p> - -<p>Phil had half started to speak as he saw -Lazar’s face light up with triumph.</p> - -<p>“After all,” he thought, “he dare not deliver -up the guns. It would be worth his -commission at the very least. They are surely -safe in his hands.”</p> - -<p>“Now, Mr. Perry,” said the captain in<span class="pagenum" id="Page_126">[126]</span> -kindly tones, turning from the officer of -the deck to the waiting midshipmen, “you -and Mr. Monroe go below and turn in. You -have worked hard enough for one day. Mr. -Lazar can attend to everything. Your service, -gentlemen, has been highly gratifying and a -credit to the best traditions of American -midshipmen.”</p> - -<p>The lads went reluctantly below to their -room, much chagrined at the course affairs -had taken. Their enemy and a paid emissary -of the vice-consul in charge of the arms -they had worked so hard to capture. It -was deeply disappointing, but they felt powerless.</p> - -<p>“I couldn’t have interfered,” Phil argued -to himself as he lay in his bunk, “unless I -told the captain all, and what proof could -I have brought? Both Lazar and the vice-consul -would deny it.”</p> - -<p>Despite their excited experiences, our boys -were soon wrapt in profound slumber.</p> - -<p>They were awake early the next morning -and went about their routine duties on board -ship as if nothing had happened.</p> - -<p>The wounded engineer was placed in the<span class="pagenum" id="Page_127">[127]</span> -sick bay and the doctors announced he would -be ready for duty in a few days.</p> - -<p>A rumor that something extraordinary had -happened passed about the ship, but the captain -cautioned the strictest secrecy, and gave -out that he had landed the guard to be ready -in case the expected assault on the city should -prove successful.</p> - -<p>Phil, as he stood on the quarter-deck after -breakfast, could see the dozen or more khaki-colored -tents on Legation Hill, where Lazar’s -men were encamped.</p> - -<p>“Marshall and Morrison are there, I am -thankful to say,” he murmured. “Lazar will -have to reckon with two wide-awake men.”</p> - -<p>“Mr. Perry,” Captain Taylor said a few -moments later in his cabin, where Phil had -gone in answer to his summons, “I have -just received a message in cipher from the -Navy Department. It is of grave importance. -One which so closely concerns our government -that we must needs spare no effort to ascertain -the truth. The State Department -have reason to believe that affairs here are not -as represented by official despatches from the -minister. You have already unmasked one<span class="pagenum" id="Page_128">[128]</span> -villain, and undoubtedly it was he who has -misled the minister in his estimates of the -strength of the insurgents. I do not think it -advisable at this time to report to Washington -the perfidy of Juarez. Our minister believes, -as I do, that as we have the arms it is better -to say nothing at present. Juarez of course -has deserted and may be in the insurgent -camp. Or, still more likely, he sailed in the -American steamer this morning for Panama. -We must have, as soon as possible, reliable information -as to the strength of the rebellion. -It is this intelligence that I wish you to get -from the insurgent camp.”</p> - -<p>Phil listened attentively to the captain’s -lengthy explanation and instructions. His -pulse beat fast. Here was an opportunity he -had longed for, dreamed of. It was now -really true. He was going to the camp of an -army. He would see war.</p> - -<p>“The details I shall leave to you,” the captain -continued, smiling at the distinct delight -in the lad’s face. “Do not be too impetuous. -Remember it is hazardous work, and of such -a peculiar character that you may be deprived -of your right as a neutral. Mr. Monroe,<span class="pagenum" id="Page_129">[129]</span> -I am sure, will wish to go with you, and -I think you should have one other.”</p> - -<p>“May O’Neil go along, sir?” asked Phil, attempting -to conceal from the quiet captain his -boyish excitement.</p> - -<p>“Yes, certainly,” assented the captain -amusedly. “You seem to like O’Neil.”</p> - -<p>“Like him, sir,” cried he, in admiration, -“why he is the finest type of American sailorman -I have ever met.”</p> - -<p>“I am glad you have so much discernment,” -the captain said smilingly; “it is rare at your -age. That is also my opinion of him.” He -reached down, and from his desk, took up a -sheet of oiled paper, with an engraving at the -top and the seal of the United States across its -face.</p> - -<p>“I believe,” he said generously, “that he -would rather have this at your hands than -mine. Give this to boatswain’s mate O’Neil.”</p> - -<p>Phil ran from the cabin in joyful haste, -after thanking the captain as if he himself had -received the promotion.</p> - -<p>He found O’Neil in his quarters and pressed -the paper upon him.</p> - -<p>The new boatswain’s mate’s eyes opened wide<span class="pagenum" id="Page_130">[130]</span> -with surprise, and his face was flushed with -delight.</p> - -<p>“I congratulate you, O’Neil,” Phil cried. -“You deserve it, and more too.”</p> - -<p>O’Neil’s voice was husky with manly -emotion, as he thanked the young officer.</p> - -<p>“I shan’t forget your kindness,” he said -gratefully.</p> - -<p>A few hours later three travelers passed -along the narrow streets of La Boca in the direction -of the suburbs. Each carried a small -bundle in one hand and a climbing stick in -the other. Their clothes were old and worn -as if their owners were accustomed to much -tramping over a rough country. They passed -without hindrance through the successive -lines of defense of the loyal army. Walking -Englishmen were frequent and their costumes -bore out the part.</p> - -<p>Leaving the city behind them, they -traveled along the military road, running -parallel to the sea. Its sides were lined with -high tropical vegetation, with here and there -a hut nestling in a clearing, but all were -deserted. They were between the lines of -the two armies.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_131">[131]</span>A quarter of a mile down the road a dark -object came into view, standing like an abandoned -wagon in the middle of the sun-baked -road-bed.</p> - -<p>“Artillery,” Phil cried; “now look out for -a challenge.”</p> - -<p>“I hope they don’t shoot first and challenge -afterward, like Cuban guerrillas,” said O’Neil -calmly.</p> - -<p>As the three came nearer the solitary -cannon, pointing its frowning muzzle menacingly -toward them, several figures suddenly -appeared from the shade of a hut by the roadside, -and peered at the approaching Americans. -One then left the group and advanced -slowly toward them.</p> - -<p>The travelers saw by his uniform that he -was an officer.</p> - -<p>“Good-afternoon,” Phil called politely in -Spanish, taking off his hat.</p> - -<p>The officer saluted and gazed questioningly -at the three men.</p> - -<p>“What is your business here?” he inquired -brusquely in his native tongue.</p> - -<p>“Oh, we are just out for a tramp,” Phil -replied lightly. “You fellows are so persistent<span class="pagenum" id="Page_132">[132]</span> -in your siege, that our legs were beginning -to get soft in the city, so we thought -we’d come out and stretch them.”</p> - -<p>The officer smiled, pleased at the compliment -to the army in which he was an -officer.</p> - -<p>“English?” he asked, relenting.</p> - -<p>“Yes, travelers,” Phil replied suavely; -“we are getting news for European papers.” -This, Phil thought, was rather clever and not -untrue, either, for what they found out would -in time find its way to European newspapers.</p> - -<p>“Ah!” exclaimed the officer delightedly, -who like all his race saw no good in fighting -unless his valor would be heralded to the -world, “you are just in time to see a grand -battle. We are waiting now the order to -attack. General Ruiz expects a number of -machine guns; when they arrive we shall -enter the city in triumph;” his voice rose -with excitement. “You will see the greatest -battle of the century; there will be many -killed: you are lucky to be with us.”</p> - -<p>Phil expressed his delight as best he could, -but the officer’s words had given him a distinct<span class="pagenum" id="Page_133">[133]</span> -shock. It would go hard with them if -Ruiz found out they had captured the arms -he was awaiting.</p> - -<p>“But he must know they were captured,” -Phil thought suddenly. He glanced out toward -the sea. “Why, it was here that we -were fired upon.” Then he said aloud:</p> - -<p>“Is this Mariel?”</p> - -<p>“Yes,” replied the officer, “Mariel is over -there. Our general’s headquarters are just -behind the town. It is but a half hour’s walk -from here. I shall do myself the honor of -accompanying you.”</p> - -<p>Phil protested that they could go on alone, -but the officer politely insisted.</p> - -<p>He gave some hurried orders to a ragged -sergeant, then led the way past the gun and -up the road.</p> - -<p>Phil glanced with interest at the field piece. -It was an American made gun and looked -brand new.</p> - -<p>“Some more of Juarez’s rascality,” he -thought.</p> - -<p>“My name is Pedro Valdez, Lieutenant of -Artillery,” the officer announced, extending -his hand and bowing politely.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_134">[134]</span>Phil took it and stammered out the names -that came first in his mind:</p> - -<p>“Mr. Sydney, Mr. John; and my name is -Phillips,” he answered, including his companions -and himself with a comprehensive -wave of the hand.</p> - -<p>“Do your comrades speak Spanish?” the -officer asked.</p> - -<p>“No,” Phil replied, decidedly in haste, -fearing Sydney might answer in the affirmative. -He felt it best that there should be but -one mouthpiece.</p> - -<p>After ten minutes of brisk walking, they -arrived at a pretty country villa. It was -surrounded by trees of all descriptions and -throughout the garden flowers of many colors -were growing in great profusion, filling the -balmy air with delicious perfume. The -house itself was built of the adobe so common -in Spanish speaking countries; one storied -with a central court in which more plants -and flowers gave their fragrance.</p> - -<p>Another officer met them at the door and -escorted them to the courtyard, where a number -of tables were laid for a meal. The odor -of savory cooking made our friends remember<span class="pagenum" id="Page_135">[135]</span> -that their last meal had been breakfast.</p> - -<p>After a few moments’ wait, an older officer -appeared; he was dressed simply in fatigue -uniform, but wore a large gold star over his -left breast. He shook hands cordially with -the visitors.</p> - -<p>There had been no introduction, but Phil -knew at a glance that this short, thin, wizened -Spaniard, was the great General Ruiz, -probably the next dictator of Verazala.</p> - -<p>“Sit down, gentlemen,” he said in his native -language. “We are very fond of the -English; they are always welcome, but your -brothers, the Americans, are different. They -do not like me, so I do not like them.” As -he spoke his face showed the vindictiveness -of his race.</p> - -<p>Phil felt he ought to say something, but it -was hard to collect his thoughts. The rôle -of impostor was a new one.</p> - -<p>“I thank you for myself and friends,” he -managed finally to say. “We desire a pass -through your lines. We are writers, and wish -to send home an account of your coming -battle.”</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_136">[136]</span>“Can I be sure you will not give your information -to our enemy?” the general answered -in a hard voice. “A spy is a danger we must -always look for in war. We shoot them like -that;” he snapped his fingers and showed -his even white teeth in a cruel smile.</p> - -<p>Phil did not dare look at his two friends, -reduced to enforced silence.</p> - -<p>The disguised American officers were bountifully -supplied with food and pressed to stay -over night under the general’s roof, but Phil -felt it safer to be away from under the piercing -black eye of this fiery little Spaniard.</p> - -<p>“How did you feel, O’Neil, when the general -spoke about spies?” asked Phil soberly, -after they had left the house behind and were -on the road again.</p> - -<p>“I felt as if I were standing with my back -against a wall, with a file of them dago soldiers -shooting at me, sir,” answered the boatswain’s -mate with a grin.</p> - -<p>“I didn’t feel any too happy, either,” acknowledged -Phil, “but I hope we can soon -find out what we need to know and get back -to the city before they suspect our mission.”</p> - -<p>That night they slept in a little pueblo inside<span class="pagenum" id="Page_137">[137]</span> -the insurgent lines and were on the road -early the next morning.</p> - -<p>During the forenoon they passed regiment -after regiment of ragged soldiers. The lads -inspected them carefully; their rifles were new -and of a late pattern, and they seemed plentifully -supplied with ammunition.</p> - -<p>“I have counted no less than twenty pieces -of artillery,” Sydney cried; and then pointing -to a grove of cocoanut trees ahead of them, -“and there is a whole battery of some kind -of ordnance.”</p> - -<p>“Syd,” Phil answered, “I believe we have -seen enough already, though we can’t have -seen the beginning, to report to our captain -that this revolution is of a serious character -and is probably going to win.”</p> - -<p>“I feel sorry for the minister,” Sydney said -gravely; “he seemed such a kind old gentleman; -but I suppose he shouldn’t have been -so credulous.”</p> - -<p>“I feel very sorry for him, too,” answered -Phil, “and I hope we can straighten this out -and save him from the disgrace of being relieved -of his office. He was new here and -speaks no Spanish at all. It was natural he<span class="pagenum" id="Page_138">[138]</span> -should fall into the snare set for him by that -scheming rascal Juarez.”</p> - -<p>Studying carefully everything they observed, -the three Americans moved slowly along the -road, on the borders of which the army of -General Ruiz was encamped, ready for the expected -word to assault the city.</p> - -<p>An officer stepped from the grove of trees in -front and came boldly toward them.</p> - -<p>Our boys regarded him indifferently until -he approached to within a few yards of them, -then their hearts sank as they recognized -the triumphant face of the American vice-consul.</p> - -<p>He raised his uniform cap in mock civility.</p> - -<p>“Three English newspaper reporters,” he -sneered. “I have received instructions from -General Ruiz to show you every courtesy.”</p> - -<p>The lads were dumbfounded. The game -was up. A vision of a dark prison flashed -before them.</p> - -<p>Phil was the first to recover himself.</p> - -<p>“We meet you in a new rôle also,” he replied -in English, in a voice he tried hard to -control.</p> - -<p>“I have no further use for my other rôle,<span class="pagenum" id="Page_139">[139]</span> -since your meddling of yesterday,” Juarez replied -savagely.</p> - -<p>“And I suppose,” answered Phil in as cheerful -a voice as he could muster, “we must be -hereafter three American naval men.”</p> - -<p>“That shall not save you,” the vice-consul -growled. “General Ruiz will be delighted to -meet the men who have cheated him out of -his machine guns. With those guns he could -take the city this minute.”</p> - -<p>“We have done what any honorable men -would do,” Phil began hotly, but Juarez -turned his back with an expressive shrug of -his heavy shoulders.</p> - -<p>“Here, sergeant,” he called, “arrest these -spies.”</p> - -<p>The worst had happened. They had met -the one man Phil had hoped he could avoid. -Their reason for being there Juarez of course -surmised, and he could defeat them by having -them locked up in an insurgent dungeon -until the city had fallen.</p> - -<p>Five or six soldiers came menacingly -toward them, bayonets fixed. Phil saw the -futility of resistance. He made the sign of -surrender, but the soldier nearest O’Neil was<span class="pagenum" id="Page_140">[140]</span> -a little overzealous in the use of his bayonet. -The sailor’s Irish blood was aroused; with a -swing of his powerful fist he sent the man -reeling backward, stretching his full length -on the white road.</p> -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_141">[141]</span> - -<h2 class="nobreak">CHAPTER IX<br /> - - -<small>A TERRIBLE PREDICAMENT</small></h2> -</div> - -<p><span class="smcap">The</span> rash act of the sailor placed the lives -of the three men in jeopardy. The soldiers -snatched up their rifles and closed in menacingly.</p> - -<p>At this moment, however, a cavalcade -appeared suddenly, and the cry of “Viva -General Ruiz,” filled the air. The soldiers -near the Americans fell back sullenly, leaving -their captives alone in the middle of the -road.</p> - -<p>“What does this mean?” cried an officer, -spurring ahead and drawing in his spirited -animal between the Americans and the natives. -“I gave these Englishmen safe conduct. -Who dares disobey my orders?”</p> - -<p>Juarez had cautiously stepped aside at the -approach of the horseman; he now advanced -boldly, wearing the air of one who has news -of the utmost importance to divulge.</p> - -<p>“Your Excellency,” for the officer was<span class="pagenum" id="Page_142">[142]</span> -none other than General Ruiz himself, “these -men are Americans and spies. I am lucky to -have recognized them before they were able -to reënter the city and report our strength to -the enemy.”</p> - -<p>The general looked incredulous. He was -about to speak, when Juarez dropped a veritable -bombshell at his feet by hastily adding:</p> - -<p>“These two young men are the American -midshipmen who captured your machine -guns at Mariel, so you see I have reason to -know them.”</p> - -<p>The general turned fiercely on the bewildered -Americans, a dark scowl on his -sallow face.</p> - -<p>“So these are the men who captured my -guns under my very eyes,” he cried in rage.</p> - -<p>His face was livid with passion. His hand -sought his saber as if he would cut them -down on the spot.</p> - -<p>“Arrest them immediately,” he ordered in -a choking voice; “I shall make an example of -these meddling Americans. Colonel Juarez, I -appoint you their jailer. I know it is unnecessary -to caution you to guard them -well.”</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_143">[143]</span>“Will they shoot us, sir?” whispered O’Neil -anxiously to Phil, his hand resting grimly on -his revolver handle, “for if they will, I have -six bullets here I’d like to get rid of first.”</p> - -<p>The boatswain’s mate was so much in -earnest that in spite of the gravity of the -situation, Phil could not repress a smile. He -suddenly paled, as the thought came to him -of what the effects of O’Neil’s rough and ready -diplomacy might be. He knew him for an -unerring shot, and the leader of the insurrection -would be the first to fall. Then their -chance for life would indeed vanish.</p> - -<p>He grasped the sailor’s hand and breathed:</p> - -<p>“For your life take your hand from your -revolver. They would shoot us down like -dogs if we should give them half a chance.”</p> - -<p>Securely bound the three captives were led -back the way they had come, through inquisitive -crowds of jeering soldiers. The news of -the capture and the reasons for it spread -rapidly before them. The guards commanded -by the vice-consul had great difficulty in -bringing them alive to their prison in Mariel. -The infuriated soldiers would have torn them -limb from limb.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_144">[144]</span>The squalid prison was a relief after this -nerve-racking ordeal. The guards, although -saving them from fatal bodily injury, could -not shield them from the vicious blows, taunts -and insults showered on them from all sides. -If it had not been for the fear Juarez had for -General Ruiz, he would gladly have given -them up to these wild beasts.</p> - -<p>They were indeed in a sorry plight as they -were roughly pushed into a cell of the prison -and the heavy oaken door closed loudly behind -them.</p> - -<p>The lads were stunned. But a half hour -ago, they were free men, enjoying their precious -liberty in the bright world outside; -full of boyish enthusiasm for their discoveries. -Now they were held captive by a cruel tyrant -who hated their race and to whom they had -given good cause. He might, without a -qualm of feeling, have them shot as spies. -Their country was powerless to help them. -In undertaking this duty they had relinquished -their claim upon the protection of the -United States.</p> - -<p>O’Neil was the first to recover from these -despondent thoughts. He glanced about their<span class="pagenum" id="Page_145">[145]</span> -narrow prison, but his gaze failed to discover -aught encouraging, so it returned and rested -compassionately on the two lads.</p> - -<p>They had thrown themselves full length on -the rude benches that lined the walls of their -cell and had given themselves up to melancholy -reflections.</p> - -<p>“It won’t do, sir,” O’Neil said, appealingly, -to Phil, as the young man looked up with an -expression of utter dejection; “you mustn’t -give in, Mr. Perry; we ain’t dead yet, and -what’s more, sir, we ain’t a going to be, either. -Mrs. O’Neil’s son John has been in as tight -places before and has come out with a whole -hide—— Which is more than he is going to -do this time,” he added with a grin, showing -a deep cut in his thigh. “That little dago -that I knocked down poked his bayonet in -there.”</p> - -<p>In a moment the boys were all interest, forgetting -their own troubles in their anxiety for -their wounded companion.</p> - -<p>Phil pulled a first-aid bandage from his -pocket and held it up in triumph.</p> - -<p>“They took everything else from me,” -he exclaimed; “your new revolver, too, Syd.”</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_146">[146]</span>“Yes, and the first time we carried them,” -Sydney answered ruefully, as they made the -boatswain’s mate bare his wound, which they -washed and dressed carefully.</p> - -<p>They had hardly finished their solicitous -attentions when the door of the cell was unlocked -and flung open: Colonel Juarez appeared.</p> - -<p>He stood in the doorway, his arms folded, a -cruel smile curling his weak mouth.</p> - -<p>“You defeated me once,” he jeered, “but I -shall see that you will never get a chance -again.”</p> - -<p>The crestfallen lads only stared. They -could find no voice to answer. The hatred -in his eyes appalled them.</p> - -<p>“No doubt you believed yourselves very -clever,” he continued, irritated at the silence -of his hearers, “but if it will make you feel -any better, I can tell you that your brilliant -work has but delayed us. We shall possess the -arms soon enough.”</p> - -<p>Both lads were startled at this intelligence. -Could it be true? Phil could not conceive -how Lazar would have the audacity to deliberately -allow the arms to be taken. Where<span class="pagenum" id="Page_147">[147]</span> -were Marshall and Morrison? Then he realized -that they were in ignorance of the true character -of their superior officer. They would -suspect nothing. Why had he not put them -on their guard?</p> - -<p>“I tell you this,” Juarez added, after a -pause to permit them to grasp the full meaning -of his words, and to gloat over the lad’s -discomfiture, “because dead men tell no -tales. To-morrow you will be tried by drum-head -court martial,” and shrugging his -shoulders, “I am the president of the court.”</p> - -<p>Phil was about to reply when he saw how -futile speech would be. The man had come -to taunt them. Silence was their best course.</p> - -<p>Seeing that his victims could not be moved, -he turned and left them.</p> - -<p>They heard his voice in the hallway loudly -instructing the guards:</p> - -<p>“If the Americans attempt to escape, shoot -to kill.”</p> - -<p>“Do you believe Lazar has given up the -guns?” Sydney questioned as Juarez’s steps -died away, forgetting the dire threat in his -anxiety for their cause.</p> - -<p>“I fear Juarez speaks the truth,” Phil answered<span class="pagenum" id="Page_148">[148]</span> -dejectedly; “I blame myself for not -having cautioned Marshall.”</p> - -<p>“No, you shouldn’t do that,” said Sydney; -“as things have turned out, it would have -been wiser. But how were you to know? It -seems incredible that a naval officer, even if -he is a scoundrel, would take such a risk.”</p> - -<p>“A man of Lazar’s character will stoop to -any depths for money,” exclaimed Phil, “and -you can be sure that the sum promised him by -Juarez is large.”</p> - -<p>“But his commission in the navy,” Sydney -persisted, unconvinced. “If this crime is discovered -he will at least be dismissed the service.”</p> - -<p>“A man of his unnatural talents and intriguing -nature soon finds but little scope for -himself in the service, where all are poor but -honorable,” he answered. “No doubt he has -contemplated leaving the service and the fear -of detection, therefore, has no influence with -him. As for dismissal, that would be out of -the question; the crime of which we know he -is guilty would be nearly impossible to prove -before a naval court martial. Our evidence -is only hearsay, and might not convict him.”</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_149">[149]</span>“Our evidence,” Sydney commenced; then -the life died out of his voice as he added, -“we may never be able to give it.”</p> - -<p>The failing light of day, entering the solitary -window above their heads, soon left the prisoners -in darkness. The lamp used by their -guards outside their cell door shed a faint -glimmer through the cracks of the stout oaken -panel.</p> - -<p>The terrible mental strain which the Americans -were enduring gave them scant desire -to sleep, and as they tossed restlessly on the -damp floor of their cell their predicament -gradually dawned upon them with startling -force.</p> - -<p>O’Neil alone was cheerful; his indomitable -spirit saved the lads from sinking too deep in -the slough of despond.</p> - -<p>Phil lay awake long after his companions -had forgotten their troubles in sleep. The -bitter thought of failure was even keener to -him than the dread of death. The watch-word -of his profession was “death with honor.” -Why should he fear to die in his country’s -service? It was the end that all true naval -men sought. Yet, it was hard to die so young<span class="pagenum" id="Page_150">[150]</span> -and when there was so much to live for. -Then the thought of his two companions -filled his cup of sorrow brimful. He cried -out against a fate so cruel. If they all could -but die fighting, but to be shot down by these -miserable half-civilized soldiers, as they might -shoot so many dogs, was more than his youthful -spirit could bear. He dropped off finally -into a profound sleep, and when he awakened -the next morning, he found the door of their -cell open and the guards ready to take them -before the military tribunal.</p> - -<p>Hands bound behind their backs, they were -marched through the streets of the town. The -natives taunted them with vile epithets, but -kept themselves at a distance, for which favor -the captives were grateful.</p> - -<p>After a short march they were led into a -courtroom. Here they were unbound and -told roughly to sit down.</p> - -<p>A few moments elapsed, then three officers, -led by Colonel Juarez, appeared and took seats -at a table in front of the Americans.</p> - -<p>The room was empty save for the court, -the guard and the prisoners.</p> - -<p>Colonel Juarez arose and read in a monotonous<span class="pagenum" id="Page_151">[151]</span> -voice from a paper in his hand. Phil -understood it to be the order of General Ruiz, -convening the court for their trial as spies. -Juarez sat down in silence.</p> - -<p>“What have you to say in your behalf -before we pass sentence?” he asked coldly, -turning to Phil as spokesman.</p> - -<p>Phil’s throat was dry. He tried to speak -but could not find voice.</p> - -<p>Juarez turned hastily to his companions. -Each nodded his head in assent; the trial was -finished and the accused men found guilty.</p> - -<p>Hot blood rushed to Phil’s face as he comprehended -the awful import of this hasty verdict.</p> - -<p>“You dare not carry out this sentence,” he -cried wildly, jumping to his feet. “It will -be murder. We are not spies. Our country -is not at war with yours. True, we are here -to find out the strength of your forces, but it -is not to take this information to your enemy. -If you do this monstrous deed you will place -yourself beyond the pale of civilization”—his -indignation choked him. “I claim my right -of appeal to General Ruiz,” he demanded -fiercely.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_152">[152]</span>The court sat unmoved. On Juarez’s -features was a grim expression of enjoyment.</p> - -<p>“Take them away,” he ordered, rising to -dismiss the court.</p> - -<p>As the guards advanced upon the prisoners, -a voice from the door stilled the room. The -officers of the court clicked their heels together -at “attention,” and the guards brought -their rifles quickly to the “present.” Turning, -Phil’s gaze encountered the steely eyes of -General Ruiz.</p> - -<p>The insurgent commander walked calmly -forward, motioning the guards away.</p> - -<p>“Your verdict, Colonel Juarez?” he demanded.</p> - -<p>“Guilty. To be shot to-morrow at sunrise,” -the colonel replied grimly.</p> - -<p>Then turning toward the Americans, he -surveyed them critically, a cunning gleam in -his sharp black eyes.</p> - -<p>“You may speak,” he said condescendingly, -dismissing the court with an eloquent gesture, -and waving back peremptorily the awaiting -guards.</p> - -<p>Phil endeavored to collect his scattered<span class="pagenum" id="Page_153">[153]</span> -wits. He knew that his appeal would be -their last chance for life.</p> - -<p>“Well,” the general demanded impatiently, -“be quick, I have but little time.”</p> - -<p>Phil felt his body break into a cold perspiration. -His heart sank within him. He -saw his words must fall on barren soil. The -whole attitude of this powerful, cruel leader -was unfriendly.</p> - -<p>“General Ruiz,” he commenced, intense -earnestness in his young face, “you must not -do this terrible deed. We have not intentionally -done you harm. Our mission in -your camp is not one of war, but only diplomatic -in character. I cannot tell you its -nature. Believe me when I say we are innocent -of crime against the laws of war. We -are not your enemies.”</p> - -<p>“You are not my enemies!” exclaimed the -leader savagely, his voice rising in anger. -“Then why did you capture my machine -guns? Explain that, if you can?”</p> - -<p>Phil was silent. He could not tell this -man the reason; to do so would betray his -country’s policy.</p> - -<p>“Ah, you see your arguments are not convincing,”<span class="pagenum" id="Page_154">[154]</span> -he cried triumphantly. “Must I -allow those who are not my enemies to capture -my property, then spy on my military -movements? Shall I be powerless to lay by -the heels such fellows, and shoot them as they -richly deserve?”</p> - -<p>Then a thought seemed to strike him; he -led Phil away out of ear-shot of his companions.</p> - -<p>“I shall grant a reprieve under one condition.”</p> - -<p>“And that is?” exclaimed the boy, his -hopes rising.</p> - -<p>“That you cause my guns to be delivered -inside my lines,” he answered.</p> - -<p>The lad’s hopes vanished. That he could -not do. He had rather die first. He shook -his head determinedly.</p> - -<p>“I can’t do that,” he replied, “even if I -would.”</p> - -<p>The general, misinterpreting the meaning -implied in the boy’s words, hastily explained:</p> - -<p>“The arms are this minute in La Boca, but -the government and your ship are so vigilant -that I dare not risk attempting to bring them -here by water, and by land is quite out of the<span class="pagenum" id="Page_155">[155]</span> -question. If I release you, you could find a -safe way to evade detection under the protection -of your flag.”</p> - -<p>The price was tempting to the despairing -American youth: three lives for a cargo of -arms, but the vileness of the act which he -must commit to obtain this reward was repulsively -horrible. Phil tried hard to control -his indignation. He felt that to show this -man how much he despised him and his -clemency would only hasten their end.</p> - -<p>Ruiz believed the lad was wavering.</p> - -<p>“If I release you now, by to-night you will -be on board the ‘Connecticut’ and by to-morrow -I shall receive the guns and enter the -city at the head of my victorious army.”</p> - -<p>Phil thought quickly. Here might be an -opportunity to gain for America the gratitude -of this insurgent leader. If Ruiz was to -win the city and set himself up as dictator, -this act could be used with great force to defeat -the intrigues of Juarez and La Fitte and -Company. But could he depend upon earning -this man’s gratitude? Would he not forget -and vent his venom on the Americans -notwithstanding? The more he thought the<span class="pagenum" id="Page_156">[156]</span> -more complex the situation appeared. What -did he know of the strength of Ruiz’s enemies? -Phil had heard rumors that they were -negotiating for war vessels; with these against -them, the insurgents could only hope to win -by gaining the crews of the ships to their side -by golden bribes; if they remained loyal to -the government, Ruiz would not dare enter -the city. The war-ships could train their -guns on his army and force him to evacuate.</p> - -<p>“I shall give you until sunrise to-morrow,” -the general added sternly, “then if you agree, -I shall have you set free, but shall retain your -companions as hostages for your good faith -until the arms are in my hands. If not”—a -sinister smile and an expressive shrug of his -thin shoulders completed his meaning.</p> - -<p>The Americans were led back to their cell -and as the door closed upon them again, Sydney -turned anxiously to Phil.</p> - -<p>“What did he say?” he questioned.</p> - -<p>Phil told his eager companions the one -chance of escape from the fate awaiting them.</p> - -<p>“We can’t accept it,” Phil concluded. “It -will look as if we were afraid to die, and to do -this we shall become Lazar’s accomplices, for<span class="pagenum" id="Page_157">[157]</span> -I feel assured he has allowed the arms to be -stolen from the legation.”</p> - -<p>“Mr. Perry,” O’Neil interrupted, “I know -these dagos, having shipped with them both -afloat and ashore. They ain’t going to shoot -us. It’s a bluff—stage acting. You stand -pat to-morrow morning. They may line us -up against a wall and point their guns at us, -but they ain’t a going to shoot. They know -if they did the United States government -would blow the whole blamed country out of -existence.”</p> - -<p>The ring of truth in the sailor’s words -forcibly impressed the two lads. Could this -be true? Had they been tortured to make -them betray themselves? But the cruel look -in the face of Ruiz when he turned and left -them only a short time before, surely did not -bear out this interpretation of their position.</p> - -<p>“I hope you are right, O’Neil,” Phil said, -looking gratefully at the cheerful sailorman, -“but I fear these men are capable of carrying -out their threat.”</p> - -<p>Escape was impossible—they were as secure -in this prison as if they were in the old -Bastile. The footfall of their guards told of<span class="pagenum" id="Page_158">[158]</span> -their vigilance. The heavy oaken door was -doubly barred and locked on the outside.</p> - -<p>Their midday meal lay upon the floor untasted -by the two lads. Food would have -choked them; but O’Neil ate as calmly as if -he were aboard ship.</p> - -<p>The sounds of life outside came faintly to -their ears. They heard the laughter of children -playing in the streets, and the rattle of -military accoutrements, as soldiers marched -along. The heat of their dungeon was almost -unbearable and they suffered from lack of -water to wash their bruised bodies.</p> - -<p>Suddenly they heard the sounds of alarmed -humanity; startled cries, a hurrying of many -feet, and the clang of iron shod hoofs upon the -hard earth.</p> - -<p>O’Neil listened intently. Then he sprang -to the window near the ceiling of their cell, -catching the sill with his fingers and drawing -himself up until he could peer through the -iron bars.</p> - -<p>“What is it?” cried both lads in alarm.</p> - -<p>“There’s something going on to seaward,” -he answered; “the people are running about -like chickens without heads, and the soldiers<span class="pagenum" id="Page_159">[159]</span> -are moving inland. I wish we could get a -sight——”</p> - -<p>His next word was lost in a heavy crash -and sharp explosion that seemed to shake the -building to its foundation.</p> - -<p>“Is it an earthquake?” cried Phil, excitedly.</p> - -<p>“It sounded to me like a six-inch shell,” -exclaimed O’Neil. “I ain’t heard one so -close since Santiago, but I recognize the tune.”</p> - -<p>Explosion after explosion followed in rapid -succession.</p> - -<p>“The streets are deserted,” shouted O’Neil -above the roar of crashing buildings and exploding -shells. “It’s a bombardment. There’s -a ship or two pumping shell into the town -from the sea.”</p> - -<p>The sailor slid down from his position of -vantage and pointed to the door.</p> - -<p>“Our guards have run for it. We must -break down that door.”</p> - -<p>The three Americans, simultaneously, flung -themselves against the stout oak, but it held -firmly despite their united efforts. They -stood in the middle of their cell, the perspiration -pouring from their exhausted bodies.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_160">[160]</span>A crash louder and sharper rang in their -ears. Then an explosion that threw them -violently to the floor. The suffocating fumes -of the exploded shell filled their nostrils.</p> - -<p>But yet another and more sinister smell -reached them, which froze the hot blood in -their veins; it was the smoke of a burning -building.</p> - -<p>Their prison was afire. If the door held -they would all be burned alive.</p> -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_161">[161]</span> - -<h2 class="nobreak">CHAPTER X<br /> - - -<small>THE SCENE CHANGES</small></h2> -</div> - -<p><span class="smcap">Their</span> terrible plight spurred them on to renewed -efforts to break down the heavy door. -The iron bolts were bent under their frenzied -onslaughts, and the stifling smoke became -thicker.</p> - -<p>The ominous sounds of bursting shell grew -louder and more frequent.</p> - -<p>“They are shelling this very building,” exclaimed -O’Neil, as he gathered himself for a -spring at the resisting oak.</p> - -<p>The two lads were almost in a panic. The -situation seemed indeed hopeless. The crackling -of the approaching fire was very near; -so close that the air of the cell was becoming -too hot to breathe.</p> - -<p>Then an explosion, that seemed to the anxious -prisoners as if the building itself had been -destroyed, sent them reeling to the farthest -limits of their narrow prison. They clutched -the hot wall for support. The mingled smoke<span class="pagenum" id="Page_162">[162]</span> -of powder and burning wood was so thick that -they could see but a few feet. Phil felt a -sharp pain and glanced down with horror to -see blood flowing down his leg. He knew he -had been wounded; he did not know how -seriously.</p> - -<p>He peered through the thick smoke for his -companions. Sydney was near him, his -clothes torn, showing the effects of the explosion. -O’Neil was not visible. Phil groped -through the suffocating smoke toward the -door. He heard a crash of splintered wood -accompanied by a glad cry from the sailor, -and then the cell was lit up by a red glow of -fire through the hole made by the boatswain’s -mate in the oaken door. O’Neil stood, peering -through the breach; the explosion of the -shell had started, and he had, with his powerful -hands, enlarged it. His glance was -calm, but the sight, to Phil, was calculated to -unnerve the stoutest heart. The hall outside -was a veritable furnace, and it was their only -road to safety. They were surely lost. How -could they pass through this scorching heat -alive?</p> - - - -<p>“Come, it’s our only chance,” cried O’Neil.<span class="pagenum" id="Page_163">[163]</span> -“It’s sure death here. The building may fall -at any minute.”</p> - - -<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/i_162.jpg" alt="" /></div> -<p class="drop-cap"><i>THE THREE PRISONERS RUSHED<br /> -THROUGH THE FLAMES</i></p> - -<p>Singly the Americans crawled from the -comparative cool of their cell to the hall, -through the breach in the door. The door of -the building had been left open by the retreating -guards, and showed white through the red -glare of the flames.</p> - -<p>Hand in hand the three prisoners rushed -through the scorching flames. The red -tongues reached out on all sides toward their -retreating forms.</p> - -<p>A second afterward they were all buried -in sand up to their necks in order to quench -the smouldering fire in their clothes.</p> - -<p>“I thought our numbers were made<a id="FNanchor_1" href="#Footnote_1" class="fnanchor">[1]</a> that -time,” exclaimed O’Neil when they had succeeded -in extinguishing the flames. “It was -that shell what done the business. I’d like -to see the man who fired it. I’d give him -my month’s pay. The shell exploded just on -the outside of the door and splintered it so<span class="pagenum" id="Page_164">[164]</span> -that I could get my hands on the pieces. -But come, this is none too safe, we must get -to the seashore.”</p> - -<p>With shells exploding over their heads they -ran pell-mell through the deserted town to -the beach.</p> - -<p>As a view of the sea flashed before the lads, -they cried out in excitement.</p> - -<p>The dark hull of a war vessel steamed a -quarter of a mile off shore. They saw the -bright flashes from her gun ports followed by -a harsh screech of shell and then a crash and -explosion which seemed to be at their very -feet.</p> - -<p>O’Neil looked about him.</p> - -<p>“We must get to that fish trap,” he cried, -pointing to a cluster of bamboo piles driven -under the water, their ends appearing above -the surface. “We’ll be safe there until we can -signal the dago war-ship; do you see the flag -of the republic flying from her trucks?”</p> - -<p>Wading and swimming the Americans -made their way to the fish trap. It was just -at the end of the coral reef, and when the -vessel had finished the bombardment they -would surely be seen and rescued.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_165">[165]</span>From the hills back of the town came a -report of cannon and a shell struck the water -near the cruiser.</p> - -<p>“Our friend the artillery lieutenant,” exclaimed -Phil, as the brown vapor from the -exploded shrapnel appeared again in the air -above the cruiser. “He knows her range -too. She is turning. I wonder if they have -seen us.”</p> - -<p>“They’ll see us in a minute,” answered -O’Neil grimly, as he stripped himself of his -white undershirt and drew from the sand -a long bamboo pole. “But our artillery -friends ashore may see us also.”</p> - -<p>“If they do, we must swim for it,” said -O’Neil calmly, tying his shirt on to the pole -and raising the conspicuous flag above his -head.</p> - -<p>“They see us; I mean the cruiser,” cried -Sydney joyfully; “she is heading toward -us.”</p> - -<p>The cruiser had turned in shore; her battery -was now silent, but the spiteful piece of -artillery ashore sent its bursting shrapnel -ever nearer the approaching vessel.</p> - -<p>“Get under the water, quick,” cried O’Neil,<span class="pagenum" id="Page_166">[166]</span> -grasping the lads and drawing them down -with him.</p> - -<p>Through the water the noise of an explosion -above them came muffled to their ears. -When they rose to the surface, the agitated -water about them told the story only too -plainly. O’Neil’s fears had been realized. -The enemy had also seen them.</p> - -<p>It was fortunate for our friends that they -were all good swimmers. They must leave -the protection of their bamboo piling and -swim toward the approaching man-of-war. -With but their heads above water they would -afford but a small target for their friend the -lieutenant of artillery, but if he was fortunate -with his aim once it would be all over with -the Americans.</p> - -<p>Leaving their insecure resting place they -swam slowly out toward the cruiser, which -had now stopped and seemed to be awaiting -them.</p> - -<p>The cool freshness of the water put new -strength into the swimmers. O’Neil swam -on his back, his eyes turned toward the shore. -As soon as the red flash appeared he commanded -his companions to duck, and thus<span class="pagenum" id="Page_167">[167]</span> -escaping the shower of bursting shrapnel, -they reached the side of the cruiser in safety.</p> - -<p>Willing hands helped them aboard and up -the gangway of the war-ship, which now -steamed away, hurling a parting broadside -into the deserted and burning town.</p> - -<p>The Americans indeed presented a sorry -spectacle; with clothes torn nearly off their -bodies, smoke-begrimed, and burned painfully -in many places; but their new found friends -on board received them with great courtesy -and cheerfully supplied all their needs.</p> - -<p>In but a short time their wounds and burns, -which were found to be only slight, were -carefully attended to by the ship’s surgeon, -and they appeared on deck with the only -clothes available, those of the government -officers.</p> - -<p>Captain Garcia, the commanding officer of -the cruiser, insisted that the lads should -live with him in his cabin, and O’Neil was to -be given a place among the officers themselves.</p> - -<p>After the experiences of the last few hours -all three were exhausted, and the captain, with -tactful generosity, refrained from asking their<span class="pagenum" id="Page_168">[168]</span> -story until the rescued men could be refreshed -with a bath, clean clothes and a -bountiful dinner.</p> - -<p>Phil and Sydney lay back in the commodious -cabin of the war-ship and, in spite of -their eagerness to hear the latest news from -La Boca, fell into a profound sleep.</p> - -<p>It was not until late in the afternoon that -the lads were awakened by Captain Garcia.</p> - -<p>“I hope you are feeling refreshed,” he -inquired kindly. “I am delighted to have -you with us for a few days until I can take -you back to your own ship.”</p> - -<p>“For a few days,” Phil exclaimed in -astonishment; “aren’t you going back now to -La Boca?”</p> - -<p>“I am sorry if I seem to carry you away -against your wishes,” he replied courteously, -“but I am sailing under very imperative -orders from my president to seek the rebel -cruisers at Rio Grande. It was but by accident -that I went into Mariel. I saw a great -many soldiers of the enemy drawn up there -and took the opportunity to worry them, and -at the same time give my gunners an opportunity -to test our new guns.” He stopped and<span class="pagenum" id="Page_169">[169]</span> -inquired, “But tell me how you and your -two companions came to be there; was I the -means of liberating you? I have not heard -as yet your experiences.”</p> - -<p>Phil had forgotten that the captain had received -but little information as to the reasons -why they were at the fish trap, from which -they had swum to safety. He at once told -their story: of their capture, the trial and -the verdict, and then of the escape.</p> - -<p>“We owe our lives to you, Captain Garcia,” -he added gratefully. “If your shell had not -exploded in front of the door of our prison, we -should have been burned alive, and if you had -not stopped to bombard Mariel we would still -be there looking forward to being shot to-morrow -morning.”</p> - -<p>“I am indeed thankful that I have been -able to serve those who prevented the cargo of -machine guns from falling into the hands of -our enemy,” the captain answered smilingly.</p> - -<p>“How do you know we did that?” cried -Phil in surprise.</p> - -<p>“The story has reached our president,” -Captain Garcia responded, “and he is very -grateful to the Americans. Now,” he added,<span class="pagenum" id="Page_170">[170]</span> -“our launches are watching every exit by -water, so General Ruiz finds himself effectively -cut off from his base of supplies.”</p> - -<p>Phil remembered the machine guns were -not in the legation and quickly his thoughts -turned to his uncompleted mission. The -pulsations of the engines showed the vessel -was steaming away rapidly from those who -should have his report at the earliest -moment.</p> - -<p>“Could you not take us back to La Boca?” -he asked anxiously. “I have secret information -which must be received immediately by -my captain on board the ‘Connecticut.’”</p> - -<p>“That is impossible,” replied Captain -Garcia; “we are over a hundred miles from -La Boca, but if you will trust the message to -me I can send it safely by wireless telegraph.”</p> - -<p>Phil’s face lit up with pleasure.</p> - -<p>“I shall get the message ready at once,” he -answered much relieved. “You will pardon -me if I send it in cipher?” he asked; “I -should not like to divulge its import to even -our rescuer.”</p> - -<p>Phil and Sydney put the message, that the<span class="pagenum" id="Page_171">[171]</span> -former framed, in the cipher code of the -United States. Our lads fortunately had -been given the key word by Captain Taylor -before they started on their perilous mission. -Without this secret word the message could -not be read by outsiders, so although the -boys knew that all the foreign ships in port -would read this message to the “Connecticut,” -none but Captain Taylor could find it intelligible; -to the others it would be a meaningless -confusion of unpronounceable words. -The message told the captain of the battle-ship -that the machine guns were no longer in the -legation but concealed in the city of La Boca, -and that the insurgent army were strong and -well equipped with modern rifles and -artillery; that they alone lacked machine -guns, of which their race stood in great dread; -that the cruiser “Aquadores” was on its way -to Rio Grande to fight the enemy’s men-of-war, -and that they were on board and -well.</p> - -<p>“I think that will be sufficient, don’t you?” -Phil asked Sydney, after they had laboriously -put the long message in the cipher code.</p> - -<p>“Yes,” Sydney replied, “unless you wish<span class="pagenum" id="Page_172">[172]</span> -to put the captain on his guard against a -traitor in the legation.”</p> - -<p>“The time is not ripe for that yet,” Phil -answered promptly; “we must wait until -the evidence against him is overwhelming. -Remember Captain Taylor has a high opinion -of Lazar and if we attempted to poison his -ear against him, he might, even though he -likes us, believe that we had formed a combination -against the ensign.”</p> - -<p>“Have your own way,” responded Sydney, -impatiently, “but I fear by the time we -return to the ‘Connecticut’ all the damage -that he is capable of doing will be done.”</p> - -<p>“What can he do more, Syd?” Phil exclaimed. -“If he has given up the guns he -must stop there, for there is nothing more -that he can do that will injure the United -States.”</p> - -<p>The message completed they took it to -Captain Garcia.</p> - -<p>“Come to the wireless room with me,” requested -the captain, “and we shall see it -started on its long journey.”</p> - -<p>Phil was delighted at the opportunity. He -had always been interested in this wonderful<span class="pagenum" id="Page_173">[173]</span> -method of telegraphy, but had not been able -to make as complete a study of it as he would -have desired, owing to his time being too thoroughly -occupied since his reporting for duty -in the Atlantic fleet.</p> - -<p>Sydney also was included in the invitation, -and the two lads followed Captain Garcia to -the little compartment in which the delicate -instruments were installed.</p> - -<p>The operator, a bright-faced foreigner, stood -up civilly as the three entered, and took the -message held out to him by Captain Garcia.</p> - -<p>“Send this to the American battle-ship,” he -ordered. “We shall remain here to see you -manipulate your instruments.”</p> - -<p>The wireless man smiled proudly as he put -his hand carelessly on his sending key.</p> - -<p>“What is her call letter?” he asked -politely, turning to Phil.</p> - -<p>“A-D,” the lad replied promptly.</p> - -<p>The switch was closed and the whirring of -the mercurial motor showed the expert that -all was ready to commence.</p> - -<p>The man closed his key and on releasing it -a bright spark jumped across the spark gap, -charging the storage jars with electrical fluid<span class="pagenum" id="Page_174">[174]</span> -of a high tension. The lads understood that -this had electrified the aerial wire leading to -the main truck of the cruiser and a wave of -electricity had been started on its journey -through space. Again and again in long and -short makes and breaks the key was pressed -down upon its platinum contact. A-D in -dots and dashes was sent up to the long wire. -After a minute the key was held at rest and -another switch was thrown in, connecting this -same wire to the receiving instruments. All -held their breath in expectancy while the -operator placed his telephone receiver to his -ear. Phil watched the man’s face anxiously. -He saw on it a look of satisfaction. Then he -saw him again close his key, press it down -twice in acknowledgment, then glance at the -paper before him.</p> - -<p>A hundred miles away the aerial wire of -the “Connecticut” was set in electrical vibration. -The American operator below the -armored deck heard an even but indistinct -buzz in his telephone receiver. He listened -intently. It was surely his own call. Who -could be signaling him. He must be sure, for -he did not wish to interfere with the messages<span class="pagenum" id="Page_175">[175]</span> -among the foreign war-ships. No, it was distinct -enough. A-D, A-D, unceasingly. He -waited until the noise ceased, then quickly -he sent out his acknowledgment, turning the -rheostat handle for high tension, for he knew -the sender of this mysterious call was at a -long distance.</p> - -<p>“I have her, señor captain,” the operator -of the “Aquadores” reported in a businesslike -voice as he proceeded to send the cipher -message before him.</p> - -<p>Phil breathed easier after the last acknowledgment -had been received from the “Connecticut.” -The captain in but a few minutes -would know the situation as well as if they -themselves had told him in person.</p> - -<p>“Now that this is off our minds,” exclaimed -Phil, as he and Sydney walked up and down -outside the captain’s cabin, “I believe it our -duty to discover how strong this ship is for -fighting two of her enemy’s vessels. I am -delighted to be here, but at the same time I -don’t care about getting killed, or what might -be worse, captured. If our friend Ruiz gets -us in his power again, it will be all up with -us.”</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_176">[176]</span>“What do you propose to do?” asked Sydney -excitedly. “I wish we could fight her -for them.”</p> - -<p>“No, that we couldn’t do; but we are surely -justified in instructing them before the battle, -and during the battle too, for we can satisfy -our conscience by the plea of self-defense,” -answered Phil, regarding closely a six-inch -gun near him. “Look at their guns; they are -the very latest pattern and have two telescope -sights each. These men in but a short time -could be trained to use those guns in a way -that will insure a victory.”</p> - -<p>“In training these men to fight a successful -battle,” Sydney returned, thoroughly interested, -“we shall also help the government to -keep in control of the country. Do you -know for what reason we were sent to the insurgent -camp?”</p> - -<p>“To find out their strength, of course,” answered -Phil promptly.</p> - -<p>“Yes, but why did our government wish -this information? The reason has just occurred -to me. Some of the foreign governments -wish to give the insurgents the power -of belligerents. This the United States does<span class="pagenum" id="Page_177">[177]</span> -not desire, for it will give them an opportunity -to blockade La Boca with their navy and thus -ruin our shipping with that port. Our merchant -vessels, and also those of foreigners, may -be seized at the will of these outlaws, and this -situation would be disastrous. La Fitte and -Company have a powerful backing in two -countries of Europe.”</p> - -<p>“Syd, I believe you have hit the nail on -the head. Why couldn’t I have thought of -that?” exclaimed the lad, proud of his companion’s -sagacity.</p> - -<p>“Then, there’s all the more reason,” Phil -added, “why we should do our utmost to see -that these insurgent war vessels never have an -opportunity to blockade La Boca.”</p> - -<p>“That’s exactly it,” answered Sydney -promptly, “and as we are due in Rio Grande -in two days more we should start right in -now.”</p> - -<p>O’Neil was sent for and told of our lads’ -plans. The boatswain’s mate was greatly delighted.</p> - -<p>“Give me two days, sir,” he cried excitedly, -“and they’ll make a hundred per cent. -of hits on the insurgent hulks.”</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_178">[178]</span>The three Americans walked down to the -battery deck. The crew were at quarters. -Each division was going through the drill at -their guns in a perfunctory manner.</p> - -<p>“Look at ’em,” scoffed O’Neil, “like a gang -of Italian roustabouts on a New York dock.”</p> - -<p>“After this drill is over, O’Neil,” Phil confided, -“you get a group around you and try -to interest them; then get them at the gun -and explain how it should be done. You -must poke fun at them in order to catch their -interest. Then we shall see that Captain -Garcia sees you. That ought to open his eyes -and make him want to see more. Do you -see?”</p> - -<p>“That I do,” exclaimed the sailor, “and -you have hit the character of these dagos as if -you’d always lived among ’em.”</p> - -<p>Phil and Sydney strolled quietly up the -ladder and entered the captain’s cabin.</p> - -<p>Captain Garcia was quite willing to be -drawn into conversation, and our lads diplomatically -led the topic up to the possibilities -in the coming engagement.</p> - -<p>“As you have been so frank with me,” answered -the captain, in reply to an inquiry from<span class="pagenum" id="Page_179">[179]</span> -Phil, “I shall tell you what is my greatest -anxiety.” He lowered his voice to a whisper. -“The navy to a man were in sympathy with -the rebels, and as soon as General Ruiz began -to collect his army and threaten the capital, -our two war vessels, the ‘Soledad’ and ‘Barcelo,’ -with a torpedo-boat, sailed from La Boca -for Rio Grande, where they won the sympathy -of the citizens and set up the capital of the rebellion. -My men are wavering in their allegiance -to our cause, and if they should mutiny -and take the ship, turning it over to the -rebels, our cause would be lost.” He stopped -speaking and glanced seriously at his eager -listeners. “My life would of course be sacrificed. -I should either be shot by the mutineers -or else executed by our enemy.”</p> - -<p>This was indeed a startling announcement -for our lads. A mutiny on board the “Aquadores” -might be as serious to them as it -would be for her captain.</p> - -<p>“The ‘Aquadores,’” the captain continued in -the same low tone, “is a powerful ship. She -was built in your country for our government, -and when this war broke out, a power held -her at the dockyard, although I had my crew<span class="pagenum" id="Page_180">[180]</span> -on board and was ready to sail; it was the -government of the United States. I could not -set sail until your country was satisfied of my -honest intentions. She is more than a match -for the ships of our enemy, but our men are -poorly trained, our officers are half-hearted -and incompetent, mere adventurers. They -would willingly fight against their country if -they believed it would be to their personal -advantage.”</p> - -<p>The two boys felt a deep sympathy for Captain -Garcia. They saw in him a man of a -thousand, differing materially from the majority -of his race. Honorable, brave and -loyal, he was ready to die for his cause. Believing -he was sailing toward his death, they -had known him for over twenty-four hours -and had not, until this minute, heard one -word of complaint.</p> - -<p>The sound of many people talking loudly, -with excited cries and exclamations, struck -upon their ears.</p> - -<p>The captain’s grave face turned a shade paler.</p> - -<p>“What is that?” he cried.</p> - -<p>Phil knew immediately that O’Neil’s strategy -was bearing fruit.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_181">[181]</span>“Let’s see,” he proposed, advancing to the -hatchway.</p> - -<p>They descended the ladder and stood in astonishment -at the sight presented.</p> - -<p>O’Neil had indeed succeeded. He had -placed a crew at one of the six-inch guns and -was making the men go through the drill -in American style. The native sailors were -laughing with excitement. They were as -happy as if they were playing at some athletic -game.</p> - -<p>Phil glanced anxiously at Captain Garcia. -The latter’s face had dropped its careworn expression. -His eyes brightened.</p> - -<p>“Ah, if I had a crew like that man,” he -sighed.</p> - -<p>Phil was silent. The time had not arrived -to offer the aid of himself and his two friends. -He knew the pride of the race to which the -captain belonged. He knew by his face that -he was a pure-blooded Castilian.</p> - -<p>Some hours later in the cabin the expected -question that Phil had waited for was asked.</p> - -<p>“Mr. Perry, will you and your friends teach -my men to use our guns?”</p> - -<p>Phil readily agreed.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_182">[182]</span>“That removes a great burden from my -mind,” exclaimed Captain Garcia gratefully. -“When will you begin?”</p> - -<p>“Now, at once,” answered Phil promptly. -“I must be given authority to order the men -about, and to do this I desire to be given the -temporary rank and wear the uniform of your -first lieutenant. My friend, Mr. Monroe, must -have the rank of lieutenant, and O’Neil an -ensign. In this way only can we control our -pupils.”</p> - -<p>The captain was in high glee. He fell in -immediately with the spirit of the undertaking.</p> - -<p>Donning the uniforms, which fortunately -were in store on board, the Americans set to -work to carry out the scheme outlined by Phil.</p> - -<p>The battery was divided into two divisions, -one of which was to be commanded by each of -his companions with the native officer as -assistant. Phil himself was to be near the -captain and was also to control the fire of the -broadsides.</p> - -<p>The next night our friends had reason to -congratulate themselves upon their wonderful -progress. The crew were imbued with a<span class="pagenum" id="Page_183">[183]</span> -lively interest and fell to with a will to perfect -themselves.</p> - -<p>“My country can never repay its debt to -you, señors,” the captain exclaimed to the -lads after they had returned from their last -drill. The enemy would be encountered the -next morning, if their commanding officers -had the courage to fight. “I do not now fear -the outcome. My greatest fear has been swept -away; it was that if the shells of our enemy -were to hit us too frequently our men might -become demoralized and in spite of me haul -down our flag. There can be no danger of -that now.”</p> - -<p>The next morning all hands were called before -dawn and preparations were made for the -coming battle. The lads were consumed with -excitement as they moved among the willing -sailors. The rapid shooting with which Phil -hoped to overwhelm their two antagonists was -provided for by placing at the guns a quantity -of reserve ammunition. O’Neil went among -the men joking with them and telling them -what was expected of them. Their Latin blood -was aroused to the highest pitch of excitement.</p> - -<p>“Do you see these guns?” he cried, changing<span class="pagenum" id="Page_184">[184]</span> -his voice to a harsh tone, pointing to two revolvers -in his belt. “I have twelve dead -men here. The first dozen men who show -cowardice are as good as dead right now.”</p> - -<p>By sunrise the low land of the Bay of Rio -Grande was in sight. The red-roofed town, -nestling against the side of the dark green of -the forest, reflected the slanting rays of light.</p> - -<p>The “Aquadores” steamed boldly toward -the forts at the entrance.</p> - -<p>Phil felt confident that Sydney and O’Neil -would give a good account of themselves in -the battle, the outcome of which meant so -much to the Americans.</p> - -<p>As he took his station on the high bridge -near the captain, the fire control instruments -in his hands, his pulses throbbed with an excitement, -the height of which he had never -known before. Was this the feeling men had -on the eve of their first battle?</p> - -<p>The cruiser drew nearer to the defending -forts. The range finder showed five thousand -yards was their distance from the cruiser.</p> - -<p>Suddenly a brown puff of smoke belched -from one of the forts, and the screech of a -huge shell sounded ominously.</p> -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_185">[185]</span> - -<h2 class="nobreak">CHAPTER XI<br /> - - -<small>A NAVAL ENGAGEMENT</small></h2> -</div> - -<p><span class="smcap">The</span> shell from the fort struck the water -some hundred yards ahead of the “Aquadores,” -and showed Captain Garcia that unless he -stopped his ship, he would draw the fire of the -forts. This would place him at a decided disadvantage. -His best course was to entice the -ships of the enemy away from the protection -of the fortifications. That the captain understood -his proper tactics was soon evident.</p> - -<p>“Hard astarboard,” he ordered, and the -cruiser, obedient to her helm, quickly swung -her bow around and headed directly away -from the harbor’s mouth.</p> - -<p>Phil thrilled with the excitement of the -moment; he glanced at the captain’s face; it -showed plainly the tremendous strain that he -was undergoing, although he seemed outwardly -calm and deliberate. The gravity of -their position came home to the lad; they<span class="pagenum" id="Page_186">[186]</span> -were on the eve of a battle between modern -ships with modern guns and its outcome meant -either life or death.</p> - -<p>“There’s the ‘Barcelo,’ heading out,” cried -Captain Garcia. “I believe she will give us -battle; her mate must be behind the fort and -we shall soon see what their intentions are. -If they refuse to fight in the open, out from -the protection of the fort guns, I shall be forced -to enter the harbor regardless of the mines -and heavy guns ashore.”</p> - -<p>Phil paled at the thought of entering the -enemy’s fortified harbor, strongly protected by -mines. He knew that the “Aquadores” -could have but little chance in such an undertaking. -A single mine exploded within a -few feet of her bottom would send her skyward. -But a look at Captain Garcia’s face -showed his intense earnestness; he would risk -all in his endeavor to destroy the rebellious -navy of his country.</p> - -<p>The enemy’s vessels had now left the harbor. -They were in plain sight, their battle -flags waving from their trucks. They presented -a noble appearance, cleared for action, -the naked muzzles of their long high-powered<span class="pagenum" id="Page_187">[187]</span> -guns pointing toward the apparently fleeing -cruiser.</p> - -<p>“What a beautiful sight!” Phil exclaimed.</p> - -<p>“Yes, but deadly,” Captain Garcia replied, -casting an apprehensive glance at the oncoming -ships. “They are both nearly new and -formidable. They doubtless hope for an easy -victory, as they know of the half-heartedness -of my men. But we are going to surprise -them,” he added, his face brightening; “I -believe they will catch a tartar.”</p> - -<p>“We are surely going to win,” cried Phil. -“Your men can shoot each of their guns eight -times in a minute; we shall overwhelm them -with that fire. Your crew loads in the American -method; our enemy know nothing of its -advantages. We can depend upon my companions -to keep their gun’s crews at work.”</p> - -<p>“What is the range?” inquired the captain -in a tense voice.</p> - -<p>“Four thousand yards,” Phil answered, -measuring deliberately with his instrument, -“and gaining rapidly. Your stern guns can -open fire now.”</p> - -<p>The captain shook his head.</p> - -<p>“I know my countrymen better than you<span class="pagenum" id="Page_188">[188]</span> -do, lad,” he said lowering his voice, so as not -to be heard by the officers and men near him. -“If we should open fire now they would come -no further, but remain under the protecting -wing of the fort guns.”</p> - -<p>“I see,” cried Phil delightedly; “you are -making them believe you are afraid of them -and are running away.”</p> - -<p>“Quite right,” replied the captain proudly, -pleased at the compliment to his ability. “We -shall draw them far out to sea and then turn -on them and force a fight. I know their -speed; it is but seventeen knots; while with -the ‘Aquadores,’ I am sure of twenty-one at -any time. So you see they cannot then escape -me.”</p> - -<p>“Thirty-eight hundred yards,” Phil reported, -taking his eyes from the instrument -and looking at his watch. “What speed are -you making, captain?”</p> - -<p>“Fifteen knots,” was the prompt answer.</p> - -<p>“Then they are going almost seventeen -knots now,” Phil vouched, as he put his -watch away; “they have gained two hundred -yards in three minutes.”</p> - -<p>“If that is so, I must go faster,” cried Captain<span class="pagenum" id="Page_189">[189]</span> -Garcia, signaling to the engine room to -increase the speed. “I wish them to gain -slowly in order that we may be well out from -the harbor when they reach an effective range -with their guns.”</p> - -<p>“Do you see that sun?” cried Phil, pointing -toward the red disk but an hour high. -“That’s a bad thing to have in your gun -sights. Get between your enemy and the sun -and you have the advantage at the start.”</p> - -<p>“Excellent,” cried Captain Garcia. “It -will spoil the enemy’s aim, and it places me -in an advantageous position to head them off -if they attempt to escape me.”</p> - -<p>Phil’s nerves had become quieter, although -the long strain of the stern chase had been -heavy. He glanced below him on the gun -deck to observe the behavior of the crew. -Silence was ponderous over the ship. The -men at first had talked in low excited tones -to each other, but as they saw the enemy -draw nearer, they stood quietly, dreading the -first screech of their enemy’s shell. Sydney -and O’Neil seemed cool and collected as they -stood with their officer assistants. Sydney -glanced anxiously through the gun-port, frequently<span class="pagenum" id="Page_190">[190]</span> -judging the distance of the enemy, -but O’Neil appeared to give the enemy but -scant thought. He seemed to be as calm as if -he were at target practice. To him the excitement -of battle was not new; he had served in -Admiral Sampson’s fleet during the Cuban -campaign, and the sound of shells screeching -about him gave him no fears.</p> - -<p>“There she goes,” Phil exclaimed loudly in -excitement, as a flash of fire sprang from the -leading ship.</p> - -<p>A tremor ran through the crew. Their -evident nervousness showed on their faces and -in the muscular twitching of their hands.</p> - -<p>The first shell struck short, but from the -bow guns of the two chasers flash after flash -appeared. The screech and hiss of steel -missiles filled the air.</p> - -<p>Phil looked at the captain anxiously. The -latter stood surveying the scene, nervously, -with his hand on the wheel rim.</p> - -<p>The menace of the enemy’s fire was -becoming more intense. The geyser-like -splashes threw water on to the decks of the -fleeing cruiser. Then a crash below him on -the battery deck sent the hot blood pulsating<span class="pagenum" id="Page_191">[191]</span> -through the lad’s veins. He looked, a terrible -fear in his eyes. He saw fresh blood on -the clean white decks amid the suffocating -smell of an explosion. The swarthy faces below -him had paled with an unknown, -unreasonable terror—men scrambled over the -mutilated bodies of their stricken comrades, -then stopped, wild-eyed and frenzied, for they -saw no escape. He glanced appealingly at -Captain Garcia; the latter’s face had blanched -but his voice rang out true:</p> - -<p>“Hard astarboard! Full speed!” Then -he turned to Phil:</p> - -<p>“We are ready to open fire.”</p> - -<p>The lad, with hands trembling with agitation, -read the range and transmitted it by his -electrical instrument to the guns. The notes -of the bugle rang out clear on the battery -deck: “Commence firing.”</p> - -<p>Sydney and O’Neil drove the men to their -guns at the point of the revolver.</p> - -<p>“If any of you fellows shoot when you -ain’t pointing at that leading ship,” O’Neil -sang out in Spanish, in a voice that could be -heard above the crash of exploding shell and -the frightened prayers of the sailors, “I am<span class="pagenum" id="Page_192">[192]</span> -going to pitch you to the sharks with my -own hands,” and he looked as if he meant -every word. No doubt the little brown -sailormen thought he would carry out his -dire threat, for they moved slowly back to -their stations.</p> - -<p>The next moment the situation was relieved. -The “Aquadores” swung her port -broadside to the enemy and the sharp detonating -discharge of her guns made her crew -forget their fear of the enemy’s shells.</p> - -<p>Phil with glasses to his eyes watched their -shells wing their way toward the enemy. -The roar of discharges now grew incessant. -The leading cruiser was fairly blotted out by -the splashing of steel all about her.</p> - -<p>The “Aquadores” was not escaping unscathed; -the dead and dying littered the -decks, but the crew, with desperation born of -their dread for their officers’ revolvers, worked -like madmen.</p> - -<p>Phil saw a heavy pall of smoke rising from -the leading cruiser, now heading about in an -endeavor to seek the shelter of their fort’s -guns. It was the “Barcelo.” The “Soledad” -was yet unharmed and stood boldly on,<span class="pagenum" id="Page_193">[193]</span> -using her guns with terrific effect. He -rushed down to the battery deck. He found -his companions drawing their men back to -reload the guns.</p> - -<p>“One enemy is disabled,” he cried desperately. -“Back to your guns. If you desert -now it means death. Shoot at the other ship!”</p> - -<p>The men went once more to their guns, a -sullen scowl on their terrified faces.</p> - -<p>“For our lives, keep them at it,” he shouted -to O’Neil as he swung himself up the ladder -to the bridge.</p> - -<p>The “Soledad” was heading directly for the -“Aquadores.” The white foam under the -bow of the former showed she was making a -rush to close with her enemy.</p> - -<p>Captain Garcia was undecided. He stood -with his hand ready to clutch the wheel to -retreat. The “Soledad,” a blaze of destruction, -came on with a speed that seemed well-nigh -incredible. At the shorter range her shots -were falling thickly about their decks, and -the cries of the wounded were heartrending.</p> - -<p>Phil saw with consternation that she was -approaching on a converging course, and if -the “Aquadores” stood on the two vessels<span class="pagenum" id="Page_194">[194]</span> -must meet in but a few minutes. What would -Captain Garcia do? Sydney and O’Neil were -nowhere in sight. The battery fire had been -reduced alarmingly; but four guns were now -firing against ten of their enemy. What could -have happened to his companions? Then a -sudden wave of joy filled his heart. O’Neil -and Sydney were both shooting guns themselves -and the officer assistants had taken two -others. The excited sailors were working as -hard as their limited strength allowed them, -and from the guns of the Americans, Phil saw -with delight, the one hundred pound shells in -a perfect stream were hurled, true to their aim -against the side of the advancing ship.</p> - -<p>Phil read his range finder.</p> - -<p>“Two thousand yards,” he cried, then he -froze with sudden fear. “Have they torpedoes?” -he questioned anxiously.</p> - -<p>There was no time for an answer. A puff -of white smoke, low down on the “Soledad’s” -leaden side; a flash of bright metal in the -sunlight, and a silent splash in the water, told -our lad only too plainly that five hundred -pounds of high explosive had been launched -on its deadly errand against their ship.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_195">[195]</span>Phil’s voice refused obedience. The “Aquadores” -stood on at full speed, while he saw a -white wake of air bubbles in a straight line, -ever extending, marking the path of the -Whitehead torpedo.</p> - -<p>Captain Garcia hesitated but a moment; -then he grasped the spokes of the wheel and -spun it around, swinging the bow of the -cruiser toward the approaching destroyer.</p> - -<p>The men below, intuitively, knew that some -new danger threatened. An ominous murmur -arose from the guns. The dread of an unknown -danger had put the fear of death into -their simple minds.</p> - -<p>The “Aquadores” turned swiftly, yet it -seemed to the anxious watchers that she must -place herself directly in the path of the torpedo. -Our lad knew that the captain had -now made the only correct maneuver; by presenting -his bow to the torpedo, it would give -less surface to the steely fish, and a glancing -blow on the curved under-water side of the -cruiser might not explode its death-dealing -head.</p> - -<p>Through his glass Phil watched the fast approaching -tube of steel. It was running but<span class="pagenum" id="Page_196">[196]</span> -a few feet under the clear blue water, leaving -behind it a trail of bubbles from the air exhausted -through its tiny engines.</p> - -<p>It seemed to the lad that the torpedo could -not miss. He grasped the hand-rail near him -to brace himself against the terrific impact of -the explosion he knew would come with the -speed of light when the deadly point of the -tube plowed into the “Aquadores’” steel -plates. He could not withdraw his fascinated -gaze from the approaching menace; yet he -heard ominous sounds on the deck below him -that showed him the awful plight of the -cruiser.</p> - -<p>The torpedo was now very near, pointing -directly for the bow of the “Aquadores,” ever -swinging toward its small enemy.</p> - -<p>A flash of steel across the cruiser’s bow; a -whir of tiny propellers; a white streak of -foam, and the danger had passed. Death had -brushed close by and gone beyond on a futile -errand.</p> - -<p>“Back to your guns,” Captain Garcia cried, -steering his vessel toward the now retreating -enemy.</p> - -<p>“If you don’t put them out of business<span class="pagenum" id="Page_197">[197]</span> -now,” Phil heard O’Neil shout to the uncertain -men, “they’ll let loose another one of -them torpedoes, and they’ll hit us sure next -time.”</p> - -<p>As the gunners returned to the battery, the -roar of discharges brought confidence to the -panic-stricken crew.</p> - -<p>It was soon the “Aquadores’” turn to be -joyful. The demoralized enemy were running -for cover. Their fire had almost ceased, -but the deck of the cruiser, strewn with dead -and dying, told of the havoc while it had -lasted.</p> - -<p>Those on the bridge had, by a miracle, -escaped unharmed. Phil had felt many a -shell pass him, scorching him with its hot -blast.</p> - -<p>“Concentrate on the nearest vessel,” Phil -shouted to his companions below him. The -range was but scant two thousand yards. -The “Aquadores’” shell went true to their -aim. The smoke of explosions on the deck -of the nearer vessel rose in clouds, almost -concealing her from view. She had fired a -few shots with a stern gun as she turned to -follow her fleeing mate; this now ceased. She<span class="pagenum" id="Page_198">[198]</span> -was bending all efforts to escape. Once under -the cover of their shore batteries they could -refit the ships and again be ready for battle.</p> - -<p>Captain Garcia’s face wore a look of determination -as he took in his hand the flexible -speaking-tube to the engine room.</p> - -<p>“Make all speed possible,” he ordered.</p> - -<p>“Cripple her,” he cried to his gunners below. -“Let neither escape us.”</p> - -<p>The intense excitement was fairly stifling. -Both vessels of the enemy were making more -speed than Captain Garcia had given them -credit for being able to do. The distance was -not increasing but they were persistently holding -their own, and the “Aquadores’” shooting -had not, despite the volume of fire, succeeded -in reducing their speed by even the -fraction of a knot.</p> - -<p>“Aim at her water line,” Phil shouted to -his companions, pointing at the “Soledad.”</p> - -<p>The next few shots from the “Aquadores” -were fired singly by O’Neil. Phil sent him -the exact range from his range finder, while -Sydney saw the sight bar was accurately set.</p> - -<p>The first shell struck only a few yards -short, in her white wake. The next shot<span class="pagenum" id="Page_199">[199]</span> -struck under her counter and exploded with -an echoing report.</p> - -<p>“You jammed her rudder,” Phil shouted -jubilantly, as he saw the “Soledad” sheer -widely to starboard and expose half of her -broadside to the bow fire of the chaser. O’Neil -saw his opportunity to plant a number of -shells against her water line. Putting the -cross wire of his telescope sight fairly and -steadily on her water line amidships, he fired. -The watchers on the bridge anxiously followed -with their eyes the shell speeding -toward the “Soledad.” Then the sound of -a mighty explosion filled the air and the -hindmost enemy was blotted out in a cloud -of white, vapor-like smoke.</p> - -<p>“Her boilers have exploded!” cried Phil, -grasping Captain Garcia’s arm in his excitement.</p> - -<p>The “Barcelo,” as if fearing the terrible -punishment of her mate would be visited -upon her, had stopped dead on the water.</p> - -<p>Captain Garcia steamed his vessel cautiously -up to the vanquished enemy.</p> - -<p>The “Soledad” was a pitiful sight as she -rolled a shattered hulk on the ocean swell;<span class="pagenum" id="Page_200">[200]</span> -smoke-stacks gone; her decks blackened with -the fire of explosions, and torn and rent by -the terrific violence of the blown up boilers.</p> - -<p>“She’s sinking,” cried Phil in horror, turning -anxiously to Captain Garcia.</p> - -<p>The captain nodded his head in the affirmative.</p> - -<p>“I fear many of her crew have perished. -We must save every life we can.”</p> - -<p>The “Aquadores” was stopped near the -sinking ship and boats were lowered promptly. -But as Captain Garcia had feared, there were -but a handful of survivors left on the surface -after the “Soledad,” her colors still flying, -sank beneath the surface of the sea.</p> - -<p>In a half hour more a prize crew from the -“Aquadores” had been sent on board the captured -“Barcelo” and the two vessels, now no -longer enemies, lay quietly awaiting the darkness -to finish the work of destruction of the -insurgent navy; a torpedo-boat must yet be -accounted for before Captain Garcia could sail -back to La Boca and report to his president -that his work had been successfully accomplished.</p> - -<p>“The ‘Barcelo’ is quite serviceable,” Captain<span class="pagenum" id="Page_201">[201]</span> -Garcia informed the American lads, after his -return on board the “Aquadores” from his -visit to the captured vessel. “She suffered -badly from our shells and has lost many men; -fortunately her surgeons are uninjured, and -are now attending to her wounded. Our losses -have been heavy; I weep for my poor countrymen, -fighting against their own flesh and -blood.”</p> - -<p>Captain Garcia burst into tears. The sight -quite unmanned the youths. It was a new -sight for them—a man, who had borne himself -with so much bravery through the terrible -trials of the last few hours, breaking down -and crying like a child.</p> - -<p>The lads tried to console the sorely tried -man, but he was inconsolable. The reaction -on his Latin nature was more than his nerve -could stand.</p> - -<p>“You have placed me under a heavy debt,” -the captain said, his voice breaking with emotion. -“I believe in my heart that without -your superb assistance, my ship would now be -beneath the waves instead of the ‘Soledad,’ or, -which is far worse for an honorable man, lying -there vanquished, my flag trailing in the dirt.”<span class="pagenum" id="Page_202">[202]</span> -He pointed through the gun-port at the battle-scarred -“Barcelo,” her lowered flag still trailing -from her mast in sign of surrender.</p> - -<p>“Don’t think of it in that way,” Phil hastily -assured him. “We have served our own ends -as well as yours.”</p> - -<p>“But you have risked your lives many -times for our sacred cause,” cried Captain -Garcia. He took each by the hand, while -tears of gratitude streamed down his face. “I -take your hands as brothers; and that superb -sailorman! if he would join our navy our -president would make him a captain.”</p> - -<p>Both lads were pleased and proud that their -work had been appreciated so highly by their -friend. Their short acquaintance with his -noble character tended to change the opinion -they had formed of the men of his race. This -man was surely one of nature’s noblemen.</p> - -<p>The boys thanked him warmly for his -words.</p> - -<p>“We have risked our lives, Captain Garcia, -in your cause,” Phil replied earnestly, “because -your cause happens to be our cause.”</p> - -<p>Captain Garcia looked puzzled.</p> - -<p>“However you put it,” he declared, “I<span class="pagenum" id="Page_203">[203]</span> -shall always consider that you three Americans -have given us this victory. We could -never have won without your aid, and our -president shall richly reward you.”</p> - -<p>“That will be impossible, sir,” Phil explained -quickly. “Do not believe us unappreciative, -but you must not tell any one of -the part we have played in this battle. I pray -you will counsel secrecy to your officers and -men. It will do us much harm if the truth -were known.”</p> - -<p>Captain Garcia was more perplexed than -ever. He shrugged his shoulders as much as -to say:</p> - -<p>“Young man, your American ways are entirely -too complicated for me to understand.”</p> -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_204">[204]</span> - -<h2 class="nobreak">CHAPTER XII<br /> - - -<small>CAPTAIN GARCIA’S STRATEGY</small></h2> -</div> - -<p><span class="smcap">Captain</span> Garcia’s face showed the midshipmen -his keen disappointment.</p> - -<p>“You are denying my men and myself a -rightful pleasure,” he answered after an appreciable -silence. “They are acclaiming you -their deliverers and I fear they will not observe -my orders when I counsel secrecy. Señor -O’Neil is already their idol; to a man they -are wildly enthusiastic over his rough and -ready ways, and unless I am much mistaken -the praises for the three Americans will be -sung in every house in La Boca a short time -after we have returned.”</p> - -<p>“But, Captain Garcia,” Phil replied hastily, -a sudden fear in his voice, “you must tell the -men that by speaking of our work on board -the ‘Aquadores’ they will injure those to -whom they wish well. Our future careers in -the navy may be jeopardized.”</p> - -<p>“Never fear them,” exclaimed the captain<span class="pagenum" id="Page_205">[205]</span> -earnestly, seeing the alarm on the lad’s face. -“My men know that they owe you their lives. -They shall be silent. I can vouch for that.”</p> - -<p>Captain Garcia soon departed to lay his plans -for the coming night, leaving the boys in the -cabin. It was the first time they had been -alone since the battle.</p> - -<p>“Syd, you were a wonder during the -fight,” Phil began enthusiastically; “you appeared -to be as cool as if you were only drilling.”</p> - -<p>“I wasn’t cool,” Sydney confessed; “I was -all-powerfully scared, I can tell you. As the -men deserted the guns, when the ‘Soledad’ -fired her torpedo and the shells were exploding, -it seemed all about me, I felt as near like -making a mile run as I ever did in my life.”</p> - -<p>“That’s only modesty,” Phil declared in -admiration. “You acted like a veteran -under fire.”</p> - -<p>“I am glad I didn’t show my true feelings,” -he replied much pleased, “but to me the -greatest marvel was O’Neil; he doesn’t know -what fear is. I saw him, on two occasions, -catch in his arms a man who had been -killed at his side by an exploding shell, lay<span class="pagenum" id="Page_206">[206]</span> -him gently out of the way of the guns, and go -back to his work with jaws set like iron and -his eyes flashing with the joy of fighting. A -crew of such men could do miracles.”</p> - -<p>“Syd, during the fight, when I saw O’Neil, -I forgot the sense of fear myself,” he cried -gladly. “He was superb.”</p> - -<p>“Did you really mean what you told the -captain here,” questioned Sydney anxiously; -“that our careers might be endangered if the -part we took in the battle were known?”</p> - -<p>“I fear I did,” he returned. “Our enemies -could use it against us and do us a great deal -of harm. My conscience is clear, however; -our lives were in mortal danger and our -actions were prompted by the natural law of -self-defense.”</p> - -<p>“Will you tell Captain Taylor what we -have done?” Sydney asked.</p> - -<p>“Yes, I shall have to make a clean breast -of it to him,” Phil declared. “He may condemn -our actions and even send us home in -disgrace; but we must take that risk. He -should know all. From now on we must return -to our rôle as neutrals. I do not know -what Captain Garcia’s plans may be, but I feel<span class="pagenum" id="Page_207">[207]</span> -sure he will not be satisfied until the torpedo-boat -is disposed of. She will remain a -menace to the ‘Aquadores’ as long as she -floats and flies the flag of the rebellion.”</p> - -<p>“Then we shall take no further part in the -fighting,” exclaimed Sydney ruefully.</p> - -<p>“No, not unless we can do so justly,” his -companion answered. “It will have to be in -self-defense. We dare not take the initiative in -a hostile act—— Hallo! We are moving -rapidly,” he added glancing through the gun-port, -“and we seem to be heading toward -La Boca. We surely cannot be going to -abandon the torpedo-boat.”</p> - -<p>It took the midshipmen but a few moments -to appear on deck. There they saw that the -“Aquadores” was steaming swiftly to the -northward, followed by the “Barcelo.” The -harbor of Rio Grande was gradually fading -astern.</p> - -<p>“What does it mean?” exclaimed Sydney. -“If I were Captain Garcia I’d make short -work of the torpedo-boat before I left this -port. One of these dark nights she may steal -into La Boca harbor and torpedo the -‘Aquadores.’”</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_208">[208]</span>“I am not so sure that he is abandoning -the idea of destroying her,” replied Phil -thoughtfully. “I have come to consider him -a clever naval officer. There is some good -reason for his action. Let’s go to the bridge—I -am sure he will enlighten us.”</p> - -<p>The lads found Captain Garcia in the wheel -house carefully studying the chart of Rio -Grande.</p> - -<p>Phil shot a swift glance at Sydney as he -divined the captain’s intentions. “There’s -more work ahead,” he whispered.</p> - -<p>The captain raised his head finally and -greeted the midshipmen.</p> - -<p>“The more I look into this matter the -more hazardous it appears,” he confided, a -worried look on his face. “I may undo the -effect of our victory by losing both ships. -Yet I cannot return to La Boca and report -one vessel still at large and a menace to our -cause.”</p> - -<p>The captain paused and seemed in deep -thought. The boys regarded him intently in -silence.</p> - -<p>“I am resorting to strategy,” he finally explained, -pointing ahead in the direction of<span class="pagenum" id="Page_209">[209]</span> -La Boca. “It is now three o’clock; there are -three more hours of daylight and by dark we -shall be fifty miles from Rio Grande. Our -enemy will watch us pass below the horizon -and I hope will believe that we have continued -our way northward. As soon as it is -dark I shall turn about and steam back for -the harbor at full speed.”</p> - -<p>The boys were consumed with delight at the -plan.</p> - -<p>“And then?” asked Phil.</p> - -<p>“I have reasoned thus,” continued Captain -Garcia smiling in spite of himself at the lads’ -eager faces: “the torpedo-boat, believing we -have gone, may leave the harbor and go outside -to reconnoitre. She will go out to the locality -where the ‘Soledad’ sank; there is a great deal -of wreckage there which has undoubtedly been -seen from ashore. I am depending upon the -curiosity of my countrymen to see the ill-fated -spot. If she should leave the harbor -now she would be back inside before I -could turn and head her off, but if she -delays until sunset she will find me -waiting here at the harbor’s mouth on her -return. When we reach the entrance the<span class="pagenum" id="Page_210">[210]</span> -‘Barcelo’ will leave us and search to seaward.”</p> - -<p>“And if she is still inside?” questioned -Phil.</p> - -<p>“Then I shall sacrifice the ‘Barcelo,’” the -captain answered quickly, “in an attempt to -run the mine fields to engage the enemy inside. -The night will be moonless and the -advantage will be with the attacking force.”</p> - -<p>The boys could not hide their admiration -of the captain’s strategy.</p> - -<p>“How could you ever have thought of -it?” cried Phil delightedly. “I believe that -is exactly what she will do.” Then a thought -came to him. “But if she is outside will she -not discover you before you see her? You -dare not use your search-lights, for she can -then easily avoid you and escape into shallow -water, where you could not follow her.”</p> - -<p>“That is the risk of war,” Captain Garcia -answered grandiloquently. “If she torpedoes -us we must sink her even if we ourselves -are sunk. My government can buy another -‘Aquadores.’”</p> - -<p>The two vessels steamed swiftly away from -their enemy. The sun sank slowly toward<span class="pagenum" id="Page_211">[211]</span> -the horizon to the westward. The midshipmen -watched the molten ball dip into the -fiery sea. Darkness came quickly, for in these -latitudes there is no twilight.</p> - -<p>Inside of ten minutes night had settled -down over the sea and the war-ships had -turned about and were steaming at full speed -toward the enemy’s harbor.</p> - -<p>The hours passed with leaden feet. Cloud -banks which had been visible on the horizon -before sunset slowly spread a filmy mantle -over the sky, blotting out the brilliant tropical -stars. The night became darker. With all -lights screened, the gray hulls moved noiselessly -through the calm sea.</p> - -<p>“If she is outside the night is in her favor,” -Captain Garcia said, peering through the inky -blackness. “We couldn’t see her five hundred -yards away, while from her low deck she -could see our hull at nearly twice that distance.”</p> - -<p>“Maybe our better chance is to enter the -harbor after all,” exclaimed Phil, losing heart.</p> - -<p>“But think of the mines and the guns of -the forts,” replied the captain; “for me, I’d -rather find her outside. She can hardly be<span class="pagenum" id="Page_212">[212]</span> -lucky enough to sink both ships, and I have -confidence that we shall sink her if we see -her.”</p> - -<p>He turned to Phil questioningly.</p> - -<p>“May I count upon my American friends -for aid?” he added.</p> - -<p>Phil hesitated. If the torpedo-boat attacked -them it would be surely self-defense for them -to help defend the cruiser.</p> - -<p>“We are entirely at your service, sir,” he -declared, “if the boat is outside. I am sorry, -but our aid cannot be given otherwise.”</p> - -<p>Captain Garcia seemed perplexed.</p> - -<p>“I find I become ever more heavily -your debtor. Are all American naval men -like you and your companions?” Then he -added sincerely, “I pray that some day I -shall be given an opportunity to show my -gratitude.”</p> - -<p>The boys took his proffered hand and wrung -it warmly.</p> - -<p>O’Neil stepped hesitatingly on the bridge. -The lads seized upon the sailor and brought -him up beside them.</p> - -<p>“What is it now?” he inquired, peering into -the darkness ahead.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_213">[213]</span>The situation was quickly explained.</p> - -<p>The boatswain’s mate’s face lit up with -pleasure for a moment, then he turned to Phil, -a troubled note in his voice.</p> - -<p>“Them dagos can’t hit even the water at -night,” he whispered; “some of them have -been begging me to come and find out what’s -going to happen.”</p> - -<p>“But the enemy’s sailors are just as much -afraid of the dark,” Phil declared in a low tone.</p> - -<p>“These men ain’t sailors,” he answered -disgustedly, “they are soldiers, landlubbers. -All the sailormen of the country are with the -rebels.”</p> - -<p>A sudden idea struck the lad. He turned -from O’Neil toward Captain Garcia, wrapped -in his own thoughts.</p> - -<p>“Captain Garcia, O’Neil says all your men -are soldiers,” he cried anxiously.</p> - -<p>The captain nodded.</p> - -<p>“I had to take them,” he returned; “the -sailors were disloyal to a man. I was naval -attaché at the outbreak of the war in Washington -and was forced to be satisfied with the -men my government sent to me to man my -ship.”</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_214">[214]</span>“How many prisoners have you?” Phil -questioned hurriedly.</p> - -<p>Captain Garcia’s face brightened.</p> - -<p>“I see your drift,” he cried. “I believe I -can depend upon them. We have over a -hundred.”</p> - -<p>“Put them at the guns, sir, and have your -soldiers stand over them. I’ll make them -shoot straight when I tell them it’s ‘Davy -Jones’ locker’ if they don’t,” O’Neil urged.</p> - -<p>In a short time the hundred rebel sailors -were liberated from the lower hold and put -at the guns. The old crew, rifles in hand, -were placed as sentries about the ship.</p> - -<p>“Me for the rigging if those chaps mutiny,” -laughed O’Neil, pointing to the scores of riflemen, -carelessly handling their pieces, guarding -the captured sailors at the big guns. The -loom of the land near Rio Grande was now -dimly discernible on the starboard bow.</p> - -<p>The two cruisers slowly closed in toward -the shore. The vibrations of the engines -lessened. The war-ships were soon motionless -in the water. The harbor entrance had -been reached.</p> - -<p>Phil glanced apprehensively through the<span class="pagenum" id="Page_215">[215]</span> -darkness. He could see dimly the smudges -of forts, but he knew from them the “Aquadores” -and her mate, although but a scant -half mile distant, were quite invisible; their -steel gray sides blended in with the dark sea -and sky, showing an unbroken line.</p> - -<p>His companions were at their stations at -the guns. Every gun was loaded and ready -to be fired instantly.</p> - -<p>Phil from his station at the range finder -above the battery deck peered down on the -scene below him. He could make out the -shadowy figures of the men at the guns; he -saw the men at the sight telescopes and the -anxious loaders behind the breech of each -gun, with the shell and powder ready. -O’Neil stood almost directly under him; he -seemed to be the unconscious man-of-war’s -man surrounded by perils.</p> - -<p>“Put down those firing keys,” he cautioned. -His voice was low, but it sounded -distinct and commanding over the silent -deck. “You’ll be getting nervous and shooting -off before we clap eyes on her.”</p> - -<p>The “Barcelo” steamed by; she had received -her orders from Captain Garcia to<span class="pagenum" id="Page_216">[216]</span> -search the neighborhood of the wreck for the -enemy.</p> - -<p>They watched her slowly dissolve in the -night.</p> - -<p>Phil’s pulses beat fast. The moment was -fraught with grave perils. The unseen torpedo-boat -might be even then aiming a deadly -blow at the motionless cruiser.</p> - -<p>The crew were all watching intently; -keyed to the highest pitch of nervous excitement; -their eyes set fixedly, staring into the -total gloom about them; alert for the first -sound of the approaching enemy.</p> - -<p>The attitude of the prisoners was reassuring; -they could not load as rapidly as O’Neil -had made the soldiers do; but they were -used to naval warfare, they were on their own -element, the night and the unseen danger -held for them many terrors, but they were -not so terrified as their soldier comrades; -also they had been told that they would all -be drowned if the “Aquadores” was torpedoed -and that if they refused to fire they -would suffer death from the soldiers’ rifles. -Phil felt confident the sailors could be depended -upon. He glanced aloft at the search-light<span class="pagenum" id="Page_217">[217]</span> -platforms, high above the bridge deck; -the operators stood ready, like shrouded -statues, silhouetted against the starless sky.</p> - -<p>Captain Garcia was the man of action, one -hand on the telegraph to the engine room -and his other on the switch for the search-lights, -his eyes peering into the night.</p> - -<p>Phil read his intention at a glance: on the -discovery of the enemy to start ahead at full -speed and flash both search-lights on her -simultaneously.</p> - -<p>“The ‘Barcelo’ should be there by now,” -the captain said in a tense voice to the lad -beside him. “Will my strategy fail? Have -I made an error in my judgment of my -countrymen?”</p> - -<p>Phil was silent. His nerves were at too -high tension to speak.</p> - -<p>“The ‘Barcelo’s’ orders were if she discovered -the torpedo-boat,” Captain Garcia -continued in a nervous whisper, “to turn -her search-light upon the enemy and steam -at full speed toward us. We shall remain -dark. My dread is that our enemy may be -now returning to the harbor and will suddenly -find me in her path.”</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_218">[218]</span>“But even if that happens will she be able -to fire a torpedo immediately?” questioned -Phil in a voice he tried hard to control.</p> - -<p>“Her torpedoes will be in the tubes,” he -answered, “and probably primed ready to be -fired, but she must first aim her tube at us -and not suspecting that we are near, there -should be a sufficient interval for us to sink -her.”</p> - -<p>Captain Garcia had been so fully occupied -gazing to seaward that he had failed to notice -that the tide entering the harbor was slowly -setting the “Aquadores” in toward the forts. -An exclamation from the lad at his side made -him throw an apprehensive glance over his -shoulder at the near-by shore. It seemed -very close. He seized the engine room telegraph -and signaled for full speed ahead. -But a flash from the batteries and a sullen -roar showed him their thoughtlessness had -discovered them to the watchful enemy. The -shells screeched over their heads and struck -the water with a spiteful hiss.</p> - -<p>“We have lost,” Captain Garcia exclaimed -in bitter anguish; “if the torpedo-boat is out -she can easily avoid us, knowing we are near.<span class="pagenum" id="Page_219">[219]</span> -From her deck she can see us long before we -can sight her. My hope was that they would -not be watchful; now they have been warned -and will run cautiously.”</p> - -<p>The “Aquadores” slowly gathered speed -and, turning, steamed out to sea in the direction -taken by her consort.</p> - -<p>Shell after shell followed her, but in the -darkness the fort’s aim was bad; the gunners -ashore could not know the range.</p> - -<p>Suddenly Phil saw a flash far out on the -ocean.</p> - -<p>“See, a shot,” he cried breathlessly, grasping -the captain’s arm in his excitement. A -distant boom came to their ears.</p> - -<p>Flash followed flash in rapid succession, -as if a firefly were flying low above the -horizon. Then a white shaft of light cut -the blackness, swung undecidedly to and fro, -and then held steadily on the water.</p> - -<p>Phil’s glasses trembled as he gazed at the -end of the light shaft.</p> - -<p>Captain Garcia’s voice rang out joyfully -when his keen eyes saw the small white object -under the search-light’s ray, far out on -the ocean.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_220">[220]</span>“Be ready, men, she’s coming this way. -Either they will sink, or we shall. You -must choose—I promise full pardon to all—if -we sink her.”</p> - -<p>A low murmur ran along the decks. In it -were betrayed both joy and fear:—joy for the -promised reprieve, fear at the sudden unknown -danger of the approaching torpedo-boat.</p> - -<p>O’Neil’s clear voice was raised in cautioning.</p> - -<p>“Steady, men. Don’t fire; she’s too far -away. Wait till I give you the word. Then -fire for your lives.”</p> - -<p>The “Aquadores” turned swiftly toward -the object illuminated by the search-light of -the “Barcelo.” The former ship was in complete -darkness.</p> - -<p>“Can you read the range?” questioned the -captain’s eager voice.</p> - -<p>Phil put his eyes to the range finder and -moved a switch which made the torpedo-boat’s -bright hull appear as a line of light. He -moved his wheel and brought the direct and -reflected rays together.</p> - -<p>“Five thousand yards,” he announced.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_221">[221]</span>“Let me know when she is twenty-five -hundred yards away,” said Captain Garcia.</p> - -<p>The “Aquadores” was steaming at full -speed toward the rapidly moving torpedo-boat. -They were approaching each other at -terrific speed, yet to the overwrought midshipman -it seemed an age when his range -pointer reached the distance given him by the -captain.</p> - -<p>“Twenty-five hundred yards,” he cried, his -voice rising with an excitement he was -powerless to control.</p> - -<p>A second afterward the blinding flashes -from the “Aquadores’” guns, accompanied by -ear splitting discharges, made the scene on the -cruiser one of terrible splendor.</p> - -<p>The “Barcelo’s” search-light still illumined -the enemy, but she had by her superior speed -drawn out of range of the former’s guns.</p> - -<p>Phil’s fascinated gaze held to the torpedo-boat -with grim tenacity.</p> - -<p>“She’s lost her,” he cried, as the end of the -“Barcelo’s” search-light swept uncertainly -over the water. The boat had vanished into -the night.</p> - -<p>“Cease firing,” cried O’Neil’s stentorian<span class="pagenum" id="Page_222">[222]</span> -voice, as he saw the torpedo-boat had slipped -away from the discovering light.</p> - -<p>The “Aquadores’” lights were flashed and -groped about in despair for the lost vessel. -The sailors stood terrified at their guns. -O’Neil walked coolly along the deck, shaking -men roughly to wake them out of their stupor -of fear—some had fallen to praying on their -knees.</p> - -<p>“When we pick her up you’ll need all your -prayers,” he cried, “if you don’t shoot.”</p> - -<p>Phil felt he was nearer a panic than he had -ever been; he walked up and down, his eyes -following one struggling beam and then the -other; he almost resolved to go up to a search-light -himself. Captain Garcia during the moments -of uncertainty had turned his vessel toward -the harbor’s entrance. He would brave -the fire of the forts if that could prevent his -prize from escaping. He was ready to sacrifice -his ship in this last attempt.</p> - -<p>Suddenly through the black night Phil -saw a darker shade on the surface of the water. -It seemed but a stone’s throw away. His voice -was paralyzed. He tried to speak but it was -impossible. His lips gave out unintelligible<span class="pagenum" id="Page_223">[223]</span> -sounds. Grasping Captain Garcia’s arm, he -pointed a trembling finger at the dread object.</p> - -<p>“Port quarter, quick, your search-lights,” -shouted the captain.</p> - -<p>The lights, before uncertain, now swung -obediently to the assigned direction, and in -the bright glare, the torpedo-boat flashed in -sight heading bows on to the luckless cruiser.</p> - -<p>“Don’t look. Shoot,” cried O’Neil to the -gunners fascinated, terrified; while he and -Sydney stormed among them.</p> - -<p>It seemed ages before the tension was relieved -by the discharges of their own guns.</p> - -<p>The torpedo-boat was so close that the range -finder could not get her distance. She could -not be over five hundred yards away and coming -on with terrific speed. Even now a Whitehead -torpedo might be speeding below the -inky water on its mission of destruction.</p> -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_224">[224]</span> - -<h2 class="nobreak">CHAPTER XIII<br /> - - -<small>LAZAR’S CUNNING</small></h2> -</div> - -<p><span class="smcap">The</span> next few moments were ones long to be -remembered. The daring torpedo-boat was -making a desperate attempt to sink the -“Aquadores,” which stood between herself -and safety. Her small dark hull stood out as -bright as day under the search-light beams. -Hundred pound missiles from her huge enemy -were churning the water to foam about her; -one lucky hit and she would be no more.</p> - -<p>With heart beating tumultuously and breath -abated, Phil saw a group of sailors at her forward -torpedo-tube. Spellbound, fascinated -as one who gazes into the green spark-like -eyes of the cobra, he could not take his eyes -from the ominous sight. The tube moved -slowly around; those moving it were apparently -careless of the thunderbolts striking -so near them. Two of the men stepped back -quickly, one remained at the tube. The<span class="pagenum" id="Page_225">[225]</span> -torpedo-boat was within short torpedo range of -her enemy.</p> - -<p>A flash of fire from her miniature bow; then -a great geyser of water shot high in the air -from under her forefoot. At last a shell had -reached her. Her bow sank as she drove forward, -until she was half submerged. Then, -all in a moment it seemed, her stern lifted in -the air, and the last of the rebel navy took -a graceful dive to the bottom of the ocean.</p> - -<p>The incident came so suddenly that but -few on board the “Aquadores” could grasp -the meaning of what had happened. The -search-lights showed a seething sea where the -enemy had but a second before been visible. -The gunners of the “Aquadores” could see -nothing through the sights; the discharges -ceased suddenly. The crew gazed about -them in fear that some new and more dangerous -peril was at hand.</p> - -<p>“It was her torpedo,” Phil cried in joyful -relief. “She fired it, and as it struck the -water a six-inch shell must have hit the high -explosive head. It’s all over.”</p> - -<p>“Cease firing,” cried O’Neil as he saw -some of the gunners were about to reopen<span class="pagenum" id="Page_226">[226]</span> -fire. Phil’s words had been in English and -had conveyed no intelligence to the anxious -sailors. “She’s gone to the bottom, now.”</p> - -<p>Captain Garcia stood overcome with conflicting -emotions. After his first wild joy -had died away his thoughts dwelt upon the -fate of the brave men who had a moment -before with splendid courage aimed a deadly -blow at his vessel.</p> - -<p>The “Aquadores” was brought to rest -amid the whirling eddies, the aftermath of -the explosion of hundreds of pounds of gun-cotton; -but there was not a living shape on -the surface of the sea: all had perished -gallantly and their torpedo-boat had furnished -their bodies a fitting sepulchre.</p> - -<p>Four days brought the cruiser in sight of -La Boca. To the three Americans on her -bridge, straining to catch the first glimpse of -their ship, it seemed an age since the day on -which they had set out so cheerfully to seek -information within the rebel lines. The experiences -of the past ten days were like a bad -dream from which they were fast awakening.</p> - -<p>Rounding the headland the harbor burst<span class="pagenum" id="Page_227">[227]</span> -into view with its fleet of vessels anchored -therein.</p> - -<p>“The whole battle-ship squadron is there,” -exclaimed Phil in amazement. “What does it -mean?”</p> - -<p>There was no reply. Captain Garcia’s face -showed that he too was surprised.</p> - -<p>“There can be but one explanation,” he -answered; “your government fears the intervention -of some foreign power. That -array of fighters would deter any open act.”</p> - -<p>The “Aquadores” and the captured -“Barcelo” steamed in between the sentinel -forts at the entrance and then between the -lines of the American war vessels.</p> - -<p>Cheer after cheer arose from the mighty -ships as the battle-scarred veterans steamed -swiftly past.</p> - -<p>The lads’ nerves tingled and Captain -Garcia’s eyes filled with tears. He was -touched beyond words at this enthusiastic -greeting.</p> - -<p>As soon as the “Aquadores” was anchored -the Americans were ready to leave the ship -on board which they had been through so -many thrilling scenes.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_228">[228]</span>“I am sorry to part,” Captain Garcia declared -with genuine grief. “You have all -endeared yourselves to me in many ways.”</p> - -<p>They expressed their thanks to the gallant -captain and as they passed through the motley -crew the men broke out in excited cheers for -“los Americanos.” O’Neil was surrounded by -an admiring crowd, all shouting enthusiastically; -they hugged him and cried over him -and would have forcibly detained him on -board. O’Neil stood it like a stoic.</p> - -<p>“Them dagos are like a lot of women at a -wedding,” the boatswain’s mate declared disgustedly, -when they had left the ship and -were being rowed across the water to the -“Connecticut.” “You’d thought I was the -bride, the way they embraced me.”</p> - -<p>“I am glad we can talk our own tongue -once more,” remarked Phil. “It seems so -long since I used it that I’ll be talking Spanish -to everybody I meet; I have the habit.”</p> - -<p>A steam launch flying the American flag -passed close by the Americans in their boat -flying the Verazala flag at the stern. An -officer wearing the uniform of an ensign -saluted promptly.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_229">[229]</span>“That’s the last salute we’ll get from an -ensign for some years,” chuckled Sydney as -they returned the salute. “Wouldn’t that -fellow feel cheap if he knew we were only -midshipmen.”</p> - -<p>“I had quite forgotten how we are dressed,” -Phil laughed, “but it was these or nothing.”</p> - -<p>A few moments afterward, they climbed the -high gangway ladder and passed through two -lines of saluting sailors. The officer of the -deck of the “Connecticut,” a lieutenant, stood -civilly by to receive the foreign officers.</p> - -<p>“Why, it’s Mr. Perry,” he gasped, wringing -the lad’s hand gladly. “Whatever are you -doing in those togs? We had given all three -of you up for dead,” he added. “The admiral -and Captain Taylor will be mighty -glad to see you. We are flag-ship now.”</p> - -<p>The lads descended to their room, while -O’Neil was escorted forward by a worshiping -crowd of shipmates.</p> - -<p>The boys discarded their foreign uniforms -and donning their simple midshipman’s -clothes were ready to report their return to -their commanding officer.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_230">[230]</span>In a few minutes they entered the cabin. -Captain Taylor’s face was smiling with joy as -he, almost embracing the midshipmen, introduced -them to the commander-in-chief, Admiral -Spotts. The boys were abashed in the -presence of such an important personage.</p> - -<p>“Gentlemen, this is indeed a happy moment,” -Captain Taylor exclaimed. “Before -the cruisers were sighted entering the harbor -we were about to cable to the Navy Department -the news of your deaths.”</p> - -<p>“Our deaths, sir!” cried both lads aghast.</p> - -<p>“Yes,” Captain Taylor explained. “We -heard four days ago that the ‘Aquadores’ had -been sunk with all on board. The leader of -the rebellion, General Ruiz, gave out the news -as received by cable from Rio Grande. We -have tried to catch you by wireless but not -receiving any answer to our call, we feared -the news was authentic. He also issued an -ultimatum that La Boca would be blockaded—Admiral -Spotts with his squadron was ordered -here from the West Indies and arrived -but an hour ago.”</p> - -<p>“‘Aquadores’ sunk!” exclaimed Phil. -“Why should he give such information?”</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_231">[231]</span>“What did happen? Tell us,” questioned -the admiral eagerly.</p> - -<p>“The ‘Aquadores’ sunk the ‘Soledad’ and -torpedo-boat and captured the ‘Barcelo,’” -Phil replied proudly, then he described all -that had happened since they had left the -“Connecticut.”</p> - -<p>The two officers listened in silence at the -lad’s story, told simply and modestly. He -bestowed unstinted praise on his two companions, -barely mentioning the important -part that he himself had played, which -brought from Sydney an unselfish protest.</p> - -<p>“Mr. Perry, sir, was everything to us,” -Sydney interrupted, his face flushed with joy -at his companion’s praises for him.</p> - -<p>When Phil had told of the part they had -taken in the sea fights, the admiral could -contain himself no longer; he felt his boyhood -blood once more flowing through his -veins; he had in his youth taken part in -many a fight during the long Civil War.</p> - -<p>“Our only excuse,” Phil ended contritely, -“is that we acted in self-defense.”</p> - -<p>The admiral chuckled gleefully.</p> - -<p>“Self-defense,” he laughed. “You young<span class="pagenum" id="Page_232">[232]</span> -rascals, you did it for the love of fighting. -Now own up to it! If you had done otherwise -I’d have had you all court-martialed.” -He lowered his voice. “You have done a -great service to your country; when the news -of the sinking of the ‘Aquadores’ reached -Europe, three countries there acknowledged -the rebels as belligerents, which gave General -Ruiz the temerity to declare the blockade. -If this is established our country’s commercial -interests will suffer to the extent of many millions -of dollars a day. My orders are if the -rebel war-ships attempt to stop our merchantmen -from entering or leaving this port to put -an end to the blockade by force, and you see -I have the force,” he added smiling. “But -why did you not send us a wireless instead of -keeping us in this suspense?”</p> - -<p>“We couldn’t, sir,” Phil explained; “our -wireless was totally wrecked in the first engagement.”</p> - -<p>The lads were indeed happy. Instead of -being punished for their acts, the admiral -was praising them. They dared not look at -each other; they feared they would shout out -with excess of joy.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_233">[233]</span>“For the present of course everything -must be kept secret,” the admiral cautioned, -rising to depart, “but bear in mind, I shall -not forget your valuable services.”</p> - -<p>He nodded to the captain and smiled at -the joyous lads; then passed into his own -cabin, leaving the midshipmen alone with -Captain Taylor.</p> - -<p>Phil asked the question which had been -trembling on his lips during all the time the -admiral was talking:</p> - -<p>“Where are the arms, sir?”</p> - -<p>“They are safe in the legation,” the captain -replied gladly; “you were grossly misinformed -by that scoundrel Juarez. As soon as -your cipher message was translated, I took -Mr. Penfield with me and we went ashore to -the legation. We saw Mr. Lazar and showed -him your message. He took us immediately -to the cellar of the minister’s residence and -pointed out the boxes, all intact; he opened -for us the box which you had half opened on -the launch the night of the capture; the -arms were in plain view. It was but a plot -of the rebels to make you betray the arms to -them.”</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_234">[234]</span>“Where are the rebel lines?” Phil asked, -unconvinced; “have they approached nearer -to the city?”</p> - -<p>“Yes,” Captain Taylor answered, “the two -armies are now intrenched with but a scant -one thousand yards between them. General -Ruiz threatens to assault the city momentarily. -We believed he was awaiting his war-ships to -shell the government forces from inside the -harbor; but your story disproves that conjecture -unless he himself has been misled.”</p> - -<p>The lads soon left the cabin and went into -their own mess room. Their return was -hailed with enthusiasm, but neither had ears -for praise; there was still work in hand.</p> - -<p>“What do you think, Syd,” asked Phil, -on reaching the quiet of their room, “are the -arms in the legation?”</p> - -<p>“The captain says he saw them,” replied -Sydney thoughtfully. “How could he be mistaken?”</p> - -<p>“It surely seems very strange,” declared -the other, “why both Juarez and General -Ruiz should tell us they were not in the -legation but safe in the city ready to be -brought into the rebel lines. Ruiz thought<span class="pagenum" id="Page_235">[235]</span> -himself safe in telling us this for he had no -idea we could escape. It was purely providential -that the ‘Aquadores’ came along. -Even if he hadn’t shot us, he surely would -have kept us close prisoners. We knew too -much to be set free.”</p> - -<p>The next morning the lads went to see -Captain Taylor. They had thought the -matter over during the evening and had -lain awake thinking about it a good part -of the night; they were no nearer a solution -of the vexing problem.</p> - -<p>Captain Taylor received them with his -usual kindness.</p> - -<p>“Captain,” Phil commenced as spokesman, -“please do not believe us incredulous always, -but the idea that the guns are elsewhere than -in the legation has taken such a hold on us -that we have come to ask you to take us to -the legation with you this morning.”</p> - -<p>Captain Taylor looked puzzled. He realized -the lads were in deadly earnest.</p> - -<p>“Bless me!” he exclaimed. “If it will ease -your minds, of course I shall take you.”</p> - -<p>He ordered his boat and the boys found -themselves shortly climbing Legation Hill on<span class="pagenum" id="Page_236">[236]</span> -the way to the residence of the American -minister.</p> - -<p>“I feel sure,” spoke Captain Taylor while -they climbed the steep streets, “that your -doubts will soon be set at rest. Mr. Lazar -is a careful officer; he has shown me how -he has placed his guards and it seems impossible -that the arms could be taken without -detection. The guns, I explained before, -are in the cellar. There is but one exit, a -stairway leading up to the ground floor. -At the top of the stairs is a door and there -two sentinels are posted night and day. -Machinist’s Mate Craig, the man who was -wounded in your expedition, sleeps on a cot -in the cellar within reach of the boxes. So -you see how well they have been guarded? -The full force of the guard are encamped on -the grounds of the legation and are ready for -instant call.”</p> - -<p>Phil and Sydney exchanged knowing -glances. Craig—Lazar’s tool! The arms -were surely not in the legation!</p> - -<p>Lazar met them at the gate and saluted -the captain. He bowed to the lads in mock -courtesy.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_237">[237]</span>“I am delighted,” he said, “to see you -are safe.” He did not offer his hand. He -doubtless knew it would be ignored by the -midshipmen.</p> - -<p>“Mr. Lazar,” Captain Taylor began merrily, -“Mr. Perry and Mr. Monroe wish to be convinced -that we still hold the guns securely, so -I have brought them to feast their eyes on -their captured arms.”</p> - -<p>“Aye, aye, sir,” replied Lazar smartly, -leading the way into the legation.</p> - -<p>The boys were welcomed by both Marshall -and Morrison, who would have plied them -with many anxious questions, but the lads -were too impatient to see the boxes in the -cellar of the legation.</p> - -<p>The minister received the captain cordially. -The latter explained his mission.</p> - -<p>“When you have had a look below there,” -the minister said, “I would like to see you -in the office. I have news that may interest -you.”</p> - -<p>Reaching the cellar the lads saw Craig, -looking pale and haggard, standing beside the -boxes. He gave them a quick glance in -which Phil thought he read terror. He had<span class="pagenum" id="Page_238">[238]</span> -seen that same look on many human faces -in the last few weeks.</p> - -<p>Lazar picked up a hatchet and bared the -contents of a box.</p> - -<p>The lads peered in. There were the Colt -guns: two barrels, two tripods and the accessory -boxes.</p> - -<p>Phil glanced up and caught Lazar’s eye. -The latter smiled confidently.</p> - -<p>“Are you satisfied?” he asked, a sneer in -his voice.</p> - -<p>Phil reached for the hatchet, but Lazar ignored -the motion and stepping away stood -beside Captain Taylor.</p> - -<p>“That man of yours, Lazar,” said the latter -in a low voice, “should not be made to sleep -in this damp hole any longer. He seems to -show the effects greatly. I believe I shall -order him back to the ship. You can pick -out another reliable man to take his place -and change them often.”</p> - -<p>“I shall relieve him immediately, sir, but, -with your permission, I would like to retain -him with me. He is a valuable man to -me.”</p> - -<p>“Have it your own way,” the captain<span class="pagenum" id="Page_239">[239]</span> -agreed, “but don’t let him sleep there any -longer; he appears a sick man.”</p> - -<p>Phil watched Captain Taylor and Lazar -move slowly up the steps. The former threw -an inquiring glance over his shoulder at the -lads standing determinedly in the cellar. -The officers disappeared and the midshipmen -heard their footsteps enter the minister’s -office above.</p> - -<p>Phil turned a glance full of pity on Craig. -The sailorman shook as if with ague.</p> - -<p>“Are you ill?” asked Phil in sympathy.</p> - -<p>“Yes, sir. I don’t want to stay here any -longer,” the miserable man pleaded. “Can’t -you, sir, get me back on board ship?”</p> - -<p>Phil noticed the unhealthy pallor on the -man’s cheeks.</p> - -<p>“Have you a cough?” he asked.</p> - -<p>“Only lately, sir, but it seems to get -worse,” he answered.</p> - -<p>Sydney had been rummaging about in the -cellar; he now appeared with a piece of bar -steel pointed on the end.</p> - -<p>“Let’s open another box, Phil,” he suggested.</p> - -<p>After a few minutes the cover of a box was<span class="pagenum" id="Page_240">[240]</span> -pried open. The lads gave a gasp of surprise. -It contained only rocks. Another and another -lid was forced, until the last box was -opened to the light. Not one contained arms -but were piled to the top with rocks; only -the one examined by Lazar held arms.</p> - -<p>Craig was stupefied with terror.</p> - -<p>“If you wish to save yourself,” Phil -whispered, turning upon the frightened -sailor, “tell us where the guns have been -taken. We know you have been forced to -do this work.”</p> - -<p>The man’s knees shook and his voice failed -him.</p> - -<p>“He’ll kill me if I tell,” he whined pitifully.</p> - -<p>“No, he won’t,” Phil hastily assured him. -“We shall tell him nothing. We promise.”</p> - -<p>“They were taken through this underground -passageway to the next house,” Craig -replied in a terrified whisper, showing the -cleverly concealed opening to a secret tunnel -underneath the cellar floor; “they are now -in Mr. Juarez’s house at La Mesa. I overheard -the order given to hide them there.”</p> - - - -<p>The lads had discovered quite enough.<span class="pagenum" id="Page_241">[241]</span> -They ascended the steps and walked excitedly -to the minister’s office.</p> - - -<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/i_240.jpg" alt="" /></div> -<p class="drop-cap"><i>“YOU SEIZED ONLY A CARGO<br /> -OF ROCKS”</i></p> - -<p>Captain Taylor at once noticed the agitation -on their faces.</p> - -<p>“What’s the matter?” he inquired in -alarm.</p> - -<p>“Please come with us, sir,” Phil begged -in as calm a voice as he could muster.</p> - -<p>The captain and Lazar followed the midshipmen -back to the cellar.</p> - -<p>A cry of surprise escaped from Captain -Taylor when he saw the contents of the remaining -boxes.</p> - -<p>Lazar’s face was a study. A cynical smile -curled his mouth. His manner was calm. -He held himself perfectly under control.</p> - -<p>“I fear the rebels were too cunning for -you, Mr. Perry,” he said casting a look, full -of hatred, at the midshipman. “You -thought you had arms, but you seized only -a cargo of rocks.”</p> - -<p>“But the one box,” exclaimed Captain -Taylor.</p> - -<p>“Only a clever ruse, I presume,” Lazar -explained promptly; “that one was placed on -the launch in just such a manner as a card<span class="pagenum" id="Page_242">[242]</span> -trickster forces on you a card from his pack. -It was the logical one to open. The remaining -arms are probably by now in the hands -of the insurgents.”</p> - -<p>Both lads gasped at the scoundrel’s deceit, -and hot words came in their thoughts, but -their promise to Craig held them unspoken.</p> -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_243">[243]</span> - -<h2 class="nobreak">CHAPTER XIV<br /> - - -<small>THE HOUSE ON LA MESA</small></h2> -</div> - -<p><span class="smcap">Captain Taylor</span> was quite satisfied upon -hearing Lazar’s ready explanation. The -thought that the latter was aught but the -honorable, efficient officer that he appeared -never entered his generous mind. He gazed -at the lads with compassion on his kindly -face.</p> - -<p>“It must be a great disappointment,” he -said to the silent, stunned lads. “You have -worked so hard and then to be hoodwinked -by the villainous cunning of the vice-consul -must indeed be hard. But never mind, his -just retribution will overtake him if the government -is successful.”</p> - -<p>In silence they ascended the stairs and entered -the minister’s office. That official had -just received news that seemed to put him in -an excited state of mind.</p> - -<p>“Captain, I was just about to tell you when -you so hastily left me a moment ago,” he began<span class="pagenum" id="Page_244">[244]</span> -rapidly, “that I have received reliable -information that General Ruiz at last is going -to make a determined assault on the city. -My informant says the force of the attacking -army will be concentrated on Tortuga Hill; -it is a high, round-top hill to the right of the -city. This appears to be the key to the situation -and is now well fortified. I want your -advice as to whether I shall give the information -to the president in order that his general -may be prepared to defend that position.”</p> - -<p>“Most certainly,” Captain Taylor replied -at once, showing in his calm face a spark of -excitement. “The admiral’s orders are, you -know, to uphold the government; we have -thrown our fortune into the scale against the -rebels. When will the assault take place?”</p> - -<p>“That my informant does not know,” answered -the minister, “but he believes it will -be very soon, perhaps to-day or to-morrow.”</p> - -<p>“From whom does this information come, -sir?” hazarded Phil, bluntly. His interest -was so intense that he quite forgot his teaching -that midshipmen should stay in the background -of their seniors’ affairs.</p> - -<p>The minister looked surprisedly at him;<span class="pagenum" id="Page_245">[245]</span> -then his face beamed with pleasure as he -recognized the lad.</p> - -<p>“Mr. Perry, your work and that of your -companions has awakened our admiration,” -he exclaimed, shaking the boy’s hand. “I -trust you will not again prove that my information -is wrong;” he smiled ruefully; -“the man who brings me this is a member of -a rich and powerful business firm. He has -too much at stake to afford to see the city -given over to the lawless army of General -Ruiz and yet he dares not take his information -to the government for fear of the rebel -sympathizers within the city; so he has -brought it to me and begged me to see that -it was received at once at the president’s -palace.”</p> - -<p>The explanation sounded plausible; yet -there was a flaw. Could this man be a member -of the firm of La Fitte and Company? -Did the minister suspect that Juarez had -been hand and glove with this firm? Phil -thought he saw the trick; if the arms were -on La Mesa then there would be the assault. -General Ruiz, or more likely Juarez, had sent -this information in order that the greater part<span class="pagenum" id="Page_246">[246]</span> -of the government force would be removed to -Tortuga Hill and away from the real objective.</p> - -<p>“Then I shall send the despatch immediately,” -the minister added, addressing Captain -Taylor. “Will you notify Admiral Spotts as -to what I have done?”</p> - -<p>Phil was strongly tempted to stop the -despatch by telling of the arms, when he -remembered he could not do this without -bringing to a crisis his enmity with Lazar; -but of the latter’s evil deeds he had no proofs.</p> - -<p>Shortly the captain, Sydney and Phil left -the legation and walked toward the landing-pier -to take their boat back to the ship.</p> - -<p>After their arrival on board, the boys got -the chart of La Boca from the navigator and -studied the surroundings.</p> - -<p>“Here is La Mesa,” Phil exclaimed, pointing -with his finger, “and here is Tortuga Hill. -Nowhere near each other. Do you see the -ruse, Syd? La Mesa will be the main point -of attack, for if they can take that hill they -will have the machine guns. Then with -these guns mounted they can command the -city from behind and where the cruiser’s<span class="pagenum" id="Page_247">[247]</span> -guns can do but little damage; while Tortuga -Hill is near enough to the sea for the ‘Aquadores’ -to shell the rebels out if they were -fortunate enough to capture it.”</p> - -<p>“What can we do?” pondered Sydney, -agreeing with his chum on every point.</p> - -<p>“It’s surely puzzling,” rejoined he; “we -might have stopped the message, but we -should have found ourselves very much involved -by so doing and I fear if we made our -charges against Lazar without being able to -furnish sufficient evidence, we would be in a -difficult position with both admiral and captain, -and besides would break our promise to -Craig.”</p> - -<p>A few hours later they and their faithful -boatswain’s mate, having received the necessary -permission, were once more ashore. This -time they were in uniform, with heavy Colt -revolvers in their holsters. They trudged up -the hill back of the town, known to the -natives as La Mesa.</p> - -<p>O’Neil had been informed about the stolen -arms, and his keen judgment had suggested an -immediate and personal investigation of the -locality.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_248">[248]</span>The hill was steep but not high and but -sparsely inhabited. At the top they knew was -the residence of Juarez.</p> - -<p>On reaching the summit they gazed about -them. Further inland away from the city was -a second hill higher than La Mesa; in fact La -Mesa was not a hill but a flat spur of the hill -in front. On top of the latter they could see -a battery of loyal artillery. To their right -and left the lines of the defenders were in -sight, each prominent point well supplied -with men and guns. Far away to their left -rose Tortuga Hill, and trailing up its steep -slope were visible small objects which the lads -knew were reënforcements.</p> - -<p>“The reserves,” Phil exclaimed pointing to -the turtle shaped hill; “the minister’s message -has arrived and is being acted upon.”</p> - -<p>O’Neil had left the lads deep in the study -of the strategic positions of the defense and -was bent on investigating the houses on the -table-like hill. He entered the garden of a -prosperous looking building and strolled -slowly toward the house; knocking loudly -on the door, he waited, listening for footsteps -within. He heard a sound of some one moving<span class="pagenum" id="Page_249">[249]</span> -about and then a hurried whispering. A -few moments and the door was opened slowly; -a man’s face peered through the narrow slit.</p> - -<p>“What do you want?” the man asked -gruffly in Spanish.</p> - -<p>“Does Señor Juarez live here?” O’Neil -asked in the same tongue.</p> - -<p>The man’s face blanched and he would have -closed the door, but the sailor’s heavily booted -shoe had wedged it open.</p> - -<p>“Not so fast,” he added sternly; “answer -my question.”</p> - -<p>The man stared, an angry scowl on his face.</p> - -<p>“He is not here,” he snarled.</p> - -<p>“I asked you if he lived here,” O’Neil corrected, -wedging the door further open with the -powerful force of his body, “not if he was here.”</p> - -<p>The sound of whispering from behind the -door caused his hand to go quickly to his -revolver holster. The door suddenly swung -open and the sailor found himself inside in -inky darkness. The door had closed with a -snap behind him.</p> - -<p>He held his revolver in his hand, his finger -on the trigger, his ears straining to locate an -enemy.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_250">[250]</span>He heard a noise behind him and swinging -around fired directly toward the sound. The -flash of his pistol lit up the dark hall for the -fraction of a second, but before he could seek -a protecting wall he was struck heavily from -behind and his senses left him.</p> - -<p>“A shot, did you hear it?” cried Sydney -swinging about in the direction of the cluster -of buildings. “Why, where’s O’Neil?” he -added in alarm, noting that the sailor was nowhere -in sight.</p> - -<p>With an apprehension of coming evil they -walked hastily toward the building from -which they had heard the report of fire-arms.</p> - -<p>Phil uttered a cry of dismay and ran up the -steps of the large house.</p> - -<p>“O’Neil’s hat,” he cried, a terrible dread in -his voice. “There’s been foul play here.”</p> - -<p>“Juarez’s house,” said Sydney aghast, “and -O’Neil is inside alone.”</p> - -<p>They looked about for assistance. There -was none nearer than the foot of the hill, -where a company of infantry were encamped.</p> - -<p>“What shall we do?” questioned Sydney -in despair. “They may murder him; and if<span class="pagenum" id="Page_251">[251]</span> -we attempt to force an entrance they could -dispatch us without fear of detection and we -would do O’Neil no good.”</p> - -<p>“Come,” cried Phil clutching his companion’s -arm and dragging him away. “You -go down to that camp and ask for aid. I shall -stay here and keep guard. They undoubtedly -thought he was alone, and if they haven’t already -seen us we may surprise them.”</p> - -<p>Sydney found the soldiers only too willing -to aid them and he soon returned with a -lieutenant and thirty men.</p> - -<p>Phil quickly explained the situation. The -lieutenant stationed his men about the house, -surrounding it on all sides.</p> - -<p>Phil and Sydney knocked heavily on the -door; there was no answer. They tried to -force it, but it was of stout material and doubly -barred on the inside.</p> - -<p>“A battering ram,” Sydney cried. The -willing soldiers soon brought a huge log of -wood and after a few minutes’ pounding the -door flew inward in pieces.</p> - -<p>With drawn revolvers and followed by a -file of soldiers they entered the gloom of the -house.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_252">[252]</span>The lads cast bewildered looks about them.</p> - -<p>“Blood,” cried Phil aghast, pointing a -trembling finger at a dark stain on the -polished floor.</p> - -<p>He raised his hand for silence; but there -was no sound audible save the beating of their -own hearts and the heavy breathing of the -soldiers.</p> - -<p>Each floor of the house was searched diligently, -but no trace could be found of the -missing sailor; the house was empty of human -beings.</p> - -<p>The boys were quite overwhelmed at the -suddenness of the blow; O’Neil was perhaps -done to death almost within sound of their -voices.</p> - -<p>“The men who have done this deed must -yet be in the house,” Sydney exclaimed; -“they could not have escaped without detection; -there must be a secret chamber. -We must hunt for it; we cannot give up.”</p> - -<p>Despairingly the searchers moved about -from room to room, tapping the wall and -floor in a vain effort to discover the door -they felt sure must be there concealed; their -exertions were for naught.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_253">[253]</span>The lads finally came back to the telltale -signs on the floor.</p> - -<p>“Look there,” cried Phil excitedly, putting -his finger on a large hole in the plastered wall. -“We heard the shot; it was from O’Neil’s revolver, -and there’s where it struck. If he fired -at a man then that’s his blood there on the -floor, not O’Neil’s; he never misses his aim; -that bullet must have gone through a man’s -chest; it’s just the right height.”</p> - -<p>“Then we’ll catch them,” Sydney cried, a -ring of hope in his voice, “for they can’t go -far with a wounded man.”</p> - -<p>Phil had dropped to his knees on the floor -and examined the blood tracks carefully.</p> - -<p>“Do you see?” he said to Sydney, close -beside him, his voice low but excited, “the -blood stops here. The wounded man stood -here for a number of seconds, you can see -that by the quantity of blood.”</p> - -<p>He pounded the board with his bare fist; -but it gave back a solid sound.</p> - -<p>“Hit that board again,” cried Sydney, his -eyes intent on the edge next the wall near -him.</p> - -<p>Phil struck the board a resounding blow.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_254">[254]</span>Its edge moved ever so slightly. Sydney -grasped a bayonet from a soldier and entered -its sharp point between the edge of the board -and the wall.</p> - -<p>In but a moment the board had been removed -and the lads peered down into a black -pit from which the damp smell of earth came -up to their nostrils.</p> - -<p>The silence was breathless. The first to -enter might be killed instantly by the enemy -cornered like rats in the dark hole.</p> - -<p>“Light, quick,” whispered Phil to a wide-eyed -soldier.</p> - -<p>One was soon brought and lowered into the -yawning chamber.</p> - -<p>“It’s a cellar,” exclaimed Phil from his -knees, his head peering beneath the level of -the floor; “we must go down.”</p> - -<p>Some of the soldiers brought a rope and -knotted it; the dangling end led down to the -earth floor of the cellar.</p> - -<p>The boys with revolvers tightly grasped -descended quickly, their hearts beating -wildly, until their feet struck the earth -twenty feet below them.</p> - -<p>The light from above threw a glimmer<span class="pagenum" id="Page_255">[255]</span> -about the mouldy cavern. There was no -one there.</p> - -<p>“The guns,” Sydney whispered suddenly, -clutching Phil’s arm and pointing to a corner -of the cellar. There was a large pile of some -objects covered carefully with canvas. A -closer observation showed Sydney was right. -The machine guns and many boxes of ammunition -were stored under that large expanse -of canvas.</p> - -<p>The lieutenant and five of his men slid -down on the rope, their rifles rattling menacingly; -the other men remained at the top of -the hole ready to haul the men up from below -when necessary.</p> - -<p>“The blood leads down that tunnel,” Phil -cried in alarm. “Two men could stand off -two dozen in that place—but we must attempt -it. Come on, Syd.”</p> - -<p>Carrying the light they cautiously advanced, -the soldiers slowly bringing up the -rear.</p> - -<p>“A door,” Sydney whispered as the dim -light of the lantern showed the tunnel ending -in a heavy partition of wood.</p> - -<p>Calling the soldiers forward, the party<span class="pagenum" id="Page_256">[256]</span> -flung themselves against the door, but it -had doubtless been built for just such a purpose -and withstood each successive attempt.</p> - -<p>Some of the men went back for the battering -ram while the lads examined the door closely.</p> - -<p>“There is blood on the door,” Phil cried, -showing the fresh red stains on his hand -from contact with the door. “But where -does it lead?”</p> - -<p>“I believe it goes into the next house,” -cried Sydney, “and they’ll get away from us. -Tell the lieutenant to order his men to surround -both houses on each side.”</p> - -<p>The lieutenant, evidently not relishing this -uncertain way of attack in a dark cellar -with but a poor and inefficient lamp, agreed -readily to go back himself to see that both -houses were covered by his men.</p> - -<p>It seemed an age to the anxious lads until -the soldiers returned with the heavy log.</p> - -<p>“All hands now,” cried Phil, he and -Sydney laying willing hands on the ram. -“Together; there she goes.”</p> - -<p>The door shivered but stood firm. Again -and again the log was launched against the -heavy door.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_257">[257]</span>With sweat pouring from their bodies, their -lungs choked with dust, they put forth their -entire strength.</p> - -<p>“It’s giving,” cried Phil, as the ram struck -the door a powerful blow, and it gave way -suddenly, throwing them face downward on -the earth.</p> - -<p>A flash of a pistol almost in their faces; a -sharp report echoing deafeningly in the -tunnel, and all was darkness.</p> - -<p>The lads on their hands and knees crawled -noiselessly to the side of the tunnel. The -lamp had been upset and had plunged the -tunnel into night. The soldiers’ stumbling -footsteps as they retreated in a panic toward -the exit came to their ears. They strained -their eyes in the direction of the fallen door -but could see nothing. They knew their -enemies were near; the pistol flashed so close -above their heads that their nostrils were -stung with the pungent fumes of burnt -powder.</p> -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_258">[258]</span> - -<h2 class="nobreak">CHAPTER XV<br /> - - -<small>THE DEFENSE</small></h2> -</div> - -<p><span class="smcap">The</span> lads dared not move. Even their -breathing might attract the attention of -their enemies, ready to open fire at the first -sound; their number they could but conjecture; -O’Neil had not been overpowered -by only one man, they felt sure.</p> - -<p>Down on their hands and knees in darkness -so intense that they could not see an -inch before their eyes they waited, with bated -breath, for they knew not what.</p> - -<p>Suddenly a noise in front of them awakened -their failing hopes. A faint glimmer of light, -only enough to penetrate the inky veil of -night, came through an opening beyond the -fallen door. An excited whisper in Spanish -caught their ears.</p> - -<p>“The houses are surrounded by those -miserable soldiers; they haven’t the courage -to attack us themselves, but these meddling -Americans fear nothing.”</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_259">[259]</span>“They seem to fear something, judging by -their hasty retreat just now in face of my -revolver,” another voice replied in a louder -tone. “We have cut the claws of one of -them at least and if the Americans return -down the tunnel they’ll find us prepared to -give them a hot reception.”</p> - -<p>Phil’s heart leaped to his throat; it was -the voice of Colonel Juarez. How badly -had O’Neil been injured? This man was -quite capable of making away with him entirely -if it would serve his ends.</p> - -<p>“You must not stay here,” the first speaker -declared; “you should go at once to General -Ruiz’s lines and tell him how I am situated. -He must attack immediately; if he delays -the arms may fall into our enemy’s hands -through the aid of these Americans.”</p> - -<p>“How can I escape capture?” Juarez -asked; “even if I could avoid the soldiers, I -could not pass through the government lines -without challenge; if it were night it might -be possible, but by sunset the attack will -have begun.”</p> - -<p>“It is now but two o’clock,” urged the -other, “and if I am captured here I shall be<span class="pagenum" id="Page_260">[260]</span> -killed. The president would have me shot -immediately as a traitor.”</p> - -<p>“You could readily explain your mission -here,” replied Juarez’s voice, “you, who have -been so loyal to the government cause.”</p> - -<p>“It would be impossible,” said the first -speaker, anxiously; “if the arms are found -here and afterward the plan of battle shows -that Ruiz massed his attacking column on -this hill when I have informed the American -minister that Tortuga Hill was the real objective, -you see how black a case they -would have against me. One small seed of -suspicion sown at this time and I am lost.”</p> - -<p>“But the president doesn’t know that you -gave this information to the minister,” retorted -Juarez.</p> - -<p>“But,” said the other voice promptly, “the -minister would be quick to clear himself by -informing on me. The arms must not be -taken. You must go at once.”</p> - -<p>“So I must risk my life to save yours; is -that it?” questioned Juarez bitterly.</p> - -<p>“You are in my pay; why shouldn’t you -take this risk? If I lose, the money for your -work can never be paid.”</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_261">[261]</span>There was silence for some minutes. Phil -had almost made up his mind to crawl back -down the tunnel, but he realized instantly -that the noise they could not avoid making -would draw their enemies’ fire and defeat his -design of getting the soldiers to again enter -the tunnel and charge room beyond.</p> - -<p>His better course was to remain where he -was. If they attacked they might injure their -companion who was there with these two -scheming villains.</p> - -<p>The first speaker’s voice sounded again -after the pause.</p> - -<p>“I came here in my automobile. Can you -run it?”</p> - -<p>“Yes,” answered Juarez promptly.</p> - -<p>“My chauffeur is awaiting me at the foot of -La Mesa near Sanchez’s Villa,” continued the -other. “If you could reach the car you could -run the guards on the El Poso road. Just before -you get to the outpost slow the machine -as if you were stopping; then throw in the -high gear and advance the spark to the limit. -The soldiers will be too astonished to hit you -even if they fire, and you will be in safety -before they can fire more than one shot each.”</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_262">[262]</span>“Where is Pedro?” asked Juarez. “You -and he must remain here and guard the arms. -As long as you fire down the tunnel the -soldiers will be afraid to enter the cellar. The -American midshipmen will urge them to return, -but your shots will prevent their courage -from returning into their yellow hearts. I -am sick of these natives; they must be driven -like sheep. The more I see of their valor the -more I am convinced that the city is ours if -we can gain and mount these machine guns.”</p> - -<p>“Pedro and I shall remain here,” the other -answered; “he is not badly wounded; it is but -a flesh wound on the arm. He is now above -in the other house watching the soldiers from -one of the windows.”</p> - -<p>“Help me with this American pig,” Juarez’s -voice said cruelly. “I’ll put on his uniform, -and if I am fortunate enough not to meet one -of the Americans I can deceive the soldiers; -they do not know me.”</p> - -<p>The lads heard O’Neil’s unresisting body -dragged about and knew that Juarez was -divesting the sailor of his uniform.</p> - -<p>“I’d like to finish him,” said Juarez -savagely, but the other objected.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_263">[263]</span>“No, don’t waste your time on him, every -second is precious; they may return any -moment. He’s thoroughly stunned, and I -can take care of him if he comes to.”</p> - -<p>As the speaker’s voice was stilled, the lads -heard footsteps. The faint light died into -blackness. They were glad to know that -O’Neil was not seriously hurt, but the thought -that Juarez might escape and hasten the attack -before the machine guns could be -rescued stirred them to the highest pitch of -anxiety. They listened intently, but could -hear nothing save the beating of their own -hearts. Undoubtedly Juarez had gone, but -the other man was surely there on guard, and -soon the man called Pedro would join him.</p> - -<p>Phil dared not speak; he felt immediate -action was needed. Suddenly an inspiration -came to him. He slowly and cautiously -moved his hand toward where he knew his -companion must be, until it rested over -Sydney’s fingers. Then pressing firmly as if -his friend’s hand were a telegraph key, he -signaled the one word in the naval code:</p> - -<p>“Forward.”</p> - -<p>His companion understood and answered<span class="pagenum" id="Page_264">[264]</span> -by a steady pressure of the hand, then followed -Phil slowly and painfully over the -fallen door. They dared not breathe; they -must now be within arm’s length of their -enemy. Sydney’s hand touched Phil. The -shock of his cold touch made the overwrought -lad spring to his feet, pointing his -revolver menacingly. A second and the -situation was grasped. They were alone in -the tunnel.</p> - -<p>“We must get O’Neil and hurry. The -men may return any moment and we must -avoid a fight,” whispered Phil.</p> - -<p>By the sound of the sailor’s breathing they -located his prostrate body. They lifted him -carefully and picked their way back over the -fallen door. They reached the opening in the -cellar, thankful at saving their shipmate from -the hands of these men, who would have -killed him without pity if it served their -ends.</p> - -<p>“Go up first, Syd,” commanded Phil. Sydney -hesitated, casting an apprehensive glance -down the dark tunnel. If the men came back -they could see Phil by the light from the opening -above.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_265">[265]</span>“Stand back,” Sydney urged, “until I am -ready to help you up.”</p> - -<p>Sydney ascended quickly. Phil made the -rope fast around the body of the unconscious -man, and Sydney slowly hauled O’Neil to -safety.</p> - -<p>Phil was alone in the blackness of the -cellar. He strove against the fear of an unknown -danger. It seemed an age before the -rope was free and came swiftly back to him.</p> - -<p>In but a moment they emerged from the -house with their burden into the warm sunshine.</p> - -<p>“Where are the soldiers?” questioned Sydney -anxiously. They placed the unconscious -sailor on the soft earth and looked quickly -about them. There was not a soldier in sight.</p> - -<p>“Some of Juarez’s work, you can be sure -of that,” replied Phil uneasily. “He took a -desperate risk impersonating O’Neil, and -probably told the soldiers they were no longer -needed, and the lieutenant was glad enough -to get back to the security of his camp.”</p> - -<p>“I wish we had a half a dozen of our own -men,” Sydney declared; “we’d have those -guns safely out of that cellar in a jiffy.”</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_266">[266]</span>Phil dropped down on his knees beside the -prostrate sailor.</p> - -<p>“See,” he cried pointing to an ugly lump -on his head, “they stunned him by a blow -on the head. If we could get a doctor we’d -soon have him back to his senses.”</p> - -<p>Sydney had walked over to the brow of the -hill and peered below at the soldiers’ camp. -He rushed back and caught Phil’s arm.</p> - -<p>“See, Phil, there he goes toward that group -of trees. He will reach the automobile and -once in it he can run the government lines. -Ruiz will attack immediately and the guns -will fall into his hands without a struggle. -How can we stop him?”</p> - -<p>Phil had been too engrossed with the injuries -to O’Neil to think about the consequences -of Juarez’s escape. The ominous -meaning in his companion’s words brought -him back with a start to their dangerous -position.</p> - -<p>Casting an anxious glance at the unfortunate -sailor he started down the hill, then -compassion for O’Neil made him return -quickly to his side.</p> - -<p>“We must not abandon him here,” he<span class="pagenum" id="Page_267">[267]</span> -cried. “Go, Syd, quick. You must get -down there and prevent Juarez’s escape.”</p> - -<p>Sydney needed no further urging and Phil -saw him dart down the hill, but he also saw -the white figure of Juarez hastening toward -the waiting automobile.</p> - -<p>Phil raised the stalwart form of O’Neil to -his shoulder and carried him slowly down -the hill. His burden was great, but he bore -it easily; thanks to his athletic training. -Sydney was now almost among the soldiers; -he saw them turn toward the approaching -midshipman, then go scurrying away after -the figure in O’Neil’s uniform.</p> - -<p>Phil put forth his young strength and redoubled -his speed; a cry of despair escaped -him. A dark shape darted out of the grove -of trees and sped away along the road, leaving -a thick cloud of dust behind it.</p> - -<p>“The automobile. Shoot!” he yelled at -the top of his lungs. Yet he knew his voice -could not be heard by the pursuing soldiers. -He fairly ran down the hill with the sailor’s -body securely on his shoulders. The sharp -crack of rifle shots came up to him from below. -The firing spread along the lines of the<span class="pagenum" id="Page_268">[268]</span> -defending army, but the lad saw with bitterness -that Juarez would not be stopped; the -machine was running at top speed down -the military road straight for the outpost at -El Poso.</p> - -<p>Reaching the camp Phil laid his burden -on the soft grass. He was breathless with -his great exertions of the last few minutes. -His lungs seemed unable to get enough air.</p> - -<p>The soldiers were returning from their -futile chase after Juarez.</p> - -<p>“Quick, a doctor,” Phil ordered, his voice -betraying his great anxiety. La Mesa and -the arms now would surely be captured, and -Ruiz would take the city.</p> - -<p>“A medico, señor?” questioned an officer, -eying the prostrate figure on the grass. Phil -caught him roughly by the arm.</p> - -<p>“Are you a doctor?” he cried excitedly. -“This man has been stunned by a blow in -the head. Can you bring him to?”</p> - -<p>“I have no time to attend to the wounded -of the enemy,” the doctor replied, shaking -him off.</p> - -<p>“He is not an enemy,” Phil cried, tearing -off the insurgent coat of Juarez from the<span class="pagenum" id="Page_269">[269]</span> -scantily clad sailor; “he is an American, one -of my companions. We need his services -badly,” the lad begged, throwing a glance up -toward La Mesa.</p> - -<p>“An American,” the doctor exclaimed in -genuine surprise, bending at once over the -senseless body. He then stood up and called -for his assistants and together they carried -him inside the hospital tent near by.</p> - -<p>Phil, relieved of his charge, looked anxiously -about for the lieutenant. He saw him -returning with Sydney from their race after -the automobile.</p> - -<p>“Come quick, Syd, we want all these -soldiers,” he shouted, turning back up the -hill. The lieutenant waved his hand and -gave rapid orders to his men.</p> - -<p>Side by side the midshipmen raced back -up the steep slope of La Mesa. Once at the -top they stopped and waited impatiently for -the soldiers.</p> - -<p>“Have you told him of the machine -guns?” Phil questioned his companion -breathlessly.</p> - -<p>Sydney nodded his head in the affirmative.</p> - -<p>“Yes, he has orders to go immediately to<span class="pagenum" id="Page_270">[270]</span> -Tortuga Hill with his company, but he wished -to see the arms first.”</p> - -<p>They were soon in the house peering down -into the dark cellar. The lads knew that -at least two of their enemy were guarding -the tunnel and would open fire at the first -man who descended the rope.</p> - -<p>Sydney would have pushed his companion -aside but Phil anticipated him and grasping -the rope firmly he slid down until his feet -struck the earth floor.</p> - -<p>A fusillade of shots came from the guarding -enemy; he felt the rush of air from a -bullet that grazed his cheek. He jumped -backward hastily against the wall and glanced -anxiously up at his companions. Sydney -was descending rapidly and was soon by his -side. Another volley came from down the -tunnel.</p> - -<p>“Come down,” Phil urged the hesitating -soldiers; “don’t desert us, the arms are here, -see!” He grasped a gun from under the -canvas cover and dragged it out until the -light from above disclosed its character to the -wavering men above.</p> - -<p>The enemy in the tunnel opened a rapid<span class="pagenum" id="Page_271">[271]</span> -fire; the soldiers ready to descend drew back -in fear. In desperation Phil drew his revolver -and faced squarely down the dark -tunnel; six shots from his Colt rang out.</p> - -<p>“We are coming, señor,” the lieutenant -cried, forcing some of his men before him -down the rope and following them quickly, -while the lads silenced the fire of the enemy -with their revolvers.</p> - -<p>The soldiers once in the cellar opened fire -with their rifles down the tunnel.</p> - -<p>“The guns, now,” cried Phil; “two soldiers -must keep up the fire,” he directed turning to -the lieutenant.</p> - -<p>The canvas cover was removed and a great -store of ordnance material was revealed to -the astonished eyes of the lieutenant and his -men.</p> - -<p>They needed no further urging, but with -willing hands carried the machine guns from -the end of the cellar to the hole in the floor -above; the lads quickly knotted the rope -about their steel barrels and thirty guns were -soon safely landed on the floor of the hallway -of the house. Then the ammunition, -box after box, each containing six hundred<span class="pagenum" id="Page_272">[272]</span> -rounds, was brought out by the men and -passed up to their companions above.</p> - -<p>This task completed, the lads, ordering the -soldiers up the rope, fired a few parting shots -down the tunnel.</p> - -<p>“We must watch for the other man,” Phil -said, turning to Sydney as they emerged from -the house. “We know now that he is the -member of the firm of La Fitte and Company -who has been financiering this revolution; -and that it was he who confided the supposed -plan of attack to our minister; if we can lay -hands on him the end of the rebellion will be -in sight.”</p> - -<p>The astonishment on the soldiers’ faces upon -seeing the machine guns which their ten -companions had passed out to them from the -house was almost ludicrous, but our lads -could give no thought now to the drollness -of the situation. Juarez had undoubtedly -reached the rebel lines in safety; by now -orders were being sent from Ruiz’s headquarters -to attack immediately instead of -waiting for sunset. The government, acting -upon the information from the minister, -given in good faith, had strengthened Tortuga<span class="pagenum" id="Page_273">[273]</span> -Hill to the disadvantage of all other points -of the defense. La Mesa was almost deserted. -Before the lads’ bewildered eyes a mounted -aide rode at full gallop up to the battery on -the hill above them, shouting hurried orders. -They saw the battery limber up and charge -down the slope, disappearing along the -military road below them.</p> - -<p>“Syd, you must intercept that horseman,” -Phil cried pointing to the solitary figure but -a scant five hundred yards from them. “He -has ordered that battery away; he must be -told the seriousness of abandoning this hill.”</p> - -<p>Sydney bounded away in pursuit. The -aide walked his horse down the slope, away -from La Mesa, surveying the scene about -him. He stopped and cast an enquiring -glance at those on the hill. Catching sight -of the approaching midshipman he wheeled -about to meet him. A moment later he had -dismounted at Phil’s side and with eyes full -of astonishment saw the machine guns and -the great store of ammunition.</p> - -<p>Phil explained in a breath. The aide’s -swarthy face betrayed his fear for the results -of the expected assault.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_274">[274]</span>“You say the rebels will attack at once,” -he cried after the lad had finished his story; -“then this hill is lost. It will take an hour -to get sufficient force here to hold it.”</p> - -<p>“We can hold it ourselves, if these men -will remain,” Phil declared stoutly. “But -the lieutenant has orders to leave us.”</p> - -<p>“I don’t understand,” exclaimed the aide -incredulously; “how can you expect to hold -this hill with but a company of soldiers? -You have just said that General Ruiz will -concentrate his entire force here to obtain -these guns. We must retreat carrying these -guns with us.”</p> - -<p>He opened his mouth to give the order, but -Phil raised his hand desperately to be heard.</p> - -<p>“That would be unwise,” he cried earnestly. -“My companion and I can mount these guns. -We have ammunition here in abundance. -These thirty guns can hold La Mesa against -the rebel army.”</p> - -<p>The aide’s face was a study. He knew -nothing about machine guns; and like all -ignorant men he believed the Americans were -deceiving him.</p> - -<p>Phil thought quickly. If they retreated<span class="pagenum" id="Page_275">[275]</span> -carrying the guns with them, the government -forces would be reënforced by their addition -but the rebel army was a match for them even -with this powerful acquisition. If they could -mount the guns and allow the rebel army to -assault La Mesa in ignorance of what was -awaiting them on the top, the rebel forces -would receive a check which would be a -terrible blow to their cause; the murderous -stream of lead would strike terror to the -simple unsuspecting hearts of their soldiers. -If he could but show the aide how important -it was to his cause to retain these men and -hold the hill!</p> - -<p>Motioning Sydney, Phil bent over a gun, -raising it quickly to its tripod; adjusted the -firing mechanism deftly and wiped off the -heavy coating of preservative grease from its -intricate working parts. Sydney was busy at -a second gun. Phil stripped the cover from -a box of ammunition. His heart beat joyfully. -It was already loaded in the belts -ready to be run through the automatic -mechanism of the Colt gun’s breech. He -held up a long string of cartridges closely laid -within the “feed-tape.” He took the end<span class="pagenum" id="Page_276">[276]</span> -and with skilful fingers fed the first cartridge -to the steel maw of the gun; a string of -others trailed away along the tape to the box -beneath the breech of the gun.</p> - -<p>“This gun is ready for action,” he cried, -turning anxiously to the surprised and delighted -aide. “This is worth a whole company -of soldiers and there are thirty more -waiting to be made ready.”</p> - -<p>“Stay with these guns,” the aide ordered -as he precipitously dashed away. “I shall -send reënforcements.”</p> - -<p>The lads worked with trembling fingers. -Their anxiety nearly stifled them. The attack -might begin at any moment. They -knew that their soldier allies could not be -depended upon if the attack began before the -guns were ready.</p> - -<p>They had just raised the last gun to its -tripod when the silence was disturbed by a -sullen boom of warning from Tortuga Hill: -the rebels were advancing.</p> -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_277">[277]</span> - -<h2 class="nobreak">CHAPTER XVI<br /> - - -<small>THE ASSAULT</small></h2> -</div> - -<p><span class="smcap">Battery</span> after battery within the government -lines opened fire. The Americans could -trace the points of defense by the red tongues -of flame and the smoke from the heavy guns. -The rattle of musketry spread along the line -like a prairie fire, but its volume was greatest -at Tortuga Hill. In a fever of excitement -they saw the rebel columns advance from -their protecting trenches; their heavy guns -now took part in the battle and sent their -shells over the heads of the advancing men -against the waiting government soldiers.</p> - -<p>“Divide your men,” Phil ordered the -lieutenant; “four for each gun.”</p> - -<p>They saw the machine guns placed in positions -of vantage covering all directions from -which the attack must come.</p> - -<p>“Keep your fingers pressed on the triggers -and the guns pointed at the enemy,” Phil instructed -the anxious soldiers; “play the<span class="pagenum" id="Page_278">[278]</span> -stream of bullets as if it were a hose, but for -your lives don’t shoot until I give the order.”</p> - -<p>The soldiers gazed in enchanted wonder at -the guns. They had never seen their like before. -They imagined they were something -almost supernatural. Had not the Americans -said one gun was equal to a company of -soldiers?</p> - -<p>“Look, Syd,” cried Phil in admiration, -pointing toward Tortuga Hill; the entire hillside -seemed alive with flashes of fire from -countless guns, but Phil’s finger pointed at a -horseman riding full gallop up the slope, shells -bursting all about his mount. “There is the -aide, but before reënforcements can reach us -the fight will be over. If the guns don’t jam -we can hold the hill.”</p> - -<p>“My fear is that our men will not stand -the preliminary shelling,” returned Sydney; -“all their guns are directed at Tortuga Hill -now, but when they have made their feint, -look out up here. We’ll have every gun -against us.”</p> - -<p>“Our intrenchments are safe enough if the -men keep down in them,” Phil encouraged, -as they finished mounting the last gun and<span class="pagenum" id="Page_279">[279]</span> -instructed its squad how to manipulate it, -“but if a panic takes them, they will not listen -to us. I wish we had O’Neil; his influence -with these natives is next to marvelous.”</p> - -<p>Everything was now ready; the soldiers -had all been instructed how to fire and reload -a second tape of six hundred fresh cartridges. -All would go well if the soldiers’ courage -could be depended upon to withstand the -searching fire of artillery which the lads -knew must soon commence.</p> - -<p>The midshipmen viewed the appalling spectacle -with nervous eyes. Regiment after regiment -advanced from the cover of the trenches -in extended order and pressed forward silently, -the artillery behind them and on their flanks -sending its heavily charged shells screeching -over their heads to fall within the government -lines.</p> - -<p>“They are surely concentrating on Tortuga -Hill,” Sydney exclaimed, hardly able to believe -his eyes, as he saw masses of khaki clad -men emerge from the dense foliage of the level -country and sweep upward toward that almost -impregnable position.</p> - -<p>“They surely do not intend to assault that<span class="pagenum" id="Page_280">[280]</span> -hill,” Phil exclaimed; “their loss would be -tremendous.” Then he rubbed his eyes, believing -that he must have been dreaming. -The first line of assault had vanished into the -earth. “Why, where did the first line go?” -he shouted excitedly, peering down at the remaining -columns as they swept silently forward. -In but a minute the last enemy had -disappeared from sight on the level plain. It -seemed like magic. The soldiers whispered -nervously to each other.</p> - -<p>“What can it mean?” Sydney gasped as -they gazed in wonder at this remarkable illusion. -“Look out,” he cried, as a shrapnel -shell exploded over their heads, sending showers -of bullets all about them.</p> - -<p>The artillery fire of the enemy redoubled, -and now every gun in the rebel army was concentrating -on La Mesa; bursting shell and -shrapnel were falling on every hand, and the -few defenders of the hill were in momentary -danger from their well aimed shooting.</p> - -<p>“Keep down in the trenches,” the lads -warned the excited soldiers. A number had -already ventured out to satisfy their curiosity -and were stretched in their death agony behind<span class="pagenum" id="Page_281">[281]</span> -the trench. The midshipmen paced up -and down between their guns, apparently unconscious -of the death-dealing missiles about -them. Their one fear was that the men would -break and run before this terrible bombardment -was over.</p> - -<p>Phil braved the storm of iron above his head -and took a comprehensive look at the panorama -before him. Something unusual was -happening on Tortuga Hill; its fire lessened, -and down the slope away from the enemy men -streamed in countless numbers. Officers could -be seen brandishing their swords and gesticulating -wildly. Was it a retreat? Phil’s heart -rose in his throat. A battery of field guns -galloped wildly away down the hill; it reached -the level country; the enemy saw its intention -and opened upon it a scathing fire. Yet -on it came heading directly for La Mesa.</p> - -<p>The midshipmen cried out for joy and -pointed out the nearing aid to their terrorized -men.</p> - -<p>“Steady your men,” Phil urged the lieutenant; -“reënforcements are coming.”</p> - -<p>A cry from Sydney at his side made his -hopes sink.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_282">[282]</span>“There they come,” he gasped. “We can -never stop them.”</p> - -<p>As Phil took in the situation his blood -seemed to freeze in his veins. From the woods -in front of La Mesa a swarm of men broke -cover and pressed forward on a run. While -as if from the ground, midway between them -and La Mesa, a seething fire of musketry swept -over the handful of defenders.</p> - -<p>“We have the whole rebel army against us -now,” he whispered to Sydney, fearing his -men might hear this terrifying intelligence. -“It was a trench. They moved in it by the -flank and are now in front of us. They must -have known this on Tortuga Hill when we -saw them hurry our reënforcements to us. If -we can hold our men fifteen minutes longer -we’ll win.”</p> - -<p>The lad was right. The insurgents had, unobserved -by the defending army, dug a deep -trench during the night, half-way between the -two lines. The greater part of the assaulting -army had advanced on Tortuga Hill until they -had reached the shelter of this ditch, and then -had, protected from their enemy’s fire, moved -by the flank until they were directly in front<span class="pagenum" id="Page_283">[283]</span> -of and but five hundred yards from the top -of La Mesa. A withering fire came from the -concealed men; bullets like hail sang about -the Americans and their well-nigh demoralized -men. The government batteries were directing -a hot fire on the approaching masses; yet -on they came determinedly. Phil knew that -when the second column reached the trench -thousands of soldiers would storm up the few -hundred yards between them and their coveted prize, -La Mesa. Would the machine guns -have power to stem this irresistible host?</p> - -<p>“How near will you let them come?” questioned -Sydney eagerly.</p> - -<p>Phil estimated the distance.</p> - -<p>“If we fire as they leave the trench, -they might return to it and continue their -artillery to shell us out,” he answered quickly. -“It would be wiser to let them gain half the -distance before we let them know they have -the guns against them. They must see the -reënforcements coming to us from Tortuga -Hill, but they now believe the hill will be -theirs without a struggle before they can get -here.”</p> - -<p>The two midshipmen were at the highest<span class="pagenum" id="Page_284">[284]</span> -pitch of excitement. They realized that the -fortunes of the government of Verazala -depended upon this assault. The insurgents’ -brilliant strategy won their admiration. -With these Colt guns in their hands the -city would be theirs inside of twenty-four -hours. They knew that in these countries -a victory often means a complete rout for -the vanquished. Whole regiments have been -known to turn about, if the battle is seen -to be going against their side, and fight -with the enemy against their former comrades.</p> - -<p>The batteries within range of the assaulting -columns opened a furious cannonade as -they saw the great surge of humanity leave -the newly made trench and charge boldly -up the slopes of La Mesa. Tortuga Hill -batteries opened a rapid fire, but the distance -was too great, their shells were opening -deep holes in the earth, but many yards -short of the attacking enemy.</p> - -<p>The lads saw with anxiety that their men -were fighting desperately against the terror -which told them to flee; the awful, terrifying -horde of armed enemy were rushing<span class="pagenum" id="Page_285">[285]</span> -upon them with unnerving speed; they -knew the custom of their countrymen: they -gave “no quarter”; death approached them -on three sides.</p> - -<p>The midshipmen pleaded with the men -to be calm; they even threatened them; but -their courage was fast slipping away. The -terrible sight of the thousands of their yelling -merciless enemies was too much for their -shaken nerves.</p> - -<p>Then another sight brought a new fear to -the hearts of the despairing boys; the men -on the hill above them had abandoned their -guns and were retreating. Down the spur -of the hill they came. Their path led over -part of the trench in which the midshipmen -stood. The lads knew that this flood of fear -would sweep their own men along with it as -so much flotsam.</p> - -<p>The time had arrived. Once the sound of -the magic guns had been heard the engulfing -tide might be turned.</p> - -<p>“Open fire,” Phil shouted, his voice hoarse -with emotion.</p> - -<p>The furious barking of the guns, sending -their leaden streams into the advancing<span class="pagenum" id="Page_286">[286]</span> -ranks brought back the waning courage of -the defending company.</p> - -<p>The assaulting columns hesitated in their -mad rush for the hill. They saw their comrades -mowed down by the score. Where was -the easy victory their officers had told them -would be theirs? A horrible fear of treachery -came into their simple minds; they stopped. -No power could urge them a step further; in -another second they had broken and fled in -an ungovernable panic back to their trenches -for safety.</p> - -<p>The men on La Mesa were wild with delight. -The lust of blood had entered their -souls. They became foolishly brave and -leaped upon the top of their protecting -trench, screaming malediction and defiance -at their routed enemy.</p> - -<p>“Get down,” the lads cried, grasping those -near them and dragging them forcibly to -shelter; but some had already paid the -penalty of their childlike, reckless bravado. -The enemy, once again secure in its trenches, -had opened a heavy fire on La Mesa.</p> - -<p>Phil knew that the insurgents would attack -again. Ruiz would not be satisfied, even if<span class="pagenum" id="Page_287">[287]</span> -he sacrificed every man, until the hill was -taken.</p> - -<p>“Keep cool,” the lads urged the excited -soldiers, moving among them and seeing -that the guns were reloaded with a full supply -of ammunition. “If you can hold -them once more our reënforcements will be -here.”</p> - -<p>The rebels knew their time was short if -they would take the hill; they saw the -government reserves rapidly approaching to -succor their comrades on La Mesa.</p> - -<p>Phil felt a touch on his shoulder, and turning -hastily, he looked into the revengeful -face of Lazar.</p> - -<p>“What do you mean by fighting here, -wearing the uniform of the United States -navy?” Lazar began peremptorily. “Come -with me to the legation immediately, I command -you!</p> - -<p>“Do you hear?” he continued in a voice -choking with wrath, as the lad showed no -signs of obedience. “I order you to leave -here and follow me. Both of you,” he added, -pointing toward the oblivious Sydney, who -was out of ear-shot at the far corner of the<span class="pagenum" id="Page_288">[288]</span> -intrenchment, gazing in awe at the battlefield -in front of them.</p> - -<p>Phil sought the reason why Lazar was -there. It came to him suddenly; he saw it -all; it was not an accidental meeting; his -stained uniform showed he had ridden hard -to reach La Mesa. Juarez must have sent the -chauffeur to the legation with the news that -he and Sydney were on La Mesa, and Lazar -had arrived in the nick of time. If he -obeyed Lazar’s order and deserted the soldiers -while the enemy were about to make a desperate -assault, he knew that they would -break before the rebels got half-way to the -top, and the Colt guns would be lost. They -would see a new and terrible peril in being -deserted by the Americans. He could not -explain to them why he must leave them. -He saw in their eyes already an awakening -dread. The next assault would be desperate. -It had been the surprise at the defense of La -Mesa that had sent the enemy back to their -trenches in a panic. Now they knew with -what they had to deal, and the knowledge that -but a handful of men held the hill would -spur them on to redoubled energy.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_289">[289]</span></p> - - -<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/i_288.jpg" alt="" /></div> -<p class="drop-cap2"><i>“DO YOU REFUSE?” HE CRIED,<br /> -HOARSELY</i></p> - - - -<p>“Mr. Perry, do you realize that you are -deliberately disobeying my orders?” cried -Lazar in exasperation. “I am your superior -officer, in command of our forces on shore, -and I again order you both to come with -me.”</p> - -<p>“Mr. Lazar, can’t you see the consequences -of deserting these men?” Phil questioned, -struggling to keep calm.</p> - -<p>“I have no concern for them,” answered -Lazar hotly. “You are wearing the United -States uniform and you are acting unadvisedly. -I order you to leave this hill at -once!” He was white with anger as he read -in Phil’s face determination to disobey.</p> - -<p>“Do you refuse?” he cried hoarsely, his -hand moving almost unconsciously to his -revolver holster.</p> - -<p>Excited cries from the soldiers made Phil -turn an anxious glance toward the enemy. -They were sweeping out of their trenches and -charging again up the hill. To leave now -could mean but failure to the government -arms.</p> - -<p>“I am sorry, sir, I must disobey your -order,” he said determinedly.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_290">[290]</span>Lazar’s revolver was now out of its holster. -His eyes blazed with anger and mortification.</p> - -<p>“You defy me,” he roared, advancing -menacingly, holding his revolver in his -clenched hand.</p> - -<p>Phil was so amazed that he could not find -voice to answer. Then his indignation at -the threatening attitude of his senior swept -caution aside.</p> - -<p>“I refuse to obey you,” he cried angrily. -“I shall not leave until the rebels are repulsed.”</p> - -<p>His body trembling with passion, Phil -turned from the ensign toward the soldiers -standing uncertainly watching the enemy’s -approach.</p> - -<p>“Hold on, sir, begging your pardon, sir, but -that won’t do,” a familiar voice cried out -behind him. Phil glanced about quickly. -There was O’Neil, big and strong; he had -seized Lazar’s arm as he spoke and was forcing -his revolver back into its holster.</p> - -<p>Lazar’s face was deadly white; he controlled -himself with difficulty. The soldiers -regarded the Americans anxiously, doubtlessly -realizing that their own safety depended<span class="pagenum" id="Page_291">[291]</span> -upon the outcome of this clash of -authority.</p> - -<p>Lazar gave Phil a look full of hatred, then -turned away and disappeared by the way he -had come.</p> - -<p>The lieutenant had heard enough to fear -that the Americans might leave them. He -turned to Phil and begged him to remain. -The lad assured him that they would stand by -the guns.</p> - -<p>The soldiers were experiencing the same -sensations that they had felt when their enemy -had commenced the first attack. Soldiers of -this stamp never become veterans.</p> - -<p>O’Neil steadied them in his cheery voice.</p> - -<p>“What are you scared about?” he cried -loudly. “All you got to do is to put your black -fingers on the triggers; the guns will do the -rest. If you fire when you get the order the -rebels will not stop running until they strike -the next republic.”</p> - -<p>“Commence firing,” Phil ordered. The -Colt guns spit flame, sending countless messengers -of death into the rebel ranks.</p> - -<p>On came the rebel hosts. Their ranks -broke sorely, but with determination born of<span class="pagenum" id="Page_292">[292]</span> -despair they closed in the gaps and charged -onward.</p> - -<p>The enemy’s artillery fire opened with redoubled -energy. Shell and shrapnel burst -with telling effect about the handful of men. -The trenches could not protect them. One -after another, the gun’s crews were depleted -by bursting shrapnel. Yet the little guns -spitefully ground out bullets from their heated -muzzles into the unprotected mass of humanity -now but a short distance from their -goal.</p> - -<p>The ominous sounds of jammed and overheated -guns sent a thrill of dread through -the hearts of the Americans. What they -feared would happen was now taking place: -the guns were thickly coated with a grease to -preserve them in transit; there had been time -to remove but a small part of it before the -guns were fired; now this grease had become -mixed with the residue of burnt powder and -had formed a thick paste which clung to the -delicately fitting parts of the mechanism, thus -causing the guns to jam. Absolutely powerless -to remedy this fatal defect, the lads stood, -fear clutching at their hearts, hearing one gun<span class="pagenum" id="Page_293">[293]</span> -after another cease its fire. But a handful of -guns remained in action. The horrified -soldiers were deserting, running away from -the avalanche sweeping upon them.</p> - -<p>A few of the guns were still pumping a -leaden stream into the ranks of the rebels, -now but a hundred feet away, firing their -rifles as they came to keep up their fleeting -courage.</p> - -<p>The Colt guns were stilled, the last soldier -had deserted; the Americans were alone in -the trench except for the dead and those too -badly wounded to escape from the terrifying -sound of the advancing army.</p> - -<p>The silence of their enemy behind the intrenchments -on La Mesa sent a thrill of terror -through the advancing hundreds. Their dead -and dying behind them told them only too -plainly the power of these concealed guns. -They imagined the silence was but a trick to -draw them nearer, then hurl on them a -stream of bullets that would mow them down -like chaff before the reaper. Fifty yards -from the top of the hill they stood still, their -contorted faces white with a terrible fear. -Phil saw Juarez rush ahead of his demoralized<span class="pagenum" id="Page_294">[294]</span> -men, urging them to advance. The glad -rattle of a Colt gun rang in the lad’s ears. -He saw O’Neil beside it; he had wiped out -the hard obstructing substance. The gun -again played its death-dealing stream on the -doubting enemy. The rebels, impelled from -behind, advanced slowly. Phil saw Juarez -sink to the ground; the tide of soldiers -streamed over his lifeless body; again they -wavered, then came on more determinedly -than ever. O’Neil’s gun jammed again with -an ominous click. The enemy were now only -a stone’s throw away from the trench; a few -seconds more and they would be pouring over -its top and butchering those who dared remain. -Phil grasped his revolver, and leaned -against the wall of earth behind him.</p> -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_295">[295]</span> - -<h2 class="nobreak">CHAPTER XVII<br /> - - -<small>THE ACCUSATION</small></h2> -</div> - -<p>“<span class="smcap">Down</span> for your lives,” cried O’Neil, grasping -the benumbed lads, and dragging them to -the bottom of the trench.</p> - -<p>A heavy fusillade of musketry from behind -them, a stamping of many feet in their rear, -then a swarm of humanity had pressed in close -to the almost empty trench and were emptying -the contents of their rifles at the surprised -enemy but a rod away.</p> - -<p>The lads were filled with joy; the reserves -had arrived. Phil peered out between the -loyal rifles around him at the startled, disappointed -enemy; they had been sure of victory -until this second and now, their ranks depleted -by hundreds left on the naked field behind -them, they had still opposed to them a formidable -force of loyal soldiers, whose number they -did not know. Their confidence had flown; -this terrible hill had been a death trap, while<span class="pagenum" id="Page_296">[296]</span> -they had been assured of an easy and bloodless -victory. For an instant they hesitated; then -they turned and retreated, a scathing fire -from the coveted trenches impelling them onward -in their flight for safety.</p> - -<p>The excitement among the government -troops was intense. The three Americans were -cheered to the echo by the wildly joyful -soldiers.</p> - -<p>A group of horsemen galloped up the hill; -they approached the trenches amid welcoming -cries from the men.</p> - -<p>“Come, Syd, we can do no more here,” Phil -cried breathlessly. “Let’s get away quickly.”</p> - -<p>With O’Neil, they pressed their way through -the jubilant natives, but had gone but a short -distance when they were stopped by a horseman; -he reined in his foaming steed, swung -himself from his saddle and placed himself -smilingly before them.</p> - -<p>“Our president desires to meet our American -allies,” he cried proudly.</p> - -<p>Phil’s countenance fell. He had been hoping -to avoid this meeting, yet he could not -refuse; to do so would have the appearance of -a slight to the chief magistrate of the country.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_297">[297]</span>He acknowledged the honor paid them with -appropriate words, and then they followed the -officer back toward the group of horsemen now -halted in the rear of the trenches which the -boys had just left.</p> - -<p>“My good friends,” a familiar voice hailed -in Spanish, and the next minute the lads were -embraced by their warm friend, Captain Garcia.</p> - -<p>“General Barras,” the latter cried, dragging -the bashful Americans forward, “to these -three American officers we owe our success at -Rio Grande.”</p> - -<p>The general’s face was wreathed in smiles. -He was joyful at snatching victory from what -had seemed to him but a few minutes before -utter defeat. He grasped the hands of -both lads and in his native tongue expressed -his heartfelt obligations.</p> - -<p>“Señors,” he said, “you have accomplished -that which I was powerless to do. These -machine guns I knew were leaving your -country for my enemy, but I was powerless to -find out the means by which they were to be -landed; your marvelous work here to-day has -saved my government from being overthrown -and the lawless rebels raised to power. Your<span class="pagenum" id="Page_298">[298]</span> -defense of this hill with but a company of raw -soldiers has won our highest praise.”</p> - -<p>Captain Garcia’s face wore a puzzled look. -He knew nothing of the defense of La Mesa.</p> - -<p>“General Barras,” he exclaimed, “these -gentlemen have shown themselves our staunch -friends; they have risked their lives many -times for our cause. I have told you but an -unimportant part of their work for me on board -the ‘Aquadores,’ and now they have saved the -day for us here. Cannot we suitably reward -them for their heroic services?”</p> - -<p>“General Barras,” Phil finally managed to -explain to the president of the republic, who -had been directing the defense in person, “for -my companions and myself, I thank you for -the high compliments you and Captain Garcia -are paying us, but we dare not allow the -knowledge of our work to become common -property. I crave your pardon if we appear -ungrateful, but we ask that our services here -and at Rio Grande be kept as secret as is possible.” -He stopped, seeing the disappointment -and surprise on the president’s face; then he -continued hurriedly: “These machine guns -arrived in La Boca in such a manner that we<span class="pagenum" id="Page_299">[299]</span> -felt ourselves in honor bound to see that they -did no harm to your government; the small -service we have been able to do for you has -been made possible through our determination -to prevent the guns from falling into -the hands of your enemy. We have acted -upon the dictates of our consciences, but we -are in the naval service of the United States -and our motives, if the circumstances were -known, might be easily misconstrued to our -ruin.”</p> - -<p>The president, though disappointed at not -being allowed to show his official appreciation -for their invaluable services, readily promised -secrecy, and after bidding them farewell they -were allowed to continue on their way.</p> - -<p>“Those are the two finest dagos I have ever -seen,” exclaimed O’Neil, after they had gotten -out of ear-shot.</p> - -<p>The excitement of the last half hour had -been so intense that the lads had quite forgotten -to ask of O’Neil his experiences in the -house of Juarez.</p> - -<p>“How did you get into the house?” Phil -questioned the sailor, while they walked rapidly -toward the city.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_300">[300]</span>The boatswain’s mate told his experiences, -quite ashamed of his conduct.</p> - -<p>“I certainly acted like a landlubber,” he -complained mournfully. “I walked right -into the spider’s web with both eyes wide open, -but seeing nothing. Think of my deserting -you and letting you do all this work alone.”</p> - -<p>Then it was O’Neil’s turn to ask questions, -and the lads told him of their nerve-racking -ordeal in the tunnel and of their difficulty in -getting the soldiers to help them.</p> - -<p>“I was on the right track then, after all,” -cried O’Neil. “It was Juarez’s house, and he -was at home. It wasn’t a very hospitable reception -he gave me,” he added, putting his hand -to his swollen head. “I fired at one of them in -the darkness and that’s the last I remember -until the little dago doctor tried to make me -swallow some ill-tasting medicine. Then I -broke away from him and ran up the hill just -in time to see Mr. Lazar point his gun at you; -his face was not encouraging, so I thought the -gun was safer in its holster.”</p> - -<p>“He wouldn’t have dared shoot you, Phil,” -Sydney exclaimed, “would he?”</p> - -<p>“He might have,” answered the lad thoughtfully;<span class="pagenum" id="Page_301">[301]</span> -“he saw that we must defeat his plans -if we remained, and in the excitement after -the assault had commenced, it could not have -been laid at his door.”</p> - -<p>The Americans were now in the city. They -walked rapidly through the crowded streets; -excited groups of natives had gathered and -were discussing in loud tones the battle which -they had just witnessed from afar. They had -seen the assault and had expected to see their -homes given over to pillage.</p> - -<p>“Where are we going?” asked Sydney, as -they pressed their way through the joyful natives.</p> - -<p>“To the legation,” Phil explained. “I am -going to put the minister on his guard against -the villain who gave him the information -which nearly lost the day for the government. -Once the president of the republic, General -Barras, hears of his treachery, his firm will -cease to do business in La Boca.”</p> - -<p>“The firm can be no other than La Fitte -and Company,” declared Sydney, “the one -that is striving to get the concessions away -from the American syndicate; but this man -surely cannot hope to succeed now; the rebels<span class="pagenum" id="Page_302">[302]</span> -have lost. With the Colt guns, properly handled, -in addition to artillery and infantry, the -city will now be impregnable.”</p> - -<p>“Quite true,” agreed Phil, “but it is better -to render this man harmless; he doubtless -stands high in the confidence of General -Barras. You heard the minister say that he -did not wish his name connected with the information; -that was of course an act of caution -in case the rebels failed; but now I feel -sure the minister will divulge his name.”</p> - -<p>Reaching the legation they met Marshall, -in charge in Lazar’s absence; his men ready -under arms in case of need.</p> - -<p>He greeted them in astonishment. The -midshipmen for the first time appreciated -what a sorry sight they presented; their white -uniforms stained with mud and sprinkled -with blood; while O’Neil’s burly figure was -incased in a suit of khaki many sizes too -small.</p> - -<p>“Who won?” Marshall questioned anxiously. -“We have been hearing the firing -for the last two hours. The bullets have -been whistling over us by the hundreds.”</p> - -<p>“It’s all over,” Phil answered. “General<span class="pagenum" id="Page_303">[303]</span> -Ruiz was repulsed and General Barras holds -his lines strongly.”</p> - -<p>Marshall and his men were not at all -pleased to hear the news. They had anticipated -interesting work if the city were -taken by the rebels and their longing for -adventure had received a keen disappointment.</p> - -<p>“All this work for nothing,” Marshal cried -dejectedly. “We have been kept here ready -for over two weeks, expecting any moment -to have exciting times, and now there isn’t -going to be anything.”</p> - -<p>“Where’s the minister?” questioned Phil -intent on his mission.</p> - -<p>“Inside, in his office,” answered Marshall, -leading the way into the legation.</p> - -<p>The diplomat received them immediately, -his manner anxious and excited.</p> - -<p>“We can see nothing from this house,” he -exclaimed, as the midshipmen entered the -office, “and I have as yet heard no news -of the battle. Mr. Lazar went out to the -lines to observe, but as yet has not returned, -and the firing has been stopped now for over -a half hour.” Then his restless eyes were attracted<span class="pagenum" id="Page_304">[304]</span> -to the disheveled uniform of the -lads before him. “You have been in the -battle?” he questioned eagerly. “Tell me -quickly, must I send to the admiral to land his -men? Are the rebels advancing into the city?”</p> - -<p>“We witnessed the fight,” Phil answered -promptly; “your fears are groundless, sir. -General Barras has repulsed the enemy at -every point;” he stopped and looked at the -minister, a mischievous smile on his face; -“the main attack was on La Mesa.”</p> - -<p>The minister gasped.</p> - -<p>“And on Tortuga Hill, what of that?” he -exclaimed in alarm.</p> - -<p>“The attack there was a well devised feint -that came near defeating the government,” -Phil explained, and then he tersely described -the battle, but said nothing of the part they -had taken.</p> - -<p>“Then I might have brought defeat on -the government arms in giving the information -I had received from Señor Mareno,” -he cried aghast. “What does it mean?”</p> - -<p>“It means,” returned Phil dramatically, -“that Mr. Mareno is in league with the -rebels.”</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_305">[305]</span>“Impossible,” exclaimed the minister -quickly. “His firm has too much at stake -to cast their fortunes with such scoundrels.”</p> - -<p>Phil was surprised that the minister could -not see the villainy of Mareno; it was plain -enough to him. Then he realized the minister -did not possess the mass of incriminating -evidence that they held against him. -How could he show the true character of -this man without betraying himself and his -companions?</p> - -<p>“What about the valuable concessions -held by the American syndicate?” he asked, -seeing a way to enlighten the minister. “Who -has the power to give and take away this -concession right?”</p> - -<p>“The president of Verazala only,” replied -he perplexedly.</p> - -<p>“Very well, sir,” continued Phil; “if Ruiz -was president to whom would he give the -concession?”</p> - -<p>“To those who offer him the largest price,” -the minister answered readily, “and that has -always been this American syndicate.”</p> - -<p>“Yes, but suppose he should be heavily -in debt financially to the firm of Señor Mareno,<span class="pagenum" id="Page_306">[306]</span> -besides being bound down by promises before -he became president. What then?” questioned -Phil.</p> - -<p>“I remember now that La Fitte and Company -have bid for the concession,” said the -minister thoughtfully, “but their price was -too small. It’s but a matter of money, you -see.”</p> - -<p>“Is Mr. Mareno of that firm?” asked Phil, -though he knew he must be.</p> - -<p>“Yes,” replied the minister, “he is the head -and the largest stockholder.”</p> - -<p>“Then that proves my case,” cried the lad. -“La Fitte and Company desire the Pitch-Lake -concession and also the new concession which -American capital is endeavoring to obtain, -to open up the rich mining country in the -interior of the republic, which will include -the right to build a railroad over the mountains -and thereby open to the sea the large -rubber, coffee and sugar industries now shut -in by this impassable mountain range.”</p> - -<p>“Remarkable,” exclaimed the minister, -intensely excited. “Why should I not have -thought of that? I believed it was but a -meaningless revolution to change the party<span class="pagenum" id="Page_307">[307]</span> -in power. I had no thought that such black -intrigue might be bound up in it. What -villains these men are to sacrifice hundreds -of lives for the sake of their own pockets.”</p> - -<p>“It was by the merest accident that we -unearthed the plot,” said Phil delighted at the -success of his argument. “There are many -of Ruiz’s sympathizers within the city who -would have welcomed him with delight if -he had been even partially successful to-day. -Many of General Barras’ regiments were ready -with but slight encouragement to join the -rebels; all of this was done with Señor -Mareno’s gold.”</p> - -<p>“What treachery!” the minister cried -angrily. “I shall write immediately to the -president and give him the name of my informant.” -Then he looked with admiration at -the midshipmen. “You boys are a marvel -to me; how did you ever find this out?”</p> - -<p>Well pleased with the impression their disclosure -had made on the minister, they withdrew -from his presence without telling him -further. They were glad he hadn’t required -proofs; to have given them would have -greatly embarrassed the lads, for they could<span class="pagenum" id="Page_308">[308]</span> -not tell the minister of the part they had -taken in recapturing the arms; he might not -agree to secrecy and this knowledge in the -hands of the State Department in Washington -might cause serious consequences.</p> - -<p>O’Neil joined them at the door of the -legation; he was now in a sailor uniform, -borrowed from one of the men of the -guard.</p> - -<p>“Mr. Lazar is here,” he whispered, “with -a Spaniard; they just came through the -gate. There they are,” he added as the two -men approached the house by the gravel -walk and mounted the steps of the legation.</p> - -<p>As Lazar passed them the lads saluted -stiffly. He turned a glance full of hatred on -them.</p> - -<p>“Mr. Perry, wait here; I wish to see you,” -he ordered sharply, then he and the visitor -entered the minister’s office.</p> - -<p>Phil stepped inside the house noiselessly -and stopped breathlessly to listen. A sound -of voices raised excitedly came from within the -room. Phil quickly rejoined his companions.</p> - -<p>“That was Mareno,” he exclaimed, “the -owner of the automobile. I can never forget<span class="pagenum" id="Page_309">[309]</span> -his voice in the tunnel. He will try to undo -our work with the minister.”</p> - -<p>Inside of a minute Señor Mareno appeared; -his swarthy face was pale, showing -the mental strain he was enduring.</p> - -<p>“You see, I too was deceived,” he was -urging the minister, standing on the threshold -of his office.</p> - -<p>The latter’s answer was diplomatic:</p> - -<p>“You can readily explain that to General -Barras,” he answered. “My letter will show -him that I did not misinform him intentionally.”</p> - -<p>Señor Mareno thought deeply and was -about to speak, but as he glanced up at the -office door the minister had gone within. -Then he turned and regarded the midshipmen -blankly; a spark of recognition turned -his face unconsciously a shade paler, then -he strode away down the steps without a -word.</p> - -<p>A moment afterward Lazar confronted -them.</p> - -<p>“Mr. Perry,” he said coldly, “you have -put your authority above mine. I order you -and your companions to return to the ship<span class="pagenum" id="Page_310">[310]</span> -immediately. Your mutinous conduct on La -Mesa shall not pass unnoticed.”</p> - -<p>Phil’s blood boiled with anger. His hands -twitched and he controlled himself with -difficulty. He glanced at his companions, -who regarded him inquiringly; he saw he -must obey.</p> - -<p>As they left the legation, they pondered -deeply over their predicament. Lazar would -report the occurrence on La Mesa. The -admiral and Captain Taylor might in their -hearts be glad the lads had acted as they had, -but their high positions in the navy forbade -their official countenance.</p> - -<p>Lazar might not see fit to report aught but -Phil’s disobedience; in time of urgent danger -on foreign soil, he, as their senior officer -ashore, had ordered them to leave La Mesa -and Phil had deliberately refused for himself -and companions.</p> - -<p>The penalty in the “articles of war” under -which naval courts adjudged their punishments -was dismissal from the service.</p> -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_311">[311]</span> - -<h2 class="nobreak">CHAPTER XVIII<br /> - - -<small>AN IMPORTANT WITNESS</small></h2> -</div> - -<p>“<span class="smcap">How</span> has he the face to report you for disobeying -his order when he must realize that -we have evidence enough against him to dismiss -him from the service?” exclaimed -Sydney as they were on their return.</p> - -<p>“That’s what puzzles me, too,” declared -Phil. “What can he gain by having me court-martialed? -He can hardly expect me not to -use all the weapons I have to fight him; -though when you sum it up our proofs are -not very strong: Juarez is dead, and Mareno, -even if he knows the part Lazar played in the -arms case, would not testify before a naval -court.”</p> - -<p>“But Craig’s evidence,” Sydney interrupted -earnestly, “will prove that he deliberately -betrayed his trust and gave up the arms. If -this evidence can be placed before the court, -Lazar’s reasons for ordering us from La Mesa -will be clearly shown.”</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_312">[312]</span>“Lazar can’t know that Craig has confessed -to us,” Phil replied happily, “and he believes -he’ll have everything his own way. If he -knew that Craig had confided to us his secret -of the stolen arms, he would not have reported -me for the incident on La Mesa.”</p> - -<p>“What hold has he over this man Craig?” -Sydney questioned thoughtfully. “Would this -influence be sufficient to seal his lips? Suppose -he should deny telling us that the arms -were stolen from the cellar of the legation?”</p> - -<p>“Even if he should,” Phil answered -decidedly, “your testimony that you heard -him give the information would be taken by -the court. He must tell the truth in the -witness box; if not it will not be difficult to -impugn his statements. However, you must -see him as soon as possible and tell him if he -will speak the truth we shall see that no harm -comes to him. He fears Lazar, but if you can -show him that we are powerful enough to -protect him, unless I am much mistaken in -the man, he will be glad to tell the truth.”</p> - -<p>“I believe,” cried Sydney joyfully, “that -Lazar has caught a tartar this time. What -fun it will be to see his face when he hears<span class="pagenum" id="Page_313">[313]</span> -that Craig has told of his dishonest dealings -with Juarez.”</p> - -<p>Reaching the landing they took the first -boat back to the “Connecticut” and reported -their return to the officer of the deck.</p> - -<p>“The captain wishes to see you at once,” -that officer said, addressing Phil.</p> - -<p>Phil went immediately down the cabin -ladder and was ushered by the orderly into -the presence of Captain Taylor.</p> - -<p>A glance at his chief’s face told the anxious -lad that Lazar had already made his report.</p> - -<p>Mr. Penfield, who had been in conversation -with the captain as the boy entered the -cabin, excused himself quickly and left, casting -a glance of sympathy at Phil as he passed -him.</p> - -<p>It seemed to the waiting youth that he -must have been standing there a long time -before Captain Taylor’s voice relieved the oppressive -silence; its tone was not unkind, but -it was strictly official.</p> - -<p>“I have but this minute received Mr. -Lazar’s report of the battle,” he spoke slowly, -punctuating his words; “he tells of the rout -of the rebels, which is good news indeed, but<span class="pagenum" id="Page_314">[314]</span> -he makes a serious charge against you, Mr. -Perry.” Here the captain took in his hand a -paper which he had doubtless been reading to -the executive officer before Phil had appeared. -“This is Mr. Lazar’s report; I shall read it to -you: ‘It is my painful duty to report to you -the following incidents which happened about -4 <span class="allsmcap">P. M.</span> this afternoon,’” the captain read from -the paper in his hand.</p> - -<p>“‘By order of the minister I left the legation -at 3:30 <span class="allsmcap">P. M.</span> and rode out to the lines to -view the battle which I believed was about to -commence. Upon my arrival at the outskirts -of the city the first assault was made, -which I was too far away to witness distinctly, -but I saw that the rebels were repulsed. -From my position I sighted two figures in -white on the top of the hill, La Mesa; these -aroused my suspicions, believing they were -foreigners helping the government arms. -Upon closer investigation I was astounded to -recognize in these figures Midshipmen Perry -and Monroe, apparently in command of a -detachment of Verazala infantry.</p> - -<p>“‘Believing that they were committing an -unwise act, I approached Mr. Perry and<span class="pagenum" id="Page_315">[315]</span> -ordered him to leave the hill at once and return -with me to the legation.</p> - -<p>“‘He refused to obey and defied my authority, -turning his back upon me.</p> - -<p>“‘By your order I was in supreme command -over our men ashore and feel that I -was within my authority in giving this order -to Midshipman Perry.</p> - -<p>“‘Such a serious breach of military discipline -should not go unpunished, and for the -good of the service I have to request that -Midshipman Philip Perry be brought to trial -by general court martial on charges growing -out of this incident.’”</p> - -<p>The captain ceased reading and laid the -paper on the table.</p> - -<p>Phil was alarmed at the serious sound of -the charge against him; he felt he was hopelessly -involved. Even if he could prove Lazar -a traitor would not his own guilt be proven? -According to military law an order must be -obeyed without question. He tried to speak, -but his throat was dry. Captain Taylor -waited, his face full of compassion for the -stunned boy.</p> - -<p>“I shall not ask a statement from you now,<span class="pagenum" id="Page_316">[316]</span> -Mr. Perry,” the captain said finally. “I fear -the charge is of such a serious character that -the admiral will order a court at once.”</p> - -<p>Phil left the cabin and with a heart full of -bitterness sought his own room. Sydney -read in his chum’s face the bad news.</p> - -<p>“So he has already done his work,” he exclaimed, -as Phil entered looking tired and -worried; “but cheer up; you are in the right, -and when the court has the true story, Lazar -will find himself in a position that with all his -cleverness he will have difficulty to explain.”</p> - -<p>Phil smiled gratefully at his companion’s -cheerful attempt to console him.</p> - -<p>“Syd, you must defend me,” he said, throwing -himself in his chair dejectedly. “It’s a -very serious charge,” and then Phil quoted -the letter of Lazar’s, almost word for word, -so deeply had it made its impression on his -mind.</p> - -<p>Sydney agreed readily to act as Phil’s -counsel.</p> - -<p>“Our case,” he declared, “must be based -on Lazar’s motives for ordering us from the -hill. This we can prove through Craig. -Never fear, Phil, you will be cleared.”</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_317">[317]</span>“My last hope is in Craig,” answered Phil; -“if he goes back on us, we are powerless. -We can do nothing.”</p> - -<p>“It’s a shame that such a scoundrel as Lazar -can pose as such a paragon of virtue,” cried -Sydney hotly, “while we know what a double -dyed villain he is and have no means of -proving it. As you say, we are alone dependent -upon breaking down the testimony of his -accomplice. If Lazar doesn’t know of Craig’s -confession this may be easy, but if he does he -will take great pains to teach Craig how to -answer our questions.”</p> - -<p>Phil’s already dejected expression turned to -one of deeper disappointment as he pondered -on the last words of his companion.</p> - -<p>“What innocents we are!” he cried suddenly. -“Lazar surely must know that we -have discovered his intrigue, else how could -we have found the hiding-place of the arms? -If, as I suspect, Juarez sent him word we -were in the house on La Mesa, then Lazar -would reason that he had been found out and -would know that our information must have -come from Craig. And yet, knowing this, he -reports me,” he added thoughtfully.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_318">[318]</span>“Syd,” he continued after a pause, “this -man is no common villain. We have to deal -with a very clever rogue. There is something -more that we don’t know about; he is -not going into this court martial blindly. If -he can have me found guilty then he will be -safe, because our testimony against him will -be declared prejudiced and would not be admitted -before a court.”</p> - -<p>The two midshipmen were in a state of -great excitement over their perplexing position, -but their labors on this eventful day had -so wearied them, that it was but a short time -after they had “turned in” before they fell -into a sound and peaceful sleep.</p> - -<p>They awoke the following morning feeling -greatly refreshed and better able to grapple -with the problem.</p> - -<p>All danger that the rebels would force an -entrance into the city being over, the admiral -ordered the legation guard back to the “Connecticut.”</p> - -<p>Phil and Sydney were on deck when Lazar -and his men returned.</p> - -<p>“He isn’t there!” Phil gasped as he saw -the last man come up the gangway ladder<span class="pagenum" id="Page_319">[319]</span> -and “fall in” in ranks on the quarter-deck. -“I watched every man and Craig isn’t among -them.”</p> - -<p>“Perhaps there are others ashore, yet to -come,” vouchsafed Sydney hopefully.</p> - -<p>Lazar had reported to the officer of the -deck and had then gone down the companionway -to announce his return to the captain.</p> - -<p>Marshall and Morrison remained on deck -with the men awaiting Lazar’s return, before -being dismissed to go to their quarters.</p> - -<p>Phil and Sydney examined closely every -one of the hundred bronzed faces of the legation -guard. Craig was missing.</p> - -<p>In a few minutes Lazar returned, and gave -orders to “break ranks” and go forward; -then he turned to his two assistants, and -raising his voice for the benefit of Phil and -Sydney, he said:</p> - -<p>“Craig is a good riddance. I believed he -was a trustworthy man, but I find he has -betrayed my confidence. I have recommended -to the captain that no effort be -made to apprehend him.”</p> - -<p>Lazar cast a glance of mingled triumph<span class="pagenum" id="Page_320">[320]</span> -and scorn at the discomfited midshipmen as -he passed down the hatch to the deck below.</p> - -<p>The boys were stupefied. This contingency -had never occurred to them. So Craig had -deserted!</p> - -<p>“We can catch him, Phil,” Sydney cried, -when the terrible significance of Lazar’s words -forced themselves upon him; “steamers are -infrequent, and if he remains in the country -he can be apprehended by the government.”</p> - -<p>“Lazar has doubtless arranged for that,” -Phil answered brokenly; “he is too clever for -us, Syd. We are children in his hands.”</p> - -<p>“But we must capture him,” Sydney exclaimed, -thoroughly aroused; “he is our only -witness.”</p> - -<p>O’Neil, showing no ill effects from his -rough handling of the day before, was back -at his ship’s work. He saw the boys standing -disconsolately on the quarter-deck and -crossed over to them.</p> - -<p>“How are you, O’Neil?” Phil inquired -solicitously as the sailor saluted them.</p> - -<p>“Never better, sir,” he answered, “but you, -sir, I’m sorry to hear of the trouble you are -in; and that fellow Craig, that you were<span class="pagenum" id="Page_321">[321]</span> -counting so much on, has deserted. The -men say he is too sick to go far and had -been acting queer like all last evening. -When the guard fell in to be marched on -board this morning he was missing.”</p> - -<p>“Too sick to go far?” questioned Phil -eagerly.</p> - -<p>“Yes, sir,” the sailor answered, “the men -of the guard say he coughed all the time; -they all believe he can’t live long.”</p> - -<p>Phil turned to Sydney.</p> - -<p>“Syd, Lazar will try to send him off by -steamer. If he hasn’t gone already we may -be able to catch him,” he cried hopefully. -“Lazar has furnished him money and has -recommended to the captain that no search -be made for him.”</p> - -<p>“There ain’t been no steamer sailing since -last night,” declared O’Neil; “that steamer -with the blue smoke-stack is the next one -to leave; she’s flying the sailing flag now. -Craig must be still in La Boca.”</p> - -<p>“Syd,” Phil cried hurriedly, “I may be -put under arrest now at any moment, but -you and O’Neil will be free. It may be possible -that we can outwit Lazar yet. You<span class="pagenum" id="Page_322">[322]</span> -must go ashore and find Craig. Promise him -anything if he will return and speak the -truth.”</p> - -<p>“If he is in La Boca, trust O’Neil to find -him,” declared the sailor stoutly.</p> - -<p>Phil saw the captain’s orderly approaching. -His heart felt like lead: here was his summons, -he felt sure.</p> - -<p>“Captain Taylor would like to see Mr. -Perry,” the orderly announced as he reached -Phil’s side.</p> - -<p>The lad descended to the cabin with sinking -hopes. He found the captain awaiting -him, nervously pacing up and down his narrow -cabin.</p> - -<p>“Mr. Perry,” he said as he caught sight of -the attentive midshipman, “I have a very -painful duty to perform;” he held a paper in -his outstretched hand; Phil took it in silence. -“Those are the charges against you,” he continued -slowly; “the admiral orders that you -be tried by court martial.”</p> - -<p>The lad’s eyes were full of tears of anger -and mortification. He dared not speak. He -feared he might say too much and prejudice -himself with his captain.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_323">[323]</span>“You will send me your sword and consider -yourself in close arrest.” The captain -added, “The trial is set for to-morrow morning -at eight o’clock.”</p> - -<p>Then the captain dropped from his voice its -official coldness and put his hand affectionately -on the humiliated lad’s shoulder.</p> - -<p>“Mr. Perry, you have been a great disappointment -to me,” he said sadly. “Your -work here has been all the more admirable because -it can never receive official sanction. -It must always be kept a secret from our -government in Washington. Even our admiral, -as powerful as he is, could not save -you if your part in this war came to the -official ears of the Navy Department. ‘The -end justifies the means’ does not fit such a -case. By your loyal and plucky work, you -and your companions have saved our government -from very complicating and perhaps -dangerous diplomatic conflicts with foreign -powers. You have also saved American -merchants from great financial losses. But -nevertheless,” he added after a short pause, -“Mr. Lazar was well within his authority -when he ordered you away from La Mesa;<span class="pagenum" id="Page_324">[324]</span> -and from my knowledge of that officer I believe -he was acting according to his best judgment -and for your own good. You should -not have taken part in this fight at all, but it -was far worse as you did it, openly, wearing -the uniform of the United States.”</p> - -<p>“Believe me, Captain Taylor,” cried Phil -earnestly, “we were not on La Mesa for pure -love of fighting; there was a good reason -and I hope to be able to show soon that my -act of disobedience was not as black as it -looks.”</p> - -<p>“I sincerely hope, Mr. Perry,” Captain -Taylor replied kindly, “that you can explain -this seemingly deliberate act of insubordination.”</p> - -<p>Phil left the cabin in a happier frame of -mind than he had entered. He was assured -of Captain Taylor’s sympathy and his and his -companion’s work had been appreciated. He -saw how these high officers must regard their -work on La Mesa, knowing nothing of the -story of the Colt guns and Lazar’s part in -their betrayal. If Craig could be found now -all would be plain sailing. The court on -hearing his testimony against Lazar would<span class="pagenum" id="Page_325">[325]</span> -surely acquit Phil of criminality in his disobedience.</p> - -<p>He entered his room glad in the thought -that with two such friends as Sydney and -O’Neil, Craig would soon be found and -brought aboard to give his evidence before the -court.</p> - -<p>But Sydney’s greeting sent the happiness -out of his heart and put there a feeling of -hopelessness beyond power of expression.</p> - -<p>“Phil, that scoundrel has laid his wires -cleverly,” he cried angrily. “O’Neil and I are, -by the admiral’s order, restricted to the ship -until the ‘Connecticut’ sails. Lazar is bound -that Craig shall not be found.”</p> -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_326">[326]</span> - -<h2 class="nobreak">CHAPTER XIX<br /> - - -<small>THE COURT MARTIAL</small></h2> -</div> - -<p><span class="smcap">Phil</span> felt his last hope had gone. Craig, -their only witness, would make good his -escape. There was nothing left for him but -to face the court martial and be found guilty -of one of the most serious offenses against -military discipline.</p> - -<p>“It’s perfectly hopeless, Syd,” he exclaimed -dejectedly; “we can make no defense without -this man.”</p> - -<p>“Cannot Marshall be induced to hunt for -him ashore?” questioned Sydney thoughtfully; -“he is your friend and hasn’t any love -for Lazar.”</p> - -<p>“We might do that,” answered Phil readily. -Then he shook his head on second thoughts; -“it won’t help us. Lazar will find it out and -see a means of keeping him aboardship too. -He is a master schemer.”</p> - -<p>A soft tap on their door sounded startlingly -to the unstrung lads. They exchanged<span class="pagenum" id="Page_327">[327]</span> -glances, despair written on their faces. They -had spoken in low tones, but they knew the -ship was a sounding-board. Had they said -anything that might be advantageous to their -enemy?</p> - -<p>Phil stepped to the curtain and drew it -cautiously aside, half expecting to see the -cynical face of Lazar.</p> - -<p>“Why, O’Neil!” he cried gladly, “you -gave us a scare. Come in.”</p> - -<p>“What is it?” Phil added, seeing the look -of determination in the sailor’s face.</p> - -<p>“I’ve heard that ‘all hands’ are to be kept -on board ship,” the sailor answered. “I heard -Mr. Penfield talking to Mr. Lazar on the -quarter-deck a minute ago. The admiral -has given the order. Mr. Lazar has gone to -the admiral himself to get permission to go -ashore.”</p> - -<p>“That’s his doing,” cried Sydney hotly. -“But he’ll get the permission,” he added -dejectedly.</p> - -<p>“What I was going to say, sir,” O’Neil continued, -“is, I have made my mind up to -catch this fellow Craig, and I’ve come for -that uniform I wore on the dago war-ship.”</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_328">[328]</span>“I knew you couldn’t be downed, O’Neil,” -Sydney exclaimed delightedly. “I have the -three suits here. I was keeping them for -souvenirs.”</p> - -<p>Phil’s face during the time his companions -were talking wore a look of quiet dignity. -He now put his hand affectionately on the -sailor’s shoulder.</p> - -<p>“I can’t allow you to take this risk,” he -said gently. “It’s my misfortune and I shall -stand it.”</p> - -<p>O’Neil interrupted him hurriedly.</p> - -<p>“Mr. Perry, John O’Neil is always ready -to obey you, but in this, sir, I know what is -best. I want the clothes. I am too old a -hand, sir, to get caught. You can trust me for -that.”</p> - -<p>Phil would have broken in, but O’Neil -would be heard.</p> - -<p>“I knew how you’d act about it, sir, but I -need the uniform.”</p> - -<p>Sydney dragged the uniform out from a -locker and gave it to the sailor.</p> - -<p>“Here you are,” he cried, “don’t listen to -Mr. Perry. He seems to want to be convicted. -I’ll go with you if you need me.”</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_329">[329]</span>“No, sir,” O’Neil replied decidedly. “You -are better here cheering up Mr. Perry, but -before that court meets you’ll see me bringing -Craig back, ready to give his evidence.”</p> - -<p>“What’s your plan?” Sydney asked, following -the sailor from the room.</p> - -<p>“It’s this, sir,” he answered. “I am going -to watch every vessel that leaves port, and if I -find Craig, I’ll get him to come back with -me, whether he wants to or not. Trust me, -sir, if I clap eyes on him back he’ll come.”</p> - -<p>“That’s a good idea,” Sydney agreed; “our -last hope is in you, O’Neil,” he added, as he -returned to join Phil.</p> - -<p>“O’Neil seems confident that he can locate -him, Phil,” Sydney said in a cheering voice -as he reëntered their stateroom. “He only -told me half of his plan,” he said to himself. -“I believe he knows what he is doing.”</p> - -<p>Phil was reading over the fatal paper given -him by the captain. The wording of the -charges against him seemed written in fire on -his brain.</p> - -<p>A moment later the captain’s orderly came -for the midshipman’s sword. Phil gave it to -him with a heart full of anguish.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_330">[330]</span>“Lieutenant Barnes is on deck, sir, and -would like to see Mr. Perry,” the orderly said, -a look of sympathy in his face. “I hope you -ain’t guilty, sir,” he added hastily.</p> - -<p>Phil almost smiled at the earnestness of the -kind-hearted marine.</p> - -<p>“Thank you, orderly,” he answered gratefully.</p> - -<p>Lieutenant Barnes entered the boys’ stateroom -shortly afterward. The lads stood -quickly to attention.</p> - -<p>“Mr. Perry, I am the judge advocate of -your court,” the officer announced in official -tones, holding himself very straight and regarding -Phil coldly. “I see you have received -a copy of the charges against you,” -noticing the paper Phil held in his nervous -hand. “Do you desire any one to act as your -counsel?”</p> - -<p>Phil’s throat was parched; he swallowed -several times before he could find voice to -speak.</p> - -<p>“Midshipman Monroe, sir, has offered,” he -replied.</p> - -<p>“Very good,” the officer consented; “you -will be ready at 8 <span class="allsmcap">A. M.</span> to-morrow. Your<span class="pagenum" id="Page_331">[331]</span> -counsel will inform me at that time the -witnesses you wish to call in your defense.” -He bowed ceremoniously and withdrew.</p> - -<p>“There’s not much kindness in him, is -there, Syd?” Phil observed sadly. “He -believes I am guilty, by the way he looked -at me.”</p> - -<p>“What are we to do?” Sydney exclaimed. -“If O’Neil fails you must take the stand and -tell all.”</p> - -<p>“No, I shan’t do that,” Phil declared; -“the court would not believe our estimate -of Lazar. It would be easy for him to convince -the court that he had acted honestly -and that our charges were malicious. If -Craig is not found I must take my punishment -in silence.”</p> - -<p>“But if O’Neil and I both testify to the -truth of your story, Phil,” Sydney urged.</p> - -<p>“Even then,” he replied. “Lazar could -not be accused. The fact that Craig deserted -would point to the latter’s guilt in -allowing the guns to be taken from the legation -and would prove Lazar’s innocence. -Sydney, if Craig is not found I stand convicted.”</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_332">[332]</span>The weary, anxious day dragged slowly by. -The fateful morning dawned.</p> - -<p>At the hour set, Phil and Sydney were -ready to appear before the court.</p> - -<p>Phil dreaded the ordeal. Far rather -would he have faced a battery of Colt guns -than go before those seven commissioned officers, -accused as he was of a military crime.</p> - -<p>With heart beating fast, and with pale, set -face he took the chair next the judge advocate; -Sydney sat beside him, a determined -look in his eyes.</p> - -<p>Phil raised his head and braved the eyes of -the court.</p> - -<p>The picture now before his eyes would never -be forgotten. The officers were all strangers -to him, selected from other ships than his -own. At the head of the long table sat the -president, a captain in the navy, commanding -a battle-ship in the fleet; the other six -officers were all above the rank of ensign.</p> - -<p>Phil saw his sword brought in by the -captain’s orderly and placed on the court -table, its sheathed point directed at himself, -the accused. He knew that this sword -would be the silent tale bearer of the court’s<span class="pagenum" id="Page_333">[333]</span> -verdict. If after the trial was over the sword -remained with its point toward him he had -been adjudged guilty, but if upon entering -to receive the judgment, the sword had -been swung with its hilt toward him, then -the court had found him not guilty.</p> - -<p>The judge advocate arose, and in a clear -voice read the admiral’s order assembling -the court for the trial of Midshipman Perry.</p> - -<p>The formalities of organization were soon -over and the court was ready to try the accused -on the charges.</p> - -<p>As one in a dream Phil heard the detailed -charges read. He knew them by heart, but -now in the cold hard tones of Lieutenant -Barnes they rang ominously.</p> - -<p>“He, the said Midshipman Philip Perry, -did maliciously and wilfully disobey the -order of his superior officer Ensign Jules -Lazar, who was then and there in the execution -of his lawful duty, and further did treat -his superior officer, the said Ensign Jules -Lazar, with contempt, and was insubordinate -to him by words and gestures; this to the -prejudice of good order and military discipline.”</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_334">[334]</span>The awful sound took his breath away. -A voice was saying to him in his inner consciousness, -“You are guilty, you are guilty.”</p> - -<p>Yes, every word was only too true; he -could deny nothing, but he must plead -“not guilty,” in hopes that Craig would -arrive in time to give his testimony.</p> - -<p>There was a pause; the judge advocate -cleared his throat. The court shifted their -positions expectantly. Phil’s heart seemed -almost ready to stop beating while the prosecutor’s -voice sounded through the quiet -room:</p> - -<p>“You, Philip Perry, have heard the -charges preferred against you. What say -you: Guilty or not guilty?”</p> - -<p>Phil mustered all his strength and in a clear -voice answered:</p> - -<p>“Not guilty.”</p> - -<p>In a few moments Lazar entered the courtroom. -He was calm and self-possessed. He -walked up to the president promptly and -took the oath; then he sat down carelessly in -the witness chair, and turned upon Phil a cold -scrutinizing gaze.</p> - -<p>Lazar told his story to the hushed court.<span class="pagenum" id="Page_335">[335]</span> -Phil knew it was the truth, but not the whole -truth which Lazar had sworn to tell.</p> - -<p>The witness had finished; the judge advocate -turned to Phil, questioningly.</p> - -<p>“Do you wish to interrogate the witness?” -he asked.</p> - -<p>Phil shook his head and Lazar withdrew -from the room, casting an incredulous look at -the accused midshipman.</p> - -<p>The judge advocate ceased his writing and -looked up at the president of the court.</p> - -<p>“Mr. President,” he announced slowly, -“there is no other witness for the prosecution. -Ensign Lazar’s testimony is not disputed; it -proves every word of the charges against the -accused.” He sat down in silence, then he -glanced quickly at Sydney, sitting stunned by -Phil’s side.</p> - -<p>“The defense begins,” he added.</p> - -<p>The two lads exchanged glances. O’Neil -had not returned.</p> - -<p>“Who is your first witness?” asked the -judge advocate impatiently.</p> - -<p>Sydney was about to speak; he would ask -to be put in the witness chair; he could tell -the true story to the court; surely they would<span class="pagenum" id="Page_336">[336]</span> -see it was the truth, but Phil’s quiet resigned -voice cut short his intentions.</p> - -<p>“I have no witnesses to call,” he said in a -low voice.</p> - -<p>The court was astounded; its members -looked surprisedly at one another. The -president arose to his feet.</p> - -<p>“Mr. Perry,” he began, “do you understand -the gravity of these charges? Can you make -no defense? Can you give no reason, no excuse -for your extraordinary conduct? Will you -not make a statement to the court? Your -record at the Naval Academy and here on the -‘Connecticut’ is too good to be so stained -without some reason.”</p> - -<p>The court showed their accord by nods of -assent.</p> - -<p>Phil turned to Sydney, a look of pain in his -eyes.</p> - -<p>“O’Neil has failed,” Sydney whispered; “he -would come direct to the court if he were on -board.”</p> - -<p>Phil arose to his feet, his face pale and -anxious. The court was silent, in breathless -expectancy.</p> - -<p>“I can offer no excuse, sir,” he said in a<span class="pagenum" id="Page_337">[337]</span> -voice suppressed with emotion. “I can only -say that I acted according to my belief in -what was my duty.” His face became suffused -with embarrassment as he realized how -odd his words must sound to these officers who -knew nothing of the real circumstances; but -he must gain time; perhaps even now O’Neil -was returning with the missing witness. Once -the trial was finished he would stand convicted -and even Craig’s testimony could not -change the decision of the court.</p> - -<p>“My first duty was to remain where I was, -and to do this it was necessary that I should -disobey Mr. Lazar’s direct order. I can say no -more,” he said finally, covered with confusion.</p> - -<p>As Phil stopped and sat down, a hum of astonishment -passed over the court. What did -he mean? Had the strain unbalanced his -mind? were the questions asked in glances -of the eye by his judges sitting solemnly before -him.</p> - -<p>The judge advocate arose to his feet to make -his closing address to the court.</p> - -<p>“Gentlemen,” he commenced, “the accused -by the evidence is proved guilty. It is my -duty as prosecutor for the United States Navy<span class="pagenum" id="Page_338">[338]</span> -to point out that the offense of which he is -charged is one of the most serious against -military and naval discipline, and is punishable -under the ‘articles of war’ by dismissal -from the navy of the United States. The excuse -offered by the accused is unintelligible -and worthless.”</p> - -<p>He sat down, his eyes riveted on the president -of the court. The latter raised his hand; -Phil knew that when it fell to the table the -trial would be over and no more witnesses -could be summoned. It was a dreadful moment -for the accused midshipman. He knew -he sat before his judges adjudged guilty of the -military crime of which he was accused.</p> - -<p>The president, with his hand still raised, -hesitated; he seemed unwilling to make the -trial a closed book. As he paused thus, there -came a knock on the door of the cabin.</p> -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_339">[339]</span> - -<h2 class="nobreak">CHAPTER XX<br /> - - -<small>THE SEARCH</small></h2> -</div> - -<p><span class="smcap">O’Neil</span> after leaving the midshipman went -to his room under the forecastle and hid -away the bundle of clothes until nightfall, -when he intended to leave the ship under the -cover of darkness.</p> - -<p>As soon as he was sure his movements -could not be observed, he let himself over the -bow of the battle-ship and silently dropped -into the water; his foreign uniform he carried -in a flat roll on his head. He was a strong -swimmer, and in but a few minutes he was -standing safely on the dock. The friendly -darkness permitted him unobserved to discard -his sailor clothes, and he soon stood -completely disguised in the garb of a Verazala -naval officer.</p> - -<p>He started out briskly for the public landing, -hired a shore boat and was soon alongside -the “Aquadores.”</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_340">[340]</span>The officer on duty greeted him as an old -friend, and the boatswain’s mate was shortly -in Captain Garcia’s presence.</p> - -<p>O’Neil told his errand as soon as Captain -Garcia would allow him time to speak; the -Spaniard was enthusiastic in his reception of -the American sailor.</p> - -<p>“And, sir, I knew you would help me -catch this man,” he added; “our young -friend is to be tried by court martial, and -if found guilty will be dismissed from the -service.”</p> - -<p>Captain Garcia showed the anxiety he felt -for Phil’s predicament.</p> - -<p>“I am always at the service of my American -friends,” he declared immediately; “but -how may I help you find this man?”</p> - -<p>“He will go by steamer,” replied O’Neil, -“and we must find out the one and drag him -off before she sails. If I go alone I can’t do -it, but you are known and they won’t dare -stop us, if you are with me.”</p> - -<p>“But may he not have sailed already?” -questioned Captain Garcia anxiously.</p> - -<p>“I have thought of that,” O’Neil answered -decidedly; “he was at the legation late last<span class="pagenum" id="Page_341">[341]</span> -night, and there has been no steamer sailing -since. I’ll stake anything that he is still -in La Boca.”</p> - -<p>Inside of two hours every vessel in the -harbor had been visited by the two men, but -they were doomed to disappointment. Craig -was not on board any of them.</p> - -<p>Bitterly disappointed they walked disconsolately -through the brilliantly lighted streets -of the town; the city was in gala dress, -celebrating the victory won by the government -arms. They passed many soldiers of -both armies, arm in arm; their differences -were forgotten already and they fraternized -as if they had always been the best of -friends.</p> - -<p>O’Neil felt his mission had failed. To-morrow -morning at eight o’clock the court -would try the midshipman, and the missing -witness was as far out of his grasp as ever. -Where in this great city could he turn to -search for him? Then his thoughts turned -to Ensign Lazar; he had gone to the admiral -to obtain permission to go ashore when he -went to the midshipmen’s room. Where -would he be in this thickly populated city?<span class="pagenum" id="Page_342">[342]</span> -O’Neil felt confident that if he could find -him Craig would not be far away.</p> - -<p>The two friends were passing a palatial -residence on the Plaza. An automobile -standing at the curb caught O’Neil’s eye, -the chauffeur sitting erect and expectant in -the front seat.</p> - -<p>“Whose house is that?” he asked, suddenly -turning to Captain Garcia.</p> - -<p>“The house of one of our most loyal -citizens, Señor Mareno,” he answered; “he is -rich and powerful and stands high in the -favor of General Barras. That is his -automobile; he rides in it all the time; it -has just been returned to him; it was stolen -on the day of the assault by the rebels from -one of his country villas.”</p> - -<p>O’Neil stopped suddenly and gazed at the -house. Mareno must be there; the automobile -was awaiting him; its gasoline engine -was puffing and ready to propel the heavy -car over the streets of the city at a speed far -greater than they could possibly follow.</p> - -<p>Captain Garcia’s voice interrupted O’Neil’s -cheerless thoughts.</p> - -<p>“Our president,” he was saying, “for the<span class="pagenum" id="Page_343">[343]</span> -loyal work of Señor Mareno’s firm, La Fitte -and Company, during the war, has promised -to give the vast mining concession to it. In -these times of rebellion loyalty is a rare -jewel.”</p> - -<p>“What did Mareno do?” asked O’Neil in -genuine surprise.</p> - -<p>“It was he that loaned the government the -money to buy the ‘Aquadores,’” Captain -Garcia answered proudly. “Our government -had no credit and the company who built the -cruiser would not allow her to leave their -shipyard until every dollar of the money had -been paid. The victory of the ‘Aquadores’ -at Rio Grande made the rebel cause a failure, -for if they had won and then had blockaded -La Boca, the government must have fallen.”</p> - -<p>O’Neil was puzzled; there was more intrigue -that his friends the midshipmen had -failed to discover. So Mareno had made -himself secure with both sides.</p> - -<p>“If it had not been for you and your companions,” -continued Captain Garcia after a -pause, “we could not have won. My crew, as -you know, were green men and were almost -mutinous. My officers were half-hearted<span class="pagenum" id="Page_344">[344]</span> -and my executive officer I feel sure was in -the pay of the enemy. He resisted my authority -from the day we left the United -States and when we sailed from La Boca for -Rio Grande, I found a means of leaving him -behind.”</p> - -<p>While Captain Garcia was speaking two -men came hurriedly out of the house and -got into the waiting machine.</p> - -<p>“That’s Señor Mareno now,” exclaimed -Captain Garcia. “I know him well. He -owns most of the steamship lines, and can -help us by ordering his agents to watch for -this man when he buys his ticket. I shall -speak to him at once,” and he drew away -from O’Neil and stepped quickly to the side -of the machine.</p> - -<p>“Good-evening, Señor Mareno,” he said -saluting him in military fashion. “May I -detain you but a moment?”</p> - -<p>Mareno turned a startled face toward the -naval officer.</p> - -<p>“What do you want?” he questioned impatiently.</p> - -<p>O’Neil saw at a glance that the meeting -was inopportune for the merchant. The<span class="pagenum" id="Page_345">[345]</span> -sailor edged nearer, his curiosity aroused. -An electric street lamp above them threw -their faces in shadow; but there was something -familiar in the figure sitting beside -Mareno in the automobile.</p> - -<p>“Mr. Lazar,” he gasped beneath his breath; -he reached out and took Captain Garcia by -the arm, almost roughly, and wheeled him -about. The next second the automobile had -gone.</p> - -<p>Captain Garcia turned on O’Neil, a world -of surprise in his face.</p> - -<p>“Why did you do that?” he exclaimed. -“He surely could have helped us.”</p> - -<p>The sailor looked about him hurriedly. -So Lazar and Mareno were hiding Craig. If -they would find him they must follow the -automobile; but how?</p> - -<p>“The man with him was Ensign Lazar,” -O’Neil explained to the amazed captain. “If -he recognizes me the game is up. How can -we follow them?”</p> - -<p>Captain Garcia was still more amazed at -hearing this startling news. Why was Señor -Mareno with Mr. Lazar? What part had -Señor Mareno in the plot to convict his<span class="pagenum" id="Page_346">[346]</span> -young friend, Midshipman Perry? And was -he a friend of the man who had sold the -machine guns back to the rebels?</p> - -<p>“Come,” he cried much aroused, “there’s -an automobile standing on the next corner, -but I fear we can’t catch them; Señor -Mareno’s machine is the fastest in the -city.”</p> - -<p>As luck would have it they found a waiting -machine, and jumping in Captain Garcia -hurriedly gave the order.</p> - -<p>“Mariel road, quick,” he cried to the -chauffeur.</p> - -<p>In a minute they were speeding through the -streets and out on the lonely road to Mariel.</p> - -<p>The quarry was not in sight; had they -turned off on one of the many cross streets? -This was surely the direction they had taken.</p> - -<p>They sped along, O’Neil pressing money -into the hands of the chauffeur to open wider -his throttle.</p> - -<p>“There they are,” O’Neil whispered triumphantly -as a dark object came in sight -ahead. The pursuers were gaining slowly.</p> - -<p>The machine ahead was slowing, and O’Neil -whispered to their chauffeur to go on by.<span class="pagenum" id="Page_347">[347]</span> -They passed Mareno and Lazar as they -were alighting from the automobile and -entering a large house by the roadside.</p> - -<p>“Mareno’s country home,” whispered Captain -Garcia as their machine whizzed past.</p> - -<p>“Then here we’ll find Craig,” replied -O’Neil confidently, as he directed the chauffeur -to stop their machine.</p> - -<p>Out of sight of the overtaken men they -left their machine and went back on foot. -Reaching the house they saw Mareno’s automobile -had drawn up inside the yard and -the chauffeur had already made himself -comfortable for a nap.</p> - -<p>“They are inside,” O’Neil whispered, “and -will be there some time, from the looks of -that man yonder,” pointing to the reclining -figure. “We’ve got to get inside.”</p> - -<p>Captain Garcia hesitated.</p> - -<p>“This man Mareno is powerful,” he objected. -“I dare not force an entrance into -his house.”</p> - -<p>They had approached the house from the -rear. O’Neil pushed a door gently; it yielded -and the next moment they found themselves -in a small room.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_348">[348]</span>The room was unlighted, but the fire on the -hearth illuminated obscurely their surroundings.</p> - -<p>A native jumped up from a couch, rubbing -his eyes; seeing the officers he doffed his hat -respectfully.</p> - -<p>“Whom do you wish to see, señors?” he -asked.</p> - -<p>“We are friends of Señor Mareno, who is -up-stairs, is he not? We shall go up,” O’Neil -answered quickly in a low voice.</p> - -<p>The man seemed to hold no suspicions; he -was glad to get back to his interrupted nap.</p> - -<p>“Very well, señors,” he answered.</p> - -<p>The two men cautiously walked up the narrow -stairs. Reaching the next floor, they -stopped, breathless, to listen.</p> - -<p>A sound of voices came from a room in the -front of the house.</p> - -<p>Captain Garcia was worried. He did not -relish his mission; there was too much at -stake for him if Mareno discovered that they -had forced an entrance into his house. In -these countries it is but a step to a prison cell -and another to the execution wall where many -men are put to death daily during these<span class="pagenum" id="Page_349">[349]</span> -revolutions. He was anxious to retrace his -steps, but O’Neil held him firmly by the arm.</p> - -<p>The voices of Mareno and Lazar sounded -distinctly; they were talking in loud natural -tones, so sure were they that they were alone -in this lonely house.</p> - -<p>“I have changed the letter, Señor Mareno,” -Lazar was saying; “here it is: as it reads now -your name does not appear and Midshipman -Perry’s name has been substituted. But you -must make sure that the minister and the -president never meet, for they might discover -the change in the letter.”</p> - -<p>“I have arranged that,” answered Mareno. -“As soon as the fleet leaves, which will be to-morrow, -the president will telegraph to Washington -for the minister’s recall, giving the -reason that he is unsatisfactory to the government.”</p> - -<p>“Good,” Lazar’s voice replied; “then you -have nothing to fear, unless General Ruiz -might tell of your share in the rebellion.”</p> - -<p>“Ah,” Mareno’s voice had a glad ring, “he -knows nothing. Juarez alone knew of my support, -and he is dead; he was the agent in all -my transactions.”</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_350">[350]</span>“Very well; I shall deliver this letter in -person at the palace this evening,” Lazar said, -“and then we must put this man on board the -steamer. I don’t believe he will live to reach -Mexico.”</p> - -<p>Captain Garcia knew nothing of the letter, -but from the trend of the conversation between -the two conspirators he saw that the much -trusted Mareno had done something which -Lazar was endeavoring to cover up for him. -He dared not ask O’Neil; even a whisper -might be heard.</p> - -<p>“What is the name of the steamer?” Lazar -added. “It is now after midnight. At what -time will she sail?”</p> - -<p>“It is the ‘Mercedes’; one of our own -ships,” Mareno answered; “she is scheduled to -sail at daylight and her first port will be Vera -Cruz, Mexico; her captain need know nothing -except that the sick man is to be landed -there.”</p> - - - -<p>“Can’t she sail as soon as we get this man -on board?” Lazar asked eagerly. “I shall<span class="pagenum" id="Page_351">[351]</span> -breathe freer when he is on the high seas. My -enemies have resources and the sooner we get -this man away the less danger there is for me. -The court meets at eight o’clock, and without -this witness my friend Midshipman Perry -must be convicted.”</p> - - -<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/i_350.jpg" alt="" /></div> -<p class="drop-cap"><i>THE DOOR OF THE ROOM OPENED<br /> -SUDDENLY</i></p> - -<p>“That can be easily arranged,” Mareno -agreed at once. “She has already cleared the -custom-house and can sail whenever I give -the word.”</p> - -<p>O’Neil glanced at Captain Garcia’s face. -The light through the transom of the room in -which the conspirators were shone dimly on -his strong face. O’Neil was fairly startled at -its expression. He feared that upon hearing -the course which his enemy would pursue, -Garcia might act precipitately, and spoil the -plan.</p> - -<p>“Come,” the sailor whispered, grasping the -captain’s arm, “we must go.”</p> - -<p>But the naval officer could not be moved. -He reached in his pocket and drew out a silver-mounted -revolver, and took a step forward toward -the door of the room.</p> - -<p>“You’ll spoil everything,” O’Neil whispered -hoarsely.</p> - -<p>The door of the room opened suddenly and -a flood of light shone out in the hallway. -Lazar stood on the threshold, his face turned<span class="pagenum" id="Page_352">[352]</span> -backward over his shoulder; he was talking -to Mareno behind him.</p> - -<p>“Craig is up-stairs, is he not? I shall get -him and join you immediately,” he said.</p> - -<p>O’Neil was terribly anxious. If their presence -were discovered, the conspirators would -change their plans. The light seemed to fall -directly upon himself and Captain Garcia. -How could Lazar fail to see them?</p> - -<p>Lazar passed the eavesdroppers so close that -it seemed to O’Neil detection was a certainty. -What should he do? He dared not lift his -hand against his superior officer. His long -training in the navy had taught him what -terrible consequences would be the result of -such a rash act. He held his breath tightly -and drew Captain Garcia closer against the -wall. The door swung shut and the hall was -again in partial gloom. Lazar’s footfalls -could be heard ascending the stairs.</p> - -<p>“We’ve got to get out,” he breathed in relief -as he half dragged his companion down -the steps.</p> - -<p>They left the house by the way they had -entered; this time they were not observed, for -the caretaker of the house was fast asleep.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_353">[353]</span>Reaching their automobile they got in and -waited for their enemies to leave the house.</p> - -<p>“What does it mean?” Captain Garcia -asked excitedly. “What is this letter?”</p> - -<p>O’Neil explained how Mareno had informed -the minister that Ruiz’s attack would be on -Tortuga Hill. How the midshipmen had -discovered him in the house of Juarez where -the stolen arms were stored, and how the -minister had written a letter to General -Barras telling from whom the information -came.</p> - -<p>“A clever plot indeed,” cried Captain -Garcia. “Mr. Lazar has changed this letter -clearing Señor Mareno and putting the guilt -on Midshipman Perry’s shoulders, and Señor -Mareno has induced the president meanwhile, -before the arrival of the letter, to ask the -Washington government to recall the minister. -My inclinations were as an officer of -our government to arrest Señor Mareno for -treason.”</p> - -<p>“That would have defeated us,” answered -O’Neil. “They wouldn’t have submitted -without a fight and I couldn’t have raised -my hand against Ensign Lazar.”</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_354">[354]</span>“I can hardly believe that Señor Mareno is -a rebel,” declared Captain Garcia excitedly; -“if so, why did he buy the ‘Aquadores’ for -General Barras’ government?”</p> - -<p>“That’s easy to see now,” answered O’Neil -with a superior smile; “didn’t you say your -executive officer was mutinous and your crew -were all green men?”</p> - -<p>The naked truth dawned on the unsuspecting -naval officer.</p> - -<p>“You mean that Mareno believed that on -our arrival in La Boca the ‘Aquadores’ -would fly the rebel flag,” cried the naval -officer, aghast at the depth of the treason of -which Mareno was the instigator.</p> - -<p>“Certainly,” O’Neil replied; “he thought -it was as good as buying her for the rebels -and a better and easier way. Even when you -went after the rebel ships at Rio Grande, he -was sure you’d be licked, and before he could -get news of the fight he spread the report -that she’d been sunk.”</p> - -<p>Captain Garcia was stunned at the extent -of the conspiracy.</p> - -<p>“Then I owe you and your companions -much more than I dreamed,” he cried putting<span class="pagenum" id="Page_355">[355]</span> -his arm affectionately on O’Neil’s shoulder. -“That explains why their two vessels seemed -so eager to give us battle. They thought we -would prove an easy victim.”</p> - -<p>O’Neil nodded.</p> - -<p>“But now, Captain Garcia,” he exclaimed -earnestly, “you’ve got your chance to repay -us.”</p> - -<p>“Myself and everything I can command -are at your service,” the Spaniard gratefully -replied.</p> - -<p>“Then here’s my plan,” O’Neil explained -hurriedly: “they’ll put Craig in that machine -and take him to La Boca; then on board the -‘Mercedes,’ and we can’t stop them. She’ll -get away and then we’ll follow her in the -‘Aquadores’ and bring Craig back. Isn’t that -easy? Will you do it?”</p> - -<p>“Willingly,” the captain exclaimed delightedly. -“You are a clever man to have thought -of this. Fortunately I have steam up in my -vessel and as soon as we get on board we can -be under way.”</p> - -<p>It seemed hours to the anxious men before -Mareno’s machine moved slowly up to the -door; its headlight cutting through the darkness<span class="pagenum" id="Page_356">[356]</span> -illuminating brightly the courtyard in -front of the house.</p> - -<p>“They are going at last,” whispered O’Neil. -“What time is it?”</p> - -<p>Captain Garcia took out his watch and -glanced at its face.</p> - -<p>“It’s after two,” he answered; “they have -been in there two hours.”</p> - -<p>The automobile in front of the house moved -swiftly toward them. As it reached the -machine in which our friends were awaiting it -speeded up and tore past them. O’Neil looked -closely; the curtains were drawn, and he could -see nothing within.</p> - -<p>“What does that mean?” questioned Captain -Garcia in amazement. “They are going -to Mariel.”</p> - -<p>“It means my plan is no good,” cried O’Neil -despairingly. “Mareno has had the ‘Mercedes’ -sent to Mariel and they’ll put him on -board her there.”</p> - -<p>“Quick, man,” cried Captain Garcia as he -watched Señor Mareno’s machine fade in the -distance. “What shall we do?”</p> - -<p>O’Neil was in deep thought. Did he dare -attack these men and take Craig forcibly<span class="pagenum" id="Page_357">[357]</span> -away from them? It would mean a prison -for him.</p> - -<p>“Follow them,” he ordered sharply, “for all -you’re worth. I’ll give you ten pesos if you -catch her before we get to Mariel,” he cried to -the chauffeur.</p> - -<p>Their automobile bounded ahead and rushed -along the dark road. Mile after mile was -eaten up by the steel monster. The anxious -men peered ahead hoping to see the dark form -of Mareno’s machine, but the suburbs of -Mariel were reached and their enemies were -still invisible.</p> - -<p>“If we catch ’em,” rasped O’Neil, “we must -seize Craig by force; it’s our last chance.”</p> - -<p>Captain Garcia was delighted. That had -been his plan from the first.</p> - -<p>“I’ll swing for it if Mr. Lazar recognizes -me,” O’Neil muttered, “but the fun’ll be -worth it.”</p> - -<p>The black smudge in the road ahead of them -slowly took shape out of the darkness. The -anxious seekers breathed easier, as they looked -to their weapons.</p> - -<p>“Bring her alongside,” O’Neil ordered the -amazed chauffeur.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_358">[358]</span>The man did not relish this hazardous -undertaking on a rough and narrow road, but -the sight of the sailor’s revolver gave him the -courage to steer his machine abreast of the -fleeing automobile ahead of them.</p> - -<p>“Hold there!” Captain Garcia shouted firing -his revolver to emphasize his order; “we -want to speak to you.”</p> - -<p>The other machine immediately slowed and -the two cars were soon motionless side by side -on the road.</p> - -<p>It was but the work of a second for our two -friends to leap out of their car and throw back -the curtains of the other car. O’Neil, with his -automobile goggles concealing the upper part -of his face, advanced, his revolver in front of -him covering the occupants inside. Captain -Garcia covered with his revolver the trembling -chauffeur.</p> - -<p>“They are not here,” O’Neil gasped; “they -have tricked us again.”</p> - -<p>O’Neil was in despair. Captain Garcia’s -watch showed it was nearly three o’clock. -Their enemies had surely gone to La Boca -hours ago and had used this automobile -to delay them until they could get Craig<span class="pagenum" id="Page_359">[359]</span> -safely on board the ship and away from the -harbor.</p> - -<p>“They knew we had followed ’em,” O’Neil -exclaimed. “That native wasn’t as sleepy as -we thought.”</p> - -<p>In a second they were inside their machine -and were speeding back along the road.</p> - -<p>Reaching the villa of Mareno, they alighted -by mutual consent and boldly entered the -house by the rear door.</p> - -<p>The native was dragged from his bed and -under the terrifying influence of a loaded -revolver at his head confessed that Señor -Mareno and two companions had gone on foot -nearly three hours ago, and that they had -been told of the presence in the house of the -two naval officers.</p> - -<p>“We can catch her yet,” Captain Garcia -declared stoutly as they sped back to La Boca.</p> - -<p>In the course of what seemed ages to O’Neil, -but was in reality but a half hour, they were -on board the “Aquadores.”</p> - -<p>As the cruiser steamed out of the harbor, -O’Neil heard with a sinking heart the bells -strike on the men-of-war at anchor. It was -four o’clock and the escaping vessel had over<span class="pagenum" id="Page_360">[360]</span> -three hours start. He had lost. The court -would meet in four short hours and Midshipman -Perry would be adjudged guilty.</p> - -<p>Swiftly the “Aquadores” steamed to the -westward. Captain Garcia and O’Neil on the -forward bridge watched with failing hopes -the gray of dawn spread on the eastern horizon -behind them. The sea in front was unbroken. -Their prize was not in sight.</p> - -<p>Swiftly the cruiser plowed her way through -the tranquil sea, but swifter yet the hands of -the clock moved around its fatal dial. The sun -appeared on the horizon out of a molten sea.</p> - -<p>As the gloom slowly melted, the eager -sailor, straining his eyes to discover the -vessel he hoped the increasing light would -soon reveal, sighted the black hull of a -steamer but a few miles ahead.</p> - -<p>“We’ve got her!” he cried joyously, then -he turned with apprehension and saw the -hands of the clock stood at six. “Stop her -with a shot!” he pleaded. “We need every -minute.”</p> - -<p>Captain Garcia gave a hurried order and -a six-inch shell soared in the air, raising a -column of water close to the merchantman.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_361">[361]</span>“That did the business,” O’Neil exclaimed -as the merchantman stopped and ran up -Verazalan colors at her gaff.</p> - -<p>In a few minutes the “Aquadores” was -hove to near the “Mercedes” and Captain -Garcia and O’Neil were quickly rowed to -the intercepted vessel.</p> - -<p>They climbed to the top of the sea ladder, -where the merchant captain met them.</p> - -<p>“You have a sick man on board,” Captain -Garcia began in a tone of authority; “we -want to take him back with us immediately. -Do you understand?”</p> - -<p>The sailing master gave the naval men a -look of inquiry and amazement.</p> - -<p>“We have a man who is very ill; he was -brought on board by Señor Mareno just before -we sailed,” he answered. “This is irregular,” -he added, more boldly.</p> - -<p>“You are on the high seas,” Captain -Garcia retorted savagely. “I alone am responsible -for my actions. Take me to this -man.”</p> - -<p>The merchantman was not in his employer’s -secret, but he readily saw that these -officers were defeating his intentions. Fear<span class="pagenum" id="Page_362">[362]</span> -of Mareno made him hesitate. But he knew -he was at their mercy; a glance at the formidable -cruiser close by assured him of that.</p> - -<p>“Come with me,” he said gruffly, leading -them to a stateroom on the lower deck.</p> - -<p>There O’Neil saw a sight that wrung his -heart. Craig’s emaciated form lay on the -bed; his feverish eyes wide with a terrible -fear as he recognized the boatswain’s mate, in -spite of his foreign uniform.</p> - -<p>The petty officer walked over to his bedside -and looked down at him compassionately. -He put his hand almost affectionately on his -hot brow.</p> - -<p>“You must come back with us, Craig,” he -said determinedly; “you’ll not be harmed. -Don’t kick; we’ve just time to get back to -clear Mr. Perry.”</p> - -<p>The sick man cringed and turned white -with terror. A fearful shaking took hold of -his thin form.</p> - -<p>“I dare not,” he pleaded in a terrified -whisper. “They’ll send me to a penitentiary -for my crimes.”</p> - -<p>“Don’t take on so,” exclaimed O’Neil in -exasperation, as he saw the precious minutes<span class="pagenum" id="Page_363">[363]</span> -slipping away. “A hospital is where they’ll -send you.”</p> - -<p>He beckoned to Captain Garcia and together -they lifted the almost exhausted man -from his bed; he struggled feebly, but soon -realized he was only wasting his strength.</p> - -<p>They carried him down into the boat and -aboard the “Aquadores,” which was soon -heading at top speed back for La Boca.</p> - -<p>O’Neil did his utmost to cheer the dejected -machinist, who lay tossing miserably, brooding -over his imaginary troubles.</p> - -<p>“You just tell the truth, Craig,” O’Neil -counseled, “and you’ll not be harmed. Mr. -Lazar will not be in it if you tell your tale -to the court.”</p> - -<p>O’Neil saw with sinking hopes that it was -eight o’clock; the court had met and the -“Aquadores” was nearly half an hour away. -If she were too late in bringing this important -witness, none but the President of the -United States could grant a reprieve to the -condemned midshipman.</p> - -<p>“But do your best, Captain Garcia,” he -urged. “If luck is with us we may save -him yet.”</p> -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_364">[364]</span> - -<h2 class="nobreak">CHAPTER XXI<br /> - - -<small>CONCLUSION</small></h2> -</div> - -<p><span class="smcap">The</span> loud knock on the door resounded -through the tense stillness of the courtroom. -The door was thrown open violently and the -stalwart figure of O’Neil, with Craig trembling -beside him, stood on the threshold.</p> - -<p>Sydney sprang to his feet and placed himself -beside the boatswain’s mate.</p> - -<p>“What is the meaning of this unwarranted -intrusion?” cried the president of the court, -turning fiercely on O’Neil.</p> - -<p>“This man is a witness for the defense,” -cried Sydney, joyously pointing at Craig.</p> - -<p>The court turned in amazement to gaze at -the would-be deserter.</p> - -<p>“I object to further testimony,” announced -the judge advocate earnestly; “the case is now -in the hands of the court.”</p> - -<p>Phil’s heart beat wildly. Would the president -sustain this objection?</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_365">[365]</span>The president rose to his feet; the court -room became so still that the heavy breathing -of O’Neil and his prisoner, from their recent -exertions to arrive in time, was plainly audible -above all other sounds.</p> - -<p>“The case is still in the hands of the -defense,” the president announced. “I shall -administer the oath to the witness.”</p> - -<p>O’Neil withdrew quietly, leaving Craig -within the courtroom.</p> - -<p>“Were you on a hill called La Mesa near -the city of La Boca on the day of the assault -by the insurgents?” the judge advocate asked -the witness after he had been directed to take -the stand by the president.</p> - -<p>Craig looked at Sydney nervously then he -answered in a trembling voice:</p> - -<p>“No, sir.”</p> - -<p>The judge advocate jumped to his feet.</p> - -<p>“I object to this witness,” he cried loudly; -“he can know nothing of the charges.”</p> - -<p>The president glanced at the faces of his -colleagues. They nodded their approval.</p> - -<p>“The objection is sustained,” he was on the -point of saying when he caught sight of -Sydney’s anxious face. The latter had sprung<span class="pagenum" id="Page_366">[366]</span> -from his chair and was endeavoring to catch -the president’s eye before the fatal words were -uttered.</p> - -<p>“Well, what have you to say?” the officer -asked impatiently.</p> - -<p>Sydney thought rapidly; as Phil’s counsel -he could plead and say things he knew his -chum would be too modest to tell.</p> - -<p>“I ask the court’s indulgence,” Sydney -commenced, seeking for appropriate words to -convey clearly all that was in his mind to the -members of the court. “The accused has been -charged with disobeying the orders of his -superior officer on La Mesa the day of the assault. -We have two witnesses who will testify -that in a house belonging to the ex-vice-consul, -Mr. Juarez, thirty Colt automatic guns with -ammunition were found; that these guns were -mounted by the accused and his companions -and manned by a company of government -soldiers. The attack was on La Mesa, although -the minister representing the United States -had informed General Barras that a reliable -informant had told him the attack would be -upon Tortuga Hill. We can show that the -presence of the accused and his companions<span class="pagenum" id="Page_367">[367]</span> -was indispensable on La Mesa at the time of -Mr. Lazar’s arrival. If the order had been -obeyed the Colt guns would have fallen into -the hands of the insurgents, which would have -discredited the minister and the United States -in the eyes of the existing government. Our -witness Craig will tell the part Mr. Lazar has -taken in connection with these arms and will -show why the accused deliberately disobeyed a -positive order.”</p> - -<p>Sydney sat down, his eyes flashing, his -face pale and anxious.</p> - -<p>The court was silent for a fraction of a second -and then a hum of surprised interrogation -spread among its members. All knew of the -captured arms and how the rock-filled boxes -were found at the legation.</p> - -<p>“The witness will be allowed to testify,” the -president spoke decidedly.</p> - -<p>“I have no further question to ask,” snapped -the judge advocate, betraying in his voice the -disappointment at losing his point.</p> - -<p>The court looked to Sydney; he whispered -reassuringly to the unnerved Craig.</p> - -<p>The terrified sailor’s voice was so low -pitched that the seven judges strained their<span class="pagenum" id="Page_368">[368]</span> -hearing to listen. The silence was profound.</p> - -<p>“At New York, while we were there for repairs,” -he commenced feebly, “I received a -telegram that my sister was dying. I went to -Mr. Lazar as the senior officer on board at the -time and asked for leave to go to her bedside. -He refused me permission. I showed him the -telegram and her picture in a locket I always -carried with me; she was my only living relative -and we were everything to each other. I -implored with tears in my eyes. He refused -again and accused me of deceiving him to get -ashore when I was not entitled to liberty.</p> - -<p>“The next day I received word she had -died. The executive officer was on board -and allowed me to go to bury her body.</p> - -<p>“I hated this officer, Ensign Lazar, for his -cruelty to me and when I saw an opportunity -to injure him I was happy. I filed half-way -through the hoist wire in his turret. The -accident happened, as I knew it must; but -unfortunately for me while I was filing the -wire rope Mr. Perry came into the turret; he -heard me at work and called. In my haste -to leave before he could detect me, I turned<span class="pagenum" id="Page_369">[369]</span> -in the darkness to escape. The locket was in -the pocket of my blouse which I had laid on -the turret floor. I heard it fall on the metal -deck as I grasped my clothes, but there was -no time to regain it. Afterward I risked -detection in getting it from Mr. Perry’s room, -but I soon found that Ensign Lazar had already -seen it and recognized the locket I had -shown him, and knew at once that I had been -guilty of injuring the turret. He told me if -I didn’t want to go to jail for a long term of -years I must do as he told me. I feared him. -He first made me try to injure the ‘Vidette’s’ -machinery on the night those arms were -captured. Then I was wounded and before I -had recovered entirely I was taken ashore -with him and forced to sleep in the cellar of -the legation. He told me that on a certain -night I was to open the boxes, all but one, -and that men would come through a tunnel -below the cellar and carry the Colt guns -away, giving me rocks to put in their places.</p> - -<p>“I heard one of the natives who received -the arms tell another where they were to be -taken, and when Mr. Perry discovered that -the boxes were full of rocks and that the<span class="pagenum" id="Page_370">[370]</span> -arms were gone, I told him what I had done -and where they had been taken.</p> - -<p>“I didn’t want to desert, but Mr. Lazar -told me I had betrayed him and that if I -didn’t he would find a way to dispose of me. -He made all the arrangements and hid me in -the house of a friend of his; then last night -they took me on board a steamer, where O’Neil -found me.”</p> - -<p>The judge advocate was on his feet before -the witness’s voice had died into nothingness.</p> - -<p>“I object to this testimony,” he cried impetuously, -making a last attempt to reinstate -himself and prove his case against the accused. -“By his own evidence, this man is a -criminal; his testimony is malicious and -should not be received in evidence. He -stands a would-be deserter from the navy.”</p> - -<p>The president of the court hesitated. The -truth in the judge advocate’s words was impressive.</p> - -<p>“Recall Mr. Lazar,” he ordered, after a moment’s -thought. “He should be here to hear -this evidence and clear up this imputation -against his good name in the navy.”</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_371">[371]</span>The court orderly was sent to summon -Lazar again before the court.</p> - -<p>The two midshipmen sat anxiously watching -the door for the appearance of their -enemy. They knew him to be a clever -rogue. This situation had never occurred to -them. Would Lazar deny Craig’s testimony -and assert that this sick cringing sailor was -alone guilty of the crime? Craig’s testimony -came as a surprise to the lads; they had not -suspected that he was the owner of the locket.</p> - -<p>The time dragged heavily. The president -became impatient. He glanced at the clock; -its hands showed it was now twenty minutes -since the orderly had gone to notify the -ensign to appear. What had detained him? -He must be on board ship. Permission to -leave the ship would not be granted him -while the court was in session.</p> - -<p>The orderly opened the door quietly and -saluted the president.</p> - -<p>“Ensign Lazar can’t be found, sir,” he reported, -“but the captain is outside, sir, and -wants to appear before the court.”</p> - -<p>Captain Taylor, a sheet of paper in his -hand, strode into the courtroom.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_372">[372]</span>“Mr. President,” he exclaimed excitedly, -“Mr. Lazar has left the ship without obtaining -permission. This is the communication -that he has sent me. I shall read it to the -court.”</p> - -<div class="blockquot"> - -<p>“<span class="smcap">Sir</span>:</p> - -<p>“I hereby tender my resignation as an -ensign in the United States Navy.</p> - -<p class="right"> -<span class="indentright2">“Very respectfully,</span><br /> - -<span class="indentright">“<span class="smcap">Jules Lazar</span>,</span><br /> - -“<i>Ensign, U. S. Navy</i>.”</p> -</div> - -<p>The midshipmen were joyous. Lazar’s courage -had failed him. If he had braved it out -and thrown discredit on Craig’s evidence, -Phil might have after all stood convicted, for -on this testimony their case was constructed. -But Lazar dared not commit perjury before -his brother officers.</p> - -<p>“I am at a loss to explain its meaning,” -Captain Taylor added, folding the paper.</p> - -<p>The court understood, but by law they -could not enlighten the mystified captain, -who withdrew.</p> - -<p>“Is there any further evidence?” inquired -the president after the court had recovered a<span class="pagenum" id="Page_373">[373]</span> -little from its surprise. Sydney and the judge -advocate said they had nothing more to offer.</p> - -<p>“Then the trial is finished,” the president -announced.</p> - -<p>The judge advocate, and the accused and -his counsel arose to leave the courtroom, but -the president waved them back to their seats, -glancing inquiringly at his colleagues. Each -member nodded his head in the affirmative, -without hesitation. The president took up -Phil’s sword lying on the court table with -its point toward the accused, and swung its -hilt within reach of the lad’s hand.</p> - -<p>This mute confession that he was held -guiltless filled the midshipman’s heart with -joy. He looked with gratitude on the president, -who had relieved his mind of its heavy -burden. This acknowledgment of their -verdict was irregular and for that reason -Phil felt all the more grateful. The official -news might be days in reaching him and -relieving his mind. The proceedings must -first be written smoothly, signed by all the -members and reviewed by the admiral before -he would hear officially that he had -been cleared of the terrible charges.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_374">[374]</span>With hearts overflowing with gladness the -two midshipmen helped the almost prostrated -witness to his feet and supported him from -the court room.</p> - -<p>“You have nothing to fear,” Phil whispered -to him encouragingly as the doctor’s -attendants bore him away to the sick bay.</p> - -<p>At the door of their room they found -O’Neil awaiting them, a broad smile on -his face.</p> - -<p>“I knew it was going to be all right,” he -exclaimed as they greeted him enthusiastically, -“when I saw Mr. Lazar steal away in -a shore boat from the port gangway. He -slipped off when the officer of the deck -wasn’t looking and left a paper with the -corporal of the guard.”</p> - -<p>“That was his resignation,” Sydney explained. -“After he knew Craig was before -the court his courage deserted him; but -however did you find the witness?”</p> - -<p>O’Neil led them into the room, drawing -the curtain, then detailed his experiences of -the night before.</p> - -<p>“Captain Garcia is the one who got him,” -he ended unselfishly. “If it had not been<span class="pagenum" id="Page_375">[375]</span> -for him and the ‘Aquadores,’ Craig would -have gotten away sure.”</p> - -<p>“Captain Garcia has put me as much in -his debt as he claimed he was in ours,” exclaimed -Phil gladly. “Where is he? I hope -we’ll have a chance to thank him before we -sail.”</p> - -<p>“That you will, sir,” O’Neil returned. -“He said he’d go direct to General Barras, -so that Mareno could be nabbed, and then -he’d come aboard here to say good-bye; he -knows we sail at noon.”</p> - -<p>Sydney and O’Neil went about their routine -work on shipboard, but Phil remained in his -room. His empty sword rack, however, gave -him no twinges of regret. For the first time -in two days he felt at peace with the world. -The illness of Craig, the man whose testimony -had stood between him and dismissal, concerned -him. He resolved to stand by him -and see that he received the best of care.</p> - -<p>Phil had been alone with his thoughts -for nearly an hour when he heard a bugle -call ring out sharply on the deck above him, -followed by hoarse commands.</p> - -<p>Putting his head out of his air port, he<span class="pagenum" id="Page_376">[376]</span> -saw the sailors on the battle-ships manning -the rail, their guards and bands falling in on -their quarter-decks. He knew the import of -this formation at once: the president of Verazala -was on his way to visit the admiral.</p> - -<p>Sydney came rushing in for his sword, -giving the news which Phil had already -surmised.</p> - -<p>“If Captain Garcia comes with him,” Phil -pleaded, “don’t let him go without seeing -me. Tell him I am still a prisoner.”</p> - -<p>Sydney declared he would see to that as he -buckled on his sword and made for his station.</p> - -<p>The roaring of many guns in salute from -the men-of-war, told the imprisoned midshipman -that General Barras was on board -the “Connecticut.”</p> - -<p>Five minutes later Phil received a summons -from the admiral, which he obeyed -with alacrity. On entering the cabin the -astonished boy found himself in the presence -of General Barras and Admiral Spotts. The -midshipman drew himself up stiffly to “attention,” -not daring to glance at these important -men; his heart beat wildly.</p> - -<p>The admiral held Phil’s sword in his hand.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_377">[377]</span>“I take great pleasure in restoring you to -duty,” he said handing the confused lad the -badge of honor. The admiral turned toward -General Barras, inclining his head in Phil’s -direction.</p> - -<p>“This is Mr. Perry,” he added.</p> - -<p>The president acknowledged the introduction -with a cordial hand shake.</p> - -<p>“I have already had the honor of meeting -Midshipman Perry,” he exclaimed, “but I -could not then thank him appropriately, for I -knew only a part of his splendid service to -us.” Then turning an admiring glance at the -embarrassed boy:</p> - -<p>“Señor Perry,” he continued, “your gallant -deeds will ever be remembered by true patriots -of Verazala. Please convey my personal -thanks to your two companions.”</p> - -<p>Phil found voice to stammer his gratitude -for this unheard of honor; then he withdrew -from the cabin.</p> - -<p>As he closed the door behind him, the knob -was wrenched from his hand and he found -himself in Captain Garcia’s strong embrace; -that officer had been an unobserved witness to -the lad’s happy discomfiture.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_378">[378]</span>While the two friends walked arm in arm -to Phil’s room, where Sydney was awaiting -them, the boy poured out his heartfelt thanks -to the naval man for his zealous work in his -behalf.</p> - -<p>“I am further in your debt than I can ever -repay,” exclaimed Captain Garcia, refusing to -listen to the earnest words of his young friend. -“What I did last night was nothing; and moreover, -it has led to the unmasking of a traitor -to my country.”</p> - -<p>“O’Neil has told us,” replied Phil. “Did -you capture him?” he asked eagerly.</p> - -<p>“Señor Mareno has escaped,” the naval -officer told the lads; “he is now on board a -foreign war-ship and as he is a political -refugee, we cannot demand him. General -Barras knows all, and will give the concessions -to the American syndicate. The minister -of course knows nothing of how close he -was to being summarily ordered home. General -Barras was in such a rage when he -learned of the perfidy of Mareno, his trusted -friend, that I believe if he had been arrested, -the president would have ordered his execution.”</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_379">[379]</span>“Have you heard that Ensign Lazar has -resigned?” questioned Sydney in his turn.</p> - -<p>Captain Garcia was soon told the story of -the court martial and of Lazar’s desertion.</p> - -<p>“We shall see that he doesn’t prosper here,” -replied the Spaniard determinedly; then with -genuine regrets he bid them farewell and -joined the president, who was about to leave -the ship.</p> - -<p>After Captain Garcia had gone our two lads -lapsed into silence. Their thoughts dwelt -upon the stirring events of the last few weeks. -What a relief and happiness it was to feel that -their energy and foresight had been repaid -and a result pleasing to their countrymen had -been achieved.</p> - -<p>“The captain desires to see Midshipmen -Perry and Monroe,” the captain’s orderly announced, -his face beaming as he spoke to Phil. -“I knowed you were not guilty, sir; every -mother’s son of us forward were hoping you’d -not be punished.”</p> - -<p>Phil thanked the marine, tears of gratitude -springing to his eyes, while the two midshipmen -arose to obey their captain’s summons.</p> - -<p>Captain Taylor awaited them in his cabin.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_380">[380]</span>“I have just finished reading the proceedings -of Mr. Perry’s court martial,” he began, -shaking both boys by the hand, “and I could -but marvel at the wickedness of Ensign -Lazar: I had believed he was an example of -honor and efficiency. The actions of both of -you have been worthy of the best traditions of -American naval officers. You, Mr. Perry, -were willing to stand convicted of this military -crime rather than make charges against -an officer which were conclusive in your own -mind but which might have been considered -recriminating in the mind of the court.”</p> - -<p>“There was nothing else to do, sir,” Phil -replied, his face flushed with pride. “I did -disobey the order and my one defense was -that I did it to save the good name of our -minister.”</p> - -<p>“Sir, the officer of the deck reports the -signal to get under way is about to be hoisted -by the admiral,” the orderly informed the -captain.</p> - -<p>“Very good, orderly,” Captain Taylor answered, -and then turning again toward the -midshipmen, who had moved toward the door -to go to their station: “Gentlemen, you may<span class="pagenum" id="Page_381">[381]</span> -ever consider me ready to help you in your -ambitions in the service. If there is aught I -can do for you, let me know; your services -here can only be rewarded in such ways: -official recognition is denied you.”</p> - -<p>“Well! What is it?” the captain exclaimed, -reading the look in Phil’s face.</p> - -<p>“We would like to go to the Orient, sir,” -Phil answered bashfully; “we want to see -the world.”</p> - -<p>“Is that all you wish?” returned the captain -surprised at the modesty of the lads. “I -shall see that your wish is gratified. I have -received an intimation that I shall go to that -station when I have received my promotion -to rear-admiral, which will be in a few months -now, and I shall be happy to have such -officers under my command. I am sorry the -naval regulation does not allow me to nominate -midshipmen on my personal staff.”</p> - -<p>The boys thanked him enthusiastically. -Phil stood irresolutely regarding the captain: -there was one more request he wished to -make.</p> - -<p>“Go on, out with it,” Captain Taylor exclaimed -kindly.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_382">[382]</span>“Boatswain’s Mate O’Neil, sir, may he go -too?” Phil asked hesitatingly.</p> - -<p>“Well! Well!” laughed the captain; -“yes, I shall see that your good man Friday -goes too.”</p> - -<p>Within an hour the squadron was under -way, and the boys took their last view of -La Boca, not without regrets, for the leaf just -turned in their life histories had been an -interesting one. As they scanned the scenes -of the recent adventures they could hardly be -expected to realize that the stirring deeds of -the past few weeks formed but a milestone in -the career of one who served his country on -the seas.</p> - - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p class="ph1">FOOTNOTE:</p> -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1" href="#FNanchor_1" class="label">[1]</a> “I thought our numbers were made.” Each officer and man in -the navy is denoted by a number, and when one is called by a -higher authority his number is called or “made” by signal flags. -O’Neil’s meaning is that a Higher Authority had “made” their -numbers.</p> - -</div> - - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<div class="transnote"> -<p class="ph1">TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES:</p> - -<p>Obvious typographical errors have been corrected.</p> - -<p>Inconsistencies in hyphenation have been standardized.</p> - -<p>Archaic or alternate spelling has been retained from the original.</p> -</div></div> - -<div style='display:block; margin-top:4em'>*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK A UNITED STATES MIDSHIPMAN AFLOAT ***</div> -<div style='text-align:left'> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -Updated editions will replace the previous one—the old editions will -be renamed. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright -law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works, -so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United -States without permission and without paying copyright -royalties. 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