er two boats might be making their escape while
there was yet time to do so.

The men set their backs to the work and pulled like very Trojans, and
the boat shot through the water. Picking out a course that would take
them as far away as possible from the lights now shining all over the
roadstead, the lieutenant steered with the utmost caution, for he knew
that his life depended on it, together with those of the boat's crew.

At length, after what seemed an eternity, they passed out clear of the
encircling ships; nothing stood between them and the open sea; and in
another hour they took their bearings and pulled to the rendezvous.
Luckily, and to the joy of all hands, when they arrived there one boat
was already waiting, and even as they lay on their oars, the third came
up from the other direction.

News was now quickly and eagerly exchanged, and it was ascertained,
putting it all together, that a plate fleet consisting of three ships
was indeed there, and that it was guarded by the two warships. The
other craft in the bay were mostly coasting and other small vessels,
about which they need not very much concern themselves when they came in
to the attack. The positions of the land batteries had also been
ascertained, and now nothing remained but to return to the squadron with
all speed, acquaint the captain with the information obtained, and then
sail for La Guayra forthwith, so as to arrive there before the plate
fleet could effect its escape from the port. For, once out of sight
below the horizon, they could scarcely hope to find it again except
after a long and wearisome search.

Once more united, the boats began their return journey, pulling hard
while the darkness lasted, so as to make a good offing by daybreak, and
also to leave themselves less toil after the sun rose.

It was about four in the morning when they rounded the promontory that
shut in the roadstead, and they could not reckon on more than two hours
more of darkness. The men, although fatigued, held well to their work,
and the boats moved along at a very good speed.

Day broke with the suddenness usual in the tropics, and, the sun rising,
disclosed to their view, but a short half-mile in advance of them, the
identical vessel that had made such a hurried exit from the roadstead on
the previous night. This was excellent, and the English flag was at
once hoisted at the staves of the three boats, to show that they were
English, and not, as the p