y will board!"

"That's what we want 'em to do!" called back the captain.

"I'd like it too, but we have ladies to look after; send a boat to
take off General Yozarro and me."

In the midst of the hubbub and confusion, Captain Ortega was seen
to lean out of the window of the pilot house, quickly level his
revolver and fire in the direction of the American. It looked like
a deliberate attempt to assassinate the unsuspecting officer before
anyone could interfere. Jack Starland did not observe the act, but the
cry of a man alongside of him caused him to turn his head. Taking
advantage of the confusion, one of General Yozarro's officers had
slipped behind the American unnoticed by him, and was stealing upon
him with drawn knife. The two Generals could not have failed to see
him, but neither interposed. A few seconds more and the weapon would
have been driven into the back of Starland. Captain Ortega, however,
sent his bullet straight and true, the miscreant falling dead in his
tracks.

Still leaning out of the window, with smoking pistol in hand, Captain
Ortega, as cool as ever, made himself heard above the din:

"You mustn't forget down there that we have surrendered!"

The wheel being useless, he now came out of the pilot house and stood
like a general overlooking and directing his forces.

It was begun and ended, as may be said, in the twinkling of an eye.
Jack Starland did not forget the lesson. He was yet in the midst of
as treacherous a lot of wretches as so many Apaches. He edged farther
forward with his glances alternating between his own craft and the
excited throng near him, and so alert that further interference in
his behalf was unnecessary.

Looking up to Captain Ortega, he caught his eye and saluted:

"Thank you with all my heart!"

The other returned the salute but did not speak. His weapon was still
in his hand and not a movement below eluded him. Generals Bambos
and Yozarro were standing beside each other, the latter with his
handkerchief still in his hand, though he ceased to flutter it, since
the necessity had passed. Now and then the two spoke in low tones, for
the turmoil was succeeded by a hush that was impressive.

The order of Major Jack was obeyed on board his own boat. Holding the
yacht so that, like the other, it drifted with the current, the tender
was lowered, and two seamen entered and began rowing toward the
motionless tug. With slow, even strokes and without any sign of
misgivin