orted that it was quite
impossible to get a good view of her. Still, as I watched the wavering
image, the idea began to grow upon me that I had somewhere seen the
craft before; and I tried for a long time to remember where it was, but
without success.

"Well, what do you think of her, my friend?" asked Don Felix as I
replaced the instrument in his hands.

"I do not know what to think," said I; "but I have assuredly seen that
vessel before, though _where_, I cannot for the life of me remember."

"I wish you would allow me to ask you a single question," said Don Felix
very earnestly.

"Certainly," I thoughtlessly replied; "what is it?"

"Is yonder schooner one of your cruisers?"

I had not expected such a question as this, and I did not think it at
all a fair one for Don Felix to put I scarcely knew what reply to make
to it, and in order to gain time I begged the loan of the glass once
more, which having obtained I composedly ascended to the main-top, and
from that advantageous stand-point renewed my examination. In this
situation I obtained a much better view; and as I stood there swaying to
the sluggish heave of the vessel, with the glass glued to my eye, my
memory suddenly carried me back on board the _Foam_, and I once more
fancied myself standing on her heaving deck watching the approach of a
strange schooner running down toward us pretty much as this one was now
doing; the only difference being that we then had a great deal more wind
than we now had, whilst the schooner in sight showed a great deal more
canvas than the one we were then so anxiously watching. But the hull
was the same; the taunt spars, and especially the excessive spread of
her yards it was utterly impossible to mistake; and I hurried down on
deck with all speed, feeling that the _Santa Catalina_ and every soul on
board her was in a very awkward fix, to escape from which would tax our
energies and ingenuity to the utmost.

"Well?" said Don Felix interrogatively, as I swung off the rail down on
deck close to him.

"Don Felix," said I, "when you asked me that question a minute or two
ago I had not succeeded in identifying yonder schooner, though I felt
sure I had seen her somewhere before. _Now_ I know her; she is the
vessel in which that notorious pirate, Merlani, plies his nefarious
trade; and I would therefore strongly recommend you to clear for action
at once."

"Merlani!" ejaculated the skipper; "the saints defend us! It cannot be