months' time. You'll have to get command
of the telegraph at San Cristobal."

"To get command?" cried the Don. "I have full command. Resistance to
my rule is dead, and I have only to wait to be acknowledged by the
Powers. But go on with what you were saying."

"Oh, it was only this. You can wire to the makers of the gun to send
you out a new breech-block by the first steamer. They will honour your
order, I'll be bound."

"It shall be done," said Don Ramon eagerly.

This took place in the principal building of the little port, where the
Don was entertaining the skipper and the two lads; and he seemed quite
disturbed when, after a short communication had passed, Fitz and Poole
got up and asked their host to excuse them.

"You wish to go so soon?" he said. "Why, I have friends coming to whom
I wish to introduce you as the brave young heroes who helped me to
success."

"Oh, there's no need for that sir," said Fitz. "We don't want to be
made a fuss over."

"But I take it that you would be willing to gratify your host," replied
the Don loftily, "and it would please me much if you would stay."

"But we must get back on board, sir," said Fitz anxiously. Then
noticing the air of displeasure in the President's countenance, the
middy added hastily, "There, sir, we will come back at once."

They hurried down to the shore, where the schooner's gig was lying with
her crew on board.

"Well, I don't understand whatever you want," said Poole, "unless you
have suddenly found out that because ladies are coming you ought to put
on a clean shirt."

"Get out!" cried Fitz; and then, assuming command of the boat, to
Poole's great amusement, though he said nothing, Fitz gave orders to the
men to give way and row them out to the gunboat.

"Why, I thought you wanted to go to the _Teal_! Oh, I see. Well, it's
very nice of you. You want us to go and take charge of the prize crew
so as to let old Burgess go and have some tucker with the Don."

"Nothing of the kind," said Fitz shortly.

"What is it then?" said Poole. "What's the good of keeping things so
close?"

"Wait and see. I don't know yet myself."

"Dear me!" said Poole. "I suppose his lordship has found out that he
left his purse in the cabin."

"Wrong," said Fitz. "It was only an old leather one if he had, with
nothing in it. Can't you wait a few minutes till I see if I am right?"

"Oh, yes, I'll wait; only too glad to get away while the other people
c