e in Mulata Bay?"
demanded Jack.

Don Hermoso referred to Senor Marti's letter, and then replied: "At mid-
day, on the day after to-morrow."

"Ah!" said Jack. "That does not allow us very much time, does it? Of
course, by leaving here this evening, and spending the night in Pinar
del Rio--by which means we could catch the first train to Havana to-
morrow morning--we should be enabled to get to sea in very good time to
intercept the _James B. Potter_ somewhere in the Strait of Florida; and
it may be advisable for us to arrange our plans accordingly, although I
am afraid our proceeding to sea to-morrow will revive and greatly
strengthen all the Spaniards' former suspicions of us, especially if the
_James B. Potter_ should afterwards fail to turn up at her rendezvous
at the appointed time. Still, if necessary, we must risk that, rather
than permit the ship and cargo to be captured. Do you happen to know
where the torpedo boat is lying that is to effect the capture?" he
demanded, turning to Carnero.

"Yes, Senor," answered Carnero; "she is torpedo boat Number 19, and she
is lying in Havana harbour, from which she is to sally forth at the
proper moment and conceal herself behind one of the cays lying just to
the westward of Mulata Bay, where she will await the approach of the
American ship."

"A very pretty scheme, and one that is exceedingly likely to succeed--if
we do not interfere," commented Jack. "Are there any other Government
vessels in Havana harbour?" he asked, turning again to Carnero.

"Yes, Senor, certainly," answered Carnero. "There are two others: the
_Tiburon_ gunboat, and the cruiser _Infanta Isabel_."

"Any steam tugs, or craft of any kind, capable of taking a few soldiers
on board and running them round to Mulata Bay?" demanded Jack.

"Yes, Senor," answered Carnero, "there is the _Ballena_; but she is at
present hauled up on the slips for repairs, and her boiler is out, so
she need not be considered."

"And are those which you have named all that the Government has at its
disposal?" persisted Jack.

"Yes, Senor," answered Carnero. "There are, of course, trading steamers
sailing out of Havana, which the Government might requisition, in case
of need; but--now, let me consider--yes, it happens that on the day
after to-morrow not a single steamer will be in port; and the first that
may be expected is due to arrive at midnight of that day."

"Good!" exclaimed Jack. "Then I think I can see m