rice to
pay for such a poor result, and I'm bound to tell you, Manuel, that I've
not had enough of this world yet."

Manuel laughed softly.

"Old fellow, there won't be any blowing up."

"Why?"

"Because these Americans will have too much sense; they won't drive us
to it."

"What can he mean?" muttered Young Glory. "This is getting interesting."

Juan was quite as much perplexed, and told his friend so.

"I tell you," answers Manuel, sharply, "that there will not be any
blowing up. These Americans value their lives. This is the programme.
Once in the magazine, of course, it will be known to the American
officer commanding this ship."

"There's not much doubt of that."

"None, because he will be notified that we hold the magazine."

"That's a kind attention on your part, Manuel."

"Ha! Ha! You think so? Well, this is what happens. Lieutenant Tyler,
that's the fellow's name, I believe. You or I go to him, and say:
'Lieutenant Tyler, the forward magazine of this ship is in the hands of
the Spaniards. What do you propose to do about it?'"

"He will be so scared he won't know what to say."

"Exactly. Then we proceed. We offer terms. 'We give you five minutes to
decide, Lieutenant Tyler. Release the Spanish sailors you have made
prisoners. Surrender the Cristobal Colon back to Captain Moret or you
die!'"

"You threaten to blow up the magazine?"

"Yes."

"Manuel, it is very daring."

"What do you think of its success?"

"Once get into the magazine, you can't fail."

"I knew you would say so. The Americans love life even more than we do,
and placed in such a dilemma, there can't be any doubt what their choice
will be."

"None!"

Young Glory was fairly amazed at the boldness of the scheme, which was
of an entirely different nature to anything he had suspected. He
determined to hear the end of the story, for it was clear that the two
Spaniards had not yet finished.

"And when do you propose to put this scheme into operation, Manuel?"

"To-night!"

"So soon?"

"What use in waiting?"

"None, if all is ready."

"It is. The men all know their appointed posts. The instant I give the
word the sentries will be seized, and the rest will follow."

"And once more the ship will be ours."

"Yes, yes."

"For that I would do much. The plot will succeed, Manuel. I can see
victory in the air."

"And I can't," muttered Young Glory, turning half round towards the two
men. "On the contrary, gentlemen, I