Lieutenant Tyler was great, and he had
but a short time in which to decide, for Manuel told him he was to
hasten matters.

Up and down the room strode the lieutenant.

"Surrender the ship!" he muttered. "An eternal disgrace if I do, and
death for all if I don't. What am I to do? This is terrible, terrible!"

"You answer, senor. Be quick!"

"I am in your power. You have broken your words, given as officers and
gentlemen----"

"All is fair in war."

"And," continued the lieutenant, "by foul treachery you have gained an
advantage. I cannot doom all my men to death. Senor, I must----"

"Refuse your terms!" cried a familiar voice, as the door was thrust
open, and without a particle of respect Young Glory rushed in.

"One word and I'll kill you!" shouted the boy, as he held a pistol at
Juan.

Lieutenant Tyler and Juan were both amazed.

"May I speak?" asked the latter, insolently.

"Yes, so long as you make no noise."

"My young friend, I have made a great error. I really believed that
Lieutenant Tyler commanded this ship. I must ask pardon for the mistake
into which I have fallen--I must indeed."

"Sir, I hope you don't suppose me guilty of any disrespect," asked Young
Glory of the lieutenant.

"No, no, but I am surprised."

"I must excuse myself, sir. I heard what had taken place before on my
way here. I saw this man enter, and I have listened to all that has been
said."

"Eavesdropping is a habit of yours!" sneered Juan.

"For which your friend thought to punish me, but found out his mistake.
I threw him over to the fishes," said Young Glory, coolly.

"Wretch! I will avenge him," cried Juan.

"Quiet! quiet," said Young Glory, calmly, pointing very significantly to
his six-shooter, "you seem to forget that you are in great danger."

"I am in none," answered Juan, instantly. "Lieutenant Tyler, this farce
must end. My comrades will be impatient for my return. You were about to
give an answer when this fellow thrust himself in."

"Yes, yes," said the lieutenant, sadly. "There is no escape, Young
Glory. This man--traitor as he is--has the right to exact terms from
me."

"No."

"How? you say no, Young Glory?"

"I do, and I will show you why, sir. Leave him to me. I will deal with
him. Do you give me power, sir? You may trust me."

"Do what you like, Young Glory."

"Saved! saved!" cried the boy.

Instantly he sprang on Juan. The latter thought he was about to be
killed.

"You have no right