to slay me. I came here under a safe conduct. This is
infamous!"

"Senor, you will not be hurt. Now, to business. Strip that uniform off
you quickly!"

"You insult me."

"Off with it, or I will tear it from your back!"

Young Glory seized the officer's tunic, and tore open the front of it.

"It must be, sir," he said to Lieutenant Tyler, who watched these
extraordinary proceedings in silence. "Stand guard over him, sir. Compel
him instantly to do what I have said, for we have no time to lose."

As the Spaniard was stripped of his naval uniform, instantly Young Glory
put it on.

"I shall take back your answer," he said to Mr. Tyler.

"You!"

"Yes, sir. Why not?"

"You will be killed, or they will know there has been treachery, and
that will ruin us!"

"They will not know me, sir. They will take me for this Spaniard. We are
of the same height, and in the semi-darkness, near the magazine, I shall
pass through."

"But you are sure to be discovered when you reach Manuel, this officer's
friend."

"Certain," said Juan.

"That may be, but by that time my work will be done. I shall have no
fear of Manuel."

"Beggar!" cried Juan; "we shall see!"

"Oh, no, you don't!" exclaimed Young Glory, as Juan was slipping out of
the cabin. "Here you stay until the work is through."

"I will guard him."

"No, sir, you must come with me."

"With you, Young Glory? Why is that?"

"Because it will seem as if you have given way. When you hear what I say
you will know the reason, and agree with me, sir."

"But this is all treacherous."

"Traitors must be fought with their own weapons, sir," answered Young
Glory, sternly, as he and Lieutenant Tyler left the cabin.

Juan laughed mockingly as the door closed on him.

"He thinks you will fail, Young Glory," said Mr. Tyler, "and I think the
same."

"Let us wait."

The news that Juan was returning speedily circulated. All heads were
turned in his direction. Mr. Tyler was some yards behind, having kept at
a distance, to better assist Young Glory in carrying out his plans.

"Well?" was the question. "Did you bluff the lieutenant?"

"I don't know about bluffing," was Young Glory's answer, delivered in
haughty tones. "All I know is that he accepted the terms I offered. He
could do nothing else."

"Faith, an' it's meself that's sorry."

"You wanted to be blown up?" asked Young Glory, quickly.

"It's betther than givin' up the ship, senor," answered Dan Daly.

"Good