harbor of San
Juan and finds safety."

"We shall find a way, never fear."

The treatment of the American sailors by the Spaniards had roused the
men's passions to the boiling point. The Cristobal Colon would have a
bad time if the two ships came to close quarters.

For three days the Brooklyn cruised around Porto Rico. Not a sign did
she see of the enemy.

"Faith, we'll never have a sight of her."

"How's that, Dan?"

"She knows we're around. It's one of their Spanish fishin' vessels has
seen us, and that's enough. It's out of San Juan she'll not be comin'."

Captain Miles thought the same as Dan, but he determined to remain,
because even if he could not get near enough to the Cristobal Colon to
attack her, yet he was able by remaining, to prevent the Spanish cruiser
from leaving the port in order to prey on American commerce.

The next day a ship was sighted.

She evidently recognized the Brooklyn, for she flew the Stars and
Stripes in a very short time.

"One of ours, boys!" cried a sailor, "and I know her, too."

"You do?"

"Yes. She's a gun-boat. She's the Nashville, and I was aboard her for
two years."

"A good boat, Bill?"

"A very smart craft."

It was not long before the captains of the Nashville and the Brooklyn
were exchanging compliments. The skipper of the gun-boat came aboard the
cruiser, and a long conference took place.

"So you'd heard of the Cristobal Colon, then?" said Captain Miles.

"Yes," answered Captain Long, of the gun-boat. "It was on her account I
was ordered here. Admiral Jackson thought I might be able to help you.
More than one ship has arrived in the gulf reporting a severe chase.
She's doing great damage as a commerce destroyer, and the admiral says
she must be checked."

"It's all very well for Admiral Jackson to talk that way," said Captain
Miles, impatiently; "but just let him come here. He wouldn't be able to
do any more than I'm doing."

"Of course, if she won't stir outside of San Juan it's difficult for us
to act."

"Yes."

"What's to be done? A ship-load of wretches like that should not be at
large. They're no better than wild beasts."

"I can't venture in shore."

"But I can, Captain Miles. My boat's very light draft. Supposing I have
a look in at San Juan? I may find out something."

"A good idea, but be careful. The Cristobal Colon's a fast boat, and if
she caught you, well, you know where you'd be, at the bottom of the sea
in a very few minute