ng
into a commanding position. Those on board of the Cristobal Colon were
astounded at the action of the gun-boat. Here she was coming at the
cruiser as if with the intention of ramming her.

It seemed madness. What chance would such a small craft have against the
great Spanish cruiser?

The Spaniards were in high glee.

They anticipated an easy victory.

"The ship will be sunk in a few minutes," said Captain Moret, who
commanded the Spaniard, "and those American pigs with her."

"Pardon me, captain," said a lieutenant.

"Well."

"I wish to make a suggestion."

"Do so."

"If the ship is sunk, she is no use to us."

"Quite so."

"Whereas if we capture her, she will be a very valuable prize, in fact,
just the kind of a boat we want. Those men must know they have no
chance. Call on them to surrender. They are almost within earshot now.
Depend upon it if you offer them good treatment they will hand over
their boat, and think they've got out of the hole they're in very well."

"Caramba! lieutenant, but you speak well. Ho! there!"

The captain spoke English, and as there was a lull in the firing he was
able to make himself heard.

"Hold! there!"

"I hear you!"

It was Captain Long who answered.

"Strike your flag and surrender, and you shall be treated as prisoners
of war."

"Hear my answer?" exclaimed Captain Long, furiously.

Boom! Boom!

The guns of the Nashville poured in a broadside. That was the American
reply.

"Sink the dogs!" roared Captain Moret, savagely. "Sink them, they
deserve no better fate."

The last broadside of the Nashville had done some damage, but what could
not be seen for the clouds of smoke that obscured the view.

The two ships were close to each other now.

Boom! Boom!

The guns of the cruiser were replying now. Here the size of the
Nashville was her safeguard. She lay low in the water, and being so near
to the cruiser the shot of the latter passed over her decks. One of the
topmasts was carried away, and two men were crushed by its fall, so the
gun-boat got off lightly.

"Ready, men, ready."

Mr. Tyler, as executive officer stood ready to lead the boarders. Young
Glory and Dan Daly, burning with impatience, were near him.

Slowly, amid the smoke, the two ships drifted towards each other. Then
with a crash they met. Quick as lightning ladders were thrown from the
gun-boat on to the cruiser.

The men swarmed up the sides of the Cristobal Colon like cats.

C